Wild Wales

We arrived in Dolgellau on a dark and stormy night in the wake of Storm Doris but were soon toasty warm inside Tyddyn Mawr - right on the side of the mighty Cader Idris

Then the birthday morning dawned - still a little damp down in Dolgellau

 with birthday choruses received under an umbrella

but soon warmed up in the cosy T H Roberts cafe - crossword and Welsh Lobscouse!

However, not ones to linger when we can get wet and muddy - we were off on the Torrent Walk - having been advised it's best after heavy rain!!

and the torrents were spectacular - you have to imagine a deafening constant roar from the thundering waters below

Still undeterred, though soaked to the skin, we wanted to see the grade 1 listed Arts and Crafts Church of St Mark's at Brithdir - looking very sinister on the outside . . .

was nevertheless stunning and quite unique on the inside

Hot baths and change of clothes then a lovely birthday meal at the stunning Bwty Mawddach and the next morning we even got a glimpse beyond the mist of the bottom of Cader Idris, from our room.

Off we went to the mouth of the beautiful Mawddach estuary and up to the wilds of the Cregennan Lakes - hardly able to walk for the gusty winds and rain.

 with views to the mouth of the Mawddach estuary and the Irish Sea

And were thrilled to discover what must be the smallest railway station ever!!  Morfa Mawddach - where you can catch regular trains between Birmingham and Pwllheli and even the odd one direct to London

We'd also hoped to do were the Precipice Walk and the conquering of Cader Idris - but those feats will have to wait for more clement weather!!

Keep that 'welcome in the hillsides', Dolgellau . . . . we'll be back!