An early start today with a
quick photo call from where Helen picked us up less than 12 hours earlier.
The walk out of Gwytheryn commences from the right of The Lion Inn
and I must admit that from a standing start the steep climb of some 500ft was a strenuous beginning of
the day however once we got our breath back we enjoyed some spectacular views
and proceeded towards Pandy Tudur via the moors. Wind turbines dominate the
landscape and provide a point of reference. It seems there is a strong feeling
in Gwytheryn that there should be no more, though I must admit to being
comforted by their increasing presence as we made progress taking reassurance
we should soon reach the heights above
Gwytheryn.
The Pilgrims Way takes
you through several farms and we are both impressed with the openness and
friendly welcome provided by the farmers we have come into contact with.
Everyone we have spoken with is aware of the trail and are keen to pass on
local knowledge and help us to enjoy their landscape. After one such interlude
and a friendly exchange with a sheep shearer happy for a little break from his
back breaking work we duly arrived in Pandy Tudur though not before some brave
sheep and lambs decided to race us down the steep hill.
Once recovered from
racing sheep we set off towards Llangernyw, a very nice walk especially once we
joined a path running along side a stream that takes you into Llangernyw.
The rhododendrons, bluebells, large deciduous, giant pines and
cascading water complimented with a light breeze was very enjoyable. It was
good to see Debbie Barton waiting for us when we arrived in the village. We
paid homage to the yew tree in the grounds of St Dygain's Church which is
estimated to be 4,500 years old and is recognised as one of the oldest living
"things" on the planet.
After we visited the Church Debbie joined us
for a quick snack before all setting off for Eglwysbach, after a couple of cheery miles Debbie left us and returned back to her car.
It was beguiling as we
began to recognise physical details in the mountains ahead, only yesterday these were
purple silhouettes and it felt fantastic that by the end of today we would
almost be within them.
The heat and climbs made for a difficult couple of hours
but once again the vista gave us much encouragement especially when we could
see Eglwysbach and the Conway river and valley and the Snowdonia range providing
a perfect backdrop.
We safely negotiated our way down to the village and
enjoyed a few minutes rest opposite the post office.
The final stretch today took us through to Tan-y-Cafe. The walk
from Eglwysbach providing a great view of where we had been walking earlier and
the neat white house's through the valley. Arriving at Tan-y-Cafe sligtly ahead
of Bobby who had left an hour earlier to pick us up we walked across the bridge
to enjoy the river Conway.
We are both tired today after the early start and a third day of
continuous sunshine, however the journey so far has been very rewarding even if
a little challenging from time to time, words of encouragement from Diane were
very touching and Debbie taking time out to see us was uplifting and we do
appreciate the support from so many. It was great yesterday for
"official" raised funds to top £2,000 and we do know of approximately
£600 of sponsorship has been pledged at Mold Golf Club and The Crown Inn,
Pantymwyn so we are getting close to £3,000! Please help to keep the total growing by spreading the news! http://www.northwaleschrysalistrust.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Wales-Chrysalis-Trust/194819710552647 
No comments:
Post a Comment