Photo Journal
20th April // A Grand Reopening
Barmouth // N52.719 W-4.044
The Mawddach estuary holds a special place (as do so many) in my heart. There’s something uniquely charming about being away from the crowds that inhabit northern Snowdonia, a peacefulness reflected in the winding river as it meanders through sand banks and past the rugged mountains to the sea.
At high tide when the river swells you are transported to another place, more similar to the lochs of Scotland and the trees that carpet the hillsides remind you that there’s more to the mountains than the empty vastness of the north.
Views from the newly re-opened 150 year old Barmouth Footbridge, a £30 million restoration project spanning 4 years.
Being so far from the North this area is vastly unexplored by me, so it was high on my priorities to come here and see what unexpected opportunities would present my camera.
Beginning in Barmouth, taking photos of the many oddities that only a seaside town would have, I crossed the now re-opened footbridge across the estuary. A more dignified approach as to when I swam across many years ago (and had to get on a boat to come back, wet and embarrassed, but that’s a story for another time).
Then after driving to the start point of my hike, I made the foolish decision to begin a 7 hour hike, post travel, post injury, having spent the last 2 months hardly using my leg muscles. When all the ingredients smell bad, you know its going to be one hell of an experience cooking that meal.
The hike itself was to walk along the fringes of the mountains, with Cadair Idris looming over my left, snaking through farmers fields towards Llynau Cregennen. What was most interesting for me to notice within myself was a shift in my focus for my photography during this hike. I felt much more joy in taking photos of the small moments happening around me than the vast landscape or lake awaiting me at the end of the walk.
As I reached the lake I was presented with two options, tired and fatigued I either took the bus back, or I made the 2 hour walk along the coastal path. Against better judgement from my body I took the latter, experiencing the golden sunlight in a state of dehydration and pure determination to arrive back before the sun set.
