Home / Culture and heritage in Ceredigion / Legends and folklore of Ceredigion
Darllen yn GymraegDiscover the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod
Cantre'r Gwaelod is the legendary lost land beneath Cardigan Bay. In a familiar version, Seithennyn fails to protect the sea gates and the kingdom is flooded. Versions of the story differ. Borth's exposed ancient trees and coastal formations provide evocative settings for the tale, but do not prove that the legendary kingdom existed.
Places that stir the imagination
Ancient tree remains sometimes emerge from the sands around Borth and Ynyslas. Farther south, Sarn Cynfelyn reaches seaward from Wallog. These striking features invite reflection on changing shorelines, without proving the legendary kingdom existed.
Listen for the bells
The tradition of bells sounding beneath the waves survives in the song Clychau Aberdyfi. Combine the story with a coastal walk, planned around local tides and conditions.
Keep exploring
Image credits: Borth Beach - geograph.org.uk - 4258703.jpg — Bill Nicholls / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons). · Waterfalls below Devil's Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 8063895.jpg — David Medcalf / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons). · Strata Florida Abbey - geograph.org.uk - 4575753.jpg — Stephen McKay / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons). Images may be resized or cropped for the layout.
