Day 9: Cellan to Llandysul

As our start, lunch, Eucharist and destination are all on the Afon Teifi, you’d expect a valley walk today – but you’d be wrong! We start with a quiet country lane as a warm up before climbing in to the hills south of Lampeter. We’re rewarded with fine views, before dropping past the Dunbia abattoir (where you’re almost certain to see red kites) into Llanybydder for lunch. After lunch we take to the hills again briefly before following a small lane to St Luke’s, Llanllwni for our Eucharist. Here we cross the river and head into the hills on the north side to Capel Dewi, then another lane stretch before a pleasant stroll along the Teifi to Llandysul. Quite long, but easy going; just as well, as there’s no public transport alternative today.

An early start for a long day with several stops. Linda doesn't look impressed (but she was up, and did help with tent dismantling).

Our first stop was just up the road at Capel Yr Erw; the front markers arrived as the lady was opening up, and Mike got to hold the flowers.

The flowers were for the table inside the chapel.

After prayers in the chapel, the pilgrims set off in the morning sunshine.

After a longish, largely flat road stretch, we climbed our first serious hill of the day. Jonny placed an arrow to start the descent to Parc y Rhos.

As we descended, Bridget demonstrated her role as a horse magnet.

For Jonny, it's sheep.

At Parc y Rhos we stopped briefly at Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, where this inscription is found on the wall. It reads "Holiness and praise to you forever Oh Lord"

The concrete outside the chapel proved ideal for drying soggy arrows.

Dannie proves Nev's a knucklehead.

As we passed through a farm we met a peacock.

The gravel track had become a running stream.

There was quite a lot of road walking, on minor roads.

The rest was through pastures.

Drinks on the other side...

...provided a breather at the top of the hill.

Not a pilgrim of years gone by.

Lunch at the Crosshands Inn - it has to have a banner reading "we are a pub".

Sue's feet have seen better days.

The food was a while in coming, but when it came the helpings were generous.

Andy amuses Dannie with his attempts to eat all of his lunch.

Godwin reads his paper in the sunshine.

Jonny and the other young pilgrims played pool.

At St Peter's Church we were taken by the carved lectern - not the usual eagle.

Francis leaves the church.

A long lane stretch - few cars, but one very large trailer.

Butterflies on the flowers along the roadside.

Chatting to a local resident on the roadside.

The Afon Teifi is much fuller and faster flowing than when the route was planned.

We gathered in Llanllwni Church Hall then processed up to the church - singing Walk in the Light (the backmarkers heard it though the trees as they approached).

Up through the churchyard.

Marie reading in the church.

Fr David leads us down again, carrying the Kenyan walking stick.

Approaching the church gates.

Eucharist completed, we moved on, passing Waunifor Chapel.

Inside we had to take care as the woodwork is deteriorating.

Then over the hill to Capel Dewi and prayers at St David's church.

Resting by the drinks car before prayers.

Pilgrims arrive at the prayer stop.

Inside the church.

And so into Llandysul, and a spacious hall.