Reviews

Barmouth (Abermaw) and the Mawddach estuary, with its surrounding hills and mountains is one of the most beautiful areas in Wales. Lying within the Snowdonia National Park, its stunning scenery has attracted many famous travellers and writers, with Wordsworth describing the estuary as sublime. By the early 19thC, Barmouth, then a thriving port with many shipyards operating along the estuary, was also emerging as a holiday resort as sea-bathing became fashionable. The arrival of the railway in 1867 across the magnificent railway viaduct, whilst precipitating the decline in the shipping industry, brought in many more visitors, drawn by sand, sea, the curative powers of scurvy grass, and the mountainous hinterland. Barmouth rapidly developed into an important Victorian sea-side resort.

Across the mouth of the estuary lies Fairbourne with its famous narrow gauge steam railway. Inland, the wooded slopes above the estuary rise north to the foothills of the Rhinogs, and south to the Cadair Idris range. These upland areas are crossed by important ancient trackways and are rich in pre-historic sites and monuments, including hillforts, standing stones and burial chambers. They also contain slate quarries, manganese workings and the famous gold-mines above Bontddu.

The 26 circular walks in this fully revised new edition comprehensively explore the areas coast, estuary, hills, and upland valleys, as well as its fascinating history, using the network of good paths, ancient green upland roads, tramways and the former railway line, now the Mawddach Trail, running along the estuary. They offer superb views and pass many sites of historical interest. Most are accessible by public transport.

The routes, which range from an easy 1 mile woodland walk to a exhilarating 10 mile upland circuit, are well within the capability of most people.
*Kittiwake*