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The 'magical' Gwynedd spot said to cure all kinds of ills - and help with your love life

Nestled amid trees in a secluded spot at the base of the Llŷn Peninsula is an ancient holy site described by visitors as being "idyllic and magical". St Cybi's Well in Llangybi is known for possessing an unmistakeable air of magic, making it the perfect location for a winter walk.

Known as Ffynnon Gybi in Welsh, it is dedicated to Cybi, a 6th-century saint reputed to have lived in the area. The well’s waters have long been believed to hold healing properties and it was a place of pilgrimage.

The waters were reputed to cure warts, lameness, blindness, scrofula, scurvy and rheumatism. According to local tradition, girls who wished to know their lover's intentions would spread their pocket handkerchiefs on the water of the well and, if the water pushed the handkerchiefs to the south, they knew that everything was right and their lovers were honest and honourable in their intentions.

However, if the water shifted the handkerchiefs northwards, they concluded the contrary. The well continued in use in one form or another after the Reformation and there was still a box - Cyff Gybi - for offerings in the church as late as the 18th century.

The site is situated in an enchanting valley just below and to the north of Llangybi Church and is one of the most elaborate structures of its kind in this area of North Wales. It can be reached by crossing a stile at the east end of the churchyard and then following a path to the far corner, across another stile, and down the side of a field into the valley. 

Today you can see two well chambers alongside a more recent caretaker’s cottage dating from the 18th or 19th century. According to CADW, it’s possible that the well’s sacred status may be pre-Christian in origin, despite its association with St Cybi.

The religious site is still visited by people in their hundreds to this day. It is open all year round, and admission is free. 

St Cybi's Well, Llangybi© Ian Taylor

One person has described the point of interest as being a "wonderful, idyllic, magical spot" on TripAdvisor. They said: "What a wonderful spot tucked away in a hollow with wildflower meadows and babbling streams nearby.

"We spent a week in Wales and visited quite a few historic sites, but this one was the most tranquil and magical. Could've stayed for hours just to soak up the atmosphere."

Others have described it as a "must visit" for those who want to learn about the history of the area. But it isn't a spot just for those who are into history and religion, with visitors also saying it's the perfect place to go for a walk "just for the peace and quiet".