Annual Peninsula Pilgrimage

surfnslide

Sep 3

End of School Holidays? End of July? Must be time for a visit to the Llyn Peninsula.

Its been a gathering place for a little band of friends for the best part of 20 years now such that its one of the first weekends we agree a plan for. Sadly this time we only had the DBs representing TNG.

You may be thinking from those first couple of photos that we timed our visit to coincide with one of the many spells of hot and sunny weather. Whilst that first evening was gorgeously sunny, sadly the next day and a half were a complete washout. In a summer of heatwaves and droughts we camped out on a day where it rained incessantly from dawn till dusk!

Sunday afternoon improved markedly and we managed to fit in some swimming, play with SUP and a game of Kubb on the beach.

Not exactly warm and sunny, but dry at least.

The DBs enjoying the SUP although not daring to stand.

The evening light was good and we'd seen the back of the poor weather - for the most part anyway.

The cloudy weather meant we weren't treated to the usual array of superb sunsets that a NW facing coast delivers.

This wasn't bad but we are used to much better.

On Monday we decided on a coastal walk around Porth Oer - the Whistling (or more accurately, squeaking) sands. Despite the sun being out as we parked up, it began to rain as we set off and drizzled without pause for the first 30 minutes. For a time it was pretty cold and miserable and we came close to heading back.

We stuck at it, patience paid off and it stopped. The sands at Porth Oer are stunning and with waves crashing in it became a very enjoyable walk across the beach.

We found a sheltered spot for a brew and snacks before setting off back to the car.

This time we followed a much lower path close to the sea which was very impressive.

Although it did require a steep bash through the bracken to return to main coastal path.

We returned over the small hill of Mynydd Carreg where the views were better - and drier - than on the way out.

An enjoyable stroll - eventually.

We fitted in some more beach times and games before a BBQ back at the tent.

Here we are enjoying that quintessential British summer activity - a BBQ outside in the cold!

What better way to improve it than a fire.

Happy Camping!

On our last day, as ever, we found time for Carn Fadryn.

Finally the skies cleared properly and we were treated to some summer blue and sun as we lazed on the summit.

Looking towards the Rivals and Snowdonia.

Out over the campsite. The Wicklow Mountains in Ireland were clearly visible although the photo doesn't show them.

Looking over to Garn Bach and Cardigan Bay.

Wonderful colour contrasts.

To extend the walk a little we decided to climb Garn Bach. It gives good views of Carn Fadryn itself.

From here really exaggerating its isolation and modest height.

View from the top towards Snowdonia.

And out across the Irish Sea to Anglesey.

Back to the campsite for lunch and another top afternoon of swimming and beach games, then pack up say our goodbyes and the late drive home. May not have been the sunniest and driest weekend of the summer but another cracking little mini-break in this superb little corner of Wales.

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