Terminalia 2026 in Aberystwyth

"a market toun ons waullid" (Leland, 1540)

Terminalia was celebrated in Aberystwyth by a record attendance. Often interrupted in earlier years by weather or "other commitments", the local organ encouraged more than 15 people to tread the town walls anti-clockwise, just beating yet another deluge. With some effort, it was just possible to put yourself in the shoes of Edward I surveying a desolate marshy spot near the sea, and thinking "good place for a new town".

Having been defined in the 1270's, it is no surprise that there was little new to learn about the quondam walls, but many walkers were learning for the first time about some of the nooks and crannies that the town furnishes. The Cambrian Street kink is always popular:

And here preparing to walk down the significantly named "Dan Dre", Melin Y Santes Fair (Our Lady's Mill) which powered its wheel from a leat that cannibalised the wall ditch.

Mysteriously, the Hangman's Steps had been swept clean for the first time in living memory. Perhaps they will be used for their eponymous purpose when Mr Farage takes control.

A well equipped walker Strava'd our route, which pleasingly shows as best as possible the line of the Aberystwyth Walls, laid out by Edward I's engineers before the town even had a name or inhabitants.

The Cambrian Street kink is evident, where the party inspected putative evidence of the defensive ditch.

FFI: Aberystwyth Town Walls

[Thanks to Anita for the pictures]