Journeys 2025
Llŷn Peninsula with the Poetry of R.S. Thomas
Date
Friday 9th May to Friday 16th May 2025
Nights
7
Cost
£1000 single
£875 shared
Description
The Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is almost 100 miles of coastline, made up of sweeping bays and cliffs. There are wide open spaces and spectacular vistas. The soul-stirring scenery of this tethered island with a distinct Welsh identity has a crackle of Celtic mysticism.
We will experience cliff top walks, beach strolls and wildlife spotting in abundance. We will take a boat trip to Bardsey Island for seal spotting and solitude. R.S. Thomas wrote in his poem 'Pilgrimages' that Bardsey is 'an island there is no going to but in a small boat, the way the saints went'.
Our stay will be in Criccieth, a beautiful seaside resort town on Cardigan Bay, on the Southern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. Known as the 'Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia', Criccieth is an attractive Victorian seaside resort with fantastic beaches and traditional Welsh charm.
Walks and Excursions
Aberdaron
A spectacular walk over two coastal hills with stunning views over the treeless landscape of Uwchmynydd. The route follows the coast path to a tiny cove, swings inland via lanes and field paths to reach the western tip of Llŷn opposite Bardsey Island. The return is along the North Wales Coast path with stunning views. The medieval pilgrim church of St Hywyn in Aberdaron was established in 516 by Hywyn a cousin of Cadfan who built the monastery on the island of Bardsey. This was R.S. Thomas' final parish as a priest. Time will be given to explore the church and churchyard.
Abersoch
A walk along a beautiful sandy beach, followed by a circuit of an impressive rocky headland. Stone steps lead from the beach into the woodland, opening out onto a headland at the location of the Iron Man sculpture, providing views across to Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. We head through trees to reach the open hilltop and the summit. Our return journey is along paths and back to the sandy beach, where a café serves refreshments.
Porth Dinllaen
One of the loveliest seaside settlements in North Wales. The unique Ty Coch Inn perches on the edge of the beach and it is a stopping off point on our walk for refreshments. A pint on the beach anyone? Or maybe coffee? We travel on the coastal path around the headland of Trwyn Porth Dinllaen to the little cove of Aber Geirch. The route heads inland through fields and back across the golf course to our starting point at Morfa Nefyn.
Criccieth and Llanystumdwy
Our walk begins from our accommodation and heads west on the Wales Coast Path to a sandy beach at the mouth of the river Dwyfor. We go inland following the river before heading north through farmland to the village of Llanystumdwy. Here was the birthplace of Lloyd George a former Prime Minister. Our return is along country lanes. The afternoon is free to explore Criccieth, maybe the medieval castle, an ice cream from the famous Cadwaladers or stroll along the beaches.
All walks are no longer than 5 to 7miles, with minimal ascent and descent.
Excursion: Boat trip to Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island, 3 miles offshore from Aberdaron, is one of those 'thin places' where it is especially possible to feel the closeness of eternity. Travellers to Bardsey are following the path of the countless saints said to have journeyed to the island over many centuries. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period. We will see the fragmentary remains of the thirteenth century abbey of the Augustinian Canons who took over from the ancient Celtic foundation of the sixth century. Nearby a Celtic cross stands commemorating the now mostly Christian religious past and very numerous, 20,000, saints reputed to have been buried in or near the site. Watching the seals will be possible.
Free day
On our free day there are any number of possibilities to discover in this beautiful area of North Wales. A trip on the Ffestiniog railway, a journey on the longest heritage railway, 25 miles from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. A visit to Portmeirion, the enchanting Italianate style village and the setting for the 60's TV series 'The Prisoner'. Beddgelert, a delightful village with spectacular views of Snowdon, and a place of legend, culture and history, or the bustling harbour town of Porthmadog.
Our walking pilgrimage will be interspersed with the poetry of R. S. Thomas. Time will be given to worship outdoors, prayer and reflection on God's creation.
Accommodation
Glan y Mor is an impressive four storey Victorian town house, 400 metres from Criccieth Beach. The house benefits from beautiful sea and mountain views. Glan y Mor has been awarded a Visit Wales Quality Grading of 5 stars. There are 8 bedrooms, all en-suite, a mixture of 2 king- sized with adjoining bunk beds, 2 double, 2 twin bedded rooms and 1 single room. It is ideal accommodation for those able to share, single guests are also welcome. Please indicate on the form who you are sharing with. We will self-cater throughout our stay. In good pilgrimage spirit we will share the tasks of preparation of meals, cooking and washing up.
Getting there
Our accommodation address is Glan Y Mor, 27 Marine Terrace, Criccieth Gwynedd, North Wales LL52 0EL.
There is a train station at Criccieth, Porthmadog and Pwllheli.
Please arrive from 5pm on Friday 9th May.
Contact
Gill Page gill91@btopenworld.com 07866936323
Sue Peachey sue9.peachey@gmail.com 07586478848