The 46ers add 37

North Wales Coastal Path

Last Year a group of young oldies from Audlem (totalling over 700 years in age) walked the Thames Path across London – some 46 miles, thus naming themselves the 46ers. This year they sought to add 37 miles to this by walking sections of the North Wales Coastal Path. This is a report by Pat Smith.

The last week in September found ten friends from Audlem setting off for a six day break, walking from Rhos on Sea to Bangor along the North Wales Coast Path, a distance of some 37 miles – see details later.

Day 1
We left early on Sunday morning and rendezvoused at The Empire Hotel in Llandudno, our comfortable home for the next five nights. After a short break for coffee we boarded a local bus (the first of many) to Rhos on Sea, from where we started our coastal walk. The weather was kind to us today, sunny but very breezy.

Some entertaining map-reading took us on a very picturesque route around the Little Orme, eventually dropping down to the coast with a wonderful view of the bay with Llandudno pier at the far end – a seemingly impossible destination with tired legs, but plenty of lively chatter and good pace got us there despite the strong wind in our faces. Distance walked today approx. 6 miles.

Day 2
Day two found us refreshed ready for an early start walking round the Great Orme. The weather was not so kind today, rather grey and drizzly, but nothing could spoil the fabulous views from this coastal path, with the sea on one side and handsome mountain goats providing entertainment on the inland side.

A cup of coffee at the highest point was well deserved and set us up for the rest of the 9 mile walk, rather flatter by now but stunning views passing Deganwy and all the boats in the harbour with Conwy Castle always in the distance and our destination for today. The sun was out by now so the scenery at its best. After lunch and a short tour of Conwy we were back on a local bus back to Llandudno. Distance walked today approximately 9 miles.

Day 3
Day three saw us back on a local bus to Llanfairfechan, walking from there the short distance to Penmaenmawr and then back on the coastal path towards Conwy. It should be noted that today's walk is in reverse for one reason or another, but this turned out to be a very good decision as it meant the wind was always behind us and we were always walking towards the wonderful view again of Conwy Castle.

We had thought this would be our least scenic day as a large part of the route was along the A55, but in fact the coastal path was excellent with only the sound of the traffic above. Apart from the wind the weather was kind to us and even tempted one of our number to have a paddle (well, there's always one, isn't there).

Approaching Conwy from this direction we came upon the marina where we had a delicious late lunch in the stunning setting of the Mulberry in glorious sunshine. Distance walked today approx. 9 miles.

Day 4
Day four was our last day of walking as we had made good progress on previous days but this was to be our longest stretch. Local bus again to Llanfairfechan where we should have finished yesterday. A short stroll to the coastal path, again very varied and attractive, and our map reading skills were put to the test today, having agreed to meet one of our group part way.

Part of the walk was around the grounds of Penrhyn Castle. Nowhere on this route for coffee or lunch so we were glad to arrive in Bangor for a quick walk along the pier and back on the bus to Llandudno. Distance walked today approx. 12 miles.

All the distances covered were approximate as no two pedometers or map references agreed completely!!

Not all the group did all the walks but we had chosen an hotel in Llandudno for our base as there was plenty to do locally for those not walking on any given day. In fact we all had a spare day on the Thursday as we had completed our planned route, so we were all able to fit in some optional extras including a visit to Aber Falls, Penrhyn Castle, the tram to top of Great Orme and Bodnant Gardens.

A great time was had by all. Photos of walk and wildlife are by Mike Smith.

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