Our first walk of the New Year was led by Edmund and Rachel. Over 40 Ramblers set off in the steady drizzle from Caernarfon Airport car park, along the road leading to the footpath behind the caravan park. We walked beside Foryd Bay and eventually came to the end of the public footpath. We then entered land belonging to Fort Belan, where we were met and welcomed by Jean Blundell, the owner, who gave us a guided tour of the Fort and its buildings. It was built in 1775 by Thomas Wynn, Constable of Caernarfon (later Lord Newborough), as a defence against unfriendly American ships entering the Menai Straits and the north Wales coast. It is now a peaceful location for holidays, short courses and other events.
After our picnic lunches in one of the Fort's houses, we continued our walk along the coast through the dunes in brighter, drier weather. The views across the sea, lit by the low winter sunlight, were beautiful. We returned to the Airport for a cup of tea at the cafe and a visit to the museum conducted by Roy, a veteran pilot , friend and member of the Meirionnydd Group.
Val Kressman