The Ham Nomads

12 May 2014. <GB-WLS> Aberystwyth, Cered; Barmouth, & Harlech, & Carnarvon, Gwyn —

The Foreshore at Aberystwyth

Woke up in Tal-y-bont, and decided to return to Aberystwyth to check out a retail park we saw on the map — we needed another blanket, some jackets, and a few undershirts for Warren. Got in there, found the park, found a Mountain Warehouse outlet which was selling waterproof hiking jackets for half price — still not cheap, but we had tried to get these at home without any success. Well, this time the shopping gods were smiling on us! After a successful shop, we wandered out to the waterfront. Found the amusement pier we almost went out onto yesterday, and went in. To be honest, this was a bit disappointing. Would be an okay place to while away a miserable wet day, but nothing like the Blackpool Pier!

The Bridge at Barmouth (Abermaw)

Then decided to push on. It was a lovely sunny day, so we aimed for Harlech. On the way we stopped off for a late lunch at Barmouth (Abermaw) where there is an interesting railway bridge across the estuary. Ate at a little restaurant on the waterfront and walked the town a little. Most enjoyable. Warren piked and went back to the van while Susie walked a bit further. Then we continued on our way.

Harlech Castle

Susie at Harlech Castle

Arrived at Harlech at about 2:30pm. The Castle is one of the Cadw sites, so we got in cheaply. Won't go into its full history. It was erected by the English in the 12th century, but in the 1400s was captured and held for a while by the Welsh nationalists, before ultimately returning to English hands. The whole town is made of the same rock as the castle and is very picturesque. Apparently the castle was originally rendered in white, so would have been a truly magnificent sight overlooking the sea, which came right up to the foot of the bluff the castle stands on — it now is about half a mile away across a flat plain studded with holiday accommodation before you cross grass-covered sand dunes to reach the sea.

After a fine time at Harlech, we then motored on to Carnarvon (Caernarfon), where we will be in range of the castle and also of the Snowdon Mountain Railway which starts at Llanberis, only a few miles west of Carnarvon. So a little time in a Maccas for internet connectivity, then we will find a spot to stop the night, and be ready for tomorrow.

Distance driven — today, 104 miles ( 167 km ); to date, 1,073 miles ( 1,727 km )