Snowdonia Way - Day 8

Llyn Ogwen to Conwy - 16 miles

It was one of the best nights of my trip, no wind, no people, relaxing river noise, and a lot of stars to look at. I was up, as some would call it, an ungodly hour by 4.30 am, to get ready for the day ahead and ensure I would catch my train in exactly 12 hours. After attempting to take a few pictures of the stars, without success, I set off at 6 am. The sounds were completely different at this time of the day but not in a spooky way, more in a calm and peaceful way. I knew the day ahead entailed 2 steep mountains, which I usually enjoy, but my dear God and Fairies I didn't count on the wind speed. It was one of the most difficult 2 miles I have ever had to walk which required all my layers and a lot of grunting. I literally had to stop every 30 feet to turn around and breathe as the wind was in my face with a vengeance, it was brutal. Just as I reached the top and turned away from the wind, the sun came out and I was bouncing ... until I noticed the steep climb down 😁 heyho, at least it wasn't boring. In Llanfairfechan a lovely local walking her dogs taught me a couple of Welsh words, but only nice ones of course ...that I’ll be practicing for a lifetime, and beyond, to remember. The next stage, of course, was another hill climb but this one was less painful and more scenic. The view opened almost suddenly to the moorlands and the sea, it was breathtaking. I was very aware of my deadline, so I only had two small breaks and a bigger one at mile 10 and hour 6 hours into my journey. Saying that all my 'picture' breaks are the ones that take up most of my time but there was no way I was giving those up, I've been nicknamed 'Google Street View' for a reason 😂. I'm not sure why but I kept thinking I'm only an hour away .... but the hills kept coming and the views kept changing .... and there was no castle in sight. Another lovely local couple chatted me up as we kept running into each other (me on the scenic route / them on the zig-zag and up-down route) and they told me I wasn't far away. At exactly 2.30 pm the very pretty Conwy castle appeared like a mirage and the view followed me almost all the way down to town. To make the end of the journey a nice experience the route went along the banks of Afon Conwy before the castle came into view.

I HAVE DONE IT 😁 I walked 111 miles in 8 days, with some challenging paths, brilliant weather, and absolutely unforgettable and stunning scenery. What a journey / what an adventure. I recommend it to anyone who is able and willing 😀