It has a pretty high street with some interesting shops, also a few nice cafes, and places to eat out, and a well stocked supermarket. It has a fine beach, with golden sands. Behind Barmouth, the hills rise steeply, and we had several walks just starting through the lovely roads with interesting old stone built cottages, leading to the first land donated to the National Trust by local philanthropist Fanny Talbot. The story was on the DVD, and 'Dinas Oleu' of Cliff of Light is a real gem of a place.
If there was to be one walk out of all the lovely walks we did it would be the Panorama Walk that would be worth while doing if you were there for just a day. Here is Mr S enjoying a well earned rest.
The walk is very varied, passing along flowering banks, through lush mixed but mainly oak woods, and all along have the most wonderful views.
With a regular train service along the coast, we did not move the car once, and used the train to enjoy together the views on our journey to Harlech: the village, although small, and the Castle, were interesting, but with a very steep walk required to reach it from the railway station. By the end of the holiday we were walking very strongly!
Our flat was on the Main Road, above shops, but accessed from the rear where it was at ground level. I loved sitting on the large window bay widow seat, either working on my knitting project, or just looking up at the hills or at the railway bridge across the estuary.
It was very good in every way, except that all the other businesses parked their big smelly bins along the footpath. Sometimes we had to weave our way through them! In general I am starting to find dustbins lining pavements, and seldom moved to 'hidden' areas a real eyesore as in Barmouth and other small country villages, and towns. Even where there are back gardens, where these big bins can be parked, I am finding more and more people are getting just too lazy, and feel that a few feet from the front door is the place to keep them!
We watched a very interesting DVD all about Barmouth its history and how it evolved, which encouraged us to walk someway up and away, up to a disused Hill Farm.
The sheep were still up there, trying to find somewhere cool and shaded. Another interesting stop is the little Museum and the Sailor's Institute which reminded us on the one in Southwold.
In the evening we would walk out along the beach, sometimes sitting at the end of the quay watching the tides coming in or out, and ambling on the deserted beach. They really do need to do some serious litter picking though!
We crossed the Bridge across the Mawddach Estuary five times on foot....sometimes we stopped to bird watch, or gaze at the tides and river flowing beneath our feet. The salt marshes were covered with thrift in flower.
We walked over to Fairbourne and enjoyed stopping at the golf-course for refreshments, where we were made most welcome, and afterwards were sure to point other walkers to the Clubhouse. Everything was cooked to order, and delicious cakes and desserts made on the premises.
You may ask why five times across the bridge? On one day, we took the small ferry one way to the sand dunes on the Fairbourne side. Mr S had to walk the plank rather quickly as the tide was rising fast.
It took us quite some time walking along the beach..well we had to sit and admire the views, and then I was looking at the flora and fauna....and after that no more pictures...as I dropped the camera on a large boulder....but I was really happy that I managed to download them from the memory card.
On one of our walks we found what would probably be the best situated holiday retreat:
with direct views on the Clock House.
That maybe be the place for our next visit to Barmouth. We are sure to return to this lovely area.
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