Cricieth to Penrhyndeudraeth (11 miles)

 

We took coffee at the curiously-named Eating Gorilla in Penrhyndeudraeth before catching our train to our starting point. Setting off from Cricieth, we were soon at Black Rock Sands - Morfa Bychan, which is a very different beach from what we have seen so far. It is massive, with vehicles of all kinds are allowed along it, at a charge. There is an informal roadway along the sand (which at least made for firmer walking), with all sorts of cars, camper vans and tents on either side. People were having a good time, with the constant sound of jetskis in the background. The sandcastle pictured was the best bit. 

At Ynys Cyngar (so named but no longer an island), we viewed some Celtic Longboat rowing just offshore. After passing the point, it was a lot quieter, with small pretty sandy coves below us along the way to Borth-y-Gêst. There we bought a cinnamon bun (their speciality) from Bae Borth but went on for a hearty lunch at the Sea View Tea Rooms.

We got to Paorthmadog, by which time the rowing boats were back on shore. A significant moment for the progress of our walk was to put away the Volume 3 Guidebook, which we have been using round Llŷn, and start on Volume 4, which will take us to Aberteifi - Cardigan.

After crossing the Cob, the path becomes less coastal, but with occasional view of the walk we have just done, and then skirting the Portmeirion estate along paths which must have been old farm tracks. The last stretch along the main road took us back to our car. 




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