Caernarfon re-visited

When you have devised a lovely route, it is worth repeating; and when said route is far away, so on unfamiliar lanes and takes you into the heart of Snowdonia, then it has to be done.

Back by popular demand - and certainly it was popular as nearly twenty of us gathered in the car park in Caernarfon.  Selfie stick at the ready!

First stop, under the shadow of the impressive castle, is the toilet stop.

Then we head out past the station (or Gorsef, as noted on the sign in this picture) to pick up the old railway line now known as Lon Eifion. 

This pretty ex-railway line runs alongside the Welsh Highland Railway, small trains from which can be spotted en route to Beddgellert.














We passed again through the rough track past the farm, still sporting several fine peacocks.

Soon we were heading alongside Llyn Cwellyn, past Snowdon Ranger youth hostel and station, with views to Snowdon on our left.  Then the still marvellous descent of a few miles into Bedgellert.  







We had not been able to stop at the wee dutch pancake cafe this year, as there were too many of us; so I stocked up with a pie from the newsagents in Beddgellert whilst we waited for a few of the gang to turn up (there had been a mechanical query at the top of the hill).

The descent along the B4418 from Bedgellert is absolute joy.  It drops gently but enbough to pick up a decent speed, alongside the river and deep cuttings.  It is hard to capture on photos!  Just as hard as the slowly emerging purple heather, just coming out in late August.



(if you click on any picture, you can see them all full screen)

We did finally stop for a long break at a new fisheries, with a splendid cafe - Caffi Cedron, and a selection of lakes, which look like they are from the old mine workings.









It was then too close to also stop at Criccieth, but a photo overlooking the town and prominent castle is a must!

A view of another fabulous descent - although busy at the bottom, so does not afford the momentum needed to climb back up past the castle!

Queuing for a cuppa

Bike parking

After the road climbs out of the back of Criccieth, it undulates and winds across the armpit of the Lleyn Penninsular, parallel to route 8 until we join it again and re-group at Inigo Jones, cafe and slateworks.

The end of the line

The final approach to Caernarfon is the most dramatic, the lane turns sharp right opposite Caernarfon airport (yes, there is!) it follows the course of the Menai Straits for a few miles, before another swing to the right to come face to face with the castle in all it's glory.  I think the tide was in more last year, but we stopped for a few photos (could not gather everyone together)

Turning the final corner

In order to take a selfie, you need to take a test shot (with a large group) to check it
includes everyone.  Hence the funny face.  Then everyone scarpered...

...except Me, Dave and Nosheen!










The end of the ride - but not the end of the night!

After returning to the car park, some bid farewell, and the rest either changed, parked bikes in cars (or both) and we re-convened at the Black Boy for a few drinks before heading to the curry house!  Too many (and some very bad) photos to feature here!