Cwm Orthin was once relatively densely populated and its inhabitants supported two chapels. The ruin of the Calvinistic Methodist chapel 'CAPEL Y GORLAN' is possibly the most photographed building in the valley. It has slowly decayed since the slate roof was removed by thieves in the late 1970’s. (The original name may well have been 'Capel y Golan'.)
According to history it was built in 1867. It was placed so remotely, with weather so austere, that this chapel was closed for six weeks in 1895. Sunday school was held there in the mornings, with sermons held in the afternoon. Prayer meetings were held every other Tuesday evening, alternating with Fellowship meetings. It is believed that the chapel closed sometime between 1929 and 1935.
Life was undoubtedly difficult and those living in Cwm Orthin valley were supplied with food by pony from Tan y Grisiau, with large stocks having to be laid in against the snowdrifts of winter. Nearby is Plas Cwmorthin, where the Williams family lived before moving out of the valley completely in 1948 – the last people to do so.