Llyn Idwal and Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula

Wednesday 17th May 2023

After breakfast I set off from Panoramic Walk and headed west into Snowdonia National Park.

I've wanted to do a walk up to Llyn Idwal for some time after seeing it featured on a TV program, I can't remember which one, maybe Countryfile ?

Anyway, it's a lovely setting, parking is on the A5 opposite Llyn Ogwen and the path up to Llyn Idwal starts at a small visitor center.

It's quite an easy walk up on a path made from boulders, but you do need to watch where your feet are going as it's quite uneven in places.

The effort is well rewarded though at the top. 

The lake, oops, Llyn sits in a crescent of surrounding rocks faces and there is a path doing a circular route around the Llyn.

There are spectacular views all around, this is indeed a very special place. 

There's even a nice gravel beach and some hardy fools were taking a swim.

Rather them than me, even Louis only had a quick paddle and drink of water before emerging looking rather chilled.

 Llyn Idwal

After something to eat, I set off for another old favorite, Porthdinllaen on the Llyn Peninsula and somewhere I never tire of visiting.

I'm parked up overlooking the bay and we had a walk along the beach after tea.

Tomorrow I plan to walk to the lighthouse on the headland where it's sometimes possible to see grey seals on the rocks if you're lucky.

A view from the carpark across the Porthdinllaen bay

The wild flowers on the coastal path are amazing at this time of year

The Lichens are pretty good too !

Thrift I believe this pink flower is called, there were also lots of Common Blue butterflies but sadly they were camera shy and defeated all attempts to photograph them

Louis seal watching

it's down there somewhere . . . . .

a close up by zooming in

Still at Porthore

 Saturday 20th May 2023

Still at Porthore

I had thought of moving on today, probably somewhere in the direction of home, Harlech maybe ? 

There's a nice castle, lit up at night, and convenient motorhome parking at the leisure centre close to the castle.

But I took a morning walk along the coastal path and wow, it's a really beautiful day. Hardly a puff of wind, blue skies, warm sunshine and that irresistible view across the sea.

So that settled it, I'd stay another night at Porthore and get the kayak out to dip my paddles for the first time this year.

It's a bit of a steep hill down to the beach and I'll have to drop the kayak back up which is a pain, but I've got some wheels I can attach to hopefully make it a little easier.

All was going well. . . . . until I became aware the kayak was feeling a bit floppy, quick, call the coast guard !

No, thankfully it wasn't necessary, but it was apparent the center floor section was deflating.

I felt confident the two side sections would be enough to keep us afloat and avoid a Titanic moment.

But it did take a bit of the enjoyment out of the occasion.

I managed to still get a good way up the coast, then back and up the other way for a short distance.

Then a leisurely idle in the bay, bobbing up and down on the water.

Louis quite oblivious to the deflating kayak drama.

Getting the kayak up the was not too bad either, despite dodgy knees.

The afternoon was spent leisurely sitting in the sun, knapping and wondering where the puncture is as there is nothing visible.

For tea I finished off the chicken arribatta I made yesterday, astonishing myself on how good it tasted.

Tomorrow, I'll head home in the morning, leaving here about 0900 I think.

I love how this rock has layers that curve around with a cave in the centre

Louis oblivious to that sinking feeling

I can sit all day and admire the coastal scenery here

How about that ? a private little island

A seat with a view

Back home and I found the puncture in my kayak, a tiny hole in the bottom. 

No idea how it happened, but it's repaired now