Ynys Llanfihangel walk - 18th July

Whether it was the novelty of a Monday walk or the forecast of a rainy day just nine of us gathered at Talsarnau for a walk in somewhat new country. Four days before a tee shirt and shorts were the order of the day, today it was waterproofs. However, we had a dry start to the walk, passing Talsarnau Railway Station en route to the coast. Following the coast south, with Portmeirion seemingly within reach, in days gone by we would have needed a boat to reach Ynys Llanfihangel, but now paths provide more simple access down the estuary. Parts of the church nestling in woods above the village of Ynys were here a century before the building of nearby Harlech Castle and thanks to the local Canon we were able to have a look inside. A rather damp lunch in the woods was followed by a nice dry spell as we followed the coast, looking over the sea to Lleyn, before completing a circle of the 'island'. After following a riverside path inland the ascent through Black Wood soon led to the fine little ridge above Talsarnau, and here the views were appreciated by everyone. With a good path dropping down into the centre of Talsarnau this is an nice 8 mile walk which can be followed on the OL 18 1:25,000 map, so if you missed it this time, why not give it a go.

Dave