Penmaenpool - Mawddach Estuary

And all the landscape under survey,
At tranquil turns, by nature?s rule,
Rides repeated topsyturvy
In frank, in fairy Penmaen Pool.

The Mawddach, how she trips! though throttled
If floodtide teeming thrills her full,
And mazy sands all water-wattled
Waylay her at ebb, past Penmaen Pool.

Extracts from Gerald Manley Hopkins 'Penmaenpool'

Cycling today along the Mawddach Trail (old railway line) from Dolgellau to Barmouth. 16 mile round trip of scenic autumn bliss. The over night rain has swollen the river to flood level and is flowing dangerously fast. This is the toll bridge at Penmaenpool opposite the George III hotel with the Rhinog mountain range in the background. The hills in the foreground contain the ruins and levels of the Welsh Gold Mines.