Harlech - Coast and Heritage
11 people attending
9 places left
Harlech sits in Eryri National Park, and offers some enticing coastline backed by mountain ranges and an awesome castle. It is also a very LGBTQ friendly town. This walk delivers some stunning views and begins along some of the beautiful unspoilt 4 mile long expanse of Harlech beach - frequently voted one of the best in the UK and beyond. Then, after rising a few hundred steps on a zig zag path we will reach a jaw dropping viewpoint before continuing on the Wales Coastal path to Llandanwg, another award winning beach with the very tidal Pensarn harbour separating it from a wild land called Mocras, also known as Shell Island. We will follow the Arfon Artro inland a bit admiring the backdrop of the Rhinog Mountains, and then uphill to optionally visit the Llanfair Slate Caverns (£9 admission fee, alternative - cafe), before continuing though the ancient farmsteads and rough mountainside pastures back to Harlech, all the while taking in the seascapes across to the Lleyn peninsular. In Harlech there's a couple of great viewpoints, and for those that wish, a visit to the Castle (last admission 5.30), is £9.50, Finally the road back to the car park happens to be the steepest hill in the world, but don't worry, you'll be going downhill!
This is the 1st of two events in the area this weekend, the second can be found at this link rhinog-mountains-moel-geodog-and-bryn-cader-faner
If you fancy making a weekend of it there are places to stay in Harlech, e.g. Harlech house is a newly refurbished friendly pub or for camping Merthyr Farm is suggested, being walking distance to the start of Sunday's walk (Not Harlech itself)
All photos: AndyM, event leader.
Bad Weather This event may be altered or cancelled if persistent heavy rain is forecast - you will be notified by at least 18:00 hours the night before in this case
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but please note the following:
This route passes through areas with livestock. Your dog needs to be well behaved or on a lead, and it must not affect other member's enjoyment of the event. Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group and be small enough to be lifted over two stone walls with steps (see image).
Are you new to Outdoorlads and considering your first event?
- Have a look at this link, hopefully it will help, also please be sure to fill in the participation statement.
https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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What to bring
Water: bring at least one litre in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended on this walk.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold if it rains, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. If its warm, shorts are a good bet
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: look after your eyes!
Sun cream: UV levels are very high at this time of year on mountains
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch:see food and drink
Food & drink
You'll need some lunch with you, and plenty of water. There's a premier grocers near the starting point and we will pass by a cafe after an hour or so; however stopping to obtain made to order food will hold up everyone. Later on we pass the Slate Caverns which also have a cafe. There will be time here to look around the caverns (there's 9 of them) or have refreshments, but not both.