First, you need to get there. A hike on the Wales Coastal Path, offered by Keystone Trails Association (KTA), began with a settle-in day in Manchester, England before taking the next-day train to Machynlleth, Wales (usually referred to as Mach).

I played with the idea of hiking the Wales Coastal Path since hearing about its completion in 2012. When more than a year ago the KTA newsletter announced a planned 6 days of hiking the trail, I jumped at the chance to join. Now, another day or two before our start.

A red-eye flight out of JFK gave us a full day to explore this amazing city. If I had preconceptions of Manchester, they were quickly dispelled. From our hotel near the Piccadilly train station, we began with a walk around the canals where colorful houseboats are surrounded by apartments and condos in buildings that previously housed cotton mills,

We spent some time at the John Rylands Library, a magnificent Gothic building housing a research library. You will want an hour or two to take in the depth of history.

Among its many holdings are books with background on the life of people who worked at the mills, including young people who kept diaries, logging their long days.

Then through the Gay Village and Chinatown, both economically important and vibrant neighborhoods in Manchester.

Ultimately, we had dinner at a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Cue (I recommend the Papaya Salad).

Having logged many a mile walking, followed by a delicious dinner, we’re ready to move on to Wales.