10.3 miles from Dolgellau to Barmouth

[frostfox]

Which is interesting as the Mawddach Trail is only 9.5 miles, I think it is proof positive that I am a short legged little thing. Very easy, very flat walk, the day started cold and high white cloud but has perked up and is now all golden and lovely.

We declined the fleshpots of Barmouth, even the Arousal Cafe, and got a bus back to Dolgellau for lunch, I only had a tea and cake; we had a massive and fabulous breakfast at the Gwernan - when Dave asked for scrambled egg on toast, our host asked if he would like smoked salmon with that...

Once back at the hotel, we swapped cars and Jaine and I went on a menhir hunt.

Photos under cut.

Lovely little boat high and dry at Penmaenpool.


The first view of Barmouth Bridge from the estuary.




Strange denizens encountered en-route.


Even better view of the bridge.


And in the other direction.


You can't really see, but between my legs is what looks like a little bent stick? That was a lizard, that was.


View from the bridge down the estuary.


Barmouth (not as pretty as it looks, trust me on this, it's Chav central)


Lakes near our hotel on the flanks of Caer Idris.


Very pretty but very, very windy.


Lakes have a standing stone.


Another menhir further up the valley (with attendant sheep).


You have to be 'This' tall to grope the menhir.


But it has a very dramatic setting.

Comments

[anef.livejournal.com]

Menhirs are nicer when the sun comes out.

[eleyan.livejournal.com]

It all looks very calm and peaceful, helped by the subtle, washed-out colours. (I say this in a good way.) I particularly liked the varying sort of faded shades in "Lakes near our hotel on the flanks of Caer Idris" and I think they'd make a lovely colour scheme for some beadwork. Nice to be places not full of crowds.