Some Nantlle Ridge with Claire and Katie

Several months ago, Claire had suggested going for a walk. And we had done so, in spite of me feeling the effects of the half marathon I had run the day before. And soon after that she would move house. I said I would love to come and admire that. But then life happened, and not much happened in that direction. Until it did. She suggested another walk, and I was well up for that. It got even better than she said she would invite our new colleague Katie as well. And her dog!

We would walk in her (and Katie’s) new area: the Nantlle Valley. Or rather; starting in the valley, and making our way up. She suggested a route that did a little bit of the Nantlle Ridge. Sounded good!

We met up at Poblado Coffi. The idea was to have a coffee first, and then set off. Unfortunately, they weren't open yet! But just we decided have a coffee at Katie's then instead, the Poblado Plodders, which seriously is a running group associated with the coffee roastery, appeared, and that made the place magically open. We had a coffee and a lovely piece of cake, and a nice chat with the Plodders which show a certain overlap with the Thursday Night Hill runners, and then we were ready to set off.

Katie drove us to the starting point which was a minuscule parking space in a field. It was a beautiful day! And the area is gorgeous. The ground was wet as the previous day had been very rainy, but we didn’t mind too much. 

We first followed the bottom of the steep slope, and then diagonally ascended it. At the top of the ridge we stopped for lunch. Skipper, the dog, was not keen on stopping, but she was keen on food! And after the break we continued. 

At the summit we met a group of men who were very taken with Skipper’s charms, and happy to take a summit picture of us. In the background was an ominous cloud. And that emptied itself while we were making our way down. Oh dear! But that situation came with an amazing rainbow, as also was short-lived. We did the final miles in the sun again. 

Afterwards we went for a cup of tea at Claire’s. Her house is beautiful! But so was the weather, so we had our tea outside. The views from the garden are amazing. But then it was time to go home. I had a really early start the next day, and I wanted to be prepared for it!

I would love to also see Katie's house. And I hope both Claire and Katie will one day come and admire mine. I don't quite have the rural bliss on offer they do, but well, the river in the garden must count for something I would say!

The start of the walk

Dramatic views from the ridge

 

Summit pic

Lovely rainbow