We’ve managed to squeeze some rambling in between loads of fun family time this week so thought I’d write it all into the blog.

Sunday 14th November 2021

Started the day with a splash around in the sea, as you do on chilly November mornings. Were well and truly rewarded with an amazing display of dolphins playing in front of us … as always, hard to catch on camera!

Talyllyn Railway’s steam engine was our mode of transport for the afternoon taking us on a joyful ride from our town of Tywyn, which sits on the edge of Snowdonia National Park through to Nant Gwernol, buried deep in the mountains of Abergynolwyn … as you can imagine the views were spectacular. The carriages were a little bijou so we were squeezed and cosy. When Steve had booked the ticket he had ordered a little treat of Prosecco to sup along the way. This delighted one of the guards who took to referring to us as “the alcoholics carriage” at every opportunity… and with a little chuckle asked us if we were going to the pub when we got off!!

Monday 15th November 2021

We were all up early this morning to set off on the drive to Mount Snowdon for a little amble up that legend. Weatherwise it wasn’t the best of days – low cloud and drizzle – but it didn’t deter us, we were on a mission! I had climbed Snowdon many many years ago but had forgotten just how steep it was (and we had chosen the easier route). It was fabulously scenic though despite walking in mist and cloud.

I have to confess that the final path was a ‘steep” too far for me …. it wasn’t the going up so much but the thought of coming down (I had no walking poles) in this slippery weather. I have slipped down many a coastal path and just didn’t fancy the risk. So the others trooped on up to the top and I enjoyed a slow and peaceful trek back down. And the very best thing of all was that at the base of the mountain I stumbled upon the most wonderful tea room where I was greeted by an elderly chap with such warmth … we chatted and chatted as I was the only customer and he brought me hot tea in elegant china and a plate of the most deliciously buttered bara brith. All of this in front of a roaring fire – it was like stumbling upon an oasis in the desert, I was in heaven.

But hats off to Steve, Tom, Jess, Alice and Jon who persevered to the top … sadly finding themselves shrouded in cloud so no amazing views …. but a great sense of achievement.

Tuesday 16th November 2021

So today was my birthday … and I was spoilt from the off. Cards, presents, birthday banners and a bagles/cream cheese/bacon and bucks fizz breakfast. Alice and I braved a little paddle before we headed off to Aberdovey for lunch and after a little art gallery mooch we enjoyed a first class pub lunch … more wine! Then it was home for board games, champagne and tons of giggles. Finished the day off with a takeaway Chinese meal (Tywyn seems to close down on Mondays and Tuesdays – no restaurants open) … photo session on the balcony at sunset, more fun and games – Steve and I retired to bed exhausted about 10pm while the younger ones carried on till the wee hours.

Jon missed out on the daytime festivities as he had to drive back to Manchester for a check up on his broken little finger – they were concerned that it wasn’t setting straight, and they were right. This resulted in an early appointment on Thursday morning for a break and reset …. and much bigger bandage!

Wednesday 17th November 2021

Today was our last full day in Wales and the sun was shining, it felt warm. The night before after several beverages had been consumed, Tom, Jess, Alice and Jon had set themselves the challenge to fully swim in the sea the next morning. So, true to their word, they hit the waves … and I went along for the ride too. It was FREEZING but so so exhilarating – I can recommend.

Finally the ramble itself. Feeling mighty alive after a swim and hot tub, Steve and I set off on another one of those coastal rambles. There was a bit of a bus muddle resulting in a lot of grumbling and a phone call to Tom to come and drive us to the start of our walk in Llwyngwrll.

Not far from the off we were climbing … and climbing Snowdon style! And the first half of the walk continued in this style – up up up and down down down. But my goodness the views were absolutely spectacular- it was worth every ounce of exertion. And we faced it all – muddy terrain, puddles, overhanging brambles, ladder-like styles and those precarious stepping stones – but all in all it was a splendid walk. We sat on a rock amongst the hundreds of sheep to eat our picnic lunch and just soak up the magnificent sight of the Welsh hills and attractive coastline.

Another 9 miles done and dusted …. and throughly enjoyed.

So, this week I have turned 63 … I have walked 32 miles of coastline, I got a PB at Parkrun, I climbed Mount Snowdon, I partied hard with the kids, I had a November swim in the sea … and I have pink hair. We have the best family every and we’re loving life.