Mappiman's Real Ale Walks: 07/07/24 - Gwesty Ty Newydd, Aberdaron

On the North Wales Pilgrim's Trail

Right at the tip of the Llyn Peninsula lies the village of Aberdaron.

Aberdaron has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Iron Age. It was an important religious site in the medieval period, serving as the last stop for pilgrims heading to Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), known as the "Island of 20,000 Saints."

Our walk is a classic coastal circular, following signs labelled the North Wales Pilgrim's Trail.

Looking back over Aberdaron

Today's route finding

Inland footpaths disappear at Porth Y Pistyll, but when the sun is shining, an extra mile won't hurt. Eventually, we are able to loop back on ourselves at the National Trust Pen Y Cil. All this, on the day where I used membership to get free parking. £5 towards the joining fee and I've not even set foot in a stately home.

Up high with the animals for the inbound return.

Meet the Boys

We find the Holy Well of Ffynnon Saint just before re-entering the village. You know the score - a Pilgrimage place with special healing properties within the water. Even as I was taking the photo, Mrs M was saying "that will be no use for your blog". And she was right. A square of water under a metal lid.

So into the pretty village, all eyes set for post walk refreshment.Tripadvisor reviews for Sunday lunch did not pass the Mrs M test. But reviews for the chippy were far more promising. If you want to know which meal is haddock and which is cod, look for the H and C on the polystyrene tub.

And there's more.... the Gwesty Ty Newydd pub is one of only a small handful in this part of the world in the Good Beer Guide. I expected a soulless hotel bar and was nearly right. Just keep moving on through for a balcony with the best pub view in Britain.