East Lancs in Wales


 

West And East Lancs Walk The Welsh Ceredigion Coastal Path

 

Following on from last years successful Angelsey coastal path walk we decided to walk more of the Welsh coastal path (the only problem was how to pronounce Ceredigion!!)

So four days walking in September was the plan with a mixed bunch of 14 walkers, a couple of ramblers, the Gooseman, Gadget man, Stormin Norman, and Ellie the collie dog to name but a few.

 

The spectacular Ceredigion Coastal path follows a 60 mile route between the Teifi estuary at Cardigan Bay and the Dyfi estuary opposite Aberdovey.  

There is an abundance of wild flowers, seabirds and a wealth of wildlife as well as iron-age hill forts and secluded smugglers coves.

The entire path was completed in 2008, and is easily followed with the waymarks, but maps of the route are also recommended (and a GPS gadget man!). The official guidebook is available for sale from the Ceredigion Tourist Information.

www.discoverceredigion.co.uk

 

DAY 1-CARDIGAN TO LLANGRANNOG-3,600ft, 18 miles

We used Aberystwyth as our base and booked a minibus for transfers. 13 walkers today and of course Ellie dog. The forecast was rain and wind so waterproofs were hastily packed. We had a few yellow cards given at the start for leaving their No1 leader, and No2 and No3 going in front. Then followed an easy few miles before a diversion of the route at the Farm Park, this section of path is yet to be opened.

Norman got very excited passing the spectacular bay at Mwnt (pronounced Munt) where he holidayed in his younger days. He was quick to tell me this was the only reason he came on my walk!

Then we passed a quaint church and a wedding. After a welcome coffee stop (especially for Julie) at Aberporth there followed a few strenuous miles of cliffs but the views were well worth it.

The minibus was on time and we arrived at the car park with a minute to spare and the start of a shower, so a perfect end to a perfect day.

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 2- LLANGRANNOG TO ABERAERON-3,455ft, 15 miles

A good nights rest and fresh legs were needed for the steep climb out of Llangrannog. Roger was No1 leader today. We were on dolphin and seal watch, and a pound was promised for any spotted before midday. Don did say he spotted a shadow of a dolphin under the water (was it seaweed?). We had lunch in New Quay where a dolphin was seen off the harbour. Again spectacular views looking back to New Quay as the sun shone down on us. We finished in Aberaeron with time to spare for a honey ice-cream.

 

DAY 3-ABERAERON TO ABERYSTWYTH-2,600ft, 18 miles

I kept promising the walk would get easier but nobody believed me. Today was sunny but windier. Neil was No1 leader and set a good pace.  The first 10 miles were relatively easy, we stopped for lunch in Llannon, (that was a big brick in my rucksack!!). Then followed a rollercoaster of 8 miles back to Aberystwyth, which looked a lot closer than it was. There was a last steep downhill going into Aberystwyth, running down was easier.

 

DAY 4-ABERYSTWYTH TO YNYSLAS-1,000ft, 12 miles

The plan was to walk out and back today but everyone opted to get the bus back from Ynyslas apart from Ian & Karen. We were pleased to have Bernard join us today.

There was a steep climb out of Aberystwyth past the Fenucular railway. Then the cliffs continued for a few miles. It didn't look like we would catch the 1.15 bus now.  We walked through the quaint town of Borth. Some waymarks were confusing here, with the book and maps sending us on the embankment.

We finally finished at a visitor centre with views across the estuary, but no time for photos as we had a bus to catch. With a final sprint finish for the bus we were all pleased not to wait another hour!

Ian & Karen joined us.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on a great ride on the Fenucular railway ( good job gadget man didn't come, there may have been a nasty accident!!). Then a look at the camera obscura.

Well done to everyone completing the walk, especially Don who broke his ankle last October.

This is a great path to walk and is easily done in four days for a long distant walker.

Any further information e-mail

Kath Page- page00@btinternet.com,

photos by Don Watson

 

What a view - of the sea of courseThe group togetherLeading is as easy as 1 2 3Ellie had a great timeStepping up to the markWould you trust this man's directions?