Aberdyfi to Machynlleth (13 miles)

Today's walk was one of those sections that are hardly coastal at all, but necessary to join up the whole path where the coast itself is inaccessible or just plain dangerous. Leaving Aberdyfi (where we had bought some lovely rolls from Otto's), it was an immediate climb up to the ridge between the Dyfi estuary and Cwm Maethlon. It starts on the latter side with a view down to this fertile valley, then crosses over at Bwlch to join the 'Panorama Walk', where we had to pass a bull and bullocks along the way, but with scenic views across the estuary. It gradually descends, then, crossing to the A493 road to Penmaen Dyfi and Plas Talgarth, a small hill which afforded different views over the river.

We took a brief break at Pennal, an historic village, and explored a little of the church. Following the Coast Path then took us up a long and dull walk uphill through a forestry plantation, finishing at what the guide book terms "a cruelly steep ascent": this section added very little to our overall enjoyment. Once out of the woods, our destination soon came into view, with a steep descent into Machynlleth following.




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