Day 24 Machynlleth to Aberystwyth (23.1 miles, cumulative 397.4)

My brother Howard and his son Ed joined me for today's walk. As we alighted from the train at Mach, a chilling wind blew down the platform and grey clouds gathered overhead, so in t-shirts and shorts we felt under dressed. Fortunately it soon warmed up and the sun returned. 

After an initial delay in finding the path (it does help to consult the map sometimes!), we headed across woodland, narrow country lanes, fens, farmland and sheltered footpaths. Howard complained repetitively that this wasn't a coastal walk - indeed it was only after 17 miles that we finally reached the sea at Borth. 

We then had 5 miles of true coastal walking, with steep ascents followed by steep descents on a regular basis, but rewarded by spectacular views of the rocky bays below.

We arrived at bustling Aberystwyth and had time to spare, so treated ourselves to a tasty dinner in a Jamaican restaurant. Then we boarded the train again for the 1 hour 40 minute journey back to base.

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