According to the Snowdonia Way guidebook, today and yesterday could be combined as one long day from Trawsfynydd to Beddgelert. I’m quite certain that would have been a struggle for us – both to finish by nightfall and without collapsing in a heap- so I’m glad we split it the way we did into yesterday and today. As it was, we were able to enjoy this part of the walk, as we did yesterday’s , to the full, in the exceptional September weather.
It was another sunny, dry and warm day, but thankfully not quite as hot as the previous one. The initial walk took us on a mainly level path with some lovely views down over Penrhyndeudrath and the surrounding area. At the end of the first stretch, as we approached the road at Rhyd, we found the path blocked by cattle, so had to make a detour through brambles and bracken. Nothing like yesterday’s battle with the bog, but still left us with a few scratches.
After this , much of the day was a series of ups and downs across open moorland, with wonderful first views of the bigger mountains of Snowdonia and occasional glances of the sea.
Then we descended to Nantmor, and another little railway halt, before following the path along the Pass of Aberglaslyn, understandably popular with day walkers. The path consists of about two miles of rocky boulders, alongside the falls and fast moving waters of the Afon Glaslyn and thoughtfully provided with steps, handrails and even grab handles at the more difficult bits. While I had never been here before it reminded me very much of previous walks I’ve done in Europe, such as the walk to the Pont d’Espagne from Cauterets in the French Pyrenees. Certainly a very attractive part of the Way, and one of the most attractive we’ve seen so far, on a walk that excels.
Finally , after our shortest day so far (only 10.7 miles) we arrived in the picturesque village of Beddgelert and our base for the night.
So, tomorrow a much longer day, and threats of thunderstorms and rain. But we are now about half way through our journey, and it’s been even better than I’d expected so far, so still a lot to look forward to.
Across the Alps to the Adriatic 