Today I leave the the pleasant craft and arts town of Machynlleth and enter Snowdonia National Park.

Just outside Machynlleth is a centre referred to as CAT(Centre for Alternative Technology. It has an educational and visitor  centre where people can not only learn about alternative technology but all aspects of sustainable living.

I cross the bridge over  the River Dyfi into the Snowdonia National Park and follow the road through Pennal. The lady shopkeeper at the local store had passed me on the road earlier and was curious to know about where I was going and where I had been. When I told her about my challenge we had a long chat over a free bar of chocolate.

When I reached Aberdovey, I found a shelter from the wind on the quayside where I was able to eat my lunch and look over the estuary and out to sea. I liked the look and feel of the place with the houses and cottages hugging the harbour side. It also has a beach which I’m sure is popular in the summer.

The first attraction I come across when I reach Tywyn is the Talyllyn Railway. It is a narrow gauge steam railway. It takes tourists up the valley to Nant Gwernol which used to be an old slate quarry.

This is where I finish todays walk and set off to find my new accommodation which is the Kings YHA at the base of Cadair Idris.