Day 02: Bodfari to Llangynhafal

I think the stand-out today has to be WIND and HILLS. Hiking along the ridge of the Clwydian Range. A strong wind from the west. A wind that blew my hiking poles away. And no trees for shelter. Luckily the rain stayed away otherwise we would have been in trouble. Hills - they don’t seem to do contours much here. Just go straight up then down the other side.

Having said that, the valleys were charming- quaint towns and farm houses and sheep. It’s like one big sheep paddock, really. Forests and natural vegetation cleared for grazing. Though it seems there is an effort to reestablish trees and some natural vegetation for the benefit of the wildlife.

Actually , the real highlight today is the hamlet of Llangynhafal, pronounced “Sand and Gravel” and the Red Lion Inn, where we are staying. Built in 1790 or so. Became a pub in 1820 or so. Bryan and Sue run it now. Bryan loves a chat and pouring Guinness, which does very well and sometimes has some Guinness while doing this. Having walked all day, it is nice to be able to walk down one flight of stairs and have Brian waiting beside the Guinness tap.

Perhaps we will have Welsh language lesson in the next day or so - once I get the phonetics sorted.

Stats today: Distance 12.8 km, 4.3 hours; Altitude gain 791 m; Average HR 85. That is a lot of UP over a relatively short distance.

Bird highlights: redstart, willow warbler, meadow pipit. Though we may have not met these birds before, they are endemic to the area.Read more