NEW Up To Llawlech, Julie & Paul Sullivan

Grid Reference SH589217

Total ascent 2,178 feet (664m)

This splendid circular upland walk, new to the festival, starts by tracing the Afon Ysgethin through woodland before exploring the rough moorland above the village of Talybont on old trackways and heading up to Llawlech ridge with superb views over the coast, the Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris. From the Ysgethin Inn car park, the route follows the river to Llety Lloegr (boarding house of the English) which served drovers as they made their way to and from the Llyn Peninsula. The track passes an ancient burial chamber before heading to Pont Scethin, an arched pack-horse bridge once on the main road from Harlech to Dolgellau which carried the London to Harlech mail coach. There is then an ascent reaching the pass and following the ridge as it meanders towards Bwlch-y-Rhiwgr (Pass of the Horns). The descent includes Grade Two-listed Pont Fadog before heading back down through the woods to the Ysgethin.

Public Transport - The G23 bus at 9.33am from Barmouth gets to Tony’s Restaurant in Talybont. Return bus is at 4.14p, 5.14pm or 6.14pm.