Fairbourne - February 2020

Last weekend I attended a staff Adventure Training weekend with the RAF Air Cadets at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre (NATATC) Fairbourne. This was my first visit to this facility and I was thoroughly impressed - the accommodation was basic but more than adequate and stocked with equipment for a variety of activities including mountain bikes, paddleboards and climbing equipment.

Saturday

Saturday was a very windy affair and even featured a snow shower at one point. We travelled to, and set off on foot from Abergynolwyn on a route around Foel Cae'rberllan. Looking at the route on Friday evening, I have to admit I was slightly unenthused by it, but I was in fact proved wrong (it doesn't happen very often 😋). I ended up really enjoying the route; it had a variety of terrain and some fantastic views. If you are ever in the area with a few hours to spare, I'd definitely recommend it.

After a quick stop at railway themed, The Railway Inn, the afternoon involved heading south from the village up a very steep hill to follow a marked route via an abandoned slate quarry. For someone who loves anything train related it was great to see the station (which is now part of the Talyllyn Railway) and part of the tracks leading to the quarry still in place. We finished the day with a well earned dinner at Penrhyn Bar and Grill back in Fairbourne.

Sunday

If Saturday was windy, Sunday was a hurricane. We set off for another walk from the centre, heading towards the coast - here we encountered that type of wind that makes you feel you're not actually moving forward. We made our way up, to visit the blue lagoon which is unfortunately not accessible these days, but can be viewed from above.

Our drive home included a pit stop to the much talked about, but unfortunately non existent in the south, Brazilian bar and grill Fazenda. This was another first for me, but it most certainly wont be the last. Another recommendation of mine if you're ever in the area of one of their locations.