The Meirionnydd Ramblers are a friendly and welcoming group. We offer regular and varied walks in the wonderful countryside in and around southern Snowdonia.
The seaside town of Criccieth has a long and interesting history. It is dominated by the remains of Criccieth Castle standing high above the sea on a craggy headland. The castle dates from the 1230s and played its part in wars between the Welsh and the English culminating in the rebellion of Owian Glyndwr. By contrast, the town of Porthmadog is of relatively modern origin. In 1810 William Alexander Madocks built a great embankment, the Cob, across the estuary of the Afon Glaslyn. The thriving port of Porthmadog sprang up, shipping vast amounts of slate from the nearby quarries. Between the two towns lie sandy beaches and low cliffs along which runs the Wales Coast Path, which we will follow from Criccieth to Porthmadog. We set off alongside the railway before dropping down to the wide, sandy beach of Black Rock Sands, stretching some two miles and providing wonderful views across the estuary towards Harlech and the mountains. As we near the end of the Sands, we come to the headland of Ynys Cyngar. Here our path leaves the beach to continue via Borth y Gest to Porthmadog.
Group grade C
Transport options: There is a train from Portmadog to Criccieth at 8:50 which would leave time to join the leader in Café 46 in Criccieth for a coffee (and bacon sandwich!) before the walk. Alternatively, the no 3 bus leaves Porthmadog at 9:30. Parking is available at the station (small fee) and elsewhere in Porthmadog. Contact the leader for further information.
Criccieth Lifeboat Station
Porthmadog
