St Peris’ Well, Nant Peris, Caernarfon

Fish swim up the stream to visit this holy well, while pilgrims can seek permission to see for themselves the last surviving fish well in Britain

Highlights

• Celtic holy well with fish legend

As with other holy wells on private land in Wales, St Peris’ source is held in great respect by its current owners, as welcoming to me as the saint himself would have been. In times gone by, it used to be regarded as a lucrative source of income, helping to pay a parish clerk’s salary in the 18th century. Today, its waters are simply valued for the blessing of an early Celtic saint.

St Peris settled beside this spring in the 6th century and drank its waters daily. Like many holy wells in Wales, it has been used as a place of baptism in recent times. Situated beside a rocky crag in the beautiful Llanberis valley, it is an evocative place to join the Christian church.‍

The Water of Life says this is the only surviving fish well in Britain, although fish were last seen here in 2006. They were supposed to divine the prognosis of a disabled patient. If one of the fish emerged when the sufferer was immersed, a cure was expected. The stone chamber of the well is too small for immersion now, but the water still flows clean and clear. Its stream flows into the local river Seiont, a corridor should any fish feel moved to return. St Peris’ feast day is 11 December. The local church is dedicated to him.‍

In the private garden of Ty’n y Ffynnon, Nant Peris LL55 4UH

W3W: towels.ranged.feast

GPS: 53.1043N 4.0800W

The well is on private property in Nant Peris, somewhat difficult to find. As you drive south-east through the village from Llanberis, look for the graveyard and church on your right. Immediately after this, there is a turning on your left and an area where you can park. Continue to walk along the lane, which becomes a track running along the right-hand side of a camping field. Halfway along the field is a gate on your right with a white painted house behind, Ty’n y Ffynnon. The well is to the right of the house in the garden, and you will need to knock before visiting it.