Cwm Gwaun, the valley of the River Gwaun, is an enchanting valley in the middle of Mynydd Preseli. Cwm Gwaun’s notable, overly deepened valley was created by meltwaters from glaciers as they gradually disappeared at the end of past ice ages. Cwm Gwaun has an important and unique environment, with thick woodlands, meadows with flowers such as meadow sweet, and rich birdlife, including dippers and grey wagtails.
One of the earliest signs of human life in Cwm Gwaun is the church of St Brynach. St Brynach was said to have chased demons out of the valley some 1,500 years ago. The valley is a stronghold of Welsh culture and ways of life that have survived for generations and continue to thrive to this day. For instance, local people celebrate the Hen Galan or ‘Old New Year’ on 13 January. Cwm Gwaun is also a place of superstition and legend, including phantom funerals and corpse candles, both believed to be signs of death!