Mawddach Way Part 1, Taicynhaeaf to Barmouth

The Mawddach Way is a high level walk, including three ascents, which follows the flow of the river towards the sea, though views of the Mawddach are intermittent. (It is not to be confused with the low level Mawddach Trail.) From Taicynhaeaf we commence a steep ascent almost immediately towards Garth Gell farm. The route then descends gently following a mining incline past the former workings of the Clogau Gold Mines. Further on we cross the Figra Bridge where the gold was processed. We follow Afon Hirgwm up towards Banc-y-Fran where the old carriage road to Harlech branches off to the right. This is indicated by a milestone which is somewhat weathered but we will be able to see that we are following the old summer carriage road to Tal y Bont. The route takes us to the Cerrig Arthur stone circle where we start the last ascent of the day over Bwlch y Llan. From the Bwlch we take a winding path towards Dinas Olau, where we descend steeply down steps to Barmouth.