The Mach loop is an area not far from where we are that the fighter jets use as a training valley, it’s on the A487. It’s on my to do list. Not to get a fighter jet or to fly through the Mach loop valley. But I will admit I would love to. Having watched so much of it on UTube. I want to get up early one morning and get parked up in the valley and climb up the mountain and watch as they fly past.

Yesterday we had a drive out and went through the Mach loop valley. There are only a couple of real parking spots, both were full so we drove on and never saw any jets come through. One place I wanted to check out was a pub/hotel for future lunches next year. The location is fantastic on the edge of lake Mwyngil. There actually two hotels really close to each other. Just imagine sitting outside having lunch at one of them picnic tables admiring the view on a summers day and then as an added bonus a couple of fighter jets come screaming down that valley. Next year we will be there.

After dreaming of being sat in one of those benches we carried on along the B4405 to join the A493 which runs along the coast passing through Llangelywin, Llwyngwril, Friog and ,Arthog. Try saying that lot after a few beers. We stopped in a couple of lay-bys to take in the view.

As the sea comes inland it forms an estuary and at one stage we are driving along side it. The river Mawddach. Another thing on my to do list is to bike along the Mawddach trail which is a biking trail all along a old railway line. Nikki will join me on this one because it’s flat. The trail runs from Barmouth to Dolgellau about eight miles each way with a pub lunch at Dolgellau would be a nice day out, again one for next year. We stopped at part of the trail because there is a loverly old wooden bridge. The village of Penmaenpool sits on the banks of the river Mawddach and you can cross the wooden toll bridge by foot or by car. It’s 80 pence to cross in your car. It’s a beautiful bridge.

After leaving the bridge we continued on to rejoin the A470 which takes us home passing the bike park which I had been to early in the morning for a quick blast around before we went out. so that was another day out taking in some beautiful views and seeing some more of this fantastic area. And adding places to the list for next year.