16 Sep. - Pontydd

Image: Roman Bridge - probably a mediaeval packhorse bridge, over River Machno

Dinky Map + Hilary, gorge, glen, rhaedarau + pontydd (waterfalls + bridges) ...
Pont Yr Afanc, Waterloo, Pont Y Pandy, Roman, Pont Gethin ...
+ always the water, peat-stained + foaming from the many falls and rapids ...
Conwy, Machno, Pandy ... Tumbling + cascading between slate + granite,
pure white quartz or rich brown soil ... Always, in the valleys, the water;
its sound a roar or a ripple or silent in broad, deep pools -
each with an anglers rights sign + a small sheltered seat.

Then up, up, up to Llanerch + Llyn Elsi through rich, damp conifer forest ...
Old, deserted + tumbling walls + homes clothed in thick moss ...
Silent, damp, sorrowful.

But then the late afternoon delight of a logged clearing on the crags above Betws revealing the splendour of 'Jerusalem' ...
The emerald green Conwy Valley + its now silver river, stretching for miles to the north.

Notes: Another full day walking near Betws-Y-Coed, our path an amalgam of several in the Hilarys' book (see 14 Sep.) and taking in several local bridges, rivers and waterfalls. The view up the valley from the heights south-west of town is truly glorious.