Welcome to St Michael’s at Llanfihangel y Pennant. Llanfihangel means St Michael’s Church in Welsh and Llanfihangel y Pennant is still used as the name of the former parish. Today it mostly refers to the tiny hamlet at the foot of the pony track up Cadair Idris close to Castell y Bere, the castle built in the 1220s by Llwelyn the Great. The ruins of the castle are on a wonderful site maintained by Cadw (Welsh Heritage) and is very popular with visitors to the area.

 

St Michael’s is a special place, a sanctuary church at which no regular services are held. It has many visitors who come to see a simple country church in a delightful location with an exhibition about the legendary Mary Jones who, at the age of fifteen, walked barefoot from her home in Llanfihangel y Pennant to Bala to buy a Welsh Bible. There is also a three-dimensional map of the Dysynni Valley, in which the church is located, constructed and sewn by local women.

 

St Michael’s dates from the 13th Century and is Grade II* listed. The star is awarded to buildings of special interest and there is also a Grade II listed lychgate.

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