The main A55 Dual Carriageway now by-passes many of the seaside towns along this stretch of coast. Penmaenmawr is one of them which is overlooked by its own mountain which has been significantly quarred.
For most of the day some dark clouds hung over this mountain, I thought that I was in for a soaking but the dark clouds stayed put and I even got some sunshine later on.
I walk under two bridges that join Anglesea to the mainland which is about as close as I get to Anglesea. I am not including walking round islands during this challenge, but I will be back one day.
The first bridge is the Britannia which was rebuilt in 1970 to carry both rail and road traffic. The original bridge was built by Robert Stephenson which burnt down after a cinder from a train passing through set it alight . He also built many of the lighthouses in Wales. The original support towers have been used in the new bridge.
By pure coincidence I meet up with an old friend, as I walk down a narrow road towards Dinlle Dinas. Dennis and Rose had been camping there and had packed up and were making there way home. It was a pleasant surprise meeting them we stood by the side of the road chatting for about half an hour.
Dinlle Dinas is a popular seaside area especially with campers and caravanners. There are good views of Anglesea and back along the coast to the Llyn peninsula.
In the old days Nefyn used to be a seafaring port with fishing particularly for herring. This is where I start todays walk with a mountain to conquer in Yr Eifi.
After passing through Pistyll, I pass through some old quarry workings at Penrhyn Glas, this is the first of two quarries I pass through. Up ahead I see a far bigger quarry of Porth-y-Nant.
Today I walk the north coast of the Llyn peninsula from the sands that whistle to a golf course on the edge of the world.
I leave Aberdaron and make my way up the road to Anelog where I join the coast again. As I walk along the grassy cliff tops I soon come to a wide sandy beach with an interesting name of whistling sands.
I have been staying at a bunkhouse at Tanrallt Farm in Llangian, just outside Abersoch for the last few days. It has been a fabulous retreat for me with all the basic facilities I needed after a long day walking. It is a working farm run by Phil and Menir who were great and very friendly and helpful.
I notice that there is a strong sense of identity with the welsh people in this area. You find the Welsh language being spoken in nearly every shop, café and restaurant you go into.
Over the next few days I seem to see quite a lot of Pwllheli, as it becomes a hub for me as I travel between places. It is the major town on the Llyn peninsular.
It has a big harbour which used to be a big fishing port and ship building centre. There is also a marina with plenty of boats for the sailing fraternity. It is also the end on the main railway line from Machynlleth and the Midlands.
Today I am back on the coast and I put in quite a long walk. I start at Penrhyndeudraeth which means the peninsula with two beaches and finish at Pwllheli, the main town on the Llyn peninsular.
I walk out of town and the first place I come to is Minffordd. It has two railway stations next to each other. One for the main line train services and one for Ffestiniog Railway. Just as I cross the road, a steam train crosses the bridge totally enveloped in steam. As far as I could see there were plenty of people on the train, so it must be quite popular.
Today is a different type of walk. I take a trip inland up above the River Dwyryd estuary and walk through forests, lakes and valleys and even see a small gauge steam railway.
I start by leaving Harlech village and walk down to the main road below. From here you have a good view of the castle. The castle was built by Edward I in the thirteenth century when he rampaged through Wales. The castle has World Heritage site status.
Today I am greeted with rain and wind. So my first action is to retreat to a café coffee and breakfast for sustenance before setting out.
Barmouth seems a beautiful place to visit with the sea and golden sands, the River Mawdach estuary with its boats and wildlife, The Snowdonia mountain range and Cadair Idris as a backdrop.
Mad dogs and Englishmen decide to walk the coast of Britain! I don't think I'm a mad dog but many think I'm a mad Englishman!
1 Year - 5000 miles
My challenge to change my life this year...
Coastalwalker.co.uk - walking around the British coastline, very SLOWLY.
