Day 5: Llanon to Aberystwyth

This is the last of our 4 days following the glorious Ceredigion Coast Path. As on the first walking day, lunch comes early because that is the only pub we pass on a remote stretch of coastline. To break up the afternoon we call in at a shop on a caravan park. The shop serves teas and coffees but without any accompaniment of scones or cakes, alas. We reach the university town of Aberystwyth in the early evening and walk along the seafront before climbing out of the town to our unusual "hall" which is a hostel attached to a caravan park.

The day dawned rather cloudy, but dry. We were ready in good time, and Maurice had his front-marking team assembled.

The back markers were ready too.

First stop, just down the road, was Llansantffraed Church for our Eucharist.

Becky catches up on her sleep before the service.

At the offertory, Godwin offered the poncho that keeps him dry, then admitted that it wasn't his.

Drinks outside the church - John is catching up on breakfast.

Fran and Anne puzzle over how to allocate pilgrims to rooms and tents in tonight's accommodation.

Off across the fields - Tineke's tail is with us once again.

Pat passes through one of several interesting kissing gates with curved brick or stone walls.

After their dessert on Day 2, Bridget and Dannie are reduced to dry bones.

We walk along the top of the beach towards Llanrhystud: it's flat morning, with only a hint of what's to come after lunch.

Mary and Bill as we turn inland.

Andy and Dannie (and many others) found playground. Big children!

Helen and Marie too - but Marie fell off!

Llanrhystud Church was just around the corner.

Godwin gave a reflection on today's theme of Acceptance.

The parishioners had laid on a great spread for us.

The vicar, who had earlier led our eucharist, chats with Bill.

One of the ladies making us very welcome tea.

After the food offered at the church there was little need for lunch, but that didn't stop Francis!

Julia escapes the afternoon's hills.

The official lunch stop.

Ewa has a grand hat.

Immediately after lunch there was a steep climb to about 400 feet - then down again. Douglas came down the quick way.

And Mike found the quick way over the stream at the bottom.

Then: up again, offering great views south...

...and north.

John keeps on the straight and narrow.

The scenery gets even better.

Age is no barrier to conversation.

"What are all these people who follow each other like sheep?"

Neville on another "up" stretch.

Aruna at the start of a descent.

And Alison, who leaves us today.

Douglas and Danny.

Monica waits for us at the caravan park.

Time for a rest...

...at the caravan park.

Then it's uphill again: Michael and Susan are with us again.

From the top we get our first view of Aberystwyth.

But first, we have to go DOWN.

The view back at the hill we'd come over.

Round the harbour area of Aberystwyth.

Prayers at the Elim Pentecostal church, where Pat read a poem that Jack penned yesterday.

Games in the church hall.

We thank the pastor and his wife for their welcome and tea.

Round the sea front, past the castle, along the promenade, then UP to the hostel / caravan site which is to be our home for 2 nights.

The support team survey the scene.

B and Fran guide arriving pilgrims to their quarters.

Boots off applies to tents too!

More tomorrow!