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A Village Above the Rest?
For generations, Bwlchgwyn proudly claimed to be the highest village in Wales. The claim became part of the village's identity and was even proclaimed on the signs welcoming people to Bwlchgwyn.
There was just one problem, it wasn't quite true!
In 2015, Ordnance Survey data reported by the BBC placed Bwlchgwyn at an elevation of 1,167ft (356m), making it the third-highest village in Wales.
The rankings were:
1st — Trefil, Blaenau Gwent — 1,341ft (409m)
2nd — Garn yr Erw, Torfaen — 1,292ft (394m)
3rd — Bwlchgwyn — 1,167ft (356m)
The discovery attracted national media attention, with the story appearing not only on the BBC but also in newspapers including The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail.
But are we the highest in North Wales?
Bwlchgwyn is still frequently described as the highest village in North Wales. However, even that claim isn't quite as straightforward as it sounds.
The nearby village of Eryrys is also exceptionally high, and depending upon exactly where and how the elevation of a village is measured, may have a claim to being higher than Bwlchgwyn.
So perhaps it is safest to say that Bwlchgwyn remains one of the highest villages in Wales, and one of the highest communities in North Wales.
Still something to boast about...
At around 1,167ft above sea level, Bwlchgwyn's altitude remains a defining feature of the village. Its elevated position contributes to its extensive views, exposed weather and, traditionally at least, rather more snow than communities lower down!
And Bwlchgwyn may still have one particularly impressive claim to height: Bwlchgwyn Community Primary School is believed to be the highest primary school in Wales. Fittingly, the school's motto is “Aim High”.
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