Day 43: Barmouth to Tonfanau

Today was one of our favourite days on the walk so far. This was probably due to the number of interesting features we encountered and also the outstanding views that we had throughout the day. The day did however start on a very cold and blustery note with a strong cold wind that had stirred up the sea. We started the morning by making our way out of Barmouth to the toll booth at the end of Barmouth Bridge which is only open to trains and pedestrians / cycles. 

Barmouth Bridge

The bridge spans the Mawddach estuary which was at high tide as we crossed. Once over the bridge we followed the path as it followed the estuary before making its way to a promenade along the sea wall at Fairbourne.

Following the path along the Mawddach Estuary

Old building along the path, Mawddach Estuary

Promenade along the beach at Fairbourne 

From here we walked along the road to the small village of Friog before clambering up the path which climbed steeply up a hillside before dropping down to Pant Einion. We then took an old quarry track that zig zagged between trees and slate tips. We detoured off the path to visit the Blue Lake, which fills an old slate quarry and is reached by a low tunnel. Greg decided that he had to have a dip even though the air temperature was pretty cold. It is the first time either one of us has been for a swim on this trip!

Old quarry track

Tunnel to the Blue Lake in a disused quarry

The Blue Lake (in an old disused quarry)

After a quick bite to eat we continued on our way up the path until we came to a tarmac track though a pine plantation. As this opened out we noticed a pair of striking standing stones alongside the path.

One of two standing stones at Bryn Seward

 Further up the track we came across three more standing stones and the distinctive lines of an ancient settlement.

One of three standing stones further along the path

Parts of ancient settlement in foreground with Fairbourne in the distance

Enjoying the spectacular views

The path continued across the open hillside with outstanding views to Fairbourne, Mawddach estuary and Barmouth beyond along with numerous stone walls and the remains of old buildings.

  

Hilltop tarn

Stone walls and ruins abound

We eventually descended into the picturesque village of Llwyngwril where there was some sort of knitting bomb going off. The streets and public areas were being taken over by knitted creatures and ornaments. They were hanging on gates and doors, attached to fence posts, street lights, at the train station and even a large troll coming up over the bridge!

Elevated view of Llwyngwril

The Garthangharad Pub in Llwyngwril

Knitted troll hanging on bridge at Llwyngwril

From here we followed a quiet back street out of town to climb back up onto the hillsides and through fields.

Looking out over the countryside with its stone walls 

Old stone buildings

We eventually made out way back down to street level and raced along the road to catch the train back to Barmouth. It had been a long day but very rewarding day.

Some impressive rams that we encountered today