46. Patrishow

Parking

At the Mynydd Du Forestry Commission car park on the right of the Grwyne Fawr road several miles after Fiveways, next to the river. Grid Ref SO266252

Directions

1. Cross the river bridge and go up to the road. Cross and take the forestry track opposite. Keep going uphill until you come to a crossroads of tracks, approximately 1 mile from the car park.
2. Take the left path which is a bridleway to Ffordd-las-fawr. This is a recently renovated ol farm. You then have to cross a tiny stream. Carry on, ignoring a very rocky uphill path on the right. Continue on to reach a stream, which you cross.
3. Take the left hand path which broadens out to a wide grassy track with a wall on the left for ¾ mile. Go past sheep pens on the right, go through gate and down track to reach a metalled road.
4. Go down the steep road to reach Patrishow Church - a good place for a break, and a look around the church.
5. (You can carry on downhill to see the Holy Well on the left at the bottom … very steep walk back up)
6. To return walk back up the hill then take the right hand for to Llwyn-y-brain farm. Go through the yard past a barn on the left, through 2 more gates to farm and continue along track with stone wall on the right and fence on the left.
7. Go through another gate and keep on to top of field with fence on the left. At the next gate head down the track to stream. Cross over and go through gate opposite and up through forestry. Keep to the rocky, mossy path alongside the stream.
8. At division in the path, keep uphill to rejoin the main forestry track. Turn right and follow the track back to the car park.

Points of Interest

One of the treasures of Partrishow is its exquisite Rood Screen, carved out of Irish oak. At the rear of the church is an unusual dugout parish chest carved out of a solid tree trunk, with iron bands around it and three locks, once used for the safe keeping of parish valuables. On the wall are some very rare medieval wall paintings – one of which features the figure of Doom, with an hour glass in one hand and a sickle in the other and a spade hanging from his arm.

In the churchyard there is a medieval preachers cross as well as fine views down the valley.

Just down the road from the church is an ancient well. This is St Issui’s Well, a hermit who lived here and was reputedly murdered by a passing traveller. It is still revered for its healing properties.

.

Map