The Path of Penmaenmawr
It's the third summer living on the enchanting Isle of Ynys Môn ([ˈənɨs ˈmoːn]) and I am proud to call it home! Ynys Môn or the Isle of Anglesey is also known as The Mother of Cymru, a beautiful tranquil island situated in the North West tip of Wales. Her coastline and geology is as diverse as the beautiful nature and people that live and breathe there.
Here, there is an old ancient magic, a spiritual timeless energy that connects everything to the land and sea. It roots us to our very being. It's a restorative place, a land of healing and for many they come here and find themselves again, like a tiny boat trying to navigate the vast stormy turbulent seas.
We have yet again been blessed with glorious weather for Clair's (Bryn Teg Ceramics) Solstice birthday. The sun is at its highest today, her rays of light and warmth give life and radiance and we are thankful for it!
We drive over the Menai Strait along the Britannia bridge that connects Anglesey to the main land. The coastline and blue turquoise sea sits to our left as we head to Penmaenmawr and the Synchnant Pass, not far from the old town of Conwy and the Pensychnant Conservation Centre.
Penmaenmawr is noted for its spectacular mountain and coastal walks. It was also known historically for a place where stone axes were made from the Neolithic period.
There is a place at the top of the pass that you can park. With our two rescue dogs Harry & Beaux we cross the lane and entered the nature reserve through an old iron rusty gate, a piece of art carefully crafted and lovelingly made. The gate sings open and we follow the meandering path of bright purple foxgloves, pink campion and the delicious nectarous smell of meadowsweet. The flowers glow bright against the lush green ferns, grasses and old stone cymraeg walls that home an array of insects, butterflies and plants.
We walk up through the small wood and the land becomes less dense. We climb higher on the worn path. As you ascend the path of Penmaenmawr you feel closer to the sky, the land falls away and you descend into the heavens, a thin place!
We stop after an hours walk and make a hot tea by a Stone Circle, sitting amongst the ancient neolothic standing stones of our ancestors. A restful place.
Amongst the heather and bilberry on a smooth large grey stone, we breathe and close our eyes. The sound of a thousand bees on the breeze. The low hum and frequency lends well to a meditate in nature and we are thankful for this moment!
Happy Solstice 2024!
Monad Photography 🌳