Dolgellau
Nestling in the wide vale of the Wnion at the foot of Cader Idris, and near the head of the Mawddach estuary, Dolgellau, a county town in Merioneth, is famed for its rare scenic grandeur and its agelong historical associations. The town, small and grey, is huddled in narrow streets about the church, and makes an asmirable centre for tourists, anglers and hikers. Within easy reach are the famous Torrent Walk, in the grounds of Cearynch House, on the banks of a stream called Edog; and the Precipice Walk, which circles Moel Cynwch to the north. The road along the estuary to Barmouth is hardly rivalled in Britain for its splendour. Dolgelley is also a convenient centre for an ascent of Cader, either by the Bridle Path or the Foxes Path (q.v.). In Dolgellau the famous Owen Glyndwr, Prince of Wales, held his last parliament in 1405. From here, too, he negotiated a treaty with Charles VII of France, but the house where the parliament was held has been demolished. The Precipice Walk provides excellent panoramas of the Arans and Snowdon. It also looks down on to Nannau, the seat of the Vaughans. In the grounds of this mansion there took place a grim event many years ago. The Lord of Nannau was Howard Sele, cousin to Owen Glyndwr. Sele disapproved of Owen's rebellions, and the Abbot of Cymmer (q.v.) attempted a reconciliation. Owen came to Nannau, and went into the grounds with Sele. Seeing a fine buck, Glyndwr suggested that his cousin shoot it, but Sele turned his bow upon Glyndwr, and fired an arrow at him at pointblank range. Glyndwr, the cunning warrior, was wearing a mail coat under his shirt, and was unharmed. But Sele was never seen again. Forty years later a skeleton was found in a blasted oak tree in the grounds of Nannau.