Leonard Cohen Walking Weekend, or Isn't It A Long Way Down?

[liverpoolken]

Diane

Yet another day away from home and the computer.
I have the map of Barmouth ready for uploading when I get back home tomorrow.
I managed to book a room at the Wave Crest today where the owner told me that Judy is also staying .
The lady at the Wave Crest told me that rooms for that week in Barmouth are filling up fast...no single rooms left at the Sand Piper or the Ocean Drive.
I was told that it's quite a busy week with it being the first week after the schools go back and some folk prefer a child-free Barmouth plus there's an arts festival on that week.
So anybody thinking of joining what promises to be the most interesting and fun-filled event in the 2009 Cohen events calendar better get their accommodation booked asap.

Diane...what does the w stand for after our names..........wimps, warriors, whingers, winos, wasters, wallies ???

Ta Ken

[Paula]

Ken I think you nicked the last single room at the Wave as they have no more singles.

I thought the W stood for wa-kers

[liverpoolken]

Thanks Paula for putting me straight with the w abbreviation
In regards to Penge...on the number occasions that we have met I've always wanted to recite the naughty limerick whose first line goes....
'There was a young lady from Penge'.......
but I've always thought you too much of a lady...maybe after a few Mythos on Hydra in June or even after a few pints of Cardiff lager in September:-)
Thanks to a pm from Judy I realise that's it not the Wave Crest that I've booked, but the Ocean Drive.

As you can see from the town map below Barmouth would be a very difficult place to get lost in. Even Henning on one of his infamous walkabouts (either dressed or undressed) would be pushed to lose himself.

I don't think it's been mentioned elsewhere but Barmouth is also famous for it's spectacular sunsets. I've seen quite a number of sunsets in various parts of the world and Barmouth's is up there with the very best.

Ta Ken

[liverpoolken]

For our non-walkers I knew there was a nice panoramic walk somewhere above Barmouth town itself so I googled it and found that there are a number of places to visit in and around the town (see below)

The Old Town :
Climbing haphazardly up the steep slopes at the back of the High Street, the paths and alleys of old Barmouth reveal many quaint and delightful corners. Houses seem to be built almost on top of one another in this fascinating jumble of steps and terraces. From certain vantage points one can look out over the Estuary or down to the harbour far below, whilst from others, the High Street and buildings therein seem to lie directly underneath. No visitor should fail to explore Old Barmouth, for it is unique in Wales. Continue upwards, beyond the last houses to reach the open hillside of Dinas Olau (Fortress of Light), donated by Fanny Talbot, it was the very first piece of land owned by the National Trust. To commemorate its Centenary, the National Trust constructed a semi circular viewing point high above the town.

Where Hillpaths Abound :
The hill which towers above the town has led ancient mariners to call Barmouth "Welsh Gibraltar". Viewed from the sea, it is said that the shape of the hill resembles the famous Rock. Rising 870 ft. above the town, it is intersected by footpaths that are indicated by various signs and is easily climbed. On a clear day, Bardsey Island to the North and the Preseli Hills to the south can be seen. From here you can wander on and revel in the expanse of upland country with its ancient rocks, dells and mountain streams. From here, one can meet up with the route to the Panorama View.

Panorama Walk :
The Panorama Walk is one of the most popular walks in the neighbourhood and the viewpoint is only about a mile and a half from the town. It is approached from the Barmouth to Dolgellau road, just beyond Porkington Terrace. The route is signposted and a leaflet on the walk is available from the Tourist Information Centre. The view from the summit is one of the most spectacular in Wales - the whole length of the Mawddach Estuary with the Cader range of mountains beyond to the south and Sylfaen Farm and Diphwys towards the north.

[Byron]

I really must buy myself a new macintosh for that weekend. The old one was getting quite bedraggled and I never had it returned last time the 'law' confiscated it. As long as the weather remains reasonably warm for that weekend, I reckon that I will be able to enjoy my usual antics on the promenade. Some of you know that I already have a trilby, and a Tilley hat, either of which will be suitable for keeping me warm and given that the weather is warm, I'll always have somewhere to hang it. It'll be fun to watch people avoiding me as I make my way along the promenade and I'm sure it will bring back to me, some happy memories from when I was much fitter and younger.
Depending upon the weather and the reactions of the public, I may be able to manage a good few miles and smiles before my old battery wears itself out. In fact, the closer I can get behind people and let them know I'm there, it's a great buzz to see their faces as they turn around and look down to see what's there!!
If you want a preview of the sight that'll greet you on the warm, balmy afternoons on Barmouth Promenade, you need look no further than
http://www.thiis.co.uk/news.aspx?cat=6

[damellon]

Ken
Ref. your recommendations for our non-walkers. The more energetic your vocabulary became the more exhausted my options became (steep slopes, towers above the town, steps, terraces, upland, upwards, high above the town....)
I bags ride pillion with Byron.

[liverpoolken]

damellon
I remember once in Dublin you telling me that while all your neighbours walked the short distance into Dublin city centre you never walked anywhere.
I think maybe the time has come when you could start a little training programme before the Barmouth meeting by walking to the Grafton Street Marks and Spencer and back at least once a week instead of jumping into the car. Maybe your chauffeur could drive behind you at a discreet distance to take the all shopping bags home.

I forgot that I had this link saved on my HD.......

http://www.a1tourism.com/uk/barmouth.html

......plenty of places to stay all with very handy location maps.

I've tried googling the Barmouth Arts Festival which will be running while we are there and all I could up with was on this on the BBC Wales site .......

Barmouth Arts Festival
September 5th - 13th
For more than 30 years, this festival has grown to become an established part of the cultural life of Barmouth. Taking place mainly in the Dragon Theatre, the week’s programme is a mix of classical and popular entertainment and includes both professional and local artists performing in music concerts and drama productions, plus art & craft exhibitions.....
so it's looking like the official programme has yet to be finalised.

However one of the guest house owners told me on the phone last night that the Liverpool poet Roger McGough, or Gough the rhyme, as he's known in Wales, has been booked. She also told me that a Queen tribute band is also appearing at the festival. Now that would be quite a surreal evening to have the front row of a Queen tribute band gig full of Cohenites dressed in anoraks and muddy walking boots. However Henning did tell me once that we all have a little bit of Freddie Mercury us. I'm not sure exactly what he meant by the statement, but Henning is a wise man so I just took his word for it.

Ta Ken

[kwills]

Thought you'd like to see some more photos of Snowdonia and Cadair Idris.

15_1.jpg (94.57 KiB) Viewed 3984 times

[kwills]

cader 052.jpg (91.18 KiB) Viewed 3979 times

[Diane]

Hi! I have just got back online after having no access for 48 hours - computers realy have it in for me these days:-( - and need to catch up with emails and this thread! Looks like there is a single room shortage. Will check the 'in-town' acommodation list from the tourist information and see what I can find. Back in a mo...

[Diane]

Diane...what does the w stand for after our names..........wimps, warriors, whingers, winos, wasters, wallies ???

That will be evident by the end of the weekend, I think... Thanks for the map Ken. But I was expecting a super-duper one with the hotels marked, and little animations of us all and especially Henning:-(

Nice pictures too. Wow kwills, very nice.

Byron, you'll probably be able to rent out your motorised scooter for quite a price if you wait half way up the mountains with it...

Queen tribute band? That could be good or likely that could be awful. Freddie Mercury was one of the best live performers I have ever seen without a shadow of a doubt. So I don't know what to think about that. I have the number of a woman involved in the organisation of the arts festival but couldn't get an answer, will try her again tomorrow....

[Paula]

Just booked at Marwyn Guest House. So five left and she only wanted £10 deposit.

Wales must be full of couples she seemed amazed so many people wanted single rooms too she said the rooms were all double occupancy but she would let them as singles.

http://www.marwynguesthouse.com/

[Diane]

Tim was Marwyn that place with half the roof tiles missing do you recall?;-)

Barmouth Arts Festival
September 5th - 13th
For more than 30 years, this festival has grown to become an established part of the cultural life of Barmouth. Taking place mainly in the Dragon Theatre, the week’s programme is a mix of classical and popular entertainment and includes both professional and local artists performing in music concerts and drama productions, plus art & craft exhibitions.....
so it's looking like the official programme has yet to be finalised.

However one of the guest house owners told me on the phone last night that the Liverpool poet Roger McGough, or Gough the rhyme, as he's known in Wales, has been booked. She also told me that a Queen tribute band is also appearing at the festival. Now that would be quite a surreal evening to have the front row of a Queen tribute band gig full of Cohenites dressed in anoraks and muddy walking boots. However Henning did tell me once that we all have a little bit of Freddie Mercury us. I'm not sure exactly what he meant by the statement, but Henning is a wise man so I just took his word for it.

Ta Ken

Ken I spoke to a lovely lady called Mair just now who told me that the program is due to be finalised within the next month but at the moment this is what they have pencilled in for when we are there:

Thursday 10th: Paul Robeson evening - musical telling the story of the life of the civil rights activist and singer/actor (sung Ol' Man River). Says it's a very good show with excellent pianist.

Friday 11th: Queen tribute band - couldn't tell me any details about this band - I shall be in a quandary about whether to go see this:-)

Saturday 12th: Either a choir or a band, yet to be confirmed.

She didn't mention Roger McGough. Anyway we'll find out shortly. She says we can book just by letting her know numbers, pay on the door. Nice n easy.

I have started a new thread with the accommodation list and participant list to make it findable. The final itinerary once we have fleshed it out a little can go in that thread too.

There is one single room left in Ocean Drive at the moment.

[Paula]

Just thought I would put the link to

http://www.marwynguesthouse.com/

[mylitta]

Well my dearly beloved gets a funny look on his face whenever I mention Leonard Cohen walking weekend ( can't think why), so looks like I will be joining the singles- and the non walkers.
Hope there are some rooms left when I've got the okay for the dates from work.
Actually, he's not the only one who looks at me like that.............