Above is a scan of a postcard bought in the late 1970s, the date of the photo probably not much before that. It shows the upper section of the Synchant Pass and the road that snakes down from rising land to the west of Conwy town to the coast and to Penmaenmawr. For a week in mid September was staying in a cottage in Conwy, the site interesting because not only was it beside the cutting that still takes the North Wales railway through the town but also because the tunnel at the end of the cutting was also overlooked.. This tunnel passes under some houses and a section of the 14th century town walls, parts of which are still walkable but not the whole circuit as repairs are ongoing.
The first day (Saturday) three local visits planned, Synchant Pass, Penmaenmawr beach and Aber Falls. Fortunately it was a fine day and over the course of the week two separate local people both said that it was turning out to be the finest week of the year! Penmaenmawr beach is best visited when the tide is out as the upper beach is very stoney but further out the sandy beach is ideal walking for dogs and people. An on-beach cafe is to be recommended. Despite the A55 dual carriageway and the north Wales rail line to Anglesey following close-by the beach the landscape dominates the visitor’s attention with the high mountain sides rising steeply just beyond the town and providing an imposing backdrop. Here the stone was once quarried for building and foundations, but no more, the site of the once jetty for transport boats now evidenced only in the information board.
Aber Falls, a high waterfall, is accessed on foot beyond a lane off the A55 on the Bangor road. A very popular visitor site despite the 1 and half rough track walk needed. The water cascades over a divide in the rock strata.
All-in-all a good day.