Penygroes

Penygroes is a village in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, situated just south of Caernarfon along the A487 road towards Porthmadog. It lies within the historic slate-quarrying area of Dyffryn Nantlle and remains the valley’s main centre for shopping and local services. The name “Penygroes” comes from the Welsh for “end of the cross” or “crossroads,” referring to its position where several old routes once met.

The village has a strong Welsh-speaking community—around 88% of people in the area speak Welsh, making it one of the language’s heartlands. Penygroes is known for its cultural pride, community spirit, and connection to the region’s industrial past. While most of the slate quarries are now closed, their legacy is visible in the landscape and architecture.

There are two Welsh-medium schools in the village: Ysgol Bro Lleu (primary) and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle (secondary), both with a strong focus on the Welsh language. Local shops, a Co-op store, and The Goat (Yr Afr) pub serve the community, alongside a memorial hall and Celtic cross war memorial.

Although the Penygroes railway station closed in the 1960s, the village is served by good bus connections, and the Lôn Eifion cycle path follows the old railway line, offering scenic walking and cycling routes towards Caernarfon and beyond.

Penygroes is also home to Nantlle Vale Football Club, which gained recognition in the 1970s under the management of local wrestler Orig “El Bandito” Williams. The surrounding area holds mythological significance too, with links to figures from the Mabinogi stories.

Penygroes is a proud and lively Welsh village with deep roots in both industrial and cultural heritage, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eryri mountains.

Created: 12 June 2025 Edited: 12 June 2025