Spring Holiday 2008
At Criccieth the Caerwylan Hotel welcomed us with a service much to be desired: they carried our luggage up to our rooms;which was a great relief especially for those on the top floor.
This left us with enough energy for a stroll along the front and get our first view of the castle -
Then back to the hotel which had a commanding view of the beach.
Monday
Both walks started from Beddgelert -
on a lovely day. The longer one which was lead by John, climbed up to Sygun Bwlch and Cwm Bychan with typical north Wales landscape -
and rusting evidence of mining activity -
The return was via Fisherman’s Walk in Aber Glaslyn.
Mavis’s walk also went via Llyn Dinas but returned past Sygun Copper Mine
Tuesday
Meryl lead the longer walkers west from Nefyn to reach the golf course and on by lovely bays -
to the headland at Porth Dinllaen -
The wind was strong but it was fine and bright.
The return was by cliff paths and the beach.
Mavis’s walk went by way of Morfa Nevin and two headlands to Nefyn beach and the town.
Wednesday
We all took the coastal path -
to Llanystumdwy that is David Lloyd George’s birthplace and where he is buried-
The route from there onwards was described by that well known double act of Terry and Eugene-
who seemed somehow to quickly lose all the other men in the party-
Terry guided one group along the river Dwyfor to the cliffs where we saw the other side of the castle at Criccieth for the first time -
This party was back in time to visit the castle and get views back along the route that we had just walked, of Criccieth -
the hotel and the bay -
Lead by Winn and David, the rest of the party walked slightly further through fields and lanes to Ymwlch Fawr returning by Criccieth golf course.
Thursday
Jeff lead a ten mile walk on the west of the Llyn Peninsular starting at Methlem and then along the coastal path -
to Aberdaron, managing to keep most of the party together -
Eugene made a five mile circuit around the headland starting at Pont Avon-Saint with his usual pin-point accuracy.
Friday
Terry lead the medium walk that started in typical slate country -
near to Blaenau Festiniog and followed a lakeside and forest trail via Lyn Mair to Penrhyndeudraeth ten miles away. Along the way we all had a close encounter with the Festiniog Railway -
Instead of a packed lunch, Eugene’s party took a picnic as they went down to the woods today (actually five miles through the forest near to Tan-y-Bwlch). As far as I know they didn’t meet any teddy bears; but they’re not saying
Saturday
It was a tight squeeze onto the coach but we all got away on time for a quiet journey home.
Our thanks go to Winn, David and Terry for their undoubted organisational skills and, along with Mavis, John, Jeff and Eugene for leading so unerringly.