Criccieth

Yes, I know what you are thinking. Doesn't she know how to get to anywhere else!? Well you may have a point, the blog is called Navigationally Challenged for a reason! However, on this occasion it was because I wanted to take the new kit there for the first time and the weather conditions made it just perfect.

This is taken from the Castle. Me and a solitary blackbird looking down over the beach. I am finding the new kit brings so much more life to my photos and I am loving that.

The crazy thing was that although it was the hottest day of the year so far, gloriously sunny with only a balmy breeze, there was still hardly anyone around. I am making the most of that because we all know how much I dislike crowds on my hikes!
The chap above was having a great time skimming stones and he was actually quite good at it too.

I joined Cadw last year so i get to go in an assortment of Welsh Heritage sites as often as I want and I have been into the Castle a couple of times. There isn't actually a lot left of it, just a few walls, but it is worth it for the views.

This side of the town tends to get a bit neglected, but the beach is fabulous and you can walk for miles along the coastal path, but I do love the parade of beautifully colourful houses.

Now I do know that there are regular readers who only want to know about one thing on my trips to Criccieth. Nice views? Whatever. Sandy beaches? Yada yada yada. Important Welsh Heritage? Yawn! Cadwaladers? Finally, now we're getting somewhere!

Of course I had to stop for breakfast and because I haven't been for ages, a simple toasted tea cake wasn't going to cut it. So Breakfast waffle with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. Not too bad and got to be at least 2 of my 5 a day! And by heck it was lovely, and sitting in Cadwaladers looking out over the sea with the sun streaming in and warming my face, it was simply idyllic. 

Only criticism of Cadwaladers is that they have stopped doing the rhubarb and cherry cake and I do really miss that!

So, suitably refreshed, on with the walk.

There were quite a few people with dogs playing on the beach. I believe dogs are not permitted after the 1st of May so they were all probably making the most of the time they had left, and there is little else that is as joyful to watch as a dog playing in the sea, chasing a stick.

Its a fair trek to the end of the beach, and being mostly stone is a good work out for the legs, but you are rewarded with a beautifully sweeping view and if you are brave and clamber up the rocks you have just walked to, you are rewarded with a peek at somewhere very special. Black rock sands. Seen this view many times and it still takes my breath away.

Something else that takes my breath away, but for completely different reasons is this...

And this..

Marine debris is still a terrible problem at Criccieth and although groups like The Plastic Project and "2 minute beach clean" are doing a fabulous job of raising awareness, there is still an awful long way to go.

And this gentleman, standing at the end of the jetty, watching the mist rising over the sea is certainly giving this matter some thought!

Lessons Learned: If I seriously want to get back on track with my diet, don't go anywhere near a Cadwaladers!

Diet Diary: See above!