Machynlleth to Tal-y Bont

As with some of the previous walks it took a few months to complete, we also tackled these two sections from different directions.  As both were linear, I’ve described them in order starting with the northern part from Machylleth.  The route south followed the well-marked Wales Coast Path from Machynlleth, up the Roman Steps and through lanes, down valleys and over hills heading south to the farmbuildings at Melindwr where we headed off the Sarn Helen route to catch a bus at Eglwys Fach back to our campsite.  

(Above) Roman Steps Machylleth

 (Above) View from top of hill looking towards Foel Fawr

The route north from Tal-y-Bont, involved catching a T2 bus to the north end of the town and following the lane to the left of the A487 passing a church which was up for sale.  The lane zigzagged up to Coed Rhyd fach where a track went straight ahead to Tyngraig Farm.  A path on the left skirted a green lane then followed a wall eventually reaching the upper part of the green lane.  

 (Top left) Church for sale
(Bottom left) Tyngraig Farm
(Above) View back down green lane towards farm
(Below) Official footpath at top of green lane

 (Below) Taliesin stones on route

From here the green lane was followed in an easterly direction cutting through a number of fields until another track climbing up from the valley to the south.  This track is followed northwards, crossing another path and track before dropping down through fields to Gwar-cwm-uchaf where a road is joined, turning right to a bridge over the Afon Clettwr and rising uphill.  Keep on this road until there is a sharp left turn.  Keep straight ahead on the track passing Llwyn-gwyn and entering woods.  The route crosses another track and drops steeply down to join the minor road into Furnace where the old mill is situated after turning right on the A487.  Shortly after the mill and other buildings on the right-hand side of the road there is a narrow road that zigzags up to Coed Tyn-y-garth where a path to the left climbs up the side of Foel Fawr.  It then follows the contour for half a mile before dropping down to the farm buildings at Melindwr – joining both sections.

(Above) Path sign  (Below) Mill at Furnace

(Below) Path off road towards Foel Fawr