This was a short walk as I joined fellow supporters of AFC Telford United in the final stages of a charity walk to raise money for a local hospice and Club funds.
The original plan was that a small group of supporters would walk the 80+ miles from Telford in Shropshire to Conwy in Gwynedd over 3 or 4 days. The final leg from Abergele to Conwy would coincide with the first preseason friendly football game between AFC Telford and Conwy FC; this would give the opportunity for other supporters to join the walk for the final leg.
I drove to and parked in Conwy and then caught an early train down to Abergele and Pensarn. I walked first around to the hotel where the walkers, who had done the complete distance from Telford had been staying. About 15 walkers, including The Chairman, a Director and the Manager set off on the final leg to Conwy. The route was very simple, head out to the shore road and follow the promenade all the way to Rhos-on-Sea and then cut inland towards Llandudno Junction.
It turned out to be a very hot day, with little sea breeze. We passed through Colwyn Bay, mingling with the summer tourists along the prom. It was not long before we reached a road running inland by the Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club. We then cut through a housing estate and then along minor roads without any footpaths. By the time we reached the outskirts of Llandudno Junction, some of the non-regular walkers were beginning to flag. We arrived and at the bridge over the River Conwy and the sight of the magnificent Conwy Castle spurned everyone on in knowing that the football ground was only a couple of miles away. We were met by representatives of Conwy football club who indicated the best way through the town to the football ground.
Although the walk was longer than the 7 miles indicated, the section along the coast and across the Conwy Bridge was only counted in my mileage. Because the walk had cut-off the main Llandudno Peninsular, I would return some three years later to fill the gap when I took on the Wales Coast Path.
Distance today = 7 miles
Total distance = 241 miles
Walking the Coast of Great Britain 