12/07/24 - Porthmadog to Borth-y-Gest

Two Ticks in a Pretty Tourist Town

For such a pretty place, Porthmadog has surprisingly few published routes available on-line. My usual haunts of Ordance Survey, Komoot and All Trails came up with an ambitious looking mountain walk. An End User generated trip to Borth-y-Gest looked right from a distance and coast line perspective.

The walk was a delight. Along the Afon Glaslyn estuary. Far ranging fews to the mountains. Borth-Y-Gest a charming little bay.

Leaving Porthmadog Harbour

The curved bay of Borth-y-Gest

Half sunken ships and mountain views

Out to see past Ynys Cyngar

Dunes, caravan parks and a long stretch of pavement walking back into the tourist town.

Porthmadog, a picturesque town in North Wales, boasts immense tourist potential due to its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. Nestled on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling, and watersports. The town is also the terminus of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, which provide scenic journeys through the stunning Welsh countryside and are a major draw for railway enthusiasts.

We, as always, head for the pub(s).

First, it's the Brewery Tap for Purple Moose. The Australia, a traditional pub dating from 1864 in the middle of the main street. Inside, it's all booths with charging points and a menu that's burger heavy.

The Australia - Purple Moose Brewery Tap

Meet the team

View from a booth - tradition and more purple than Premier Inn

Without tasting the burgers, you could do a lot worse than the deli next door. £5.50 gets you a Sunday Lunch in a bap. Not joking, beef, roasties, yorkshire pud, carrots and gravy. I vow there and then to visit more deli's. Especially deli's in Wales. 

Onwards to the Spooners - a cafe bar built into the fabric of the heritage railway. Some unusual beer choices but time it right and you can watch the steam train coming in from the outside terrace.

Heritage railway boozing

Monty's not found elsewhere in North Wales

Spooners a railway bar

Two Good Beer Guide Ticks - a fine afternoon's work.

Walk Details

Distance - 5m

Geocaches - 4

Walk Inspiration - End User generated route from Ordnance Survey Web Site