09/01/22 - Criccieth - Coast and River walk from the Prince of Wales

Distance - 6.5 Miles

Geocaches - 2

Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in North Wales - Walk 24

The guide book was written in 1994. In a break from the norm, the pub is not only still trading but scores highly on Tripadvisor for their Sunday lunches. Booking is advised. They answer queries via social media. 

All the planets are unexpectedly aligning.

A fine walk - a glorious section of coast - with the Snowdonian mountains providing a constant backdrop - followed by in-land walking along the Dwyfor River, up to Pont Rhyd-y-benllig.  Less said about the muddy descent back to town, the better.

Following the Welsh Coast Path

For views like this

Variety provided by rambling inland up the River Dwyfor

The view of the ruined castle, perched on a mound and dominating the surroundings, greets our arrival back in town.

The unobstructed view from the coast path

Mrs M is not such a great lover of "piles of old rocks", but she does love lunch.  15 minutes early for our booked table. We needn't have worried about availability. This is a out of season, seaside town on the first weekend of the horrowshow that is dryjanuary.

Prince of Wales, Criccieth

Always a pleasure to read the blurb from a mid-nineties pub guide. Highlights of this listing;

• The only Whitbread Pub in the chain closed on a Sunday
• Local licencing laws decree that Sunday is a Dry Day
• Beers Available;
• Winter Royal - 5.5%
• Castle Eden - 4.8%
• Boddingtons - 3.8%
• Trophy Bitter, Welsh Bitter, Special Mild at unlisted ABVs

Today, its just the one real ale - Purlple Moose Snowdonia Ale. This is the second time I'd tried this on our North Wales visit and the second time it was a poor example. I'm sure there is a good pint trying to escape. Maybe I should have headed to Porthmadog's Australia - the tap room for the brewery.

Untappd Checkins show crystal clear Goldens.  I get murk.