Porthmadog 2018

Here’s an overview of our recent trip to Porthmadog, together with route maps.

Day 1

Sunday 11 November 2018 - A Circuit from Tudweiliog

We started with this excellent walk featuring some splendid rainbows at Porth Ychain.

The walk ended near Porth Towyn, where a lone woman was swimming in the sea.

Here’s our route - 13 km with 100 metres ascent, taking 3.5 hours.

Day 2

Monday 12 November 2018 - Mynydd Tir-y-cwmwd from Llanbedrog

We went to Llanbedrog with my brother Dave. He’d never been there before! It’s a steep climb up to the Iron Man sculpture.

Here’s our route - 4 km with 200 metres ascent, taking 1.5 hours.

After the walk we visited Plas Glyny-y-Weddw. Had to seriously resist spending Lots of money.

On return to Porthmadog, we enjoyed a short walk to Tremadog, returning via a supermarket and a storm.

Here’s our route - 6 km with 50 metres ascent, taking 1.5 hours.

Day 3

Tuesday 13 November 2018 - A Criccieth circuit from Porthmadog

This was a 27 km circular walk via Criccieth, starting on a lovely morning from Porthmadog harbour.

The coast path leads through Borth-y-Gest to Ynys Cyngar.

A long stroll along the firm Black Rock Sands led eventually to an excellent café in Criccieth.

Beyond Criccieth we encountered (well, we failed to encounter) a path which had no access point, then a bit later another path that came to an abrupt halt at a high stone wall bordered by equally high barbed wire fences and no sign of a stile. We turned around near where this view from Bryn Braich-y-saint towards Porthmadog was recorded.

The horses were more friendly than the natives.

Here’s our route - 27 km with 500 metres ascent, taking 6.5 hours.

Day 4

Wednesday 14 November 2018 - Anglesey Coast Path - Newborough,  The Missing Loop

This was the day we completed a section of the Anglesey Coast Path that we missed out in April. Newborough Forest hadn’t lost any of its beauty.

The walk along Traeth Penrhos was arduous. We were sand-blasted. Goggles would have been useful.

We had to wait an hour and a half before we could splash our way across to Llanddwyn Island.

A lorry load of shells have been deposited – to be used as hard core for path maintenance. This area is easily accessed by car and is obviously a very popular place.

From the tip of the island there are good views to Snowdonia and (below) to the hills of the Lleyn Peninsula.

After an unfortunate episode with a badly behaved dog, we enjoyed an orange sunset shortly before returning to the car.

Here’s our route - 18 km with 200 metres ascent, taking 5 hours.

Day 5

Thursday 15 November 2018 - Ceunant Cynfal and Ffestiniog

We drove up to Ffestiniog, where Sue made friends with a ginger tom cat.

Our walk in Ceunant Cynfal featured a rain forest (yes!), moss laden trees, waterfalls, and some attempts at photographic artistry from Sue.

Shortly before arriving back at Ffestiniog, we paused to attack the contents of a large flask, with great views towards the Moelwyns.

Here’s our route - 8 km with 300 metres ascent, taking 3 hours.

And there’s more from Day 5…

Thursday 15 November 2018 - Around Harlech

We drove down to Harlech and soon found paths above the town. There were good views into Snowdonia, where cloud lingered just above the summit of Snowdon.

A little further on we were offered fine views of the nearby Rhinog summits.

On return to Harlech, before heading for the beach we admired the following view, apparently ‘The Postcard View’ of Harlech Castle. It’s rather blighted by an unsightly mess of green caravans.

Descending to the beach, you look back to the town to be presented with the sight of several abandoned hotels like this one. Harlech is not a pretty place.

There is, however, a fine beach, from where we watched the sun set at the end of our holiday.

Here’s our afternoon route - 10 km with 350 metres ascent, taking 3 hours.

An excellent short break. Thanks go to Dave and Maggie for the loan of their house in South Snowdon Wharf.