Port Penrhyn, Its Railways and Rivers 16thJanuary 2016

Looking across the bay to Port Penrhyn.

Port Penrhyn.

Some of the larger fishing boats at Port Penrhyn.

You wouldn't guess from the outside that this was once the port's super loo, flushed by the sea!

Snow capped hill on the skyline.

In deep thought?

Our view of Penrhyn Castle.

The Afon Ogwen.

A weir across the Afon Ogwen from the footbridge near Felin Cochwillan.

Walks stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 457'.

Time: 5 hours 39 minutes. On the move walking average: Martyn, Roger and Mike.

The weather forecast was good, dry but cold and hopefully good views of the snow covered peaks of the Carneddau. Unfortunately the forecasters got it wrong and we had gentle drizzle for most of the day. Thankfully it did stop as we arrived back at the car at the end of the walk.  However it wasn't to cold and we were walking in sheltered wooded valleys at times when it was raining.

 We started the walk by exploring Port Penrhyn, having been informed by a local walker of this super loo flushed by the incoming tide. We felt compelled to locate it, even if it is no longer in use.

 The next part of the walk was along old railway line following Afon Cegin, a gentle stroll, just right for Mike after his forced absence from Saturday walks.

 As in the past we encountered a few problems with kissing gates, obviously built for thin people not wearing rucksacks. When Mike and Roger had to remove their rucksacks to get through, it's not my physique that was the problem!

 Lunch was taken near to one of these kissing gates, taking advantage of the fact that we had the need to remove our ruckacks anyway.

 In contrast to the tarmaced path at the start of the walk, the second part of the walk involved us crossing several muddy fields and regretting the fact that we hadn't put gaiters on!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Shelduck, Mallard, Mute swan, Wigeon. Goldeneye, Grey heron, Red breasted merganser, European robin, Common blackbird and Chaffinch.

 Overall a good walk, slightly longer than we had anticipated and with legs feeling the consequences.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where we encountered lying snow still in the car park. A light beer from the local Hafod brewery went down well.