We were a bit nervous about today’s walk, especially as we looked up at Yr Eifl and tried to imagine what the uphill portion would feel like. But today’s 10 miles felt shorter (we must be getting used to it!) and was a change of pace as we started our way down the coast of the Llyn Peninsula.
We began with an easy, quick walk to Trefor. Traffic now zips by on the A499 — unfortunately bypassing the villages along the coast, but conveniently leaving the pavement from the old road for walkers like us. As we left the village of Clynnog Fawr, we passed another walker out with his dog, who greeted us and gave us a good laugh to start our day:
Man: “Where are you walking to?”
Me: “Nefyn!” (Our destination for the day)
Mom: “Aberdaron!” (Our destination for the whole walk, still several days away)
Man: “Have you had a look at a map?”
After a quick stop to pick up some food and batteries at the shop in Trefor, we started up the hill. It was strenuous but a very good path all the way up, making it easier than previous uphill days. We took it slow and topped the hill by noon.
We decided to continue on before having our lunch, and soon enough we were rewarded with beautiful views of the Llyn Peninsula, which looked narrower than you might expect!
In one of several fields, we had a fun encounter with a group of bullocks. My dad, who grew up on a farm, positioned himself next to them and advised us to just walk calmly and confidently through them to the kissing gate we were aiming for. As we got right up to them, they scattered to let us through. Then they regrouped and, as we went through the gate, they gathered around the fence to watch us.
We decided to hang out with them for a bit, and my dad reached over to see if they would approach him. One finally did, letting my dad scratch its head. I decided to give it a try as well, scratching another one, and as we walked away our “fan club” watched us go.
The other excitement of the day was visiting St. Beuno’s church (another one!) in Pistyll. This church was built in the 15th (possibly as far back as 12th) century, and they still cover the floor in rushes. My dad noted the construction of the pews, which were joined with pins rather than nails, although I’ll admit I was most entertained by the sign cautioning us to close the door to keep out the sheep and goats!
From the church it was mostly downhill through some nice flower-edged walkways and into Nefyn. Another beautiful day!
Expat Linguist 