The name Tanygrisiau means in English, 'below the steps', referring to steps leading to the original slate mine above the village. The village consists of terraces of stone-built cottages, mainly forming ribbon development along about 1 kilometre of the road which parallels the course of the Afon Barlwyd, at the foot of the steep Graig Nith-y-Gigfran; others are aligned along the Festiniog Railway. There is a railway station at the west end of the village.

RCAHMW, 2012.