Bryn Euryn is an unassuming limestone hill that is packed with a ton of history. At 365 feet above sea level, you’ll spot it right above Colwyn Bay, where the old Welsh kingdom of Rhos once was. Managed as a Local Nature Reserve by Conwy Countryside Service, the site is well-maintained and beloved by Conwy.
History of Bryn Euryn
It’d be difficult to summarize the history of the Bryn in an article – but I’ll try to condense what you need to know. Let’s talk about the main attraction – the summit.
The summit was significant to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the war, but before that, it hosted the 14th-century mansion of Llys Euryn. While now it is surrounded by the city of Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn was once surrounded by countryside and small hamlets, 200 years ago.
If we go even further back, the coral reefs and sea creatures can together to craft the Bryn, with volcanic activity and earth movements buckling the limestone. And during the last Ice Age, gigantic glaciers left the valleys and cliffs around the area.
Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve Walk
The waymarked circular trails at the Bryn include the Summit Trail and the Woodland Trail, which as you’ll see if you look at a map of them, overlap and then go their separate ways.
I wanted to conquer both, so naturally, I did. The Woodland Trail is a lot more flat and about 2.4 kilometres in length. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a close look at the grassland and woodland and its amazing insect life and attractive flowers.
The Summit Trail is geared towards heading up to the summit, as well as checking out the deep history with the ancient ruins and hillfort. You’ll also get to see the impressive geology in the limestone and cliffs and valleys.
Both trails are easy to moderate difficulty.
My tip is to pick up a quick bite to eat and a refreshment at Rhos-on-Sea before heading to the Bryn. You’ll be spoiled for choice with quaint cafes, but I ultimately got a salmon-cream cheese bagel and chai latte from Marmalade Kitchen.
What Sights Can You See?
Overlooking Rhos-on-Sea, there are panoramic views as far as the eye can see of Snowdonia National Park, Llandudno, and beyond.
Of course, there are also all the historical sites that you shouldn’t miss whilst there. The first major site I came across was the ruins of the Llys Euryn mansion from the 14th-15th century.
It appeared through the trees like some sort of mirage. You’ll spot remnants of the turret, kitchen range, and other rooms, and can compare it to the reconstruction drawing on the information board.
Next, the Iron Age remains – a few walls from old roundhouses and plenty of coarse vegetation all around.
Then there’s the Dark Age Fortress. Although there were barely any remains to be seen, seeing the drystone wall and dressed stones peek out of the turf was magical.
Cycling at Bryn Euryn
Because I had already walked so much on the day I visited Bryn Euryn, I decided to ride a bike along the coastal walking and cycling route. It was an easily accessible route that wasn’t too difficult to ride on.
A bonus? There’s even cycle storage so you won’t have to find a place to keep your bike safe. If you aren’t as mobile or don’t want to walk or cycle, there’s free parking at the site so you can drive.