Water, Water Everywhere.

We had thunderous rain overnight and while nothing like as heavy in the morning I did wonder if the walk would be called off. But it wasn't so I drove to Tal Y Bont to meet up with six others for what turned out to be a pleasant walk. There was a lot of road water on the way including one completely flooded section of road. I drove through the water as slowly as I dared at a steady speed so as not to suck water up the exhaust pipe. On the way home the water had receded leaving a dry strip down the middle but I was still very careful.

From our meeting point by the village green we crossed the Leri which was in full spate. The blue house is where one of our group lives (she's away at the moment). I would be very worried to see the water rising so high up the house wall.

Behind us we could see the clouds sitting low over the hills while in front the view faded into the clouds and mist.

Because everywhere was so wet our route was a mix of woodland paths and country lanes.

Just as we arrived at our lunch spot the sun began to break through the clouds.

Our destination was a small woodland which has been acquired by somebody who has turned it into a community space. There's a covered seating area, more seating outside, a compost loo, paths through the wood and a number of small shelters. The space is already being used by groups for mental, physical and social therapy.

This is where we sat to have our lunch, very civilised indeed. 

From then on the weather became better and better. Oh the joy of emerging from a shady wood into the warmth of the sun.

This stream was in full spate down the hill. 

It should have flowed straight through the fencing but a great mass of leaves and branches had dammed the way forcing the water across the footpath. Even the little gate was blocked by more leaves.

We tried to be helpful by poking at the fence with long branches to clear the leaves but as our leader climbed over the fence to get to the path on the other side a chap called out to us from his garden gate on the other side of the lane. He explained politely that if we cleared the gate the sudden gush of water would send the stream straight into his garden. Oops.

While our leader took the shorter route up through the field the rest of us went round by the road. From there we cut back into the woodland and past a ruined farm (pictures tomorrow). 

Once we emerged from the trees we had the most glorious sunny view across the bog to Borth and the sea beyond.

Eventually we made our way round the hill and back into the far side of Tal Y Bont where we could see the Leri rushing through the fields.

So after an unpromising start it turned out to be a very enjoyable walk if a bit soggy underfoot. Back home there were blue skies overhead with a sea mist blocking out everything to the north and a fluffy cloud layer over Snowdonia.