There is not phone or mobile data here, so I’m using the campsite wifi. Instead of my usual blog, I will just paste my notes, taken along the day (and dump photos as usual).

I woke up at 5 am. It’s still raining continuously outside, but I know I can’t just leave the tent pitched, so I am going to fold it wet. My boots are still wet on top from yesterday from when I submerged my feet by accident.

Note that wild camping is not legal unless you have permission from the landowner. I was fully prepared to move if asked. I pitched at dusk and lifted camp early, leaving no trace.

I cleaned and charged my watch, had a bar of protein Oreo Grenade.

I deflated my mat, trying to be organized in the tiny tent space, packed all my stuff in the dry bags, put on fresh socks, rain trousers, and a backpack cover on the bag. I will try to find a café later and stop for a hot drink, food, and admin/blog posting from yesterday, etc., network permitting.

Padarn forest/park was beautiful. Some places looked like a fairytale land with so many bluebells, moss, and being on top of a waterfall. Lovely to see wildlife.

The uphill and downhill paths were really tricky and slippery. Not sure how I managed to stay upright but I did. The viewing point over the lake was gorgeous, even in poor weather.

The National Slate Museum was shut as it’s 08:15 – too early.

On the footbridge after the museum, beautiful views of Dolbadarn Castell and the mountains. Must be even more impressive on a clear day!

Stopped at the Heights restaurant for breakfast in Llanberis. It wasn’t marked as open in Google maps, but I saw people and asked, and they serve breakfast from 8 am.

Had a “small” English breakfast and a black coffee. Hunger does wonderful things; I don’t usually like baked beans, but I ate everything on the plate. Made use of the toilets and charged my power pack.

After Llanberis, I went up a massive hill. And again. But the views were incredible. Then the path felt quite long before turning to Waunfawr. Views of the sea, I think, and a castle in front too. Sadly overcast, but it must be amazing in clear weather.

The rain stopped late morning. Friends in the South are bragging of the gorgeous weather. Sadly it wasn’t so good here. The way down to Waunfawr is super pretty with mini waterfalls but also extremely muddy. Nice kestrel overhead. As I approached the village, I could hear cockerels and ducks and chickens, etc.

Today I did 17.5 miles, and it wasn’t flat! I’m thinking to limit my walk to 12-15 miles tomorrow because my legs and hips are suffering a little this evening.

Also spotted the steam train.

I had done over 8 miles by 12:00. Happy with that even though I guess some of that was in the café this morning.

I stopped at Tafarn Snowdonia Parc – had a toastie, salad, and chips and a half pint of Aur Eryri. Struggling to eat so much bread and chips, but I need to fuel the walk.

Topped up watch and phone charge, water, used the toilet.

Walked uphill and talked with three lovely Welsh people. Then up up in woods, it was so beautiful. Hard work as my pack is heavy uphill. My centre of gravity shifted with the weight if the pack.

Then on the moor, I felt like in Iceland with the wind and landscape. I turned a corner, saw the sea. Everything was fine again.

What mattered was I knew where I was and where I was going. It felt so slow again. Super tired by then.

Just slow things down and it all becomes beautiful

Also, white horses to cross through. A lot of soggy ground again through the old quarries.

The mountains are majestic. I saw some people; they said the path gets better after you turn a corner so I followed the signage but ended up about 30 minutes off course. At that point I thought it would cost me a night of wild camping rather than reaching the campsite in after Nantlle tonight.

The picture don’t do it justice but the colour of the water in the quarry was so blue. Amazing.

Then I left the quarry area and walked into Nantlle. There was no network at all for my phone so I couldn’t phone the campsite to book. It was a bit of a slog on sore legs and with my heavy bag, but I made it to the campsite around 7 pm. I showered, made dinner (couscous with chorizo & peppermint tea), washed my clothes while having a hot chocolate, and connected to the WiFi (by the toilet block). It’s noisy on the other side of the campsite with a big group, but I think I will sleep well.

A note, the lady in charge of the campsite, I think her name is Donna, is an absolute gem. Super helpful. The campsite cost me £10 for one night.

Next I need to see if I can spot anywhere to camp 12 to 15 miles away from here.