Saturday 11th October 2025
The CBA Wales/Cymru Group and Grŵp yr Aran will be running a field day on the Woollen industry of Dolgellau, Gwynedd, featuring the recent survey work carried out by Grŵp yr Aran. The day will include an initial introduction to the history of the industry followed by a guided walk around the associated buildings in the town. Jess John will also talk on her recent community archaeology project in Ardudwy. This will be followed by a walk to look at some of the industrial remains of the pandai (fulling mills) and woollen factories on the banks of the Afon Aran, to the south of Dolgellau.
It is intended to finish the day at a local coffee shop (Y Sospan) which was built as the Shire Hall and House of Correction in 1606 and contains some intriguing plasterwork upstairs.
The intended programme is:
- 10:00 – 10:30 meet at Ty Siamas, Sgwar Eldon, Dolgellau, LL40 1PY
- 10:30: a talk by Merfyn Wyn Tomos on the Dolgellau Woolen industry
- 11:00: a talk by Jess John on her community archaeology work in Ardudwy
- 11:30 Walk around Dolgellau highlighting the buildings associated with the woollen industries (Merfyn Wyn Tomos and Grwp y Aran)
- 12:30: Walk to pandy sites on the Afon Aran. Walking past Ffatri Fawr site to the Aberneint complex with remains of Aberneint Factory, Pandy Aberneint, Idris Factory and possible site of Pandy Stuckley. (Ian Brooks and Merfyn Wyn Tomos)
- Lunch (Bring your own picnic)
- 14:00 Walk to Wenallt Pandy and Factory site, passing Pandy Frongoch site
- 16:00 Return to Dolgellau, tea at Y Sospan with opportunity to see the plasterwork upstairs.
- Disperse.
Total walking distance of approximately 4 km. The majority of the route is along roads and footpaths which have only moderately steep sections. There is a long-term pay and display car park at Marian Cefn, Dolgellau, LL40 1UU
Limited to 30 places, so hurry!
Cost £10/head
Book here
(The link will open a new page for payment via Stripe)
Additional Queries: email ian.brooks@eas-archaeology.co.uk
