Ralph Waldo Emerson

A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo.

Even a bicycle goes too fast.

Paul Scott Mowrer

Inclement weather had set in for the day, so after breakfast we decided not retrace our steps to find the Torrent Walk. Instead we tried to locate a lake we stopped off at on our previous stay in  Tyn’ Y Cornel Hotel many years ago.

We failed on that mission too. Note to myself, I should have made a written down the name of the lake (Creggenan as noted on the photograph I took) so that Mr C could find it and navigate us there. He had no memory of the lake visit and I was sketchy on where the lake was.

We stopped off at the Alternative Technology Centre which seemed quiet, only to find that we could only enter if we had booked in advance. We continued on our journey stopping off at a retail outlet for a cup of tea. It was quite frantic with people more intent on shopping than social distancing. I could’t wait to get out of the place. Whilst not quite enjoying our morning tea we checked to see if tickets were available to visit the nearby Powys Castle. There was a strange message ‘Ticket Sales Ended’. I found out later that to visit a National Trust property you have to pre-book your ticket before 3pm on the previous day!

As a spontaneous kind of girl I am not likely to be visiting a National Trust property any time soon!
Our lunch stop was even more chaotic, but eventually we got a seat.

When we arrived home I found that a book I had ordered the day before we embarked on our travels was hidden underneath our doormat. I ordered ‘Pilgrim Places’ to celebrate achieving 600 miles in my #walk1000miles challenge.

This was our first excursion since York in February. It was lovely to be out and about on an adventure after such a long time.

We enjoyed breakfast looking out over the lake.  Due to current restrictions there was no buffet table and all food is brought to the table.  I opted for pancakes with fruit compote.

After breakfast, we tried to find a waterfall walk called the Torrent Walk that we had seen in the hotel’s information folder. The start of the walk was not signposted and we could not find it so we visited Dolgellau thinking we might be able to find a leaflet about the walk.  We gave up on trying to find the information because that trail also fell cold.

By now it was time for a mid morning cuppa. We found a cafe with outdoor seating where I enjoyed a glass of elderflower presse in the morning sunshine whilst watching the world go by. Afterwards, we tracked down a walking book that had the walk in it but decided to leave the walk until the next day.

Instead, we drove to Tywyn and walked along the seafront stopping at Pebbles Cafe for lunch.

Then we returned to the hotel to retrace the walk from our last visit in 1997. I had the leaflet with the information for this one but Mr C said he could remember the walk and we wouldn’t need it. We didn’t quite find the route up the hill because we didn’t go quite far enough along the path. Instead we enjoyed a different walk along the lake electing not to walk all the way round as this would take us onto a busy road. Instead. we retraced our steps and viewed the lake from the opposite direction.

We went back to our room and enjoyed an hour or so sitting on the terrace reading until it was time for dinner.

After dinner, we returned to our room to enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace whilst listening to owls hooting. The weather had other ideas, it started to spit with rain so we beat a hasty retreat indoors.

I was full of anticipation for our first vacation since lock down, especially as I was driving.

We set off a little late and Mr C was in charge of the route planning! Due to setting off later than planned Mr C suggested lunch in the Ludlow Food Centre. Lunch was delicious, however it added 2 hours to our journey time.

At one point in the extended journey, my SatNav turned us onto a small farm track. If I had been in the car on my own I would probably not have turned into it, and if I had I would have turned round and followed the main road until the SatNav sorted itself out. The road turned out to be the most rustic of country lanes; one car width, barely surfaced and steep uphill.

When we arrived at the hotel and checked in we were told about the Welsh lockdown rules and that the room would not be serviced during our stay. The room was fabulous with ever-changing views of the light casting shadows over the lake. The champagne that Mr C had ordered had not arrived so he had chase it up.

When we arrived for dinner, we were directed to the table that would be ours for the duration of our stay. The table had the same aspect as our room, looking out over the lake and hills. After dinner we stayed at the table enjoying the view and the rest of the wine.

I recently had a mini break in the Ty’n Y Cornel Hotel  which is situated next to Lake Tal Y Lllyn. Whilst there I completed my ‘Thank You Rainbow 5k walk challenge.

The medal symbolizes the spirit of the recent lock down.

Just before my mini adventure I reached 600 miles in my #Walk100Miles challenge. The night before we set off on our travels I ordered ‘Britain’s Pilgrim Places’ as my reward. When I arrived home I was surprised to find it tucked under my doormat waiting for me.

The book inspires me to explore new places.