Quaker Trail
In 1657, George Fox, founder of the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), came to Dolgellau preaching that everyone has the Inner Light of God within, and can communicate directly with God. Quakers live and work believing that each person is equally important to God. Following Jesus' teaching in the Bible, Quakers refuse to swear oaths. Many people in this area became Quakers; many left for Pennsylvania following persecution. This trail shows some Quaker places in the area and many spectacular views. (Map: Explorer OL23)
Dolgellau: The Quaker museum: at the Information Centre, Eldon Square, Dolgellau. See the video of the history of Quakerism in the area and emigration to Pennsylvania, the local tapestry and copies of central documents. Use the touch screens to learn more.
Bryn Mawr, (OS 728166) home of Roland Ellis: turn up Cader Road for a mile, fork left (cycle route 21); nearly one mile further on, stop just before Esgeiriau Farm and walk up the rough track on the right to the house gate. Rowland Ellis, persecuted for his faith, emigrated to Pennsylvania, in 1686, as did his close friend, Ellis Pugh of Brithdir who wrote the first book written in Welsh in the United Sates of America: "Annerch i’r Cymru".
Dewisbren Uchaf, (OS752170) home of Dorti Owen, Tabor Chapel,(OS 754174) once a Quaker meeting house, Tyddyn y Garreg, (OS 756176) a Quaker meeting house for over a century and a Quaker burial ground: walkers and cyclists follow cycle route 21, forking right; cars follow the road from Bryn Mawr for two miles, forking left down to the T junction; turn sharp right up the hill (cycle route 8) and park by the phone box by Tabor Chapel. Walk 50 yards further, turn right, go over the style; the ruins of Dewisbren are on the right, (on private land), 10 minutes walk. The views are magnificent. Dorti travelled on foot to preach throughout mid Wales, and hers was the inspiration which led to the building of the meeting house.
To reach Tyddyn y Garreg, turn left at the phone box, walk 350 yards, turn left, fork right. Quaker meetings were held here, including Yearly Meeting for Wales in 1685. Lewis Owen gave the land for the burial ground, which now belongs to the Independents.
Dolgun Uchaf, (OS747183) Dolgun Furnace, (OS752188) Dolserau: (two miles from Tyddyn y Garreg): turn left for the A470, left on reaching it, right before the filling station; Dolgun, a mediaeval hall, is first on the right. The furnace and Dolserau are together, a third of a mile further on the left. The furnace was planned by the Quaker Abraham Darby of Coalbrookdale in 1713. Dolserau (only the foundations are left) was the home of the Quakers Robert and Jane Owen, who lived there until they emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1697 with their son Gruffydd, a doctor.
Llwyngwril: Llwyndu, (OS 594101) home of the Humphrey family, Bryn Tallwyn Burial Ground: follow the A493 to Llwyngwril. Llwyndu is on the left. Owen, Samuel and John Humphrey who lived there were of great importance both in the spread of Quakerism in the district and in the foundation of Pennsylvania. Bryn Tallwyn is on the right. The plot was gifted as a graveyard by Owen Humphrey of Llwyndu, probably in 1664, for the use of Quakers.
Enjoy your journey; take care on the way! Remember your safety is your own responsibility. All properties on this trail are privately owned. Please respect the work of the farmers: sheep and lambs need security - dogs must be kept on a lead. Please shut all gates. Children must be well supervised, especially at Llwyngwril where the railway is still used by trains; they must not climb on walls or ruins. Bryn Mawr and Dewisbren Uchaf cannot be reached by wheelchair.
