The first six walks in this book all start from the same place in Harlech – the Bron y Graig Uchaf (upper) long-stay car park, close to a bus stop. The remaining nine walks are located close to Harlech, with none of their starting points more than a 20 minute drive from the town. The location of all the walks is indicated on the back cover map, and a summary of the key features and length of all the walks is given on the chart on the inside back cover. The walks vary in length between 21⁄2 miles and 6 miles. All can be managed by a reasonably fit person, but in this area there are, of course, some uphill sections. The name ‘Harlech’ is thought to be derived from the term ‘beautiful slope’. Two walks take you up the ‘slope’ to enjoy the outstanding views over a wide sea and an even bigger sky. Sunsets, if you can arrange to be out to see one, will be long remembered. And once on the crest of the ‘slope’ there are also extensive views in the other directions far to the north and east. Many of the high mountains of the Snowdonia National Park can be seen. Others take you to areas a little further into the countryside around Harlech. The evidence provided by the many standing stones, burial places, homesteads and hut circles makes it certain that the area was first settled many thousands of years ago. And from relatively more recent times there are remains of hillforts and trackways. It is a rich source for anyone interested in ancient history. For the general countryside lover too the area is exceptional. It is attention-holding landscape. There are so many wonderful rock outcroppings. Oak trees can appear to grow out of the rock faces, and woodland floors have boulders covered with thick green cushions of moss. Mosses are on stone walls and even up tree trunks, sometimes with ferns high up which wave to you in the gentlest of breezes. Most surprisingly, there are places where you can stand to look around and imagine yourself to be in any time period since the glaciers retreated, because there is no evidence of what man has done since. It is special. Go slowly and quietly, and these walks will give you a taste of this precious area.
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