Day 7 Llanidloes to Morfa Mawddach

 48km, 650m climb - 

plus train to save 25km and another 550m climb

I had been over ambitious with my route planning through mid Wales for our ages, fitness, and especially the vicious gradients. Today's stage to the next booked campsite just before Barmouth on the south side of the Mawddach estuary would take us up from Llanidloes to the col of Feol Fadian. A long descent to Machynlleth followed. After this would be another major climb of 550m, before descending to Dolgellau.

We were aware of a train service from Machynlleth to Morfa Mawddach a couple of miles from our booked campsite. We were also aware that the constant steep climbs of the last few days had left both of us exhausted, so we decided to take on the first substantial climb, then take the train.

We left the lovely town of Llanidloes and started the climb on the flanks of Plynlimon towards the source of the Severn. It was a glorious sunny day. We passed through the Hafren forest. Apparently there is an ospreys' nest close to the route, but though we kept a good watch out we saw nothing larger than a red kite.

The road was lined with these lovely flowers - please identify if you know what they are!

We struggled on ever upwards, to be rewarded with some splendid views and the eight mile descent into Machynlleth. 

The train was quick and easy, going around the coast rather than over the top as we would have done. We felt reasonably Covid-secure as we stayed in the bike area with no one else around. 

A short ride along the Mawddach Trail brought us to Craig Wen, an eco campsite which was a bit like wild camping with a compost loo and spring water. The views over the estuary were superb. 

No regrets at taking the train - neither of us could have managed the second climb!