Walk to Fairbourne

[heleninwales]

As usual, we drove to a car park before starting our walk. However, this time we drove a little further and parked at the car park for Morfa Mawddach station which is on the Cambrian Coast line. Morfa Mawddach is just a halt or request stop as they are now called. As the train approaches, you have to indicate to the driver that you want the train to stop -- basically stick out your hand. If you are on the train, you need to ask the guard to let the driver know you want to get off.

Looking towards Barmouth at the foot crossing at Morfa Mawddach station. As you can see, the line is single track with occasional passing places.




I didn't take many photos on the walk to Fairbourne as it's a route we've done many times before and there are only so many photos of sheep grazing on salt marsh that I want to take. So here, in contrast to the previous photos, is the passing loop on the miniature steam railway line.



We had chosen to drive a little further so we could walk right to the southern most end of the Fairbourne sea front. There are tank traps all the way along the shingle spit because during the Second World War there were fears of invasion all along the west coast of Wales. This pillbox would have been continually manned. The defences were erected, though in the end never needed.



Finally we reached the end of the promenade. Photo taken looking back to the north. The Friog end of the beach is where huge rocks have been placed to strengthen the shingle spit and sea wall to prevent any flooding.




I did take one photo of the estuary on the way back. The weather stayed dry, though the sky was threatening, but we could see that Barmouth was bathed in sunshine. The photo shows the view across the estuary to Barmouth. The Fairboune miniature steam train can just be seen in the distance in the centre of the photo, just above the three sheep. If you click through to Flickr, you'll be able to see the full size version.



The whole walk was 5 miles, which felt comfortable. Tomorrow the weather forecast is grim. Heavy rain and strong winds, so we won't be going anywhere.

Comments

[cmcmck]

We enjoyed Fairbourne and the train ride back to the ferry!

[heleninwales]

I think the miniature railway runs more or less all year round, though it may only operate at weekends during the winter. I haven't been on it for years, not since the kids were young. I have thought about doing it again and getting the ferry across to Barmouth which is something I've never done.

[puddleshark]

Oh, that tiny steam train! That looks like a lovely way to see the estuary.

I got my walk in early today. The rain is not here yet, but the wind is starting to get up.

[heleninwales]

The tiny steam train is very popular and runs more or less all year round, though it may only operate at weekends during the winter. I haven't been on it for years, not since the kids were young, but it is a fun ride and takes you to the very end of the spit where you can get a ferry across to Barmouth.