Tuesday 29 May 2012

75 miles & 4 days completed and left to do

Another stunning day on the North Wales Pilgrims Way



Setting off from home at 08.30 made good sense allowing for a good nights sleep. We arrived back at Tal-y-Cafn (sorry for spelling mistake yesterday)
and headed towards Conway Water Gardens on our way to Penmaenmawr stone circles via Llangelynnin Church. A gentle slope helped us to settle into a good pace and was warmly welcomed by a hill farmer and his two black Labrador's who whilst wishing us well made a donation in the collection tin. 




Eager to maintain a good pace we resisted the temptation of Dutch pancakes at the water gardens continuing through a lovely hamlet of holiday cottages. 






The road soon became a track into Parc Mawr and what was a steep hill became a very steep track, we took it in turns to stop and admire the view as we gained height  (nothing to do with fighting for breath!) the vista of the Conway Valley and the Clwydians really is worth the climb. 







As we came through the woods we noticed derelict buildings hinting this was once quite a substantial settlement.








Leaving the tree line behind us we continued to climb and the stone walls prepared either side of the track us for the welcomed sight of Llangelynnin Church, dedicated to St Celynnin a local saint of the sixth century. 


The oak archway standing since the 12th century evokes strength and simplicity reflecting its setting perfectly. After visiting the church we stayed for a while to take a little lunch and to recover. 








On leaving  Llangelynnin we set off for the stone circles and after another hill enjoyed panoramic views into Conway Valley with the castle a prominent feature the further we walked the more of the coast we could see and the Great Orm and surrounding area take on a new magnificence when seen from above. 






                                     





 As we arrived at the stone circle above Penmaenmawr the clouds gathered and it looked as if it might rain with many of the famous wild horses lying on the ground appearing to agree. 







Fortunately it did not rain however the lower temperature and cloud cover made for easier walking. On leaving the stone circle we headed towards Llanfairfechan, a much welcomed mainly down hill section.


Making our way through the town we were struck by the many independent retailers making a return visit high on the list of things to de next. On reaching the promenade we walked along the coast through Nant-y-Coed Nature Park on our way to Abergwyngregyn. 


It was enjoyable and a nice change watching the many sea birds, looking out to Puffin Island and Anglesey. Rhys and Bobby met us at Abergwyngregyn from where we will set out tomorrow towards Caernarfon.



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