Day 7: Aberystwyth to Pontryhydfendigaid

Our route now turns inland as we start the middle "leg" of the pilgrimage. The distances are longer now but the hills are less steep on the whole. Much of today's walk is easy as we take a disused railway line which runs alongside the Afon Ystwyth. One major hill at about 2/3 distance means that we won't be deprived of views. Just before the end of the day we cross the infant Afon Teifi and we will be following the valley of that river downstream for the next 2 days. Our hall tonight is very large indeed - only days earlier it was being used for a major Tolkein exhibition. Pontrhyfendigaid is known by the locals simply as "Bont".

Isaac makes the setting out prayers: "This is the day the Lord has made" - rain and all.

Dismantling the tents.

In St Padarn's Church - the Eucharist slightly delayed because of technical issues with transporting the instruments.

Nick in his element at the organ keyboard.

An ancient cross in the church.

After the service - tea and coffee...

...served by cheerful ladies.

Fr David chats to the vicar, Rev Hywel-Jones.

The church as we leave - and the rain has stopped for a while.

Round the edge of the town centre, dodging the traffic.

Over the main line and narrow gauge railway crossings, Luis and Nick are happy to be on their way.

Caroline and Robert.

Drinks stop - Rosemary slipped as she brought her luggage down and has been ordered to serve from a seated position.

Isaac and Godwin in heated discussion.

In Wales the livestock come shrink-wrapped.

Leafy green lanes.

Lucinda and Cheryl are on their last day with us.

Easy walking on the Ystwyth Trail.

And so to lunch: Rosemary's dessert was purely consolation for her sore ankle.

Alexe looks keen to eat someone else's food! (But hers is great).

Lunch at the Falcon, Llanilar.

Caroline and Ann wait to move on.

Pat and Keith meet up at lunchtime (Keith is helping Alexe).

From the pub, across the road...

...to the church (Llanilar = St Hilary)

The vicar led our service, and past pilgrim Althea played the organ (she live in Llanilar).

St Hilary and St David.

Althea chats to pilgrims.

Mary gives a handout to some interested locals.

The river Yswyth that we've followed most of the day so far.

Approaching the drinks stop.

Peter spouts forth - again.

Fording a stream - Sarah makes a splash. Peter made a MUCH BIGGER splash!

Then we went UP! A long slog then we were on top of the world - but the view was limited by the drizzle.

Then the descent towards Pontrhydfendigaid.

Our accommodation for the night - The Bont.

It's huge - probably our biggest hall ever - big enough to get the van inside, and 3 tents drying, as well as loads of space for pilgrims (and open wi-fi).

Thanks for your messages - keep them coming!