Day 8: Llanfairfechan to Bangor

We left Llanfairfechan thinking that today would be an easier day as we only had 15.5 km to cover. After making our way back to the promenade along the shore we headed west  along a grassy embankment around the marshes of Morfa Madryn. The area along the shore consisted of a number of different nature reserves due to the significant bird life in this area.

Marker for the Wales Coast Path with me in the distance

Fence made with local slate

Marshes of Morfa Madryn

Occasionally we caught glimpses of Penrhyn Castle in the distance.As we approached the castle grounds which were extensive, we headed inland to the village of Tal-y-bont before finally making our way via a circuitous route to the impressive gateway to the castle. From here is was another mile of walking along the vehicle access before we finally made our way to the entrance.

Penrhyn Castle as viewed across estuary

Gate house entrance to Penrhyn Castle

Built by the Pennant family, who made their fortune from both the sugar and slate industries, this enormous 19^th century castle commands the landscape. The castle includes opulent Victorian rooms and apparently one of the best art collections in North Wales. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit the grounds as the shuttle bus driver had offered us a lift back up to the road and he had to leave at 4.15 pm. Given that we didn’t feel like walking the mile back to the road we took him up on this offer.

Dining room - Penrhyn Castle

Billiard room - Penrhyn Castle

Guest bedroom - Penrhyn Castle

From here we made our way through narrow back alleys to a lovely wooded reserve and a cycle trail that followed the river Cegin to Porth Penrhyn and the old docks. As we had reached the outskirts of Bangor we thought our day was nearly over however our campsite was approximately another 5 km further on. Our route became quite hilly along narrow roads and then continued along a muddy track with a number of steps that went up and down the slope. By this time, we were both feeling shattered.

Walking along cycle trail along Afon Cegin

We eventually made it to our campsite at 8.15 pm to find that the camp office had closed. We set up camp and collapsed into bed for an early night. Greg’s Fit-bit recorded that we had walked 28.73 km. So much for an easy days walking!

Bucolic scene reminiscent of NZ as viewed from trail - Morfa Madryn