Ynyslas at Last!

 

Fortified by veggie hash breakfast at Sophie's cafe, topped with slabs of halloumi that could have been carved direct from the Acropolis, we embarked on the final push of our Ceredigion coastpath adventure. 12 miles along rugged clifftops, passing Borth, and finishing at the dunes of Ynyslas. All very Tolkien sounding.

Em had done a full body audit this morning, and pronounced every part to be in need of WD40. Ligaments and sinews loosened up after a few strides, though, especially as the funicular was not running and we had to conquer Constitution Hill without mechanical assistance. Em would argue that my puritanical streak would never have countenanced this cheat code anyway. The view back to Aberystwyth and coastline that we had travelled yesterday was spectacular. 

The next couple of hours were full of puff and exertion, but good going. The up and down variety really puts your legs through a proper muscular workout. The sun gradually broke through and warmed the air, though it remained hazy and humid. We were conscious that other parts of the country have been enduring floods and pestilence, while we continue our lucky streak.

We descended to Borth beach for a quick cooling dip in the sea, and fetched up takeaway fish and chips to regenerate our engines. It is not a postcard seaside resort, but does have the merit of being relatively unspoilt. We also sighted another dolphin, for the record.

The hardest yards were in the final straight, a relentless onslaught through mile upon mile of flat reed beds, as we circumvented the busy coastal road and rocky shoreline, to reach the broad expansive strand of Ynylas and our tour end destination.

The local 512 bus runs every 3 hours, so we were grateful to time our boarding to get back to Aberystwyth by late afternoon. Footsore, weary, thirsty - and happy. The other 3 dwarves didn't make it.

We have dined out exceptionally well on  this trip, and tonight was no exception. Medina is an Italian restaurant that turns out scrumptious Neapolitan pizzas and the creamiest panna cotta. 

Stretching our postprandial legs on the promenade also allowed us to experience an increasingly vibrant and buzzing Friday evening in Aberystwyth, with people out swimming and paddle boarding, BBQs lit on the beach and banging tunes from the DJ on the pier.

Joff x