Wales Brecon to Harlech - Brian E. Davies

Using an historical perspective to enrich the journey, Wales: A Walk Through Time describes a unique walk through a remarkable country. Illustrated with a fascinating collection of old photographs and contemporary images, the route has been specially chosen to explore the beauty and history of Wales. The walk will eventually reach Anglesey, but in this second of three parts we are treated to the glorious landscapes and proud heritage of central Wales. The journey begins in the historic town of Brecon where Giraldus Cambrensis, who famously travelled through Wales in the twelfth century, was once the Archdeacon. The route joins the delightful Wye Valley Walk to pass through Builth Wells and Rhayader in the heart of Wales before leaving the Wye to follow a bridleway to Llanidloes. Here, Glyndwr's Way National Trail is joined, passing through the Cambrian hills to reach Machynlleth, Owain Glyndwr's ancient capital. We enter the Snowdonia National Park, visiting the beautiful lake of Tal-y-llyn and climbing Cadair Idris before descending into Dolgellau.
The Mawddach Estuary Trail takes us to the seaside at Barmouth and finally we follow a section of the Ardudwy Way to reach Harlech with its great castle. Along the way, we enjoy wonderful scenery and recall momentous events and great figures of Welsh history including Prince Llywelyn, Owain Glyndwr and Henry Tudor. The reader is given a real sense of how the past is present at every step. Each chapter covers an attractive section of the walk, full-colour maps show the way, and a number of welcoming hostelries are discovered en route. But this is not only a guide for walkers; the rich history and images within will have the broadest appeal.