Mawddach Way part 2

Starting at Penmaenpool we cross the Mawddach (for which a toll fee may be requested) to the village of Taicynhaeaf.  Following old mining tracks through woods and fir plantations we climb to the slopes of Foel Ispri (Hill of Spirits). Passing Hafod Y Fedw (summer dwelling of the silver birches) we descend through the steep valley of the Mawddach taking the 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 the 15th century bridge, passing Cymer Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian foundation, granted a charter by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Slightly further on from Cymer Abbey we join the joint cycle/walking path to the Blue Bridge Car Park. We then follow the estuary along the Mawddach trail back to Penmaenpool.