A Walk from Pontrhydygroes.

The day started off grey and wet, eventually cleared up and didn't begin raining again until I was driving home from the walk.

Our walk today was from the village of Pontrhydygroes, about 15 minutes drive further on from Devil's Bridge. I should really set up the dash cam because it was a lovely drive through forests and around mountains. Much nicer than the alternative route which would have taken me through Aberystwyth.

The meet up email said to park by the waterwheel which was moved here in 2010 to the location of the original waterwheel that powered the mine. You can read more of the history here

The village lies close to the River Ystwyth (which gives its name to Aberystwyth) that runs through a steep gorge.

We made our way down steps to a small wooden bridge crossing the river.

We then follwed the river downstream working our way through the woods that line the side of the gorge. To show the size of the trees that's our leader walking ahead.

We stopped there for an early lunch as it gave us a great view of the river far below us.

A bit further on we came across a short fence with a warning sign,

And did we heed the warning? Of course not, one chap jumped over the fence while three of us women simply walked around the side of the fence to get a closer view of the gorge. Apart from the obviously rotten fallen tree we were concerned that the cliff might be undercut so stayed well away from the edge.

More trees,

until we came to this lovely garden of a house that was hidden behind more trees.

Lower down we crossed the river again. Although looking peaceful now the high banks of gravel point to the power of the river when it's in full spate.

We walked back through yet more trees to the village where some of us stopped for tea and coffee at the Tea Shed. 

This is a community space with a kitchen at one end and behind me sofas and comfy chairs and a low stage. A more homely version of a village hall. Anyone is welcome to come in and make themselves a drink for a donation and because the lady who runs it knew we were coming there were also cakes. I had a slice of the enormous sponge cake with raspberries and fresh cream and took home a slice of still warm blackberry and apple pie for Peter. The space is used for all sorts of activities or you can just come in and read a book. A good place to know about. The sun was still shining at this point so we sat outside to carry on chatting. It was only when I drove off that it began to rain once more. 

Last night I made an attempt to watch the Perseids but to no avail. I looked out at midnight but could only see a couple of stars between the clouds, then it rained and when I checked again a couple of hours later the sky was completely overcast. What is quite galling is that one of our group, who lives in Aber saw loads of meteors ....... at around 11.30. It's raining again as I type so that's it for another year.