Machynlleth to Tre Taliesin – Wales Coast Path

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…I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more..

I love that song by the Proclaimers, and that was our goal today to complete the Ceredigion stage of the Wales Coast Path and reach the 500 milestone.

This walk does not go anywhere near the coast, crossing the Dyfi estuary it takes you well inland, through backlanes, coniferous forest and ancient woodlands, with some first class views over the Dyfi estuary.

We were a bit apprehensive as we had been told that the route was not clearly signposted, and we had forgotten our map book!

Our fears were misplaced, there were only two places where we were slightly unsure, otherwise clear signposting with white top posts guiding us clearly through large fields.

We left the car park at Plas Machynlleth and almost immediately turned off to the right, Glyndwr Way and the Wales Coast Path run parallel at this stage. Up the well trodden “Roman Steps”, the first of our many ascents on this walk.

There are numerous twists and turns on this route, and I am not intending to recount every one, but did note some key landmarks

We diverge from Glyndwr Way down a leafy lane, through a field, onto a road towards Garthgwynion, continuing through the woodland of Llyfnant Valley.

Pass a house called Felin Llyfnant onto a road, cross a bridge and then left at a junction – you are now into Ceredigion.

When you reach a cluster of buildings, you have reached the aptly named Caerhedyn. Good dual use of bridleways for walking and riding along this stretch. We thankfully skirt Craig Caerhedyn, and start getting tantalising glimpses of the Dyfi estuary, before being exposed to the full view from Aberdovey across to Ynys Las and Borth in the far distance.

Dry stone walls, horses grazing on Foel Fawr, the bracken covered hillside turning brown as autumn approaches; onwards towards Cwm Einon otherwise known as Artists Valley so called after the 19th century artists who made their way here.

I vaguely remember that Led Zeppelin lived in a farmhouse in Artists Valley and wrote Stairway to Heaven. Deep green Moss and lichen here hug the trees, and the white frothy crystal clear water reminds me of a line from the song…… “In the tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings”. They could have been standing right here, when inspiration struck. (I do let my imagination run away with me at times)

From Cwm Einon there is road and track then meandering through several fields neatly guided by white topped signposts, before heading down to the main road at Tre’r Ddol then through the village to Tre Taliesin.

Finally, 508.5 miles in total to date.


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