My last day. A gentle walk on a fine morning to fill in the gap between New Quay and Llanrhystud.
There’s a lovely waterfall at Afon Drwyi, although a sign warns of possible water pollution.
I have plenty of time so stop for a delicious cooked breakfast at the New Celtic at Aberaeron.
The path circuits the pretty harbour.
Aberarth quickly follows, with its attractive narrow streets, old cottages and river running through the middle of the village.
Red kites glide gracefully overhead; I count six circling one hilltop. This is no Watership Down.
At LLanon, a sign warns that the beach is impassible after heavy rain. A little stone hopping avoids the need for a road detour, with my Arctic Circle Trail practice keeping my feet dry.
Arriving at Llanrhystud, waiting for the bus back to Aberystwyth, Rainbow Lady walks past on the opposite side of the road and waves; coincidences.
So what’s next? My Patagonia plans fell through. Only 85 hikers a day are allowed on the O Circuit and you must show the park wardens proof of reservation at the campsites on your route. Some were fully booked even though I planned to go at the quiet end of the season when the weather is more unpredictable. I’ll try again next year. The upside is this leaves me with more time for my coastal walk. I’ve enjoyed Wales so much that I’ll carry on and try to complete the Wales Coast Path before summer, apart from a short diversion to hike the East Highland Way at the end of March.
Walk distance: 14 miles.
Total distance: 2,598 miles.
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Beautiful clouds in those first two images.
Hi Tony, I’ve just walked the section from Machynlleth down to Cardigan so must have only missed you by a couple of days. It was a fabulous stretch of coast, probably the most peaceful and remote feeling of the Wales Coast Path I’ve done so far, thoroughly enjoyed it. You probably also found that all the campsites were closed until well into March, but I managed to wild camp the stretch without too much difficulty. In fact in hindsight I could have planed each day to end with some spectacular spots for the night.
I never knew that they had started to restrict the number of hikers along the O circuit in Patagonia. I backpacked the circuit back in 1993 and back then I stayed with a local family in Puerto Natales before hitching a ride out into the National Park. Back then it was all still a bit of an adventure even getting there and I only saw two others hikers on the circuit.
Hi John. Good to you hear from you. The weather forecast was unrelentingly grim so I passed on wild camping that stretch, but it is stunningly beautiful. I’m leaving again on Wednesday for eight days hiking further north, staying in hostels. In March, it will be back to camping, hopefully testing out my new Durston X-Mid Pro 1.
Just out of interest what camera have you been using recently for your photos ? The colours are very good.
iPhone Pro 12 Max. Fits in my Montane Terra pocket and I can take hundreds of photos quickly and easily. I debated a camera but the extra weight, lack of ease of use, and the fact that it’s mainly landscape shots for my blog, counted against it. I do miss the zoom shots for wildlife though. Can’t have it all.