This walk stretches for a total distance of around 26 miles, but its history is significantly longer than that. The walk is named after a girl called Mary Jones who, back at the very beginning of the 19th century, walked the entire distance of the route barefoot to Bala, in order to buy herself a Bible.
If you are to undertake the walk yourself, you will see what an ordeal Mary’s journey must have been, and the dedication she must have had to complete it. It is tough in sections, and that’s with proper walking boots on.
The walk is worth the struggle, however, as it takes you through some truly beautiful areas of the Snowdonia National Park. You will see the lovely little village of Llanfihangel y Pennant, as well as some lush valleys and dramatic peaks. If you can only do a short section, make sure it includes a walk around the tranquil Bala Lake.
Mary’s journey inspired the founding of the Bible Society here in Bala. She had saved her money for six years to afford her Bible, and trekked to Bala because it was the closest town in which the Bible was produced and available. A walk truly steeped in history!
Image Source: CC-by-SA-2.0 by Christine Johnstone
Image Source: CC-by-SA-2.0 by martin_vmorris
Location
The Mary Jones walk takes your through the valley of Cadair Idris to the edge of Llyn Tegid. The beginning of the walk can be found by following signs for Llanfihangel-y-Pennant. Walkers should park near the church.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Snowdonia
Snowdonia – known in its native Welsh as Eryri, which is often translated to “place of the eagles” – is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Covering 823 square miles of idyllic Welsh countryside, mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and beaches, Snowdonia is paradise for any hiker, climber, fisher, swimmer, sailor, surfer, sunbather, potholer, zip-liner… the list goes on.
Cycling and Mountain Biking in North Wales
North Wales is home to a wide variety of cycling routes, from popular ones to little-known paths, from short jaunts to long distance endurance trails, from easy-going tracks to hard-core downhill courses. There really is a little something for every type of cyclist here.
Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris is named after the giant of legend who supposedly lived here; the name translates to “Chair of Idris”. It is said that he studied the stars from here, and bestows poetic inspiration to anyone hardy enough to spend the night up there.
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Enjoy everything Conwy has to offer by staying in a cottage in and around the town or Conwy Marina. Attractions include Conwy Castle, the town walls, Plas Mawr Elizabethan House, The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, pleasure cruises and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
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