32 members were booked in at the George IVth Hotel in Criccieth for the week-end break between Friday the 22nd March 2024 and Monday the 25th. However 6 in the group had already made the trip 2 days earlier, to enable recces of the walks to be completed. So, after a good journey arriving late morning, many of us joined Martin for a walk around the town to familiarise ourselves with the area, although several of us had stayed here on two previous holidays. It was good to remember where Cadwaladers ice cream parlour was , and also take a low level look at the castle, built by the Princes of Gwynedd, but later ruined in the early1400's.
On Saturday a few in the group had made their own plans, but the remainder took on the organised 6 mile walk, with the option to extend this by a further 3 miles, and headed to Beddgellert. We parked close to the entrance of the Sygun Copper Mine, which was reopened in the 1980's as a tourist attraction, and headed out to climb a route that would take us high up over many rocks and boulders, that made for a very challenging walk onto the Snowdonia Slate Trail. On one section we were advised by our leader Derek, to make use of the metal hand holds driven into the rocks, to help us around a very narrow part of the rock face, high above the raging, fast flowing River Glaslyn. It was quite a scramble at times, especially when it became windy. A drinks break was taken after 3 1/2 miles, prior to making a long steady climb into the National Trust area, with all the amazingly dramatic mountain scenery all around us. Pylons from the aerial ropeways connected to the Cwm Bychan mining operations are still visible here.
Lunch was taken trying to shelter from the cold wind, amongst the rocks, so we didn't linger long. The walk down was taken just as carefully, due to the same rocky conditions, and as we returned to the road, Derek continued the walk with those who wished to do so , and the rest returned to the cars for the journey back to Criccieth, or more sightseeing.
On Sunday it was a cloudy start to the day, but with the promise of good weather later. Derek was leading a 9 mile walk from Aberdaron, so his group set off from the hotel for the drive over. Martin was taking the other walkers to Porthmadog by train, for a linear walk back to Criccieth of about 7 1/2 to 8 miles. However best laid plans..............we arrived at the station to discover the train had been cancelled!. At this stage we were unable to find out any further information of what may happen later, so rather than just do the walk in reverse Martin made the decision that we would drive over to Porthmadog, and do the walk back as planned. So from the town centre we walked towards the harbour area, to climb a flight of over 80 steep steps, and head towards the coastal path. From our high vantage point here we had a marvellous view over to the sea ahead of us, and all the boats moored below. The path was quite busy, and made for another good viewpoint as we stopped for drinks, and then continued on the path before dropping down onto the amazing beach at Black Rock Sands. By now we had blue sky and sun as we continued for quite a distance on this pristine sand, and having to navigate across two areas of water, that flowed down to the far out sea, some of us more carefully than others! Leaving the beach we took the lane ahead of us, and at the top took a lunch break, enjoying the feel of the sun on our faces. From here we continued back to Criccieth , walking alongside the railway line into town, feeling quite tired ! The car drivers were then ferried back to our starting point to collect their cars and return to the hotel. Thankfully this cunning plan turned out well !
Monday's weather forecast was not very promising, heavy rain was mentioned, so the majority of the group decided to make for home. Martin had planned a walk to Cynfal Falls, and this did go ahead with a group of 8 taking part.
These holidays always take a huge amount of planning, and Lesley did a sterling job again with the organisation. The hotel staff made us welcome, and the food and service was very good. Thanks to Martin and Derek for leading the walks and to Maryvonne, Steph, Bridget and Brian for helping the recces. A special mention though to our chairman Brian, who despite wearing a surgical boot following a recent injury, took part in the walks, albeit sometimes taking a slightly different route! It still must have been very tough ! Finally thanks to everyone who attended and made it a good enjoyable holiday, with the bonus of far better weather than we originally anticipated.
Gillian Gibbons
Below are a selection of photographs take by Frank Simpson on his visit to Portmerion.
