Mawddach Way Part 2

Following on from our Mawddach Way Part 1 walk earlier in the year, today we tackle the second part of this 31 mile route, passing numerous sites of historical interest. We start from Penmaenpool, crossing the toll bridge over the Afon Mawddach to the village of Taicynhaeaf.  Following old mining tracks we climb to the slopes of Foel Ispri (Hill of Spirits), continuing under the flanks of Y Garn and into Cwm yr Wnin. From here we head towards Hafod Y Fedw (summer dwelling of the silver birches) before descending across the steep hillside above of the Mawddach, taking a path once used by the monks of Cymer Abbey to access their summer pastures.  At the confluence of the Mawddach and Wnion we reach Llanelltyd, named after the church founded in the 7th century by St Illtyd. We then cross a 15th century bridge, passing Cymer Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian foundation granted a charter by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From here we walk to Dolgellau crossing Bont Fawr, built in 1638, to traverse Cae Marian where cattle were once shod before commencing the long journey to markets in England. We then follow the estuary along the Mawddach trail back to Penmaenpool.