Distance: 11.06 miles

Max Altitude: 28 m

Min Altitude: 3 m

Height Gain: 86 m

Height Loss: 77 m

 

I didn’t get that much sleep. High winds had buffeted Clark Tent all night long and I had been cold and shivery.

Terry came to the rescue first thing with a coffee and breakfast bar.

A little after 10am I got a call from BBC Radio Cymru’s Bore Cothi programme. I had been invited on to talk to Shan Cothi about my trek. I spent about fifteen minutes discussing Cerdded Cymru as well as pancreatic cancer.

Terry made me a hot chocolate and we talked for a while. With that, it was time to say goodbye. I felt so sad to be parting company with someone who had become a kindred spirit over such a short space of time. I cried when I watched his van drive off.

And then, I was on my way once more. I needed to find my way back to the Wales Coast Path. I walked via Pensarn and crossed the railway line to get there. I passed chalet upon chalet, which contrasted with Gwrych Castle in the distance.

I stopped at a beachside resort cafe near Llanddulas for a coffee. I was accosted by a group of curious Liverpudlian women on the way in.

“Where have you walked from, love?”

“Cardiff”

“WHAT?!”

This is by now a very familiar conversation and I enjoy people’s extreme reactions!

My walk after that was uneventful. I enjoyed the feeling of the sun on my face and took in the views. When I got to Colwyn Bay, I could look back and see where I had walked from. I saw Rhyl way off in the distance on the tip of the headland opposite and felt incredulous that I had come this far on foot. Sometimes the numbers seven, nine or twelve miles can feel disappointing. But actually seeing the distance is gratifying.

And my pride was amplified when I reached Llandrillo-yn-Rhôs, where I could truly survey how far I had come.

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