A stunning panorama of magnificent mountains. From the bench from left to right you can see the Rhinogydd, in the gap a view north to the mountains of northern Snowdonia, including Snowdon (Eryri) itself on a good clear day, Aran Fawddy and finally to Rhobell Fawr.
Below is the village of Llanfachreth. Clearly visible is the church, and churchyard which contains the Vaughan family vault, the final resting place of some of the nineteenth century Vaughan family, including Sir Robert Williames Vaughan, 2nd Bart. (1768-1843) who was a member of parliament for forty-four years.
Sir Robert ruled over this whole area as a benevelont dictatorship, known locally as Yr Hen Syr Robert (Old Sir Robert). He financed most of the building work, road rebuilding, and even the path you are standing on now as a way to relive unemployment after the Napoleonic Wars. When you return to your car carry on down the hill (not towards Dolgellau) and you will find a huge stone gateway over the road, know as "Y Garreg Fawr" (the Great Stone) because of huge stone, brought from Harlech, that forms the span. This 18-ton lintel was transported over ten miles by four of Sir Robert Vaughan’s tenants who were late with their rent payments.
Llanfachreth itself dates to the early 12 century. Cadwgan, son of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, Prince of Powys built the first Nannau house, he also founded a small colony of serfs at Llanfachreth and his free followers settled the lands surrounding the house. The settlements spread over the area of Llanfachreth and became arable holdings made up of 70 tyddynod. Cadwgan was killed at Welshpool in 1111 but his lands remained in his family until 1701, before passing to a different branch of the family. Cadwgan was the first of the Nannau and Vaughans who owned this estate for over 1000 years.
Many of the cottages Sir Robert had rebuilt in Llanfachreth unusual architecturall features. They include slate roofs curving over dormer windows, and porches with rounded brick pillars. If you look at the estate houses from the road as you head back towards Dolgellau many are quirky in design.