Exploring Porthmadog
Escape From The Village
A trip to The Village to escape from the world.
In this journey
- I want time off. I will not be stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered!
- Escaping Birmingham, Transport for Wales Birmingham New Street to Porthmadog
- Travelodge Porthmadog
- Exploring Porthmadog
- Welcome to your Village – Portmeirion
- Free to go… home? Back to Birmingham with Transport for Wales
- Aftermath: Free to Go, or Free to Stay?
After cooling down and emptying the backpack, I decided to enjoy the warm afternoon and head out for a bit.
Firstly, I followed the path out of the hotel, onto the industrial estate. But rather than turning for Aldi and the main road, I followed a path I noticed and checked on OpenStreet Maps.
To my delight and annoyance, it popped me out at the back of Porthmadog station. I would use this way to get between the hotel and town for the rest of the trip.
Porthmadog has a very small town feeling to it – something you forget that exists when you’ve lived in cities for most of your life.
With small and Welsh charms.
Teach your Dragon road safety at an early age.
Walking up the high street, it is dotted with a few chain shops, but a lot of local places and pubs. As well as a maker space
Reckon they would allow me to 3D print a bit of Portmeirion?
Reaching towards the end of the main section, I crossed some railway tracks.
Welcome to the Ffestiniog Railway
The Ffestiniog Railway is very much a tourist railway these days. In the past, it was used to support the mining industries. These Days, hauling passengers around its system is a major part of its work.
At the time of writing, the Ffestiniog Railway sadly isn’t selling short hops – rather it is selling long day trips where you can rent a section of reserved seating. As such, prices are a little higher than you normally would expect (although you can have more people travel with you).
Nonetheless, the station had a rather active restaurant and of course a gift shop.
And I love a good tourist gift shop for tat.
Tat, glorious tat!
On a sunny day in the shade, it was also a rather restful place to hang out, as the world went around. Sadly, the only narrow gauge train I saw was when I arrived, and it was steaming off into the distance.
I don’t think it was off to join a Welsh Male Choir. Unlike Ivor the Engine.
<ivor the engine TV Episode.
I started making my way back towards the hotel, initially spending time looking around Porthmadog Harbour.
Crossing Pont Britania/Britania Bridge, you get two sides of Wales in one. On one side, the green hills and mountains…
On the other side, the port and the sea.
The perfect spot to play some Pokemon Go, and just slow the hell down.
And sometimes, slowing the hell down is required.
A stairway to somewhere.
Keep your distance.
Other figure brands are available.
Gluten central.
Making my way down further, there was a fish and chip shop. Never a bad shout – with the fryer doing some a reasonable turnover of people – normally a good sign.
Shot the next day.
I placed my order and was given a pager buzzer (akin to some collection systems), which allowed the chippe to call people in when their food is ready, as opposed to waiting inside and maybe spreading nasties.
With sausage and chips in hand, I popped them in my backpack for a bit where they could stay warm – as I needed to make a stop at Tesco.
Yes. I chose a stop at Tesco. The main reason was to get drinks and food for the next day (so I could enjoy a picnic when at Portmeirion).
With the final shopping trip complete, I made my way back to the hotel to put my feet up and not worry about the office for at least another 24 hours.
Next – Where Am I? In Portmerion – The Village…
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