Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Hobbies and Interests => Topic started by: Fester on December 01, 2010, 06:28:11 pm

Title: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on December 01, 2010, 06:28:11 pm
I have started this topic as there are so many great places to explore in this district (and the wider North Wales area)

I was tempted to add my journey of today to the 'Walking' topic,  but that wouldn't be fair as much of my journey was by car.....due to my very dodgy knees.

Today the Festers were at a loose end, so we set off to Anglesey.
We decided to traverse the Britannia Bridge first, and stop off at Llanfair PG,  never been before and I loved it... so I took a picture which I hope appears at the end of this post.
We pottered about in the shops and picked up some nice Xmas bits and bobs.

From there we drove the short distance to Beaumaris, which was as bright but bitterly cold as anywhere today.
We looked at the Castle, where the moat was partially frozen!
Then we had a walk on the Jetty (can't call it a Pier)... seems to me that this jetty has been made narrower over the years, the piles are arranged for a much wider structure.
We went along the promenade and then called into the most excellent Red Boat Cafe on Castle Street.
The food and the prices were excellent.  Mmmm, Lemon Drizzle Cake, with 2 layers of fresh cream and icing on top,  plus a superb cappucino all for £3.80
The Ham, Cheese and Onion panini was excellent value at £3.85, and it came with full salad and is in a half-baguette.

From there, we took a look at Bangor Pier, but from the Anglesey side.... before we took a walk and drive through Menai Bridge, and I was surprised just how much was open today, and what a great little place Menai Bridge is.  I will go again when its a little warmer.

Drove back accross Menai Bridge this time... and absorbed the breath-taking scenery of the Estuary and the snow covered mountains.
There was so much that caught my eye, that on a day when I have more time I will go back to investigate.
Disused Piers, beautiful buildings, woodland walks etc...

I didn't even have my camera, only my phone, so if anything appears after this posting I apologise for the quality.
Here goes...
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on December 01, 2010, 06:45:22 pm
Sounds like a great day's exploring.  :)

Beaumaris is one of my favourite places to visit - a perfect little seaside town - the pier was a lot larger up until the 1970s but plans are afoot to widen it to its original width and extend the pierhead. There used to be a cafe on the end, where the shelter is now. The Red Boat Cafe is fairly new, I've never yet managed to get into it as it's always packed in the Summer! The Pier House Cafe on the promenade is a pleasant substitute, or coffee in the Bulkeley Hotel is like going back in time.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4916631883_103949e2c0_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4916631883/)
Summer Holiday (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4916631883/#) by SnakeCorp (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 01, 2010, 07:28:38 pm
Sounds like you had a very nice day Fester, glad you enjoyed it. There are so many nice places in the area and that you can get to by not too much walking.
A little further from Beaumaris is Penmon which is very pretty but save that for a nicer day.
Llanberis also is an under rated little gem and there is a lot going on there, mainly in the summer but the museums are still open in the Winter.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on December 01, 2010, 08:10:23 pm
Thanks Hugo,
I saw your Penmon walk description earlier in the year....I will get round to that one.

Llanberis is a place we have been many times (in our tourist days)  We used to strike out into Snowdonia from our bases at either Rhuthin Castle or Llandudno.

I know there are many, many other places for us to explore and I also look forward to others posting their journeys on here too.
 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on December 01, 2010, 09:05:33 pm
Next time you go to 'The Island' go and see the lions and the Church at Llanfair PG. The walk down the churchyard is fascinating--all the poor souls who have perished in the strait have graves on a path going down to the water's edge and then-- there is Nelson !!
The lions in particular are a sight not to be mised.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on December 01, 2010, 09:15:42 pm
There are always campaigns to get the lions lifted up to road level and they certainly should be on show - they would be a fantastic way to announce you are entering Anglesey.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3062106732_60b9a4f74f_z.jpg?zz=1) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanfrombangor/3062106732/)
britannia_bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanfrombangor/3062106732/#) by alanfrombangor (http://www.flickr.com/people/alanfrombangor/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 02, 2010, 08:35:31 am
Hi Fester, looks like a great day you two had there and some great pics too, I used to like the old jail in Beaumaris years ago and the Museum of Childhood too, I wonder if they are still open as I have not been there for years!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on December 02, 2010, 08:44:44 am
Gaol is still open but the Museum of Childhood went about 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on December 05, 2010, 05:16:39 pm
Always an interesting little drive lasting maybe an hour or just over, is to go down one side of the Conwy valley to B Y C and back up the other. As we live on the outskirts of Conwy we usually drive down the west side and back up the east, but this afternoon we reversed the trip and went down the east and back up the west.

The sun was shining brightly but there was a mist shrouding the river for long stretches giving the valley an almost magical and mystical appearance.

The picture below was taken from the west side just south of Gwydir Castle and therefore in shade - perhaps half an hour earlier and the sun would have really been highlighting the slopes opposite.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on December 05, 2010, 05:27:47 pm
And another looking straight across the valley from the same spot.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on December 05, 2010, 05:30:53 pm
Another interesting couple of miles is to go into Gwydyr Forest just as you turn from the main road into the road to BYC opposite Gwdyr Castle and follow the road (track) through to the Ugly House.  There are some stunning views on route,
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 05, 2010, 06:23:24 pm
You'll find these ruins on the way too.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on December 05, 2010, 07:54:38 pm
Another interesting couple of miles is to go into Gwydyr Forest just as you turn from the main road into the road to BYC opposite Gwdyr Castle and follow the road (track) through to the Ugly House.  There are some stunning views on route,

You are absolutely right Yorkie, we love driving that length too but not when there is too much traffic coming the opposite way! It was best to stick to the major roads down there today though.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on December 05, 2010, 09:21:26 pm
In about another month or so it is worth going up to Gwydir Uchaf Chapel to see the spiral of snowdrops behind the chapel building. They are worth a visit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on December 06, 2010, 07:44:58 am
We obviously haven't explored that area well enough, must open my eyes next time!      *&(
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on December 06, 2010, 08:21:24 am
Great photos, Stan.  $cool$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on December 06, 2010, 09:06:43 am
We obviously haven't explored that area well enough, must open my eyes next time!      *&(

We had no idea of the snowdrops' existence and had been going to Gwydir for donkey's years. Someone came back and told us, so we went for a look.
If you go onto Google Maps and enlarge on Gwydir Uchaf Chapel you can see the spiral of hedges where they grow behind same.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on December 06, 2010, 10:37:17 am
Great photos, Stan.  $cool$

Ooh! Thanks Dave   :-[
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on December 06, 2010, 11:53:07 am
If you go onto Google Maps and enlarge on Gwydir Uchaf Chapel you can see the spiral of hedges where they grow behind same.

Never been to the chapel as we have always used the other road.  Will explore more of the area now.  Thanks.   $thanx$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on December 07, 2010, 02:48:18 pm
If you go onto Google Maps and enlarge on Gwydir Uchaf Chapel you can see the spiral of hedges where they grow behind same.

Never been to the chapel as we have always used the other road.  Will explore more of the area now.  Thanks.   $thanx$

You're very welcome, never yet managed to get inside the actual chapel, but it is a lovely setting.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 07, 2010, 05:10:18 pm
I went there on one of my walks and the leader of the walk was a retired Head Forester who lived one time in one of the cottages near to the Chapel. He did explain the purpose of the spiral hedge but I couldn't have been paying too much attention as I've forgotten what he said.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 10, 2010, 03:42:21 pm
Another nice place to have a stroll around in the Summer is Beddgelert. A very pretty village with a nice atmosphere even if it can be busy in the high season.  It's well worth a visit and the ice creams are delicious, there's a nice old cafe by the bridge too!       :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on December 10, 2010, 03:57:05 pm
Thanks for the pics Hugo, you have satisfied my curiosity !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on December 10, 2010, 09:44:52 pm
Yes, Beddgelert is beautiful,  nicer than Betws Y Coed in my opinion.... had a lovely day there earlier this year, and rode the steam train to Waunfawr and beyond for over an hour.
Excellent place.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 10, 2010, 10:50:15 pm
Beddgelert is very nice and it's known by some at the Ffnestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway as 'Dead dog city'
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on December 11, 2010, 12:02:04 am
Beddgelert is very nice and it's known by some at the Ffnestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway as 'Dead dog city'

The dead dog being Gelert, Bedd being its grave,.... faithful hound (supposedly) of Llewelyn The Great.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Pendragon on December 11, 2010, 02:37:13 pm
Unfortunatly a story brought from south wales by a fella who needed to attract the newly travelling victorians (or before) to his new pub. So he began the story off for that purpose. I was gutted when I read about it in an old book.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 11, 2010, 03:30:59 pm
Beddgelert translated into English is Celert's grave but the story of Llewelyn's dog was made up by the owner of the Goat Hotel to boost tourism in 1801.   However the name of the village was called Beddgelert long before David Pritchard arrived at the Goat Hotel but I don't know who exactly Celert was. I seem to remember reading that there was a Holy Building in the area and perhaps the name could have come from there.     ???
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on December 11, 2010, 04:13:51 pm
On the gravestone is the following tale:

"In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, "The Faithful Hound", who was unaccountably absent.

 On Llewelyn's return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant's cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood.

The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound's side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry.

Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but near by lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain.

The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here".

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on December 11, 2010, 04:39:10 pm
 :o :o :o???

Llewelyn never smiled again?
I hope he was also prevented from owning a pet for at least five years, by the local magistrates court!

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 20, 2010, 04:29:03 pm
One of the prettiest villages on Anglesey is Cemaes Bay and it's at the end of one of my favourite walks on the Island, Bull Bay to Cemaes Bay.  After the Church of Llanbadrig you can go to the vineyard near the Church (free samples there Fester and Y Draig Goch is a nice red one) and then on to Cemaes Bay.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 03, 2011, 01:52:15 pm
Caernarfon is another nice place to go and apart from the castle there are other places of interest and some nice cafes and bars too.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on February 03, 2011, 02:56:07 pm
I've been to Caernarfon many times over the years.... but I think the shine has worn off more and more.

The Castle is my favourite one, and The Black Boy is a superb pub, (the food is top notch)

But in the town of Caernarfon I find that there are too many poor quality shops, and far too many closed down and boarded up.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on February 19, 2011, 09:52:54 pm
The Llyn Peninsular

As it was a pleasant afternoon we decided to take a drive along the Peninsular passing through places like Criccieth, Abersoch and onto Aberdaron. The latter is a delightful former fishing village and of course R S Thomas has connections with it. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time there but it wetted our appetite to renew our contact with the place in the near future.

For anyone not knowing the area, it is well worth a visit as is this website perhaps before you go. www.aberdaronlink.co.uk/about/about.html (http://www.aberdaronlink.co.uk/about/about.html)

 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 20, 2011, 07:58:06 am
Looks a pleasant place to visit, Stan.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 20, 2011, 02:15:37 pm
A group of us did the Pilgrim's Walk in May last year. We saw the walk on Derek Brockway's Weatherman Walking and fancied a go ourselves.  Aberdaron is a lovely quiet place and what struck us most was the quality and way of life down there. 
We started from Y Gegin Fawr in Aberdaron and walked along the coast to where the Pilgrim's would have departed for their journey to Bardsey Island.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on February 20, 2011, 03:39:50 pm
How does the quality of life in Aberdaron differ to that of say, Llandudno or Colwyn Bay?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 20, 2011, 05:29:45 pm
They have honesty boxes on some farms where you take what you want from the refrigerators that are by the farm entrance and put the appropriate money in a box.
On Bardsey Island they have shops where you pick the item you want, write down in a book what you have taken and again put the appropriate money in a box.
Both the farm and shop have no one there to supervise anything.
Can you imagine some one running a business like that in the Bay or Llandudno?  Although they are in a tiny minority some scumbags would run off with the contents and cash box and nick the refrigerator in the process.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 20, 2011, 06:03:25 pm
This morning we had an outing to Beaumaris to see an old mansion house, its called Baron Hill.

entering Beaumaris I liked the colours on the houses
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1452.jpg)

following the directions kindly given to us by DaveR we parked up and found one of the old lodges
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1458.jpg)

it was once a very grand house
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1489.jpg)
All very spooky, we heard church bells ringing, crows and ravens calling and an owl hooting!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1507.jpg)

but many years of neglect and vandalism have left it a ruin
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1468.jpg)
more here about the house, well worth a look and we'll be back there!
  http://druidsrevenge.blogspot.com/2010/10/hanes-mon-lost-mansion-of-baron-hill.html (http://druidsrevenge.blogspot.com/2010/10/hanes-mon-lost-mansion-of-baron-hill.html)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 20, 2011, 06:24:12 pm
Glad to see you found Baron Hill ok, its a fascinating place.   ;) My favourite pic is of this fragment of plaster that clings defiantly on after all these years, a reminder of how grand the house once was:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4871182714_86d6c21b7c_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4871182714/)
Survivor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4871182714/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 20, 2011, 06:35:09 pm
Glad to see you found Baron Hill ok, its a fascinating place.   ;)

Helen and I loved it Dave, a magical place and thanks again for the info, I would never have known otherwise, I took around 60 pics there  :D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: dwsi on February 20, 2011, 06:44:05 pm
There is a thread about Baron Hill on this forum http://www.urbexforums.co.uk/showthread.php/10992-Baron-Hill-Mansion-Beaumaris-Jan-2011 (http://www.urbexforums.co.uk/showthread.php/10992-Baron-Hill-Mansion-Beaumaris-Jan-2011)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 20, 2011, 06:49:08 pm
Someone *coughs* has kindly uploaded some photos of how Baron Hill used to look here:

http://www.uer.ca/locations/viewgal.asp?locid=22551&galid=21181 (http://www.uer.ca/locations/viewgal.asp?locid=22551&galid=21181)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on February 20, 2011, 08:29:58 pm
Tell Fester MORE about Baron Hill.

Who used to live there?  Why did it fall into such disrepair?

There must be a fascinating tale of riches to rags behind this..
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 20, 2011, 09:09:09 pm
Glad to see you found Baron Hill ok, its a fascinating place.   ;) My favourite pic is of this fragment of plaster that clings defiantly on after all these years, a reminder of how grand the house once was:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4871182714_86d6c21b7c_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4871182714/)
Survivor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4871182714/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

I loved that plaster too and took a similar pic and this close up, you can see the wire constuction

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1509.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 20, 2011, 09:15:56 pm
Tell Fester MORE about Baron Hill.

Who used to live there?  Why did it fall into such disrepair?

There must be a fascinating tale of riches to rags behind this..

I've never heard of it until Dave told me last Wednesday, you can see more here

 http://druidsrevenge.blogspot.com/2010/10/hanes-mon-lost-mansion-of-baron-hill.html (http://druidsrevenge.blogspot.com/2010/10/hanes-mon-lost-mansion-of-baron-hill.html)

and here

The Lost Mansion of Baron Hill, Anglesey, Wales (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7-Rlqhm51U#)

if you want to go there, I'm up for another trip anytime 8)

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 20, 2011, 09:31:49 pm
Originally built in 1618 for the Bulkeley family (one of Anglesey's most powerful families), Baron Hill was remodelled into the Neo-Palladian style in 1776 by the architect Samuel Wyatt.

It remained the Bulkeley family home until sometime in the 1920s, when a combination of Death Duties and the increasing cost of maintenance meant they moved to more modest accommodation and the mansion was then used for storage.

When World War II broke out, the Government requisitioned it and it was used as a billet for Polish soldiers. The Polish soldiers were unhappy with the large, cold rooms and decided to start a small fire, so that they would be rehoused in more comfortable accommodation. The resulting blaze destroyed a large part of the main building's interior. The soldiers were rehoused - but into portable huts in the mansion's grounds.

The mansion has been abandoned ever since the war ended and has gradually decayed further. It is still owned by Lord Bulkeley and a Planning Application was recently submitted to restore the building as 43 apartments.

I visited it several times last year, in order to document it all before any renovation work started, all of the photos can be viewed here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157624673167040/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157624673167040/)

Here a couple:

Main Rear Facade of the Mansion - would once have had views right across to Llandudno:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4868740615_857f711fc2_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4868740615/)
The Return (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4868740615/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

This door survives intact hanging about 20 foot up - the floors have long since gone:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4900777750_c29005893c_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4900777750/)
Hanging Around (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4900777750/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Remains of the Ovens in one of the Kitchens:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4921462880_c38fdc266b_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4921462880/)
Baron Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4921462880/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

The mystery man in action on the Grand Staircase...but who took the photo?
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4898046201_b43a47ede6_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4898046201/)
Guess Who? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4898046201/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on February 20, 2011, 09:57:56 pm
Ah yes, I should have realised that the Bulkeley family would be involved in such a prestigious property.

I have come across many references to Bulkeley family members being patrons and major financiers of bridge building, road projects and pier development in many parts of Angelsey.

Fascinating stuff.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 20, 2011, 10:07:08 pm
Yes, they had their fingers in...many pies.

Another major ruin well worth a visit is Gwrych Castle at Abergele, not as old as it perhaps looks dating from around 1819 but an interesting place to look around. You can even go up to the Hesketh Tower seen in the right background of the photo below for stunning views over the coast

The entire facade:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4653922158_1cbd739c71_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653922158/)
Gwrych Castle - View from Driveway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653922158/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Main building from the Hesketh Tower:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4654429614_8593cc4b12_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654429614/)
Gwrych Castle - Looking down from Hesketh Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654429614/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

A further 20 minute walk takes you up to Lady Emily's Tower (the small square tower on top of the cliff visible from the A55), which has this view over to Rhyl:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4655007981_7f2710c7f7_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4655007981/)
Gwrych Castle - Looking from Lady Emily's Tower over to Rhyl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4655007981/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 20, 2011, 10:20:44 pm
Gwrych Castle will be our next visit  sometime this week  D)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: brumbob on February 20, 2011, 11:31:23 pm
So, these the battlements you can see when driving along the A55? I've often wondered what they were.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on February 20, 2011, 11:53:58 pm
The very same..... A Victorian creation, made to look medieval.     Crying shame that its not already a 5 star health spa or hotel.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on February 21, 2011, 11:17:48 am
When our daughter was small there were often jousting events held there.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on February 21, 2011, 11:25:07 am
we would go to the jousting events too, and there was a bar at the top of a huge set of stone stairs where you could look out at the amazing view.

As far as I know the plans to turn it into a Hotel Spa are going to go ahead
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 21, 2011, 11:35:13 am
That staircase was marble and is still there (just about):
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4654079886_54cf46bafe_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654079886/)
Gwrych Castle - Looking up Marble Staircase (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654079886/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Inside the main building:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4653460041_9706e8260b_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653460041/)
Gwrych Castle - Interior of Main Building (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653460041/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Looking up inside one of the towers in the main building:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4653708646_c7515a673c_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653708646/)
Gwrych Castle - Inside one of the Towers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653708646/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Castle seen from the hillside at the rear:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4692933083_574d78c64e_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4692933083/)
Roofless (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4692933083/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 21, 2011, 12:26:30 pm
Wasn't there a nightclub in an annexe across the main road in the early seventies ?

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 21, 2011, 12:32:56 pm
Wasn't there a nightclub in an annexe across the main road in the early seventies ?
Yes..and I cant remember what it was called! It was owned by a lecturer from Llandrillo College at one time. TTs! That was it. Then it was a shop selling Polish/Russian gifts, now its  a house.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 21, 2011, 12:38:16 pm
I don’t remember it being called that but TT’s reminds me it was also a strip club at one time.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 21, 2011, 01:32:43 pm
Are you thinking of the Oasis Club that was further up the road near the turning to Rhyd Y Foel?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 21, 2011, 02:05:01 pm
That's the one, Hugo.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 21, 2011, 03:25:37 pm
There's many a dodgy deal gone on in that place Bri.      ;)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on February 21, 2011, 08:30:30 pm
Tell Fester MORE about Baron Hill.

Who used to live there?  Why did it fall into such disrepair?

There must be a fascinating tale of riches to rags behind this..

Some  *&( history on Baron Hill here:

http://www.penmon.org/page10.htm (http://www.penmon.org/page10.htm)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 28, 2011, 06:25:46 pm
this morning we made it to Gwrych Castle, very interesting, but you can't get in past the security fences,  lots of empty drinks cans around and Red Bull seems to be a favourite drink round here!

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1640.jpg)

big cracks to be seen
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1639.jpg)

and do be careful in these places, look at this roof waiting to fall any day soon  :o
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1658.jpg)

we found this old pump and amazingly it still goes round!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/AustinRover/Feb%202011/DSCF1650.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on February 28, 2011, 11:30:09 pm
is there any sign of them doing any work on it yet?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 01, 2011, 07:10:47 am
no, the only sign of any recent acivity was to improve the fence security
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on March 01, 2011, 08:07:32 am
Hmmm, seems they have made a real effort to beef up the security. When I went up there, you could walk straight into all the buildings.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on March 03, 2011, 06:16:05 pm
A misty, quiet trip through Snowdonia to Criccieth
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 01, 2011, 11:04:21 am
About half an hour's drive from Llandudno is the lovely village of Llangernyw.
We really like going to the Old Stag pub there.
www.theoldstag.com (http://www.theoldstag.com)
The owners are friendly and the food is excellent.
Next door to it is the church of St Digian's which has a yew tree in the churchyard which is reputed to be 4000 years old.
http://www.walesdirectory.co.uk/tourist-attractions/Churches_and_Chapels/Wales7475.htm (http://www.walesdirectory.co.uk/tourist-attractions/Churches_and_Chapels/Wales7475.htm)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on May 01, 2011, 12:42:17 pm
There used to be some good old Welsh Sing alongs at The Old Stag.   We used to go with friends in the 1970's when we lived here previously.  We used to enjoy the singing even though we couldn't understand a word!    The ale was good also, but that was when I did drink the odd half pint.    ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 01, 2011, 03:07:44 pm
The landlady is Irish now so more likely an Irish sing song!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 01, 2011, 03:45:51 pm
Haven't been to the Stag since the 1970's when it was one of the few pubs to serve food.  The meals were either Scampi or Chicken in the basket and it was a nice atmosphere there.
Must pop in again when I go through the village.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on May 01, 2011, 06:18:55 pm
I used to go in The Stag for a cool drink after photographing Hafodunos. Nice pub.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Llechwedd on May 06, 2011, 01:44:33 pm
Have you been to Plas Glyn y Weddw? It's outside Pwllheli in Llanbeblig.  Lovely scenery there and all the way back through Nant Gwynant.  Not much to see in the actual house apart from an art gallery but the cafe is nice, it's run by the people who have Top Table (ex.19) in Lloyd Street. Nice day out.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on May 06, 2011, 02:07:50 pm
Have you been to Plas Glyn y Weddw? It's outside Pwllheli in Llanbeblig.  Lovely scenery there and all the way back through Nant Gwynant.  Not much to see in the actual house apart from an art gallery but the cafe is nice, it's run by the people who have Top Table (ex.19) in Lloyd Street. Nice day out.
Their website:
http://www.oriel.org.uk/ (http://www.oriel.org.uk/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 26, 2011, 04:32:12 pm
Llangollen is another nice place to visit and there are many attractions there including a steam railway and barge trips going over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
It's great for walking too with easy walks along the canal or more strenuous ones to the ruined Abbey and Castell Bran
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 26, 2011, 04:36:26 pm
Llangollen
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 03, 2011, 01:50:11 pm
We went to see the ship (Duke of Lancaster) yesterday at Llannerch-y-mor, it's easy to see from two public footpaths, there are many warning signs saying not to enter the site, but you can see it very well from the paths! Sadly windows on it are getting broken and the paint has seen better days too!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P7020024.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P7020026.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P7020018.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P7020027.jpg)

http://www.zen70752.zen.co.uk/bat/out/ghost/3.htm (http://www.zen70752.zen.co.uk/bat/out/ghost/3.htm)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 03, 2011, 04:20:24 pm
There's been rumours for a few years that the ship is supposed to be getting scrapped. The interior remains as it was in the 1980s when it operated as the FunShip, down to the early video games like Space Invaders!

http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/ (http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 04, 2011, 01:13:31 am
There's been rumours for a few years that the ship is supposed to be getting scrapped. The interior remains as it was in the 1980s when it operated as the FunShip, down to the early video games like Space Invaders!

http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/ (http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/)

I have seen the vessel many times from a distance, but never even knew what it was called.
It would be fascinating, and a little spooky maybe, to get on board.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: RichieC on July 04, 2011, 05:17:29 am
A few more photos from one of my local local history bulletin board (that's two locals as its based in my immediate vicinity)......http://www.midlandsheritage.co.uk/transport/3793-duke-lancaster.html (http://www.midlandsheritage.co.uk/transport/3793-duke-lancaster.html)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 04, 2011, 08:56:15 am
Some UErs managed to get inside, their pics are here:
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586 (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586)

I love the scale model of the ship from back in the Sealink days.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on July 04, 2011, 09:10:26 am
Seems to have potential as a floating hotel. Wonder why it's never occurred to anyone to do a gambling version of Radio Caroline?  You tow the thing out to the 12 mile limit (which isn't that far) then you can offer whatever entertainment you want. They'd have to work out a way of boarding and disembarking, of course, but that needn't be insurmountable, I'd have thought.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 04, 2011, 09:22:51 am
Seems to have potential as a floating hotel. Wonder why it's never occurred to anyone to do a gambling version of Radio Caroline?  You tow the thing out to the 12 mile limit (which isn't that far) then you can offer whatever entertainment you want. They'd have to work out a way of boarding and disembarking, of course, but that needn't be insurmountable, I'd have thought.

Sounds like a great idea! get Llandudno pier sorted out  and people could sail from there.                                                       
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on July 04, 2011, 09:28:14 am
Some UErs mangaed to get inside, their pics are here:
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586 (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586)

I love the scale model of the ship from back in the Sealink days.

I love that Astro Wars video game machine and the Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine.  :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 04, 2011, 09:39:39 am
Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine.  :)
That dates from 1979. Worth over a thousand Dollars in good condition now.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 04, 2011, 09:53:42 am
Some UErs managed to get inside, their pics are here:
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586 (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586)

I love the scale model of the ship from back in the Sealink days.

Great pics there, I'd love to look around inside and I Want that model!  :D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on July 09, 2011, 07:21:25 pm
had a lovely day out at Gwaenynog show, near Denbigh which is on today and tomorrow. Lovely gardens and plenty of displays and stalls.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 09, 2011, 07:34:59 pm
Thanks for that info. I hadn't realised that was where the show was held.
We went there a couple of weeks ago when the gardens were open for the National Gardens Scheme.
Lovely gardens as you say.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 10, 2011, 05:02:39 pm
We had a delicious Sunday lunch at the Black Lion in Llanfair TH today. Really good food served on hot plates with excellent service.
The whole place is very clean and the furniture all polished. The cheesy mash is yummy.
Only drawback is, it does get very busy at peak times and booking is advisable if you are travelling any distance.

http://theblacklionnorthwales.co.uk/s_onlineordering.asp?m=3 (http://theblacklionnorthwales.co.uk/s_onlineordering.asp?m=3)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 10, 2011, 08:37:13 pm
I escaped the gloom of Llandudno today to head for Caernarfon. The sun shone brightly and it felt much more like Summer there.

1) Y Maes
2) Caernarfon Park
3) Welsh Highland Railway
4) Lloyd George on the Maes

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5922778923_90a7dd2e49_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5922778923/)
Y Maes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5922778923/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5923343636_0d9ee5bab7_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5923343636/)
Parc Y Dre (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5923343636/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5922778203_18b0756d5c_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5922778203/)
Welsh Highland Railway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5922778203/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5923342968_1888307757_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5923342968/)
Gesticulating (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5923342968/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Jack on July 11, 2011, 09:00:41 am
The Duke of Lancaster ship was featured on last night's episode of 'Coast' on BBC2 (sure it will be on BBc iplayer if you want to take a look).  Apparently it was moored there in 1979 as a tourist attraction and shopping mall which could open on a Sunday.  As Sunday opening was so strict back then one way was to use the loophole that you could open on a Sunday if it was on board a ship. 

With scrap metal values so high, I wonder if it would be a good time to take it along to 'Arch Motors' and weigh it in :laugh:

Also some aerial shots of Llandudno on the same episode of Coast.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 11, 2011, 09:53:01 am
I've recorded that episode so we will look forward to seeing that tonight!  D)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: stephenprudence on July 11, 2011, 05:44:33 pm
Is Llandudno's water always this colour in summer?  :o

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/stephenprudence/DSCF2188.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 11, 2011, 10:35:59 pm
I had a good day out in Liverpool today.
I picked up a good way of going there from someone on the internet.
I took my car to Hooton station and left it in the massive car park there. It costs 80p per day. The return train fare is £3.80 and takes about 25 mins.
What an amazing job they are doing in Liverpool with the very dramatic new architecture.
The new museum is opening on 19 July and there looked like a mass panic of building work going on today to finish on time.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 11, 2011, 10:39:04 pm
A few more pics of Liverpool.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 11, 2011, 10:53:15 pm
I had a good day out in Liverpool today.
I picked up a good way of going there from someone on the internet.
I took my car to Hooton station and left it in the massive car park there. It costs 80p per day. The return train fare is £3.80 and takes about 25 mins.
What an amazing job they are doing in Liverpool with the very dramatic new architecture.
The new museum is opening on 19 July and there looked like a mass panic of building work going on today to finish on time.
Looks interesting, must pay a visit with the camera soon.  $good$ You can also catch the train to Chester and get the Merseyrail train straight from there into Liverpool.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 11, 2011, 10:59:08 pm
I look forward to seeing your photos of Liverpool. When the works are finished the skyline will be very dramatic.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on July 15, 2011, 01:40:37 am
Is Llandudno's water always this colour in summer?  :o

Are you talking about the green or the blue?

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on July 15, 2011, 09:15:23 am
I had a good day out in Liverpool today.
I picked up a good way of going there from someone on the internet.
I took my car to Hooton station and left it in the massive car park there. It costs 80p per day. The return train fare is £3.80 and takes about 25 mins.
What an amazing job they are doing in Liverpool with the very dramatic new architecture.
The new museum is opening on 19 July and there looked like a mass panic of building work going on today to finish on time.

We do this often and were in Liverpool the last couple of days for my daughters graduation which was held at the Anglican Cathedral, Brian May is the Chancellor and was there to congratulate the graduands as they made their way across the stage, it was a beautiful day and the city was buzzing with activity. The regeneration of Liverpool has been ongoing for years and they have certainly benefited from the student population living there and spending their money  - although this is bound to be affected by the hike in fees due to start in 2012, I'm sure this will affect the numbers of young people opting to go to uni in the future.

We had a lovely meal in the Monro on Duke Street finishing off with cocktails at Alma De Cuba in Seel Street, a converted Church, pushed the boat out a little but had a great time. We intend to go back during the summer to the new museum and the Magritte exhibition at the Tate. My photo's inside the Cathedral didn't come out too well :( the robing rooms were the other end of Hope Street near "Paddy's Wigwam"
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 15, 2011, 09:24:53 am
Congratulations to your daughter!
Once again you are a mine of information. Magritte was one of my heroes when I was a student and I was so pleased to read your tip about the exhibition at the Tate.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on July 15, 2011, 11:42:54 am
thank you! it has been great going to and from Liverpool over the last three years, we have go to know the city really well. One thing we haven't done yet is the "Shiverpool" tour of  haunted locations, which we will probably do later in the year. One of my favourite pubs is the Philharmonic which has to be one of the most ornate pubs in Britain, including the toilets!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 15, 2011, 04:07:21 pm
We have visited Liverpool a couple of times recently and are hoping to return on Saturday, 23 July to enjoy ‘On the Waterfront’

The new Museum of Liverpool Life will be open until 10pm and the Royal Liver Building is open to the public until 6pm as well as few other items of entertainment to enjoy.

I can certainly recommend it.

Try this link:

http://www.liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk/22-24-july/ (http://www.liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk/22-24-july/)

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 18, 2011, 09:20:43 pm
What a difference a week makes!
The first picture was taken last Monday, the second one today.
A thought occurred to me when I was taking the second one in pouring rain......Dave, how do you hold an umbrella up and take a photo at the same time?
You must have got a better method than mine for your "desolate" pictures.
The ship in the second picture actually set off while I was in the Tate. There were fantastic views from the 4th floor where the Magritte exhibition is on. There is no way I would have got on that ship to go any where. It was blowing a gale.
I got soaked walking from James St station to the gallery but dried off later over a delicious crab risotto in Jamie's Italian in Liverpool One!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 21, 2011, 07:59:21 pm
We have friends staying with us and they very kindly treated us today to a train ride on the Wales Highland Railway.
We set off from Porthmadog at 9.30 and travelled to Caernarfon.
What a great day out.
Here are a few snaps.
I hope there are a few railway enthusiasts out there and apologies if this subject has been on the forum before.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 21, 2011, 08:00:44 pm
Two more.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on July 22, 2011, 12:56:08 am
 *&( Looks like the loco is from South Africa.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on July 22, 2011, 08:53:48 am
U zou verschijnen correct te zijn!    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 22, 2011, 09:56:58 am
More here

http://www.festipedia.org.uk/wiki/87 (http://www.festipedia.org.uk/wiki/87)

and for cheap travel on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway you need

'Y Cerdyn' / 'The Card'

'Y Cerdyn' / 'The Card' is available to all homeowners and permanent residents in Conwy County Borough, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey & Wrexham and is valid for 5 years.

'Y Cerdyn' / 'The Card' entitles the holder to a 66% discount on fares on both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Cards must be produced when buying your tickets.

Costs just £15 and available here

http://www.festrail.co.uk/ycerdyn.htm?mn=14 (http://www.festrail.co.uk/ycerdyn.htm?mn=14)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 22, 2011, 10:14:55 am
Thank you for putting that info on. I wish we had known about the discount ticket before but it will still be useful for the future.
Our friend was delighted with the day out yesterday. He had worked for about 5 years as a signal man many years ago.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 22, 2011, 10:31:18 am
I was saying to ME the other day that I looked at the cost of travelling on the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and I was slightly horrified to see that the cost of a Return ticket was £32! No surprise that the train I photographed was about 70% empty when it left Caernarfon station.  :o
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 22, 2011, 10:51:05 am
Earlier this year, when they first started running to Porthmadog they were packed out mainly with enthusiasts, it will be interesting to see how they get on with families (although I believe a child travels free with a paying adult) I expect that most journeys will be short ones due to child boredom and cost.  The railway is a fantastic achievment though.

 $walesflag$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 22, 2011, 10:58:08 am
We went one way by train and back by bus. The train took 2hrs 45 mins and the bus 50 mins. The bus fare was included in the ticket price.The train stopped for water at Beddgelert and for coal at Dinas.
The scenery from the train was beautiful and so unspoilt.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: BrianP on July 22, 2011, 04:36:13 pm
Check out this site showing a Historical Map 1919-47, from Google Maps API :http://www.festrail.co.uk/historicalmap.htm
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 22, 2011, 05:05:56 pm
Thats a great find there Brian, I'd not seen that before! I have a copy of the map, but it's easier to see it on the screen.

http://www.festrail.co.uk/historicalmap.htm (http://www.festrail.co.uk/historicalmap.htm)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 22, 2011, 05:11:02 pm
Nice find, it shows most of North Wales as well.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2011, 04:33:15 pm
We went one way by train and back by bus. The train took 2hrs 45 mins and the bus 50 mins. The bus fare was included in the ticket price.The train stopped for water at Beddgelert and for coal at Dinas.
The scenery from the train was beautiful and so unspoilt.

That sounds like a great train ride Hollins, glad you enjoyed it.  The photos are great too and I wouldn't mind that train ride as the scenery is so nice along that track.
Voel Coaches are doing a trip on the 26th Aug that includes a single train ride from Caernarfon to Beddgelert and costs £19.50 so I might give it a go.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2011, 04:38:19 pm
My wife has always fancied having a visit to Pensychnant on the Sychnant Pass Road to see the quirky looking house and walk around the gardens.
Unfortunately we arrived just before closing time at 5.00pm so we'll have to come back again as it looks well worth a visit to see the house and grounds.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 31, 2011, 09:13:47 pm
I think the extension (or whatver it is) on the right hand side of the house on this photograph looks terrible and incongruous.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 31, 2011, 09:18:24 pm
The right hand bit is the original house, the left hand bit is the extension!

"Although the original house at Pensychnant (the lower, right-hand end) was built about 1690, the main  house, and really the whole character of the estate dates from the Victorian era. Built between 1877 and 1882,  Pensychnant was the country-home of Abraham Henthorn Stott, architect of the Lancashire cotton mills. Stott & Sons was one of the most eminent Victorian firms, building about a fifth of  the mills in Oldham at a time when Oldham did one eighth of the spinning in the world. By 1937,  the cotton industry had collapsed and Pensychnant was sold, but in 1967  Brian Henthorn Stott, great grandson of the architect, bought it back again.  Now, the Pensychnant Foundation continues in his memory."

The Pensychnant Estate is well worth a visit, it's at the top of the Sychnant Pass. It is mainly a nature reserve and its owned by a small charity who are always struggling to keep it going.

http://www.pensychnant.co.uk/ (http://www.pensychnant.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on August 06, 2011, 05:08:47 pm
We took a friend to see Portmeirion yesterday. She had never been before and we were blessed with lovely weather. A few snaps including another lily pond for Nemesis.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on August 06, 2011, 05:34:28 pm
Thanks for that  ;D I love going to such places, but very few are dog-friendly so we are limited. Cadw are the best!  you are even given a free poo bag at the gate ! Also we rarely get a day out during the season-- unless we sneak away like two naughty kids ! :o
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on August 06, 2011, 09:53:40 pm
Portmeirion is rubbish.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 06, 2011, 09:59:48 pm
Portmeirion is rubbish.

 :o :o it's a magical place, we go in the winter when it's free if you pick up one of the leaflets locally
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 06, 2011, 10:02:19 pm
  you are even given a free poo bag at the gate !

an unusual gift!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on August 06, 2011, 10:05:06 pm
Entrance to Portmeirion is half price after 15.30 and it is open until 19.30. £4.50 instead of £9.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on August 06, 2011, 10:46:14 pm
It's still rubbish...

Its like a corny film set, and the few buildings that you are allowed to enter are merely gift shops.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 07, 2011, 11:05:25 am
Portmeirion is an experience and I still enjoy staying there although it has gone more expensive this year.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on August 07, 2011, 12:20:24 pm
If you enjoy unusual architecture, then Portmeirion is a fantastic place. Most of the buildings are holiday lets, so won't be open to the public.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on August 07, 2011, 02:18:00 pm
http://www.portmeirion-village.com/content.php?nID=96;lID=1 (http://www.portmeirion-village.com/content.php?nID=96;lID=1)

The tariff is out of date ( tut tut) but the insand outs, rules and regs. are all here !
I used to be taken there as a child, always thought that it was fairyland !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 07, 2011, 03:11:54 pm
Our first stay there was in a village room near the belltower.  It was a double aspect room with one window overlooking the village and the other overlooking the estuary and the mountains beyond.
We could see the scenery changing constantly as the water level rose in the shallow estuary and at night the water would twinkle as the moon shone above.
The meal at the Hotel was absolutely delicious and the whole atmosphere made you want to come back again to repeat it.
The Winter rates when we first went were £109.00 per night per room which included D, B and B for 2 and this included your admission into the village.  When I checked  last week the late deals had gone up to £199.00+ per village room.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on August 08, 2011, 12:21:33 am
Its a good job we are all different.

I was looking forward to Portmeirion, but after paying £18 for Mrs Fester and I to wander around, I left after 2 mind-numbing hours thinking that there must be more to it,  I'm missing something??

But, no ... it was rubbish.

I handed my ticket to a lady and her husband queuing outside, to prevent her from wasting her £18.00
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: stephenprudence on August 08, 2011, 02:51:37 pm
Couldn't you find a way onto the beach below and get in for free? Surely the fact Portmeirion backs onto a tidal estuary is one of the biggest things going against them, financially speaking?.  :-X   :twoface:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on August 09, 2011, 09:18:17 am
Couldn't you find a way onto the beach below and get in for free? Surely the fact Portmeirion backs onto a tidal estuary is one of the biggest things going against them, financially speaking?.  :-X   :twoface:

That's simply too risky Steve.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: TheMedz on September 01, 2011, 10:43:45 am
Bodnant Gardens (free) and  Bodelwyddan, St Asaph and Rhuddlan  open days coming up


http://civictrustwales.org/ehd/programme%202011/conwy.html (http://civictrustwales.org/ehd/programme%202011/conwy.html)


http://civictrustwales.org/ehd/programme%202011/denbigh.html (http://civictrustwales.org/ehd/programme%202011/denbigh.html)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 01, 2011, 02:47:21 pm
Thanks for posting the links Medz, I've put some dates in my calender already.   $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 01, 2011, 04:05:07 pm
Hugo, I believe the North Wales Police Headquarters also have an Open Day on Saturday, 10 September.

Llandudno Historical Society have also got access to a special property locally on that day as well.

Please PM me if you want further details.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 01, 2011, 06:10:47 pm
Llandudno Historical Society have also got access to a special property locally on that day as well.

Please PM me if you want further details.
An Open Day but the name of the property is a secret? Kind of defeats the whole idea, really?  ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 01, 2011, 08:40:20 pm
DaveR, please read my post again as I never said it was another Open Day for members of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay History Society; only the Police HQ.

It would not be fair of me to advertise where they are going because it may not be open to non-members.

I happen to think you would enjoy the visit with your camera so if you would like to send me a PM I will give you a contact telephone number to see if non-members are allowed on this occasion.

If so then you are very welcome to come along as my guest.  ;)


Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: martin on December 14, 2011, 10:39:36 am
Yes, they had their fingers in...many pies.

Another major ruin well worth a visit is Gwrych Castle at Abergele, not as old as it perhaps looks dating from around 1819 but an interesting place to look around. You can even go up to the Hesketh Tower seen in the right background of the photo below for stunning views over the coast

The entire facade:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4653922158_1cbd739c71_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653922158/)
Gwrych Castle - View from Driveway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4653922158/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Main building from the Hesketh Tower:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4654429614_8593cc4b12_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654429614/)
Gwrych Castle - Looking down from Hesketh Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4654429614/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

A further 20 minute walk takes you up to Lady Emily's Tower (the small square tower on top of the cliff visible from the A55), which has this view over to Rhyl:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4655007981_7f2710c7f7_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4655007981/)
Gwrych Castle - Looking from Lady Emily's Tower over to Rhyl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4655007981/#) by davidrobertsphotography (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
I have seen this many times over the years from the A55 and had no idea it was a ruin, I was always told it was a posh girls school.   From what I have seem on the internet it is closed up and not open to the public, but at the very least I would love to take a look at it from the outside.  Does anyone have any information on the place, including how to access it from a road or footpath?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 14, 2011, 11:05:30 am
Well worth a look, we had a look several months ago, we went through the gatehouse off the A547 Abergele

http://g.co/maps/fnw7q (http://g.co/maps/fnw7q)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: martin on December 14, 2011, 11:27:34 am
Many thanks Merddin Emrys for the info, we will defiantly be going, but not today, just been down to Conwy to the chemist, talk about a cold wind, all my bits have dropped off!  :o
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on December 14, 2011, 11:43:28 am
I have seen this many times over the years from the A55 and had no idea it was a ruin, I was always told it was a posh girls school.   From what I have seem on the internet it is closed up and not open to the public, but at the very least I would love to take a look at it from the outside.  Does anyone have any information on the place, including how to access it from a road or footpath?
Just go to the gatehouse, as Merddin said, and follow the driveway up to the Castle itself.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 14, 2011, 01:11:31 pm
I have seen this many times over the years from the A55 and had no idea it was a ruin, I was always told it was a posh girls school.   

Martin, I wonder if you maybe getting confused with Bodelwyddan Castle that used to house Lowther College, a public school for girls, which closed in 1982.

You also may be interested in this link to a useful website.

http://www.gwrychtrust.co.uk/ (http://www.gwrychtrust.co.uk/)


Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: martin on December 14, 2011, 01:32:41 pm
Hello Bri, Thanks for the link, I will have a good look at it.  Yes, I was confusing the two places, daft as a brush!   :P
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 14, 2011, 02:28:31 pm
No problem, Martin.

It is very confusing because Clarendon School also operated from nearby Kinmel Hall but was damaged by fire in 1975 and had to close down.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 14, 2011, 03:21:26 pm
Bodelwydden Castle is now part of the Warners Holiday Group and although it's not far from where I live I had a nice break there a few years ago.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on December 14, 2011, 07:51:11 pm
I remember going to see Randolf Turpin doing 6 exhibition rounds at the castle back in the fifties, he was in residents then. World champ at the time. We stood near one of the towers at the back of the castle and could see him with a handfull of girls sunbathing in the gardens
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 19, 2012, 05:10:29 pm
I spent an hour or two at Bodafon Farm today and it's well worth a visit.   The Birds of Prey are very impressive and I saw my favourite one "Otis" the Little Owl this time, although I couldn't take his photo because the mesh of his cage was so small.
We then went on to feed the animals but I made the mistake of feeding the Emu and he nearly ate my fingers as well!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 19, 2012, 05:11:57 pm
Bodafon Farm
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on March 19, 2012, 06:53:44 pm
Hugo, what were you saying the other day about wishing that you could take better photos?  Those are great photos of the owls in particular!  Hope your fingers have recovered. 

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on March 19, 2012, 08:24:57 pm
OMG Hugo, you've captured Frizzy's grubby friend there !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 20, 2012, 06:49:10 pm
Hugo, what were you saying the other day about wishing that you could take better photos?  Those are great photos of the owls in particular!  Hope your fingers have recovered.

Thanks Blodyn for your comments, I can't blame my camera for the dodgy photos as I tend to rush things and also the camera is always on auto.  I've had the Cannon PowerShot for about 2 years and haven't even read the instruction book yet. In fact the other day I found out by accident that there is a Macro facility on the camera although I haven't used it.     :-[
I've a walk planned for Friday where your Camera, Dave's Nikon and Ian's would come in very useful.   

Nemesis, I was thinking of your dog Frizzy when I took the photo and wondered how long it would take Frizzy to look like his grubby friend. 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on March 20, 2012, 09:10:46 pm
Not long I can assure you if he is allowed to dig in the garden.
Bath and haircut day on Friday!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on March 23, 2012, 10:04:18 am
Hugo, I hope you have a good walk today.  It sounds interesting and I look forward to hearing about it.

Now that you've found the macro facility on your camera you can start practicing on some flowers.  When I first got my digital camera the instruction book was pretty daunting, so I tried to learn just one thing at a time, then move on when I'd got the hang of it. 

 ££$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 12, 2012, 07:57:53 pm
I am ashamed to say that I don't think I have ever stopped in Criccieth before today. What a lovely place it is. The sunshine certainly helped.
I am on a mission now to explore more of the Llyn Peninsula.
Look at the queue for ice cream!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on April 12, 2012, 11:02:58 pm
What lovely photos, Hollins.

The Lleyn is beautiful, you'll find plenty to enjoy there. 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on April 13, 2012, 09:07:34 am
Aberdaron is well worth a visit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 13, 2012, 04:00:33 pm
Thank you so much for your recommendation. I was hoping I might get a few pointers from the forum.
I went there today. It was lovely but unfortunately the weather wasn't.
However here is a picture of the church to say thank you!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 13, 2012, 04:19:32 pm
I also liked Llanbedrog where the beach huts were on the move. I stumbled upon a nice gallery there, Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. The last photo is taken from inside the gallery.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 13, 2012, 08:29:34 pm
I am ashamed to say that I don't think I have ever stopped in Criccieth before today. What a lovely place it is. The sunshine certainly helped.
I am on a mission now to explore more of the Llyn Peninsula.
Look at the queue for ice cream!
Haven't been to Criccieth for many a year. Used to go there a child, so happy memories. Cadwaladars started their business in Criccieth.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 14, 2012, 08:28:45 am
One of our regular ( if you could call it that) 'escape' days.
Down to Beddgelert via the Aberglaslyn Pass, flask of coffee by the harbour in Portmadog and on to picnic lunch and a stroll in Criccieth, then back over the Crimea and perhaps an ice cream in Betwys. Sad I know, but it re-charges our batteries!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 14, 2012, 10:15:49 am
That sounds like a great day out Nemesis, beautiful scenery,  mountains and the sea but next time you must stop at the ice cream place in Beddgelert on your way down and there's nothing to stop you having another ice cream in Betws later!       $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 14, 2012, 02:24:13 pm
Only my waistline !!! :o
I like the shop by the river in Beddgelert,( near the loos), which sells the woodcarvings.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on April 14, 2012, 11:30:24 pm
Only my waistline !!! :o
I like the shop by the river in Beddgelert,( near the loos), which sells the woodcarvings.

You are right Nemesis, that is a fantastic shop, full of interesting and unique pieces.
There are some great ornamental items, but also traditional and inexpensive toys for the kids. (boats, trains etc)

I have often thought that such a shop would do very well in Conwy, or even Llandudno itself.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 15, 2012, 08:46:41 am
Now that's an idea !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 15, 2012, 08:57:02 am
Hmm...
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 15, 2012, 08:50:15 pm
Visited Caernarfon today. With such clear light and wonderful sunshine, the clouds appeared like cotton wool:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6935325916_90f1157c94_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6935325916/)
Y Maes & Caernarfon Castle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6935325916/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/7081172665_251c080e8a_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7081172665/)
Caernarfon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7081172665/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7081104799_d845665c55_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7081104799/)
Caernarfon Castle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7081104799/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/7080881025_7f5dd6d940_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7080881025/)
Caernarfon Castle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7080881025/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6935140030_6aaea1c83c_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6935140030/)
Caernarfon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6935140030/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2012, 07:25:17 am
What beautiful clear photos. I'm sure the tourist office would be interested in them although I was hearing on the news that we don't have a "tourist board" anymore. I think it is "Visit Wales" now, but that was being partly blamed on the drop of income from tourism.
Hope you had a lovely day.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 16, 2012, 09:06:08 am
Thanks, H. Yesterday was a perfect day for taking touristy photos that make Wales look its best. I've sold photos to VisitWales in the past.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: TheMedz on April 18, 2012, 07:52:16 am
Free visit to majority of National Trust sites this weekend with this voucher.https://join.nationaltrust.org.uk/voucher/register (https://join.nationaltrust.org.uk/voucher/register)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 23, 2012, 01:23:18 pm
A visit at weekend to the abandoned quarry of Maenofferen, which is a very large slate quarry above Blaenau Ffestiniog. It closed in 1998 and was left pretty much intact, even down to all the equipment. Fascinating place for a wander around. It should be noted that it is private property and parts of it are still an operational quarry.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/6957075190_3490ec33e5_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957075190/)
Maenofferen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957075190/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7103216181_885d295abc_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7103216181/)
Maenofferen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7103216181/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7103764099_d59b4d6dec_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7103764099/)
Maenofferen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7103764099/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6957016492_f985a96105_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957016492/)
Maenofferen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957016492/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on April 23, 2012, 11:31:29 pm
That first picture at the disused quarry is pretty stark and very atmospheric. I like it!

For my part, I realised that on a nice evening like today, it was pointless me sitting in a kiosk on a deserted, rusting Victorian relic, and I decided to set off with Mrs Fester to Conwy.
Firstly we did my favourite thing, which is to walk the entire town / castle walls.
I took a couple of hazy pictures, and one of them is of that bombed-out boat.  The Grey Lady?
To be honest, as appalling as the wreck looks, it is not much worse than some of the terrible looking hulks tied up at the quayside, and are still inhabited!   
From there, we headed off to the Groes Inn for a beer,  but en-route decided to go a little further and have a nice cold beer in the Ty Gwyn in Rowen.  A very quaint little village pub that I have often fancied popping in.
I need to have more evenings like this, and waste less time at work!



Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 24, 2012, 08:28:21 am
I like your theory Fester-- this thought hit us a couple of years back when we lost a very long-standing friend. Make time for yourselves.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 24, 2012, 08:51:23 am
No-one ever lay on their deathbed wishing they'd done a bit more work....  ;)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 24, 2012, 09:31:34 am
I fully agree, we worked for years and having seen various friends die at relatively young ages we vowed to retire as soon as we could and we have, with thanks to someone for some excellent stock market advice $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 24, 2012, 10:42:51 am
Life's to be enjoyed, not endured...as another of my favourite phrases goes.  ;D  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 29, 2012, 07:54:09 pm
A visit today (in appalling weather) to the former RAF Bomb Store in Llanberis.

In 1939, The Air Ministry took over the former Slate Quarry at Glyn Rhonwy for use as an Ammunition Store. They built a two storey concrete building within the former quarry and piled 40 feet of slate waste on top to disguise it. Unfortunately, a poor design meant that a large section of the building collapsed, burying thousands of tonnes of ammunition and an entire train. As 20% of the entire RAF ammunition supply was stored here, this was a major calamity. The collapsed section was cleared but not rebuilt. The site continued in use until the 1950s. Then it was discovered that hundreds of tonnes of faulty explosives etc had been simply dumped in the lakes by the sides of the quarry. This resulted in a major clean up operation which lasted until 1976. The site is now awaiting development.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7125116983_5c2e566a5a_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125116983/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125116983/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7125112467_2d979baf75_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125112467/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125112467/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7125114543_839382d13a_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125114543/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125114543/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7125113899_7a042cb7e8_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125113899/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125113899/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/6979024732_8d5f3a73e2_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979024732/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979024732/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6979028620_a767753ab1_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979028620/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979028620/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/6979030196_27f46d3bf8_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979030196/)
Glyn Rhonwy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979030196/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 29, 2012, 08:08:59 pm
Very interesting, standard and narrow gauge railways were in to that place too, nice pics again and the first one reminds me of the pier pavilion site only there is no junk visible at Glyn Rhonwy. Another place that I must visit! Have you been to the Dorothea slate quarry yet?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 29, 2012, 09:35:34 pm
Yes, there was a connection to the main Llanberis-Caernarfon line for incoming bomb deliveries. Excellent website about it here:
http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/l/llanberis/index.shtml (http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/l/llanberis/index.shtml)

Haven't been to Dorothea yet, my fellow photographer (and driver) decides where we are going!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 13, 2012, 08:59:19 pm
I am very fond of Manchester. I love the way they have developed the old buildings and combined them with the new.
I recently stayed at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel. This new ultra modern building was built behind the facade of the Free Trade Hall.
The first photo is the view from my room at the back of the hotel. The huge arched roofed building is the original Central station which closed in 1969. In 1986 it opened as the GMEX exhibition centre. It is now called Manchester Central.
I had lunch at the new Jamie's Italian restaurant. This is another magnificent building which has been given a new life. It was built in the 1930's and was designed by Edwin Lutyens and was the Midland Bank.
The lunch was excellent. It was the same menu as other branches. I had the crispy squid and truffle risotto. There was a board announcing a new menu starting on May 15.
Here are two of my photos of it but I found this article which has some much better ones.
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Italian/Exclusive-Jamies-Italian-King-Street-Preview-Pictures (http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Italian/Exclusive-Jamies-Italian-King-Street-Preview-Pictures)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on May 18, 2012, 12:11:11 am
I must admit that I've seen little more of Manchester than is visible from the train.  I will obviously have to take the time to do more than change trains there. 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 18, 2012, 10:56:08 am
That photo of the old Central Railway Station takes me back a bit.    When I used to watch Man Utd at Old Trafford I would catch a train from there and it stopped right outside the ground.  The train carriages were old and had no corridors on them but it was an ideal way of getting to the ground
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 24, 2012, 11:20:42 pm
We had a lovely walk in Bodnant Gardens this morning, lots of colour at the moment, but the famous labernum archway is still to be fully in bloom, we'll be back next week! Well worth a visit!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1581.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1596.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1599.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1593.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1605.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 03, 2012, 04:14:34 pm
We went back to Bodnant again last Friday, the famous laburnum arch is fully out now, well worth a visit!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1709.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1715.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1738.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1733.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1727.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1720.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/DSCN1718.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 27, 2012, 10:58:13 am
We had a great weekend at the Llangollen Steam Railway, well worth a visit! It was a special transport weekend with buses and classic cars, including one of our cars  D)

Ludo will like this bus!
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230122.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230121.jpg)

I love this Wickham DMU, the only one of it's kind still running!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230142.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/th_P8230132.jpg) (http://s1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/?action=view&current=P8230132.mp4)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230084.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 27, 2012, 04:36:42 pm
I don't know how I missed those lovely photos of Bodnant ME  I haven't been there this year so I've missed a treat again.

Liked the photos of Llangollen and Carrog too and hope to be out walking there soon.      Why can't Llandudno have a Railway Station as clean and as nice as that one?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ludo on August 27, 2012, 04:54:10 pm

Ludo will like this bus!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230122.jpg)

Ah haaaa... yes, an old friend indeed!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SDQ on August 27, 2012, 07:38:31 pm

Ludo will like this bus!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P8230122.jpg)

Ah haaaa... yes, an old friend indeed!


But the wrong livery, eh Ludo?
I remember taking that very bus to Alton Towers for Rydal School summer trip just after it was painted in that livery. We travelled down with 2 deckers (the other one in the old livery with the proper dragon) and a new coach in the Crosville Wales livery. When we pulled into the park the bus spotters were chasing us down the car park trying to get pictures and were really chuffed when we were parked up in a line next to each other.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on August 27, 2012, 08:39:12 pm
I went on a bit of an expedition yesterday. My main aim was take a look around the former Ferodo factory at Caernarfon (closed since about 2006) but I thought I would also take a look at two very interesting small country estates that lie next to each other and are just along the cycle path from Ferodo.

The first mansion was called Plas Ty Coch. Both this and the sister estate next door (Plas Brereton) were bought by one man back in 2000, who had a plan to renovate both and convert into luxury hotel/restaurant etc. Unfortunately, after several million pounds were spent, the money ran out. The sad thing was that the properties were very close to completion at this time, with both mansions having been completely refurbished, rewired, reroofed, decorated etc and the extensive gardens landscaped with water features etc. So, the properties went up for sale, an investor from Liverpool bought them...and the money ran out again. This time, they didn't sell...and the vandals and thieves moved in. Both mansions have been comprehensively trashed/looted and the beautifully landscaped gardens are now just an overgrown mess.

So I wandered in off the cycle track and took a look around. Plas Ty Coch is the more interesting of the two mansions, a Gentlemans Residence from the 1800s with a large walled garden that is still full of many varieties of apples, pears etc (all currently waiting to be picked) and even grapes and dates in the relatively undamaged greenhouses. At the bottom of the landscaped grounds is a very overgrown Chinese Water Garden, complete with little bridges and various Ponds/Rills. There is also a small dock and cottage directly on the Menai Straits, accessed by a small tunnel underneath the cycle track. So, a very interesting place to look around. I can put up some more photos if anyone is interested.

After that, I headed back onto the cycle path and soon arrived at the former Ferodo factory. Incidentally, the cycle track was once the Caernarfon-Bangor railway line until it closed early in the 1970s. Shortly before arriving at the factory, I passed underneath a concrete access bridge and it was interesting to see that the bridge still had smoke deflectors fitted to the underneath to deal with the effects of smoke from steam trains. The inevitable hole in the hedge soon appeared and I just walked onto the Ferodo site. Boy, is it a big building, the size of several football pitches and totally wrecked. Sad to think that once over 1,000 men worked here and as the main employer in the area. It is now awaiting demolition and redevelopment. It was actually very eerie walking round such a big building on my own, especially with the strange noises booming out as bits of the roof moved with the wind.

After a good look around, it was time for a walk along the cycle track back into Caernarfon and a refreshing coffee on Y Maes.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7866949038_a5b79fa7db_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7866949038/)
Plas Ty Coch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7866949038/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7867194582_3d8db9ca23_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7867194582/)
Plas Brereton (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7867194582/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7874634368_db2893e2c6_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7874634368/)
Ferodo Caernarfon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7874634368/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 27, 2012, 10:56:47 pm
Very interesting, I've driven past many times too!  A great shame to see all that work and cash wasted!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 27, 2012, 11:02:55 pm
Liked the photos of Llangollen and Carrog too and hope to be out walking there soon.      Why can't Llandudno have a Railway Station as clean and as nice as that one?

The difference is that a lot of love and effort from volunteers goes into these preserved railways and sadly none at all into the everyday railway buildings, sad to see, but how to pay for it?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on September 03, 2012, 05:19:31 pm
What a shame about Plas Ty Coch and Plas Brereton.  How sad to see them going to ruin after all that work.  I'd be interested to see some more photos, Dave, do you have any of the walled garden? 

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 03, 2012, 10:45:39 pm
What a shame about Plas Ty Coch and Plas Brereton.  How sad to see them going to ruin after all that work.  I'd be interested to see some more photos, Dave, do you have any of the walled garden?
I certainly do, there's some attached to the this post. When I visited about two weeks ago, all of the fruit was pretty much ready for picking; I understand the locals fill a shopping bag with the fruit when passing.

Press article:

" AT pounds 3.5 million the 200-year-old Plas Brereton estate on the banks of the Menai Strait at Caernarfon carries one of the weightiest price tags on the North Wales property market.

So what can you expect for that sort of money? The list is long: two Georgian mansions, set within 23 acres, a walled Victorian kitchen garden, two further walled gardens, a lodge, farmhouse, beach cottage, coach house, river frontage, private docking, grounds and outbuildings... What's more the estate has permission for use as hotels with restaurant facilities and a health club.

The main buildings are Grade II listed Plas Ty Coch and Plas Brereton. The former is a handsome house, built in 1807 and with its original windows and verandah as planning permission for eight bedroom suites together with a conference room and glassroofed 70 seat restaurant.

The food for those diners could be largely grown in the Victorian walled garden where two original glasshouses have been restored to their former glory and now grow melons and tropical fruits.

Outside the borders are stocked with fruit and flowers and there are 862 fruit trees, the largest selection in Gwynedd, including the rare Bardsey Island apple.


Plas Brereton itself is a late Georgian house. Built around 1821 and once the home of an influential banking family, it overlooks the Menai Strait with lovely views to the Isle of Anglesey. It too has planning permission for eight bedrooms, a further eight in an extension and an 80 seater restaurant.

With direct access onto the Menai Strait, a private dock capable of accommodating vessels up to 45 feet and three heavy duty deep water moorings, whether the Brereton estate becomes a commercial concern or private estate, those with a love of sailing will be amply provided for.

As will those who like to sit and watch the watery world go by: a riverside patio is capable of seating up to 450 people and with a battery of gas points is capable of supporting the area's biggest barbecue.

Plas Brereton estate is for sale at pounds 3.5m with Dafydd Hardy, Caernarfon 01286-677774. "



There's also a link here to the sales brochure from 2008. Look at the difference 4 years has made!!:
http://www.carterjonas.co.uk/property/for-sale/brochure/=BAN080041 (http://www.carterjonas.co.uk/property/for-sale/brochure/=BAN080041)

By coincidence, the first photo below of the Chinese Watergarden I took matches up perfectly the photo from 2008 on page 3 of that brochure.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on September 03, 2012, 10:47:39 pm
A very poignant set of pictures, Dave.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on September 08, 2012, 10:32:57 am
Thanks for those photos, Dave.  What a pity to see such beautiful gardens in such a state now.   :(
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on October 24, 2012, 08:53:19 am
I had a great day out in Manchester yesterday.
I'll let the photos tell the tale!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SDQ on October 24, 2012, 08:59:51 am
Nice pics, apart from the last one  :puke2: :puke2:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on October 24, 2012, 11:15:20 am
O'h SDQ, how cruel..... ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on October 24, 2012, 11:02:05 pm
The Festers were in Manchester too at the weekend.

We attended a Jewish wedding (those guys really know how to throw a party) and we stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate.

We will be back there in a few days for two nights..... one of them for the mighty Motorhead gig! 

WOOOOAAAARRGGHHHH!!! 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 25, 2012, 08:22:25 am
Hollins, you must have been sitting only a few rows behind my season ticket on Tuesday evening. 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on October 25, 2012, 08:47:42 am
oooo.......lucky you Bri.
I was in the family stand, W212 Row 19 Seat 6.
It was a great view from there, above the tunnel and below the ITV studio. I saw Adrian Chiles having his hair done!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 25, 2012, 01:33:32 pm
With that view I did wonder if you were actually in the TV Studio.

My season ticket is further down in the front row of the upper tier opposite the penalty spot.

Block 121, Row 1.

It was a great comeback by the home team

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 04, 2012, 07:29:40 pm
Another visit to Bodnant (trying out a new camera!)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000127.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000120.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000119.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000113.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000111.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 04, 2012, 07:39:05 pm
Bodnant yesterday, Welsh Highland Railway today, from Porthmadog to Beddgelert return. There was snow on the road from Betws y Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog  :o

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000331.jpg)

looking inland from The Cob Porthmadog
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000156_edited.jpg)

at Pont Croesor with Cnicht in the background
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000172_edited.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000192_edited.jpg)

Aberglaslyn Pass
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000202_edited.jpg)

The Garratt locomotive at Beddgelert
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000237_edited.jpg)

waiting for the return journey
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1000272.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on November 04, 2012, 11:50:55 pm
Nice photos, Andy. Are you using Nikon technology once again?  ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 05, 2012, 07:38:44 am
It's a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150, a Which best buy, I also intend getting another pocket Nikon (via Ebay) to replace the last one that had the unfortunate accident involving a loo, a very common incident I am told!  :laugh:  the small Nikon produced some great pics for the size of it.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 05, 2012, 10:47:27 am
Beautiful pictures ME and you've captured two seasons in two days as well.  I was going to ask what camera you were using but Dave beat me to it.      $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 05, 2012, 12:31:45 pm
Thanks Dave and Hugo  $thanx$.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on November 05, 2012, 01:56:22 pm
Bodnant yesterday, Welsh Highland Railway today, from Porthmadog to Beddgelert return. There was snow on the road from Betws y Coed to Blaenau

Crimea Pass is always a place to be careful of when there is snow around.   I've had to turn back from my journey to B F on a few occasions.   It is a bit earlier than usual for me but my wellies, a blanket, spare fuel, gloves, thick coat, thick socks and a shovel are all going in the boot of the car in the next day or so.  Be prepared as the Scouts say! 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blodyn on November 07, 2012, 06:47:09 pm
Lovely photos, ME. 

Family in the Blaenau area said that their problem was about 3" of frozen hail!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Gwynant on November 09, 2012, 09:56:20 am
               While we were walking through Llangefni yesterday we came across this building with a door (locked,I hope) which opens out into the open air about 15 feet above the pavement. We could not decide the purpose of the positioning of the door but after much speculation one of us concluded that Felix Baumgartner might have lived there during his formative years and it may have been an early practice area for his recent record-breaking jump to earth from the edge of space.
           We had earlier passed the Forestry Commission notice which describes a method for you to dispose of dog-poo quickly and efficiently (note the added on extra in felt tip pen!) which Jack mentioned some time ago. Apologies for the camera focussing, it was raining at the time.  :rage:
          Lastly, as we were coming back through the Llangefni Industrial Estate we dropped in on the newly-opened "Dewis Mon" (Anglesey Choice) Meat Factory Outlet which has just transferred across from Gaerwen and is well worth a look if you buy meat in bulk (half a lamb, half a pig etc) but also sells individual packs of chilled or frozen meat, fish, cheese, veg.etc. and advertises 30% reductions on local supermarket prices.
         
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Gwynant on November 09, 2012, 10:02:03 am
           ))* $booboo$ This photo of the Forestry Commision shold accompany the previous post. I'm still learning with posting photos!  Sorry.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 02, 2013, 06:37:53 pm
Ruthin, and more specifically Ruthin Castle has been a favourite place for the Fester's for many years.

Ruthin Castle, as most are are aware, is now mostly a hotel, which throws a fantastic medieval banquet on a regular basis.
The hotel was built in Victorian times onto the higher, and rear elevations of the ruined castle.
Much of the hotel is sitting on the footprint of what would have been the Upper Ward and Grand Hall of the castle.
The hotel is a superb building in its own right, but some parts are fading somewhat since its heyday of Victorian grandeur.
However, a period of refurbishment has reached most of the rooms, and the Restaurant is exceptionally good.

Now, what has always puzzled me, is how many guidebooks ignore the medieval castle itself.
Some guides say, 'few traces remain of the original castle'
Well, I have always been amazed by that, as I think that a fantastic amount of the medieval castle remains.
All one needs to do is to clamber around at the less attractive rear of the hotel.

The photos below show firstly, a view of the Victorian hotel, then the 2nd picture is of the internal castle walls, (the lower keep)
The 3rd picture shows quite clearly the remaining main Castle Gatehouse and steps, almost intact.
The 4th picture shows the extent along the front elevation, as to  how well the medieval ramparts have survived.
I find Castell Rhuthun to be a fascinating place.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on January 02, 2013, 10:43:55 pm
is that spiderman in the third picture looking down at you?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on January 03, 2013, 07:05:21 am
Quote
Some guides say, 'few traces remain of the original castle'
Well, I have always been amazed by that, as I think that a fantastic amount of the medieval castle remains.

Cromwell demolished the original castle c.1650 to prevent it being used as a military base, Fester, so I suspect the guide books are correct. It also seems that there might have been an even earlier castle on that site, but the main reconstruction was in 1826. Following the death of the last male heir of Chirk, Richard Myddleton, the castle and its estate passed to one of his three daughters, Maria. She had a new castellated two-storey, double-block house built which straddled the upper and lower baileys. The two blocks were joined by a covered stone bridge across the inner moat.  If you look closely at the photos you've taken, there are notable non-medieval features, and certainly poor defensive characteristics. 

Also, as I'm sure you know, however, almost all castles which remained in private hands were usually cannibalised by their owners to create newer homes elsewhere.  That resulted in ruin of many great castles throughout Europe.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 08:54:48 am
So, it's actually more of a Victorian folly, similar to Gwrych Castle (1819-1825) in Abergele?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 03, 2013, 11:30:49 am
I would be very surprised if that were the case.
Although anything is possible.
My camera battery ran out before I could take more pictures of the front elevation, the extent of the ruins is very great.

It wouldn't make sense to create that facade, as the access to that area is very difficult and the entrance to the grounds is to the rear, (the hotel part)  There is no natural vantage point to view it.
Most of the arches and arrow loops are badly eroded red sandstone, the stuff which gave Ruthin Castle its name, Castell Coch, (The Red Castle)

I know that when Cromwell ordered the ruin of castles, he did so to make them undefendable in future.
That meant blowing up towers with 'new fangled' gunpowder, stripping down curtain walls and demolishing upper crenellations.   Ruthin is certainly in that state.
It bears further investigation.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 11:35:48 am
On this site, it says the castle was dismantled in 1648:
http://www.castlewales.com/ruth_tl.html (http://www.castlewales.com/ruth_tl.html)

"The castle was dismantled following an act of parliament which was passed to stop the reoccupation of fortresses by belligerent forces. The walls were torn down and the timber and stone was carted away for use elsewhere."
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 03, 2013, 12:01:45 pm
I think a site visit is in order.  It is a very interesting place.

What I saw is commensurate with about 80% of the castle being dismantles, and some Victorian re-building on top of existing ramparts.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 03, 2013, 12:22:16 pm
Ruthin Castle is built on a red sandstone ridge 100 feet above the Clwyd valley, overlooking a strategic river crossing. Judging by the curving moat to the west of the upper bailey, the earliest castle here may have been a motte and bailey. However, the first documented castle was given to Prince Dafydd ap Gruffydd by King Edward in 1277. It was known as Castell Coch yn yr Gwernfor - the red castle in the great marsh - and the redness of its sandstone walls can be seen to this day.

The castle of 1277 consisted of a pentagonal upper bailey that had revetment walls built up the quarried rockfaces of the ridge and was therefore similar to Holt and Whittington castles. The bailey was around 350 feet long by 250 feet wide and the floor level of the buildings was much higher than the ground outside the walls. This was particularly true on the north west side where the land sloped away towards the river. The opposite side of the castle was defended by a deep and broad dry moat.

Revetment walls featured heavily at other Welsh castles such as Dinas Bran, Deganwy and Ewloe and had the advantage that they could not be broken down by siege engines.

 
Ruthin was improved by its next owner, Reginald de Grey, perhaps when he first took over in 1282 and again in 1295 when the castle was further strengthened and extended. Reginald employed the famous military architect Master James of St George to provide the castle with a twin-towered gatehouse and six round towers, the northern tower incorporating a smaller Welsh one. The walls above the revetments of the upper bailey were 7 to 9 feet thick and rose to a height of 100 feet above the bottom of the moat.

The lower bailey had a drum tower at each corner and its own gate, which had a portcullis, a rounded fighting platform above the entrance and a bridge across the moat towards the river. This outer court was around 240 feet wide by 160 feet long and was overlooked by the main court. The baileys were separated by another deep moat that may have been spanned by a bridge. The current wooden bridge across this moat is not original.

There was a sally port between the two baileys from which defenders could rush into the moat to counterattack their foes at the base of the walls. A spiral stairway leads from this doorway up the side of the adjacent drum tower at the southwestern corner of the upper bailey. A second flight of steps curves around the outside of the tower towards a gateway into the upper bailey.

A similar doorway exists at the base of the northern tower and steps lead from it up through the tower into the apex of the upper bailey. There are also signs that yet another sally port was situated on the opposite side of the castle to the south of the main gate, the remains now hidden in the thick undergrowth against the revetment wall of the eastern moat.

In 1826 a fine house was built over the southeastern quarter of the castle, within both baileys, and it was rebuilt and extended in 1849-52. The house hid many details of the castle's internal buildings but some details of the main hall survive. It was 100 feet long by 40 feet wide and looked out over the Clwyd valley from the west side of the upper bailey.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 03, 2013, 07:58:47 pm
Thank you Hugo.
That article ties in with my photographs, and suggests that the drum towers, the moat and the gatehouse (with fighting platform above) shown on my photographs are indeed original features.
It is still possible to ascend the spiral staircases in the two remaining drum towers... but they are a little treacherous.

Dave and I are planning a visit in the next 10 days or so to examine it in more detail.  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 08:08:26 pm
Yes, I'm looking forward to taking a look around.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 03, 2013, 08:55:49 pm
I hope that you enjoy your visit to Ruthin Castle and look forward to some more photos of the place. I've enjoyed some Medieval Banquets there in the past and the whole place has a nice atmosphere.     $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on January 04, 2013, 12:59:56 am
I hope you enjoy your visit. Ruthin Castle is an amazing place, I always think they should make an effort to clear some of the overgrown areas around the old castle ruins.

If you go into the Castle  for refreshments, have a look at the large portrait of a lady in blue in the inner lobby ( the room just before the  bar) - and then look at her  face in the  reflection in the mirror opposite    :o
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on January 04, 2013, 08:13:52 am
According to this site (http://medieval-wales.com/site_01b_ruthin_castle.html) on medieval Denbighshire part of the original fortifications, with five towers and the remains of a gatehouse, can still be seen by permission of the hotel management – or glimpsed over the wall from Cunning Green, the footpath turning right outside the Victorian gateway. Medieval times (http://www.timeref.com/hpl1386.htm), however, states that only a "small amount" of remains, er...remain. Denbighshire Library service's archive  (http://photolibrary.denbighshire.gov.uk/assetbank-denb/action/viewAsset?id=1286&index=59&total=94&categoryId=46&categoryTypeId=1&collection=Ruthin)site does show some photos of the Grade 1 listed remains but to return to the Guidebook's original quote, Fester, I think it's probably quite accurate to say 'Few traces remain' of the original castle.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 04, 2013, 10:19:19 am
Opinion appears to be divided on the subject.

Further investigation of the towers, ramparts and gatehouse will be most interesting.

Permission of the hotel management will not be required for the path I intend to take.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 04, 2013, 11:03:18 am
Whatever transpires the Castle is well worth a visit.   One hot sunny day some years ago I attended a pre retirement course there and they had the doors wide open to cool the room and the tame Peacocks just wandered in and looked around the room but were quickly ushered out in case they left a calling card on the carpets there!

Fester, my camera batteries have run out on me when I've been walking but as they are the round AA type all I have to do is take them out and warm them by rubbing them in my hands and then they work perfectly again.    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 04, 2013, 11:12:11 am
I tried that trick Hugo, it often works... but it let me down on a cold January new years day!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on January 04, 2013, 12:45:35 pm
The reference to  the Cunning Green is confusing, I've always known it as the path to the LEFT as you walk out of the Castle gates.  It leads down to the local Park  with a high wall on your left and  bit of a drop on your right as you pass the back of the houses on Lower Clwyd Street. If you wanted to glimpse the ruins from over the wall you would need a long ladder! The path gives you an idea of the extent of the  inaccessible grounds belonging to the castle.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 04, 2013, 02:45:18 pm
That's correct Sue.
The path down to the left, (from the Castle Gates) does indeed have a very high wall.
There is no view to the Castle frontage in any way.
This is why I am saying that the Victorians are unlikely to have re-created a castle facade of that enormous size, if no one could actually admire it.

I'm not saying that the Victorians didn't repair or raise the ruins to some degree, but the drum towers and gatehouse appear to be dilapidated medieval ruins.  (All in my opinion)

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 04, 2013, 05:23:44 pm
Stopped to get a photo of the Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall by Llanrwst this afternoon:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8345604585_c5b7b85ee3_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8345604585/)
Waterfall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8345604585/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on January 04, 2013, 08:41:18 pm
yet another cracker Dave, keep them coming
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on January 05, 2013, 08:19:32 am
Like the ghostly head and face (top centre) which makes it appear as though the waterfalls are arms...
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 05, 2013, 10:28:12 am
Thank you, Snowcap. Never saw that, Ian, until you said!

It's a great little place, passed it many times o the B5106 but never taken the time to go and look at it until now.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 05, 2013, 05:22:26 pm
After Pendragon's photo of it on one of her walks I've been there a few times and taken others to see it too.
Well worth the effort and we now approach it from the car park on the main Trefriw Road as it is easier to get to it that way.    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 09, 2013, 10:01:27 pm
I don't know why I bother going to Betws y Coed.

The last time I went, I concluded that it was a just a collection of tourist gift shops and outdoors shops.
If you want to see endless ranges of walking boots, fleeces, and Welsh slate coasters, then Betws is the place for you.

However, because the number 19 bus goes from right outside my house, directly to ByC, Mrs Fester said we should give it a try for a day out.
This also meant that I could have a beer or two, given that we were leaving the car at home. I recalled that I quite liked the Royal Oak and was looking forward to that.
So, off we set with an open mind.

We arrived in Betws, and headed in to the Alpine Coffee Shop, which was unique and excellent.
In hindsight, we should never have left it.  From there it all went downhill. We went around a whole series of outdoor clothing shops until Mrs F finally settled on a fleece.  By that time I had lost the will to live.   Men do not belong in clothing shops. After all, we only own 2 pairs of shoes, and 2 pairs of pants.  (one for best, and one for everyday)

From there, we sat on the rocks in the river, ate our sandwiches... took a couple of pics, blah, blah... but we've done ll that before.

So, excitedly we made our way into the Royal Oak, I remembered it fondly for its Victorian grandeur, for its leather armchairs and its cosy atmosphere.  But NO!

Now, it resembles a Premier Inn, with its poor quality mish-mash furniture.. its bright lights and its tacky decor.
As you enter your eyes are assaulted by a red neon sign, 'Grill Room'
I went through the Grill Room on the way to the loo, and it was a cheap looking extension, serving what looked like 'Little Chef' style dinners, and it was adjacent to an even cheaper looking self service cafe.
Now, I realise that they have updated the place and are now catering for a wider tourist market.  In Summer I'm sure they will absolutely RAKE IT IN.... but in the process. they have ruined the atmosphere and the heritage.

So. after a pint of overpriced lager, we shuffled off to the gift shops again... and back to the bus station.
I did enjoy some of the scenery around Rowen and Llanrwst, which I normally miss while I'm driving.
But other than that, I reckon that my original opinion of Betws y Coed has been re-enforced.

It will be a cold day before I venture there again.   (Its going to be freezing next week, I hear)  :laugh:

To top off a really crap day, we got off the return bus early, in order to go to Fat Cat's in Llandudno to have a nice evening meal.
However, as our luck would have it, the Kitchens are closed for 2 days, for refurbishment.
So.... we trudged back home, up the Gt Orme, to get on with that most joyous of tasks, the rubbish recycling!  :(


Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 09, 2013, 10:35:50 pm
On the other hand, we had a fantastic day going out in the car with our packed lunch and flasks, to Porthmadog and other places with plenty of walks, took lots of pics (will put some up later!) one of those perfect days!  D)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 09, 2013, 11:17:23 pm
Pics of today as promised. The old church at Llandecwyn has amazing views!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010459.jpg)

looking towards Portmerion

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010462.jpg)

Borth y Gest, some great walks along the cliffs here!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010473.jpg)

Another look at the Dorothea Quarry

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010476.jpg)

Great old beam engine here.

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010477.jpg)

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010478.jpg)


(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010496.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 10, 2013, 07:58:45 am
one of those perfect days!  D)
Looks like you were able to make the most of yesterday's beautiful weather as well ME.
It was wonderful and so unexpected for January.
That's a wonderful view of Portmeirion from the other side. I've never seen it from over there.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on January 10, 2013, 08:47:13 am
Oh dear Fester--sorry you had a poor day-- still mustn't moan. :twoface:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 10, 2013, 02:36:53 pm
RUMOURS that Ruthin Castle is in administration have been scotched by owners, but the company is experiencing financial difficulties, it emerged today.

A statement released this afternoon said: "The Directors of Ruthin Castle Limited can confirm that the company is not in administration and is not being liquidated.

"The business has however been experiencing financial difficulties and action is being taken by the company to restructure with the assistance of specialist financial advisors Begbies Traynor Group PLC of Leeds.

"The company is seeking the support of creditors by way of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (a CVA). A meeting of creditors is being convened on 14th January. The company believes it has the support of major creditors and suppliers and that the CVA will be successful. Business is being conducted as usual.

"The financial restructuring sought is to assist the company with the shortfall in meeting the unexpectedly high cost of the upgrading and spa development work and the results of several months delays during the spa development process that inhibited revenue growth at that time. The financial restructuring is expected to consolidate the stability of the company and allow it to continue in its new role as a 4-star hotel & spa.

"The underlying trend of the business is positive. Draft audited accounts indicate that the hotel traded at a record level in the 2011-12 financial year despite half its rooms being closed for the last three months whilst upgrading was being carried out and the spa added. With the benefit of the new and upgraded facilities revenues have already shown a pattern of substantial increase, with the months of September, October, November and December 2012 all up on respective 2011 revenues and forecast to continue increasing. The hotel is trading profitably and profits are also forecast to increase despite the general economy.

"The company is seeking to strengthen its existing working relationship with the local community whilst simultaneously looking to further enhance its reputation at a nationaland international level. The hotel employs in excess of 100 full and part time staff andwhilst changes to the current organizational structure are inevitable the company is engaging with its employees to minimize the number of people affected by the current situation.

"Ruthin Castle Limited owns Ruthin Castle hotel and in 2012, with the help of HSBC andthe Welsh Government, invested heavily in creating the Moat Spa and upgrading the hotel to 4-star standard."


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/09/ruthin-castle-experiencing-financial-difficulties-55578-32575323/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/09/ruthin-castle-experiencing-financial-difficulties-55578-32575323/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 10, 2013, 03:08:20 pm
Great photos ME, that new camera of yours is working a treat.     $cool$

I did put it on my Christmas wish list but Santa must have forgotten me.    :(
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Michael on January 10, 2013, 07:48:25 pm
 Naughty Santa. Maybe if he had come up trumps Jessops might have been saved Mike
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 10, 2013, 09:20:48 pm
Thanks Hollins and Hugo, I am very pleased with the camera and also a small Nikon that fits in my pocket.
Mike, I've done my bit in Jessops last year! Always busy when we went in!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on January 10, 2013, 11:49:48 pm
whats the name of the volcano in the third picture M.E.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 11, 2013, 07:45:23 am
whats the name of the volcano in the third picture M.E.

 :laugh: yes we thought it looked like a volcano, I think it is Moelwyn Mawr.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 04, 2013, 10:13:20 am
Ruthin, and more specifically Ruthin Castle has been a favourite place for the Fester's for many years.

Ruthin Castle, as most are are aware, is now mostly a hotel, which throws a fantastic medieval banquet on a regular basis.
The hotel was built in Victorian times onto the higher, and rear elevations of the ruined castle.
 

If anybody fancies trying out a break at Ruthin Castle with a 57% price discount then consider this:

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/chester/ruthin-castle-hotel/17037765?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_35&a=2023 (http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/chester/ruthin-castle-hotel/17037765?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_35&a=2023)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on February 04, 2013, 11:08:37 am
Ruthin, and more specifically Ruthin Castle has been a favourite place for the Fester's for many years.

Ruthin Castle, as most are are aware, is now mostly a hotel, which throws a fantastic medieval banquet on a regular basis.
The hotel was built in Victorian times onto the higher, and rear elevations of the ruined castle.
 

If anybody fancies trying out a break at Ruthin Castle with a 57% price discount then consider this:

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/chester/ruthin-castle-hotel/17037765?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_35&a=2023 (http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/chester/ruthin-castle-hotel/17037765?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_35&a=2023)
Good deal! I'm tempted.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 12, 2013, 11:12:02 pm
We had another nice walk around Llanfairfechan this afternoon in the lovely sun, much warmer than yesterday!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010929_zpsf859fe16.jpg)

we had a look at the station, the footbridge has been beautifully painted, a shame other railway footbridges are looking tatty!

(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i331/penrhynpigeons/P1010936_zps68fbf334.jpg)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 13, 2013, 12:29:40 pm
More good photos from that new camera of yours ME   $good$

Llanfairfechan is a nice place for a variety of interesting walks
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 13, 2013, 12:57:18 pm
Thanks Hugo, we like it there, I love the buildings in Station Road!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 13, 2013, 04:46:54 pm
ME,  I don't know if you have seen a street in Llanfairfechan called The Close.  It is a beautiful street and I think most if not all of the buildings are listed.
I saw it this year for the first time and was so impressed that I took my wife there not long after and she was equally impressed too.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 14, 2013, 10:08:53 am
Hugo, I'd not seen The Close before, I've just looked on Streetview, it looks stunning! Another visit is called for! Thanks for the tip off!  :D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: dwsi on March 14, 2013, 11:38:51 am
The houses were designed by a well known arts and crafts architect Herbert Luck North. There are houses in Vardre Park, Deganwy designed by him.

http://education.gtj.org.uk/en/blowup1/25472 (http://education.gtj.org.uk/en/blowup1/25472)

http://education.gtj.org.uk/en/blowup1/9363 (http://education.gtj.org.uk/en/blowup1/9363)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 14, 2013, 04:44:25 pm
They are lovely houses too Dwsi, I remember looking at one when it was £45K.   It would be quite a lot more now though.     :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 03, 2013, 06:25:06 pm
We had a drive through the Ogwen Valley today and stopped by Llyn  Ogwen to take this photo of Y Garn.    It looks inviting but this is the nearest I'll go to it for a while anyway.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 13, 2013, 05:22:55 pm
I've just attached two photos that were taken by Keith Jones, a walking friend of mine.  They were taken at the southern end of Llyn Ogwen and the first one is looking towards Y Garn and the second is looking at Pen Yr Ole Wen.
Keith has taken them with a compact Olympus Camera and obviously has an eye for taking a good photo. The photo of Y Garn was featured on Derek Brockway's  weather programme and he has also had other photos appearing on that programme.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 13, 2013, 06:06:51 pm
Very good, especially the first one.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 13, 2013, 06:24:53 pm
 $cool$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 02, 2013, 10:38:40 pm
While DaveR was exploring South Stack at the weekend Mr Hollins was sailing around it.
He took these photos of Porth Wen which he thought might be of interest as they show it from a different perspective.
PS: Love the South Stack photos DaveR.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 03, 2013, 11:02:40 am
Lovely photos Hollins and thanks for posting them.  It's on my favourite Anglesey coastal walk (Bull Bay to Cemaes Bay)   
Was your hubby lucky enough to see some Dolphins while he was sailing?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on May 03, 2013, 11:58:36 am
PS: Love the South Stack photos DaveR.
Thank you! We saw a few yachts sailing past, thought the view from them must be great.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 03, 2013, 02:32:52 pm
Hugo, They saw something about three times but he thinks it could have been a porpoise.

DaveR, They had to sail quite a long way out because of dangerous waves and currents called overfalls.
They took these pictures from the coast path near Holyhead looking over to North Stack.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 10, 2013, 08:35:46 am
We had a great trip on the Festiniog Railway yesterday, we travelled in an open carriage and the locomotive was... Merddin Emrys!   D)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 10, 2013, 08:40:23 am
A few more.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 10, 2013, 09:01:48 am
Fab day out! So pleased you got the engine with your name.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Trojan on July 12, 2013, 10:07:02 pm
The class 47 is more to my taste.  8)

http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class47b/pages/47145n.htm (http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class47b/pages/47145n.htm)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 13, 2013, 07:51:47 am
Some great footage of the Festiniog and Welsh Highland Railways here..

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AzcTFEWG8hU (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AzcTFEWG8hU)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 19, 2013, 07:13:05 pm
We have just spent a pleasant couple of days in Aberdovey. We had driven nearby several times on our way to Pembrokeshire but this time we stayed and we were very glad we did.
Here are a few colourful snaps of the village which was very attractive.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 19, 2013, 07:26:32 pm
A lovely place, great pics too!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 20, 2013, 09:03:33 am
Looks great, H, certainly one for the list to visit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 20, 2013, 03:32:16 pm
Thanks ME and yes DaveR definitely one for the list.
It was also one of the most beautiful drives over there. We turned right on to the B4405 after Dolgellau and passed by this beautiful lake at Tal-y-llyn.
There was a steam railway there. Have you travelled on it ME?
The road travels down a lovely valley eventually coming out at the sea at Tywyn where there were also some interesting buildings including the Magic Lantern Cinema that I put on the quiz.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on July 20, 2013, 04:11:49 pm
We were down in that area earlier this year, a lovely place and at the head of the lake in your photo we had found, last year, a very strange little picnic area  with a semi abandoned park with walks laid out in and among ponds and streams. all turns out that it was where Idris Pop was first made.

http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/33331/details/IDRIS+MINERAL+WATER+CO.,+MINFFORDD,+NEAR+CORRIS/ (http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/33331/details/IDRIS+MINERAL+WATER+CO.,+MINFFORDD,+NEAR+CORRIS/)

Another trip to that area was somewhat of a disaster as we had three days of horizontal rain!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 20, 2013, 07:03:29 pm
Thanks ME and yes DaveR definitely one for the list.
It was also one of the most beautiful drives over there. We turned right on to the B4405 after Dolgellau and passed by this beautiful lake at Tal-y-llyn.
There was a steam railway there. Have you travelled on it ME?


Oh yes many times in the last 40 years, it's a wonderful railway!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 21, 2013, 02:06:03 pm
We didn't quite reach Aberdovey yesterday, but got as far as Barmouth.

Travelled down first to Porthmadog, via the usual Betws Y Coed/Blaenau Ffestiniog route. Had a full breakfast in the Big Rock cafe, which is on the main st opposite HSBC - delicious! https://www.facebook.com/TheBigRockCafe (https://www.facebook.com/TheBigRockCafe)

We then headed back across the Cob and took the Toll Bridge shortcut (No tolls collected as was unmanned  ;) ). Then, the usual route along the coast past Harlech and Llanbedr (I remember the Maes Artro militiary museum there, now long vanished).

We soon arrived in Barmouth. Now, I had visions of a fairly sleepy little seaside town. These dreams were soon shattered - no exaggerating, it was busier than Llandudno on a busy day!The massive car park on the prom was completely full and people were parking anywhere they could find. The massive beach was packed with people and the town itself was heaving. I was amazed!

We had a walk round for an hour or so, then back to the car and up the A496, then A470 to complete the circuit. Feeling a bit parched by the time we'd got back to Betws Y Coed, so we stopped off at Ffin Y Parc for a great coffee and bara brith! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ffin-y-Parc/134343220078768?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ffin-y-Parc/134343220078768?fref=ts)

A great day out.  $good$ No photos yet, apart from the one or two I've put on Facebook, as they're on my other Mac.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 22, 2013, 09:10:16 pm
Couple of Barmouth photos:

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/9342117095_04e7b3dc0c_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9342117095/)
A visit to Barmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9342117095/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/9342116923_2e330d16a3_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9342116923/)
A visit to Barmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9342116923/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/9326306815_5b66e91a92_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9326306815/)
Sailors Institute Barmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9326306815/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9343665077_13a54da4a1_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9343665077/)
A visit to Barmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9343665077/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9344900212_fcd7aa293d_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9344900212/)
A visit to Barmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/9344900212/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 22, 2013, 09:18:40 pm
A nice place, been there many times!  $cool$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bellringer on July 22, 2013, 09:41:11 pm
Yes, they have some nice bells too.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on July 23, 2013, 07:41:39 am
And they mounted 10 rescues over the weekend of mainly E European families on dinghys (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23402045) that were blown out to sea.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2013, 08:48:51 am
And they mounted 10 rescues over the weekend of mainly E European families on dinghys (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23402045) that were blown out to sea.
Darwinism in action, the RNLI should not interfere with nature!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 23, 2013, 11:51:19 pm
Snigger...  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on August 19, 2013, 04:15:36 pm
Been out and about a bit lately, so a lot of catching up to do.

I'll start with one of Fester's favourite places, Ruthin Castle Hotel. A very interesting and unusual building, set in 30 acres of gardens and parkland. The Castle itself was built in 1846 but remains of the original 1277 Castle ruins are everywhere within the grounds and, sadly many of the ancient walls etc in the gardens appear to be on the brink of collapse. The hotel itself has been refurbished in recent years and the public rooms are very grand, in the best Victorian tradition. We just popped in for coffee & scones but I have to say that the service was first class, a real credit to the hotel. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on August 19, 2013, 10:19:16 pm
Dave, Nice pictures of one of my very favourite places, and one where Mrs Fester and I have been visiting very happily for many, many years.

Part of our honeymoon was spent there.
Looking forward to staying there again soon, and over-indulging in the medieval banquet!  $dins$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 23, 2013, 07:40:30 pm
Tellytubby was invited to the opening of the new bridge across the Foryd at Rhyl yesterday and sent me these photos.    Pont Y Ddraig ( The Dragon Bridge) looks very impressive.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 15, 2013, 06:30:37 pm
We had a nice drive down to Betws Y Coed and  had a look at the beautiful Acer tree before the rest of the leaves are blown off with the recent winds and then back to Betws and the Royal Oak for a nice meal and some shopping in the area.
It was quieter there than normal  but there were still a few people about.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2013, 11:18:12 pm
After a nice day in a much improved Caernarfon last week, we set off for a set off for a really nice two days in Llangollen.

We have never been to Llangollen, but will certainly be going again.
We found a great deal on 'Laterooms.com' for The Cornerstones Hotel,  it's a 5 Star Bed and Breakfast, and I would willingly pay the full rate any time, it is excellent.
I have posted a picture of the megalomaniac-sized bathroom on the appropriate thread.

We soon realised why the cheap hotel deals were on last week, because all the main attractions in Llangollen were closed down for that week.  Canal cruises and Steam Train excursions for Xmas return next week, but we got lucky in other respects.
For example, whilst looking dolefully at the empty train station, the engine (pictured below) pulled in!
It was driver training day!  So we were able to watch the trains for a while, and I even took a picture inside the cab.
I hope Merddin Emrys is suitably jealous.

From there, I wanted to visit Plas Newydd, an Elizabethan Manor house which I had seen on TV on the 'Most Haunted' programme.
Again, it was closed, but I was able to walk around the grounds ans take a few pictures, (one below)

Later, we had a fantastic night out in Llangollen's hostelries.
We visited the beautifully restored Corn Mill pub and Restaurant.
However, most of our night was spent in the oldest Wine Bar in Wales, opened in 1976 apparently, and the food on offer was superb.  We spent a packet, so much in fact that I can't remember what the wine bar's name is! But, it is bang opposite the Cornerstones Hotel.

The next day, after a walk along the riverbank, I really wanted to see Valle Crucis Abbey.
I had no idea it was so close to Llangollen, but I had spotted it on the drive on, so we had a potter around there as I just adore all things medieval.

In between times there are lots of great little shops, tea rooms and cafes.
I look forward to going again in the near future.


Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on November 19, 2013, 08:41:15 am
Loved your description of your trip away, just happening on things!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on November 19, 2013, 08:48:25 am
The Wine Bar was called Gales of Llangollen, I think.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on November 19, 2013, 09:08:25 am
One of the best breakfasts is available a mile or so out of town up Horseshoe Pass.  The Ponderosa is a great meeting place for Bikers and Car enthusiasts.  A real Five Star Greasy Spoon!    :D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on November 19, 2013, 09:16:17 am
Llangollen is a very pleasant town to visit. I'm thinking about staying at Manorhaus next time:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186439-d3562995-Reviews-Manorhaus_Llangollen-Llangollen_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186439-d3562995-Reviews-Manorhaus_Llangollen-Llangollen_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 19, 2013, 10:27:36 am

For example, whilst looking dolefully at the empty train station, the engine (pictured below) pulled in!
It was driver training day!  So we were able to watch the trains for a while, and I even took a picture inside the cab.
I hope Merddin Emrys is suitably jealous.


 :laugh:, We have been there several times this year with our classic cars for special events, they give us free rides then!  D) a great railway!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 08, 2014, 09:51:01 am
I tried the new San Carlo Bodega restaurant in Selfridges, Manchester yesterday.
I have always liked this place for the view right from the days when it was the M&S coffee shop.
It has undergone another transformation this time with comfy pale blue seating. It is the same principle as Cicchetti in Kendals, small plates of tasty food so you can choose to have a small amount or order loads if you need to fill up.
I had calamari with a plate of courgettes and it was good with the usual friendly service.
I didn't want much because I was staying at the Radisson again and they have a Winter Break offer on at the moment which includes afternoon tea and breakfast for less than than a normal'ish rate.
I didn't chose this option but you could have had one tea which included mini fish and chips and mini toad in the hole!
Anyway always a good day out and here are a few photos, first one is San Carlo Bodega.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on February 05, 2014, 05:15:14 pm
Llangollen is a very pleasant town to visit. I'm thinking about staying at Manorhaus next time:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186439-d3562995-Reviews-Manorhaus_Llangollen-Llangollen_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186439-d3562995-Reviews-Manorhaus_Llangollen-Llangollen_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html)

Saw this DaveR if you are still interested.

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/Wales/Getaway/99041?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2014_6_deal%3a1677284&utm_content=1677284&tz_adid=1677284 (http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/Wales/Getaway/99041?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2014_6_deal%3a1677284&utm_content=1677284&tz_adid=1677284)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 21, 2014, 06:27:37 pm
Beaumaris was very pleasant in the sunshine today:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on April 21, 2014, 11:19:29 pm
A big wheel in Beaumaris?   No not you Dave,  the attraction.    How long has that been there?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 22, 2014, 09:19:30 am
A big wheel in Beaumaris?   No not you Dave,  the attraction.    How long has that been there?
:laugh: I believe the town's traders clubbed together to hire it for a month or so. If only Llandudno's Traders had similar ambition for their town....
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on April 22, 2014, 07:44:20 pm
A big wheel in Beaumaris?   No not you Dave,  the attraction.    How long has that been there?
:laugh: I believe the town's traders clubbed together to hire it for a month or so. If only Llandudno's Traders had similar ambition for their town....

It would surely be a self- liquidating investment with the possible spin off of more business.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: born2run on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 am
They'd be better off putting in a full park for the kids, after all in that trade it's all swings and roundabouts   :twoface:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 27, 2014, 11:56:52 pm
We went to Beaumaris this morning, had a ride on the big wheel (£5 each) very good, wonder if they will bring it to Llandudno?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 28, 2014, 09:10:04 am
Wish we'd gone on it now.  :-[ Any more views from the top, ME? The one in Liverpool at the Albert Dock is also very good, it's a bit higher and has enclosed cabins. Great views over the City.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 28, 2014, 09:56:23 am
A shame you didn't go on it! We loved it!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 28, 2014, 10:03:20 am
Great pics ME. I've been on this one.    ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on April 28, 2014, 09:21:32 pm
Hollins, you are a master (or mistress perhaps?) at the game of Top Trumps!   
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 29, 2014, 08:31:45 am
 _))*
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 29, 2014, 10:11:49 pm
I took advantage of the lovely weather today and had a short walk through the bluebell wood to Cadair Ifan Goch and then went to Plas Maenan where we enjoyed a relaxing coffee on the verandah while looking across onto the Carneddau.
With enough coffee for over 4 cups and I had a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam and Mrs H enjoyed a generous portion of Bara Brith.    £10.00 in total which was really good value for money.    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 30, 2014, 12:15:10 pm
Forgot to post some photos    :-[
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 30, 2014, 03:45:02 pm
Plas Maenan looks very pleasant.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 30, 2014, 03:57:40 pm
It is Dave, we've been here a few times just for a coffee and just sit on the verandah looking at the scenery and it's so relaxing.  Yesterday, in the Spring sunshine the wild rabbits were running about  in the field just below the car park which was nice to see.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on May 01, 2014, 11:31:52 am
Popped over to Abakhans yesterday,  the old portakabin style cafe has been  replaced by a very nice new cafe and gift shop area, and as always had a hard time not to spend too much on the lovely range of fabrics yarns and gifts. It was a lovely drive back through the bluebell lined country roads up through Whitford to Caerwys where you can get back onto the A55 or in my case down through Bodfari and Llandyrnog to Ruthin
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on May 01, 2014, 12:06:11 pm
I had never heard of that place so thank you for the tip.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: suepp on May 01, 2014, 07:34:13 pm
you are in for a treat - take a large shopping bag!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on May 02, 2014, 08:37:00 am
I had never heard of that place so thank you for the tip.

And a large wallet !

It is a crafter's paradise! The only place I could count as better would be The Bombay Stores in Bradford if it is still ongoing. If ever you get chance--go there-- I used to be let loose in there to buy fabric for costumes for the local panto. Ahhhh--Aladdin's cave has nothing on that place and we ladies were treated like royalty.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on May 02, 2014, 11:09:02 pm
I had never heard of that place so thank you for the tip.

And a large wallet !

It is a crafter's paradise! The only place I could count as better would be The Bombay Stores in Bradford if it is still ongoing. If ever you get chance--go there-- I used to be let loose in there to buy fabric for costumes for the local panto. Ahhhh--Aladdin's cave has nothing on that place and we ladies were treated like royalty.

Bombay Stores in Bradford is still in full vigour Nem, I drove past last week.... en route to the most excellent Kashmir Curry House.   
I came back with loads of curries for my freezer.  Irresistible.
In fact The Kashmir is the ONLY thing I miss about the city of my birth!   (Sorry for the off-topic)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on May 11, 2014, 10:26:37 pm
Paid a quick visit to Bodnant today, in the hope that the Laburnum Arch would be flowering yet. It wasn't...but still a real pleasure to have another wander around such a beautiful garden.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2014, 10:00:38 pm
   Bodnant Gardens in all its glory.   When I was coach driving I took Towyn Junior School there on a school outing. Amongst the children was my own youngest daughter, aged around six or seven.
   Off they all went with the teachers. After about half an hour I thought I would have a wander around by myself but along one of the paths surrounded by all the flowers came the school party, including young Vicky.   Sees me, all excited "Dad, Dad, have you seen any shops anywhere?"
    She was a shopaholic at six and she's still the same at twenty-six
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on May 13, 2014, 07:29:44 am
Quote
Sees me, all excited "Dad, Dad, have you seen any shops anywhere?"
    She was a shopaholic at six and she's still the same at twenty-six

I blame the parents...

 WWW WWW WWW
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 21, 2014, 05:13:03 pm
A beautiful Summer's Day at Rhosneigr yesterday:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 22, 2014, 08:02:45 pm
Walked up Snowdon today, am ashamed to say its the first time I've ever done it! We went up the Llanberis path, took 2 hours to walk up and, not surprisingly, two hours to walk back down. As you would expect, magnificent views and a walk that really stretches your legs! When we got back to the bottom, it was straight to Petes Eats for tea.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 22, 2014, 08:59:14 pm
I've been up a few times but on the train! Great views up there!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on June 22, 2014, 11:57:20 pm
Is it possible to walk up Snowdon,  but ride back down?
That would be very preferable for my ageing knees.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on June 23, 2014, 07:44:39 am
They certainly don't do one-way tickets during the peak summer season.  Whether they'd do it at either end of the season I don't know.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on June 23, 2014, 08:12:43 am
Single tickets can be purchased for the journey UP Snowdon.

A very limited number of Descent tickets are sold on a STANDBY basis only from the Summit Stationmaster's platform office, on a first come first served basis.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 23, 2014, 08:53:44 am
Walked up Snowdon today, am ashamed to say its the first time I've ever done it! We went up the Llanberis path, took 2 hours to walk up and, not surprisingly, two hours to walk back down. As you would expect, magnificent views and a walk that really stretches your legs! When we got back to the bottom, it was straight to Petes Eats for tea.

Two hours is a very good time to walk up Snowdon, especially as it's your first attempt.  The return journey is 9 miles and the average time to do it is between 5-6 hours.   Even on the first short section to Steffan's cafe it's very steep and you soon build up a sweat just getting to there.   I'm pleased that you had good visibility that day as the photos show, because the views from the summit are superb.   Ian's favourite walk up the Watkin Path is really picturesque and you could get some stunning photos along that route (weather permitting)

I would still recommend that the Medz tries the Pyg Track first of all as the Llanberis Path is just a relentless slog uphill, whereas the Pyg Track has a variety of aspects to the walk.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 23, 2014, 08:56:23 am
The thing is that most journeys on the SMR are Returns, so there's rarely spare capacity in the carriage to allow people just book a trip back down. Apparently, it's not uncommon for people to walk up Snowdon and assume that there will be a spare seat on the train to carry them back down. It doesn't go down well when they are told that they will have to walk back down again.  $angry$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 23, 2014, 09:04:09 am
Two hours is a very good time to walk up Snowdon, especially as it's your first attempt.  The return journey is 9 miles and the average time to do it is between 5-6 hours.   Even on the first short section to Steffan's cafe it's very steep and you soon build up a sweat just getting to there.   I'm pleased that you had good visibility that day as the photos show, because the views from the summit are superb.   Ian's favourite walk up the Watkin Path is really picturesque and you could get some stunning photos along that route (weather permitting)
Thanks Hugo, I found it a fairly straightfoward walk up to the Halfway cafe and a little more arduous thereafter!  :laugh:

I was sad to see that Pen Ceunant Cafe is up for sale at £500,000, btw.
http://www.snowdoncafe.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-snowdoncafemain/60-snowdoncafeforsale (http://www.snowdoncafe.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-snowdoncafemain/60-snowdoncafeforsale)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 23, 2014, 09:08:53 am
I have walked up Snowdon twice and then caught the train down.   The first time was because I was completely saturated by the driving rain and the second was because my Dutch friends were physically exhausted and unable to walk downhill.
Perhaps I was just lucky on those occasions but I'd check with the railway first if anyone else is thinking of doing it.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 23, 2014, 09:59:34 am
I'll stick with a return ticket on the train and more leisurely walks elsewhere!  ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on June 23, 2014, 10:18:32 am
As the difference in price of a single and a return ticket is negligible, you can always purchase a return ticket and start walking up well before the train leaves Llanberis and be guaranteed a seat on the return train.

In fact, if you are struggling on the way up you can always enjoy the view for a while at Clogwyn and take up your seat at this point to carry on up to the summit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on June 23, 2014, 10:27:47 am
From the Snowdon Mountain railway booking site:

Quote
When the summit is the destination passengers are not allowed to board or disembark at any other passing point.

Quote
To avoid the possibility of being stranded, passengers with return tickets must return on the same train as there may not be later availability or any later trains arriving at or leaving the summit and Clogwyn.

From Mid-July to Early September the very early departures from Llanberis will sometimes have return seats available, but infrequently.  Outside of this period, or in really grotty weather, Summit - Llanberis seats are more frequently available.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 23, 2014, 10:47:56 am
Two hours is a very good time to walk up Snowdon, especially as it's your first attempt.  The return journey is 9 miles and the average time to do it is between 5-6 hours.   Even on the first short section to Steffan's cafe it's very steep and you soon build up a sweat just getting to there.   I'm pleased that you had good visibility that day as the photos show, because the views from the summit are superb.   Ian's favourite walk up the Watkin Path is really picturesque and you could get some stunning photos along that route (weather permitting)
Thanks Hugo, I found it a fairly straightfoward walk up to the Halfway cafe and a little more arduous thereafter!  :laugh:

I was sad to see that Pen Ceunant Cafe is up for sale at £500,000, btw.
http://www.snowdoncafe.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-snowdoncafemain/60-snowdoncafeforsale (http://www.snowdoncafe.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-snowdoncafemain/60-snowdoncafeforsale)

Yes, it won't be the same there without Steffan,  I'll have to go there soon and see him before he goes.   $cofffee$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on June 23, 2014, 11:35:29 am
Ian, is it possible for Fester to pre-book online a return ticket, walk up to the summit and return back down on his designated train as per his timed ticket?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on June 23, 2014, 12:26:51 pm
For the fourth Sunday in a row, we went to Port Eirias where I wanted to launch my toy pond yacht.  As usual the upper area was coned off so that about 2/3rds of the available parking area was reserved for water sports users.  Although there were empty spaces there was no way the Council SS were going to allow a mere pond yacht owner access to the area!   RESERVED for Colwyn Bay Water Ski Club was the short reply I received, no one else is allowed.   I took pains to point out the some folk had laid out a couple of parking bays with camping chairs and such impedimenta and were treating the area as a picnic area.

We helped to pay for this PUBLIC FACILITY but it seems that at the week-end when one wishes to relax or partake in pond yacht sailing one has to give way to the exclusive use of the area by various clubs or organisation.   Questions need to be answered.
 :rage:  :rage:  :rage:  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on June 23, 2014, 03:00:10 pm
Quote
Ian, is it possible for Fester to pre-book online a return ticket, walk up to the summit and return back down on his designated train as per his timed ticket

It should be, certainly.  Good idea, Bri.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on June 29, 2014, 12:14:01 am
A belated thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking forward to trying the walk up Snowdon, although having seen the physical effect on Dave the day after his walk, maybe I shouldn't attempt it!

Having said that, another 24 hours later, and he had shaken the stiffness off.   $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Cordyline on June 29, 2014, 11:41:58 am
My new chum in Llanberis tells me that every 4th train going up Snowden is a Steam Train and waits at the top for one hour

The other 3 diesels return after a 30 minute stop
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 29, 2014, 12:13:00 pm
A belated thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking forward to trying the walk up Snowdon, although having seen the physical effect on Dave the day after his walk, maybe I shouldn't attempt it!

Having said that, another 24 hours later, and he had shaken the stiffness off.   $good$

If it's your first walk up Snowdon, I'd still recommend that you walk up the Pyg Track or otherwise coming down the Llanberis Path you could end up walking like John Wayne used to walk!   
A friend of mine walked up the Pyg Track with a mate and then walked down the Llanberis Path.   It was his intention to stop at Steffan's Café near the bottom of the path but decided against it when he looked at the state of his mate and realised that if he stopped the mate wouldn't be able to get up again.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on September 22, 2014, 10:01:05 pm
Apologies to SDQ and Yorkie, because I took a day off from Scrabble.... err I mean work!!.... today, and set off to discover those lakes I keep reading about on here.
Set off to Llanrwst to the ivy covered 'house on the bridge', for the famous Welsh Rarebit, but despite a sign saying open 7 days a week until October.... it was disappointingly closed on  Monday.

Had a nice lunch in Trefriw at the Fairy Falls pub instead, then followed the signs up to Lake Crafnant.
It was a perfectly still day, not even a bird singing.   Perhaps they have all migrated?
We took the 5km walk (3 hours it said) around the lake... and it was blissful.
I took a couple of pictures on the iphone only, but hopefully someone can identify the very pretty 'spherical' blue flower in the 2nd picture.
Picture 1 is from the start of the walk. (Bald Yorkshireman still feeling energetic), picture 3 is from close to the end of the walk, looking across to the picturesque cafe on the water's edge.

Enjoying these days off!

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 22, 2014, 10:55:29 pm
Glad you are enjoying some walks, it's lovely up at Llyn Crafnant! 😀🚶
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 23, 2014, 08:20:45 am
Crafnant is one of my favourite walks, glad you got up there in the end.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2014, 08:27:29 am
That blue thing is a fungus, I think.  I'll find out more.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 23, 2014, 10:32:25 am
Thanks Fester. That sounds a lovely walk and what a super day you had for it. I am not sure but to me the flower looks like a scabias.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2014, 10:36:50 am
You're probably right, H. No word from my gardening source as yet :-)) 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2014, 02:37:41 pm
And the word is Scabious. So it seems you were correct, H :-))
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 23, 2014, 04:01:42 pm
Oh dear, could do better on the spelling!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2014, 04:28:30 pm
Oh, I just copied and pasted it :-)))
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 23, 2014, 04:36:27 pm
No, it is me that is wrong!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 25, 2014, 08:49:08 pm
Gwynant's quiz question inspired me to visit Penrhyn castle today. Here are some photos to show the inside. Quite remarkable stonework and there were some magnificent wall coverings too but my photos of those are not clear. The interior was rather dark.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 25, 2014, 08:55:59 pm
A few more....
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 25, 2014, 10:23:35 pm
Great photos Hollins,  they have made me more determined to go there soon.    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 25, 2014, 10:38:29 pm
Great pics, I've never taken any inside as I thought it was not allowed? I won't tell anyone though!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on September 26, 2014, 12:22:47 am
I thought it was just a ruined Castle..... I can't wait to go now!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 26, 2014, 07:48:50 am
Penrhyn Castle is wonderful! I have been visiting for over 40 years!  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Yorkie on September 26, 2014, 08:08:49 am
I would recommend anyone interested in the old houes and castles to join th National Trust.  A joint Annual Pass is very good value and quickly recouped in the first few visits.  It is also valid in England.

CADW did issue free passes to pensioners but will now be charging.  Anyone with a free pass can continue to use it until the expiry date.
 ££$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 26, 2014, 08:19:32 am
Penrhyn Castle is well worth a visit. Besides the Castle itself, there are extensive grounds including a rather nice Walled Garden.  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on September 26, 2014, 08:35:09 am
Quote
I thought it was just a ruined Castle..... I can't wait to go now!

It's a faux castle, really, and built - some would argue - on the labours of the slate miners employed by the family.  It's early 19th C and only a spiral staircase from the original 15th C house is left but it looks impressive inside, although the NT are fighting a continual battle against rising damp. Makes a decent filming location and, as Dave says, the 'secret' garden is certainly worth a look, as it houses the largest rhubarb plants known to man :-))
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 26, 2014, 08:50:25 am
It should be called the gunnera garden. They were huge.

ME, I took the inside photos quite openly and I saw other people taking photos. I didn't see any signs saying don't. Anyway I think they will be glad of the extra business from the forum  members.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on September 29, 2014, 10:35:08 am
Donkey's years since I went, but I believe they have an impressive display of snowdrops in the early Spring.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2014, 10:44:54 am
I took photos all round Penrhyn Castle and, as long as you don't use the Flash, you are fine to do so.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 29, 2014, 10:52:58 am
It would be good to see some of your photos of the castle DaveR. Are they on flickr?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2014, 11:53:04 am
It would be good to see some of your photos of the castle DaveR. Are they on flickr?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157634519073550 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157634519073550)

 :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on September 29, 2014, 12:02:42 pm
Fabulous, thanks.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on September 29, 2014, 10:23:38 pm
Mrs Fester and I, went to Penrhyn Castle today, and as Dave says, you can take photos, but not with Flash.

The castle, grounds and gardens are incredibly impressive, as are the sumptuous decorations and room displays.

The mistake we made was to go up the 173 stairs to the roof of the Keep.  Not because of the effect on my ageing knees, but because of a serious infestation of flies which made it unbearable.
The warm weather has made untold millions of flies hatch out, and are swarming everywhere.  It was like something from a horror movie trying to get out of there.

We then sat in the walled garden and saw those incredibly large 'rhubarb' type plants.  (took a few pics, as you do)

From there, a drink outside The Gladstone in Penmaenmawr, and off to The Cottage Loaf, Llandudno, for an excellent meal.
A great day out, and a fantastic 'Castle' which I would strongly recommend that everyone should visit.

I might buy it!!   :laugh:

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 06, 2015, 07:38:09 pm
I had lunch today in Brown's Brasserie in Manchester. It was originally Parr's Bank and it has an amazing interior.
Here is a link which has some interesting photos and a bit of history about it.

http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/tours/tour5/area5page51.html (http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/tours/tour5/area5page51.html)

I have also added a few of my own photos. It is beautifully restored with the managers office now a small dining room.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on January 07, 2015, 01:19:41 am
Mrs Fester and I spent New Year's Eve in there Hollins..... and several other wine bars in that area.    (Alchemist, Rosso's etc)

They really are superb, and a lesson to anyone in how to run a wine bar / brasserie type business.  $drink1$

We often visit Brown's, if we are visiting Leeds or Manchester, I believe there are others too.

Your photographs really do it justice. $good$ $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 07, 2015, 08:47:49 am
Thanks. I hadn't realised until yesterday how many branches there were now. I remember going to one in Oxford about 20 years ago! They seem to chose interesting old buildings for their venues.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on January 07, 2015, 09:10:52 am
Thanks. I hadn't realised until yesterday how many branches there were now. I remember going to one in Oxford about 20 years ago! They seem to chose interesting old buildings for their venues.
There are 27 branches now, looks a lovely place to visit:
http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/home/ (http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/home/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: TheMedz on January 28, 2015, 06:41:54 pm
Following on from Hugo's comments on West Shore winds today the winds this afternoon on a walk round Penmon Point were not quite as strong as we expected them to be but it was extremely bracing (ie Cold). Being a cheapskate at heart we also called in at Waitrose in Menai Bridge on the way back for a free coffee and noticed that from 9th Feb only coffee from self service machines (there are non in Menai) will be free.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 28, 2015, 06:49:36 pm
I've done that in Waitrose. Have you seen the new one in Chester? Unusual building for the city with all that copper. It will be interesting to see how it weathers.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: TheMedz on January 28, 2015, 09:16:26 pm
I always thought the one in Chester was the Little Waitrose in the City Centre.Which apparently is closing because of the the new one. Is it the one in Broughton/Tarvin that's just (November) opened?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on January 28, 2015, 09:24:29 pm
Yes it is at Boughton, on the left, A51 as you are driving towards Vicars Cross. They have closed the Little Waitrose and the new one opened in time for Christmas. They built it ever so quickly and were still putting the copper on after it had opened.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Meleri on January 29, 2015, 02:31:45 pm
I received an e-mail last week from Waitrose saying as from 9th February they are asking all myWaitrose members who wish to enjoy their free tea or coffee in one of their cafes to also purchase a treat (sandwich, cake, biscuit or fruit.)
The self service machine at Menai Bridge branch will be on the customer service counter, you will have to show your card to a member of staff before you help yourself.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: TheMedz on January 29, 2015, 05:17:45 pm
Thanks for the update. The coffee was really nice from there the other day.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on March 20, 2015, 05:16:34 pm
As already mentioned in the quiz section I was drawn up the hill out of the town to visit Denbigh Castle yesterday by a beautiful looking sculpture in a wall. It was such a beautiful day and I was so glad I made the effort as the views from there were worth the trip alone.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on March 20, 2015, 05:23:42 pm
A few more pics of Denbigh Castle.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on April 02, 2015, 09:07:54 am
We paid a visit to Bodnant on Sunday, to take a look at the recently opened new section of garden called the 'Far End'. It's a sizeable extension to the existing garden, extending the river valley section of the garden up to the Skating Pond, and is well worth a visit. It all still looks a bit 'new' but will be fantastic once the planting/landscaping settles down a bit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on June 02, 2015, 06:16:01 pm
I have been enjoying my latest fix of Manchester and decided to choose somewhere new for my lunch this time. I think I remember DaveR expressing an interest in the Midland and I hadn't been there for years so I looked up a few reviews of Mr Cooper's restaurant on TripAdvisor. They were a bit mixed but I thought I would go for it anyway and booked online.
Shortly after booking I read this article written by the Guardian reviewer two days ago.
Aaargh! I nearly cancelled it was so bad.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/31/mr-coopers-house-and-garden-restaurant-review (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/31/mr-coopers-house-and-garden-restaurant-review)

I am happy to say that it was delicious and the surroundings were nothing like a "garden centre in Droitwich."
The three courses I chose were blinis with marinated salmon and beetroot, hake with blue cheese risotto and pine nuts and rhubarb panna cotta. All for £20.

It just goes to show you have to go on your own experience and not be put off too quickly by others, especially opinionated Guardian writers!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on June 02, 2015, 06:48:16 pm
Hi Hollins, Glad you enjoyed your fix, looks good.....you might be interested in a new "fly on the wall" series on channel 5   started last night on the Midland Hotel.     
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on June 02, 2015, 07:33:33 pm
Yes, thanks SteveH. I did watch it. I find it remarkable that hotels let the cameras in like that. They must consider it worth the risk for the publicity I suppose.
I enjoyed the one that was done about Claridges a while ago.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on June 02, 2015, 07:48:46 pm
Quote
Shortly after booking I read this article written by the Guardian reviewer two days ago.
Aaargh! I nearly cancelled it was so bad.

Food critics are interesting creatures. They don't so much...play with language as pillage it. Sentences often seem curiously cryptic, not to say unintelligible.

But his food, drawn from the Cumbrian landscape, has its own compelling internal logic.

He talks about its failure to provide a "cohesive experience", whatever that means. Me - I just like my food to taste really nice. If I'm looking for a "cohesive experience" I'll go to Disneyland.

Always wondered about critics - food, literature, drama;  they all seem to have the same failure to provide their readers with coherent accounts written in English.   I suppose if you can't do it, you can always make a living criticising it.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 02, 2015, 09:45:20 pm
I take little notice of these critics, mainly because I have no idea what they are going on about!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 03, 2015, 08:51:47 am
I have been enjoying my latest fix of Manchester and decided to choose somewhere new for my lunch this time. I think I remember DaveR expressing an interest in the Midland and I hadn't been there for years so I looked up a few reviews of Mr Cooper's restaurant on TripAdvisor. They were a bit mixed but I thought I would go for it anyway and booked online.
Looks fantastic!  $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 11, 2015, 10:19:13 am
Interesting little localish blog:
http://robinsonmaps.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://robinsonmaps.blogspot.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on June 11, 2015, 12:07:44 pm
Interesting little localish blog:
http://robinsonmaps.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://robinsonmaps.blogspot.co.uk/)

Good find Dave...Very interesting, Hugo will love it.... $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 11, 2015, 03:56:20 pm
I did enjoy reading that article and one or two of those are on our "to do list"      Dave found that suspended rail track that we missed so I'm sure that we'll be back there at Dinorwic soon.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 16, 2015, 04:08:45 pm
I had a walk over the Great Orme today and took the photos of the flowers above Hornby Cove,  the two Donkeys were in a field by the Copper Mine
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on October 25, 2015, 07:36:06 am
"A frustrated farmer is demanding a booking system to curb the growing number of visitors trampling across his land when heading up Wales’ highest mountain.

Dafydd Morris is also insisting on a complete ban on dogs to ease the problem of sheep worrying at Cefn Coch, his 1,200-acre farm on the slopes of Snowdon.

As well as livestock worrying, Mr Morris is concerned at potential liability issues: he was forced to sell a cow after it attacked a dog that had been allowed to run amongst his herd.

He added: “Dogs excrement is a health hazard to adults, children and animals. With so much emphasis on animal health and food hygiene, dogs must be banned completely from the mountain immediately.”

Earlier this month SNPA held a series of drop-in sessions to discuss people’s views on Snowdon and on November 9 it is hosting a conference at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, to discuss access and conservation on the mountain."

Full story here:

 http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/farmer-calls-snowdon-booking-system-10320512 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/farmer-calls-snowdon-booking-system-10320512)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on November 09, 2015, 08:54:12 pm
The poppy display in Liverpool.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on November 09, 2015, 10:04:08 pm
Impressive.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 11, 2015, 10:29:42 am
We drove along the A470 to Betws Y Coed yesterday and stopped at Llanrwst when we saw the floods there.    The bridge was closed to traffic but somehow a person in a white van got over the bridge but then became stuck in the flood water on the Trefriw road.
Ty Hwnt i'r Bont must have been flooded at some time recently but the flood water had abated since then.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 27, 2015, 05:01:33 pm

'Tidal wave' devastates Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35186881 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35186881)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Gwynant on December 28, 2015, 10:06:53 am

'Tidal wave' devastates Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35186881 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35186881)
          I saw the footage of this on BBC Wales News last night and the poor owner was absolutely devastated as he has spent the last 20 years building up these gardens for the pleasure of the public. I had never been but after seeing Hugo's pictures last year I was planning to do so in the future. He obviously had put his heart and soul into the business and it is a real tragedy for him as they were beautiful and a real labour of love.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 30, 2015, 10:32:05 pm
After a short walk on Tuesday  to Aber Falls, Tellytubby and I had a drive to Beaumaris.    The road was closed due to a landslip between Gallows Point and the town of Beaumaris so we had to take the narrow country lane from Llandegfan to get there.
We had our refreshments in the shelter at the end of the pier and then had a quick walk around the town.   The water in the moat had gone down after the recent flooding but the Castle was closed.  It was interesting to see the metal rings in the wall where Edward I's boats used to moor up to.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 30, 2015, 10:37:04 pm
Coming back from Beaumaris,   I wanted to show Tellytubby Dylan's Restaurant in Menai Bridge.     We stopped there for a while and took some photos while I chose my next car ( if only!)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 08, 2016, 08:43:10 pm
We had a walk in Cwm Eigiau today and although the conditions were far from perfect we still enjoyed the rugged beauty of this remote valley.    I've taken some photos of Cedryn  one of just a few isolated properties there, as Hiraeth and Squiggle have fond memories of the cottage and the area
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 18, 2016, 10:49:09 pm
I passed through Tal Y Cafn this morning and stopped to have a walk across the bridge, the river Conwy was like a mill pond and the reflections in the water looked good in the Winter sunshine.
It was interesting to see that the family  tailoring business of H Ogwen Evans is still carrying on in the wooden shop by the railway station.
I've included a photo taken in the 1920's when it was run by Evan Ogwen Evans, (the man standing by the door with a tape measure around his neck)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 19, 2016, 12:52:51 am
We had a ride around the area yesterday and saw the Mare's Tails waterfall in Gwydir Forest and carried on to have a look at Moel Siabod,  Snowdon,  Tryfan  and Y Garn.    They all had a light covering of snow on them but it must have been freezing on the summits as it was pretty cold in the valleys once we got out of the car.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on February 19, 2016, 09:09:41 am
What a lovely day out you had Hugo. We used to go for days out and about in the car but we don't seem to have done that for ages. You have inspired us!
Loved the photos especially the first one, the ones of the mountains and the tailors shop. Amazing that they are still going.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 19, 2016, 10:38:00 am
We didn't go for a walk this time so it was nice to sit back and enjoy the places we visited.  North Wales has so many beautiful and interesting places to see, so we are very lucky to be living in the area.
Our day was finished with a nice piece of cake and a latte in Betws Y Coed and then back home.    $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 19, 2016, 12:36:00 pm
Many years ago I had a booklet called "The Captain's guide to hidden haunts in North Wales" and my wife and I used to spend many hours travelling around the area looking for them, it was very enjoyable and we did find most of them.
It's nice to get ideas from the Forum members too.  If it wasn't for Pendragon we would never have known about the Mare's Tails waterfall that we saw yesterday and my photos don't really do the waterfall justice. Also Nemesis and her love of Barmouth, we walked from Penmaenpool on the cycle track to Barmouth then had fish & chips in the best chippy in Wales and finished it by a bus ride back to Penmaenpool and a drink on the balcony of the George III hotel.  A really lovely day out.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on February 19, 2016, 02:36:30 pm
Many years ago I had a booklet called "The Captain's guide to hidden haunts in North Wales" and my wife and I used to spend many hours travelling around the area looking for them, it was very enjoyable and we did find most of them.
It's nice to get ideas from the Forum members too.  If it wasn't for Pendragon we would never have known about the Mare's Tails waterfall that we saw yesterday and my photos don't really do the waterfall justice. Also Nemesis and her love of Barmouth, we walked from Penmaenpool on the cycle track to Barmouth then had fish & chips in the best chippy in Wales and finished it by a bus ride back to Penmaenpool and a drink on the balcony of the George III hotel.  A really lovely day out.

I too had The Captains Guide, somehow that went somewhere, but I still have a 1972 copy of " Hidden Haunts in Wales" and a copy of " Hidden Haunts in Gwynedd". We used them to death whilst here on holiday when our daughter was young. Many of the places no longer exist, such as Cae Daffyd and Hafodty, but looking through them brings back lots of memories including walking down to Nant Gwrtheyrn............and back, when it was just ruins. We must have only been young, but it nearly killed the 3 of us !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 20, 2016, 12:18:46 pm
We did Nant Gwrtheyrn too in the early 1970's when the village was just a ruin and there was only a dirt track down to the place.   We swam in the sea and then had to hike back up on the hottest day of the year!     It was horrendous.
We had a coastal walk there last year but made sure that one of the cars was parked in the village.   The steepness was worse than I could remember and it was bad enough just driving up the tarmac road.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on February 20, 2016, 02:37:19 pm
We went again a few years back, in a brand new car and my OH took one look at the road and we didn't go down ! Mind you, it was heaving it down at the time !

We spent many holidays driving in the Los Picos de Europa in Northern Spain and those roads were pretty scary, but Nant Gwrtheyrn takes some beating.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 20, 2016, 04:08:27 pm
If you do go back and the weather is good then it's worth going down to see what the place is like now.     They have improved it no end and there's a cafe there too.
Just make sure your brakes are working ok
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 31, 2016, 05:38:03 pm
I popped out to get some compost from Talgoed Nursery and noticed that there had been a snowfall last night on the high peaks of the Carneddau.  It looked quite impressive in the Spring sunshine.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 20, 2016, 04:51:46 pm
We had a walk around the Rhuddlan Nature Reserve this afternoon.    Not so long ago it was an area of derelict land  but now the reserve provides an ideal habitat for nesting and feeding birds and is already home to many species including kingfishers, otters, coots, moor hens, herons and water voles; and has  a view of Rhuddlan Castle and the National Cycle Route runs through it
We saw a Moorhen's nest with 6 eggs in it and while the eggs were there in the warm Spring sunshine, the parents weren't far away and were keeping an eye on the nest.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 20, 2016, 06:16:44 pm
I carried on to Dyserth today just to see if the Wild Garlic was in flower, some were out but the sunny weather over the last few days should help them on their way.
We then had a quick walk on the disused railway track and it was nice to see so many people taking advantage of today's sunny weather
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 21, 2016, 04:36:49 pm
As the weather was ok today I had a look around Deganwy Castle.    The gorse bushes were in flower as were the Bluebells and although there is a bit of a steep pull up to the top, the views in all directions are worth the effort.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 22, 2016, 08:35:12 pm
Our Swiss visitors were fascinated by the gorse bushes. They were taking photos of themselves by them. It makes you look at them in a new light and appreciate them.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Jack on April 22, 2016, 08:58:40 pm
Love the smell of gorse this time of year; very versatile too - used to be grown and harvested for use as an animal feed, in particular for horses, although it had to be shredded and 'bruised' first. That's why there used to be gorse mills. Apparently there was one in Mochdre in Victorian times!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 22, 2016, 09:04:06 pm
Thanks for that info Jack. I had no idea about that before.
"You learn something every day!"
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 28, 2016, 03:26:56 pm
I had intended to walk through the Bluebell wood at Maenan to the viewpoint at Cadair Ifan Goch but by the time I reached the car park it was raining heavily so that put an end to that idea.
I took these two photos when I went down the lane from the car park to the A470
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 13, 2016, 10:52:00 am
After enjoying a nice walk yesterday we stopped and had a coffee at Surf Snowdonia and watched the surfers doing their stuff on the waves.   There were some good surfers there who made it look easy but it's not without it's risks as one surfer I spoke to had his wet suit pierced by the fin on his board
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 24, 2016, 02:50:36 pm
We had a nice walk around this pretty village today.    It's many years since we have been but it still remains unspoilt
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Bri Roberts on May 24, 2016, 03:11:34 pm
Llanasa?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 24, 2016, 04:06:08 pm
Llanasa?

I'm glad that you recognised it Bri but no points for that     :-[

The Red Lion used to be a great pub in the 1970's but I haven't been there since, but it did look smart from the outside
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 23, 2016, 06:04:55 pm
I enjoyed a nice walk in the warm sunshine  along the front in Llanfairfechan today.     It's a nice flat stretch for easy walking and the wind from the Menai Straits was surprisingly warm.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on June 23, 2016, 08:03:27 pm
Looks lovely Hugo.
We too took advantage of the lovely weather and enjoyed a rare day out together!
Yesterday Mr H was climbing peaks but today it was a trip to Bodnant and the seaside for us.
Looked for DVT at Bodnant but sorry I couldn't find you. We did call in on Fester for some supplies though. I will put my pics of Bodnant on the gardening thread.
Called in at the revamped Mulberry pub at Conwy Marina. Really impressed with the decor but we thought the menu was rather uninspiring so after a drink we retreated to Enoch's for fish and chips.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on June 24, 2016, 12:13:22 am
... and a very great pleasure it was to see you both Mrs H!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 27, 2016, 03:13:22 pm
On Saturday, Tellytubby and I had three very short walks.  The first was to Whitford because I wanted to see the Pharos and Maen Achwyfan.
The Pharos is believed to be a 17th Century watchtower, built to give warning of pirate raids and in those days it would have had far reaching views across the Irish Sea.    Maen Achwyfan  "lamentation stone"  is a carved stone from the  10th century but it's function is uncertain.

We then went on to Llyn Helyg which was a large lake concealed behind high trees and we were lucky to see it at its best.  On the "path" around the lake we were stung numerous times by the nettles so it's going to be a long while before we go back again

The third and final one was just a walk around the pretty village of Llanasa which was holding its annual open garden and scarecrow day.  it was a complete surprise to me but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will put it in my calendar for next year.     We were so engrossed in the atmosphere of every thing that was going  on that Tellytubby  overlooked the fact that he should have been home an hour before to take his wife to the BBQ.       I bet the  $fan$      $smack$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 22, 2016, 10:37:55 pm
I had a walk in Abergynolwyn a few weeks ago and stopped at Tal Y Llyn to look at the lake and the hotel across the road from the lake.
This article shows what it looks like now after the heavy rains




https://newsdesk.moreover.com/click/?p=Q1QyL2E9Mjc2OTk0NjQ4NDUmcD0xNGUmdj0xJng9V1I2MWp1aXN3cTJoWE16RThyd2wxQSZ1MT1ORCZ1Mj1nMTEwOA&a=27699464845&f=TmV3cw&s=ZXhwb3J0&u=ZXIubmV3bWVkaWFAYmJjLmNvLnVr&cn=QkJDIE5FV1MgT05MSU5F&ci=334&i=283&e=Tm9ydGggV2FsZXMgRGFpbHkgUG9zdA&d=685&t=3&k=36145&ck=a63ebbbf5664ee54ac49a3ba9b5141b9
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 26, 2016, 03:12:10 pm
We had a visit to Caernarfon Castle on Saturday and it was really worth the visit especially as it's free to enter the Castle and go around the entire building.
I was amazed at how much there is to see once you are inside the Castle
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on October 26, 2016, 04:30:25 pm
Why is it currently free Hugo?  How long for, do you happen to know?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 26, 2016, 05:52:45 pm
I think it's to celebrate the centenary of the ending of World War 1 and it's free until the 20th Nov 2016.   It's well worth the visit and I'm hoping to go again before the 20th November as I didn't manage to see everything.
The Black Boy nearby is worth a visit too!      Z**
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 26, 2016, 07:16:29 pm
I've just read the brochure and Caernarfon Castle is hosting the Poppies Weeping Window in the lead up to Remembrance Day 2017 on the 11th November and the centenary of the end of the Battle of the Somme on 18th November
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on October 26, 2016, 08:10:01 pm
Why is it currently free Hugo?  How long for, do you happen to know?

It seems from people I know who have been that it is prudent to get hold of a ticket ( on line).
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 26, 2016, 08:31:59 pm
That's what we heard too Nemesis but we just walked straight in and past the ticket barrier.  I should imagine that it will be busy at half term and it certainly is at the weekend.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on October 26, 2016, 10:45:27 pm
Thanks!  I'll be visiting the castle and the Black Boy next week,  been to both several times in the past.  Crab Thermidor in the Black Boy is a joy to behold!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2016, 04:31:06 pm
Hopefully the link below will take you to a couple of video clips I took of a place I get drawn to time and again.  Ruthin Castle.
I constantly think about how such a mighty structure could have been left to become so overgrown and almost completely forgotten.
A haunting place indeed.

https://m.facebook.com/llandudnoemporium/
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: rhuddlan on November 18, 2016, 05:01:54 pm
It seems you have to sign up to facebook to see them.
That's not for me.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2016, 05:54:28 pm
It seems you have to sign up to facebook to see them.
That's not for me.

Sorry!  The Forum won't let me post a video directly. File too big.
I'll post a couple of stills.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2016, 06:06:28 pm
It seems you have to sign up to facebook to see them.
That's not for me.

Sorry!  The Forum won't let me post a video directly. File too big.
I'll post a couple of stills.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on November 18, 2016, 06:19:56 pm
Hopefully the link below will take you to a couple of video clips I took of a place I get drawn to time and again.  Ruthin Castle.
I constantly think about how such a mighty structure could have been left to become so overgrown and almost completely forgotten.
A haunting place indeed.

https://m.facebook.com/llandudnoemporium/ (https://m.facebook.com/llandudnoemporium/)
Have you seen this?
http://www.ruthincastleconservationtrust.org/ (http://www.ruthincastleconservationtrust.org/)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: rhuddlan on November 18, 2016, 06:37:36 pm
Thank you fester for posting some stills for" facebook averse" dinasaurs like me.


I have cheekily been driven up the driveway in a friends car for a quick shufti some years ago.
I guess that you had a meal there ? That would have enabled you to have a good look around!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: rhuddlan on November 18, 2016, 06:48:21 pm
Thanks too to Dave R for that link.....fascinating!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 18, 2016, 07:37:17 pm
Thank you fester for posting some stills for" facebook averse" dinasaurs like me.


I have cheekily been driven up the driveway in a friends car for a quick shufti some years ago.
I guess that you had a meal there ? That would have enabled you to have a good look around!

I had my pre retirement course there and enjoyed a lovely meal in beautiful surroundings.  The meal must have smelt nice as the Peacocks tried to come in through the open patio doors but were quickly sent out again.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on November 19, 2016, 11:53:28 pm
Thank you fester for posting some stills for" facebook averse" dinasaurs like me.


I have cheekily been driven up the driveway in a friends car for a quick shufti some years ago.
I guess that you had a meal there ? That would have enabled you to have a good look around!

We stayed there for 2 nights, it was excellent as always.
I don't think there's a problem if non residents walk through the grounds, take pictures etc.  There's nothing to stop anyone doing that.
In fact, if people don't do that, this wonderful castle would never be seen at all!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on December 01, 2016, 06:24:44 pm
Nice atmosphere in Manchester with the Christmas markets.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 03, 2016, 04:50:35 pm
We had a nice walk in Anglesey today and on the way back stopped to admire the view across the straights.  The snow on the mountains has nearly gone but the conditions up there would still be icy
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 16, 2017, 10:59:42 am
On Wednesday we went to Aberdaron to catch a boat to Bardsey Island and after the trip we had a look around this pretty village and then we all enjoyed a meal of fish and chips in the Ty Newydd Hotel.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 19, 2017, 05:05:33 pm
Another beautiful day and another boat ride for us, but this time from Beaumaris to Puffin Island in a boat aptly called The Beast. 
The Beast (a Ribcraft 9.0) is possibly the biggest fastest Rib on the Menai Strait. She is a 9m Ribcraft powered by twin Evinrude G2 outboards which produce 500hp!
Jason, the skipper was very safety conscious and throughout the duration of the ride gave us a very informative running commentary of the area and the wildlife.  He started off giving us a very exhilarating ride in the middle of the straits so you'll have to excuse the photos as I was holding on tightly as he did some very sharp turns in the water reaching speeds of 50mph at times
We then went along the straits and  as we approached Puffin Island we went in quite close and were able to see the many Seals and thousands of different types of seabirds.
We spent some time looking at the wildlife but sadly it was time to head back to Beaumaris.    A nice latte in a promenade cafe finished off what was an excellent day for us and I would have no hesitation recommending this trip to anyone who was so interested.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 19, 2017, 05:13:52 pm
Beaumaris to Puffin Island boat trip
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 06, 2017, 02:24:37 pm
I can't remember how long it has been since I last visited Harlech but know that it was many, many years ago.    The castle is extremely impressive and the coastal and mountainous panorama views from it are breathtaking.
The castle cafe looked good too and we'll probably stop there next time but yesterday we had only come to see the castle and do the Branwen walk in the area.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 06, 2017, 07:48:02 pm
Some friends of ours stayed recently in one of those apartments by the cafe and castle.
They went a couple of times in the evening when there was a tapas night on and they really enjoyed it.
Fabulous views from up there I imagine.
Glad you enjoyed your day out Hugo.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 07, 2017, 10:43:12 am
Next time we go then I'm sure that we'll go to the cafe as it looked so clean and inviting.   We noticed from the top of the castle walls that the roof of the cafe is covered in turf or succulent plants  and the views from the outside area were incredible
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 23, 2017, 06:24:09 pm
I had a pleasant short walk along the Belgian Promenade in Menai Bridge today.   The scenery around that area is beautiful and that suspension bridge is always impressive.
Mrs H and I enjoyed a delicious ice cream from the kiosk opposite Dylan's and sad on a bench opposite the pier to finish it off then we returned back to the car park via the street leading up to Tafarn Y Bont
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on August 06, 2017, 07:02:00 am
This will be interesting to visit. Opening for August. I didn't realise it was now run by a trust.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40831258 (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40831258)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 22, 2018, 05:03:13 pm
I had a quick walk around the small nature reserve in Rhuddlan yesterday and it was so relaxing sitting by the large pond.   There were a number of birds on the pond and a lady told me that she had seen a terrapin in the water there recently.    Apparently Otters do go there too but you have to be lucky to see them
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DaveR on June 26, 2018, 11:13:16 am
This will be interesting to visit. Opening for August. I didn't realise it was now run by a trust.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40831258 (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40831258)
The Trust were able to obtain grants to buy the Castle a few weeks ago. Now the hard work in restoring it begins!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 24, 2018, 10:28:09 am
I drove to Anglesey yesterday and had a look around Red Wharf Bay then on to Moelfre.    The Ship Inn in Red Wharf Bay was quite busy but the Boat House near to it was absolutely packed,  I've heard some nice reports about the place so I might give it a try when it's quieter.
The pretty village of Moelfre was busy too and after walking to the Lifeboat Station we ended up having a nice ice cream from the kiosk by the car park.
There is a nice cafe across the road called Ann's Pantry ( I think ) but we'll go back there when it's not too busy
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 24, 2018, 08:24:04 pm
Glad to see the little knitting wool shop is still there.
I have been enjoying the Royal Welsh Show today.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 31, 2018, 11:31:15 am
We have a small but good group of friends who go out for walks together but Tellytubby had spotted something different and we all fancied giving it a go as we had been on a rip ride on the Menai Straits last year.
So on Wednesday we headed to Beaumaris and had a walk around the castle first before making our way to the pier for our boat ride.  The town was busy and the pier was packed with children who were crabbing from the sides of the pier and really enjoying  themselves.
Our boat was a small 8 seater high powered inflatable boat and the skipper was a guy called Jason who took us to Puffin Island last year, this time however we were heading in the opposite direction and going under both bridges before returning to Beaumaris.    Apart from being quite a character Jason is very safety conscious and went through all the procedures first of all before allowing us to get on the boat.
Then we were off straight into the middle of the straits at speeds up to 50 mph where he did numerous figure of eight movements before heading to the Anglesey coastline at a more leisurely pace.   
Along the coast and unseen from the main road are some absolutely luxurious waterfront properties and the properties seemed to get more expensive as we got nearer Menai Bridge, one having been bought for over 5 million pounds!
After the last island called Ynys Y Castell where some scenes from Hidden were filmed, we headed under the suspension bridge and went past Ynys Gored Goch which is the island with two cottages on it and is situated between the two bridges.  Then it was under the Brittania Bridge where we saw the statue of Lord Nelson on the banks of the straits with the Church of St Mary in the background.
Then it was back to Beaumaris.       It was well worth the 20 pound for the trip on the Rib ride but be prepared to hold on tight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKnk3WShs0U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKnk3WShs0U)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 31, 2018, 11:37:05 am
Menai Straits rib ride
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 14, 2018, 12:16:35 pm
We visited Llanberis on Wednesday and there is quite a lot of attractions in the area but as we found out to our cost, it is advisable to book beforehand for certain attractions.
The trains up Snowdon and around Llyn Padarn were as busy as usual and we were able to go inside the old Quarry Hospital which was open then
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 14, 2018, 12:22:35 pm
Llanberis
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 29, 2019, 02:12:49 pm
I couldn't get a parking space in Llandudno Town yesterday so I went up the Great Orme and parked in the Ski Centre car park instead.  It was a beautiful hot day and I just wanted to get out and have a short walk in that area.
After parking there the first thing I did was to have a walk down to see the Donkeys in Wyddfyd Road and then up to Pen Dinas to the Rocking Stone and admire the views of the town from up there.   There was a herd of Goats nearby and they all looked quite young compared to some of the old Billy Goats that you often see on the Orme
I then went and had a look at Elephants Cave before walking around the gardens of Happy Valley and then I made my way back up to the car park
I finished the day off by driving around the Marine Drive and stopping for a nice Latte and slice of Coffee cake at the cafe but I stayed indoors to have them as even with that breeze up there it was still too hot for me in the Sun
It just shows you that if we have good weather then there is no better place to be than at home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 29, 2019, 02:14:37 pm
Llandudno
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: norman08 on June 29, 2019, 02:21:22 pm
Great pics Hugo, my old playground growing up, no better place to live we are very spoilt 🌞, going on the westshore 6/7 o'clock in the morning seeing all the rabbits playing and the foxes by the old Gogarth abbey.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 29, 2019, 03:21:00 pm
Thanks Norman,  we were very fortunate to be born when we were and to live in such a beautiful area.     I can remember the times when I walked up Haulfre Gardens and over the golf course when I came to your place, nice memories and so many years ago.
Other times I came on the tram ( free of course ) with your Dad and we used to jump off it as it slowed down by Killen's Hill.   No such thing as Health and Safety then, just common sense.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on June 30, 2019, 11:40:44 pm
You certainly covered a lot of miles there Hugo, well done Sir.
We have been doing various Orme walks, about twice a week this last few weeks, trying to discover different little places, and different ways of doing it.... however, we have still never been to Elephant’s Cave.
Thanks for the excellent pictures, hope you enjoyed that well earned latte.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on July 01, 2019, 07:06:35 am
Elephant's Cave is well worth a visit and, unlike most, is easy to access. They filmed an episode of Dr Who there, some years ago.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 01, 2019, 08:40:42 am
Thanks Fester,  it was such a lovely day that I couldn't resist a walk on the Orme.     Elephant's cave is easy to find and is on the right hand side as you are going down the road from the Ski Centre.
It is part of a complex of caves but is the most impressive by far
I've got a map called Secrets of the Great Orme and nearly all the places of interest are on it, well worth a look at if you can still get one now.

I've attached a link for you of the Great Orme caves

https://sites.google.com/site/cavesofnorthwales/11-caves-of-llandudno

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on July 01, 2019, 09:06:14 am
Elephant's Cave is well worth a visit and, unlike most, is easy to access. They filmed an episode of Dr Who there, some years ago.

Went in there a number of years ago, very interesting, apart from the dreadful smell ! It felt very eerie to me, but I perhaps would have been better if I hadn't tackled it alone !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 06, 2019, 12:06:15 am
We finally made it into Elephant’s Cave, on a wander around various Orme sites the other day.
A few pictures.  Note how overgrown all the ferns have become in the recent good growing weather, almost making many paths impassable.
The Roman Ffynon Well was also bone dry and choked with nettles.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: norman08 on July 06, 2019, 08:46:38 am
Great pics again Fester that was all our playground growing up on the Orme ,you've lived up the Orme a few good years and now finding the time to explore , we used to climb down from hill 60 at the far side of the cave.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on July 06, 2019, 09:01:52 am
Nice pictures, Fester. So what did you think of it, now you've seen it?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Jack on July 06, 2019, 10:21:47 am
Great pics again Fester that was all our playground growing up on the Orme ,you've lived up the Orme a few good years and now finding the time to explore , we used to climb down from hill 60 at the far side of the cave.

Why is it called Hill 60?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on July 06, 2019, 10:37:28 am
Battle for Ypres?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Jack on July 06, 2019, 10:47:40 am
Or Hill 60 Gallipoli but what would the connection be to the Orme?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 06, 2019, 12:41:11 pm
Nice pictures, Fester. So what did you think of it, now you've seen it?

I’m puzzled by it as much as impressed by it.
I’m not sure if it was hollowed out like that in order to quarry out the stone, and if so when?
I’d have thought it was easier and safer to get stone out of conventional quarries.
Also, there is that scary looking dark tunnel, which I have no idea how far back it goes.
There are so many cracks in the ceiling it looks like slabs could fall down at any time.
Also, there’s quite a few cans and other litter, so it looks like it’s well used in the evenings by a certain type of modern cave dweller!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 06, 2019, 01:32:24 pm
That scary little passage that you refer to Fester was it at the top of a pile of soil that is immediately on your right as you enter the cave?
If so that is Brenda's Stream Passage and comes out by those two houses set above Ty Gwyn Road. I've copied this from the previous link I posted recently

"Happy Valley Quarry ceased work in 1897. Elephant Cave dig, in right wall of first cavern, a dog-leg passage leading to outside cavern. Brenda’s Stream Passage in right wall, backing onto the two houses Ardwy Orme and Glain."
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Fester on July 06, 2019, 05:21:53 pm
Oh OK, I know the two houses that you mean.
It’s hard for me to imagine how far that distance of the tunnel to those houses would be.
It seems like a long way away, but from the top of that pile of soil, and peering in, there is a dim glimmer of light further in.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 06, 2019, 05:33:15 pm
We had a lovely day exploring the area between Mostyn and Prestatyn ending with a walk along the beach and promenade at Prestatyn.
The Duke of Lancaster had had a coat of paint since I last saw it covered with graffiti. We overheard someone saying that 30 brass portholes had been stolen from it and they were obviously still concerned about vandalism as there were lots of security cameras on site.
The flowers looked super on the dunes at Talacre and the lighthouse also looked like it had had a coat of paint since the Dulux advert. I remember seeing it on here on Dave's interesting properties thread.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 06, 2019, 05:35:04 pm
There is a cave to the right of Elephants cave so it could be that the light is coming from there.   I've never crawled through that tunnel and I wouldn't even fit in it now
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 10, 2019, 02:18:18 pm
Yesterday we parked the car at Penmaenmawr Station and walked to Conwy. Not your everyday scenic walk which was between the A55 and the railway line for the first half but interesting nevertheless. It was a little bit intimidating walking so close to what is effectively a motorway with occasional open gaps which must be for railway access.
An aperitif at the Mulberry was most welcome before continuing for an excellent tapas lunch at the Midland. Then back to the car via the bus with a formula one driver!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 10, 2019, 02:20:17 pm
Penmaenmawr to Conwy walk.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 23, 2019, 06:34:24 pm
We enjoyed a nice drive along the western coast of Anglesey and had a short walk from the end of the lane to St Cwyfan's Church in Aberffraw.     What was nice was that a few years ago my wife was suffering from Chronic Fatigue and couldn't walk far but at least that time from the car park she could see the Bride and Groom walking up the causeway.    This time she could walk to the Church and it is in a beautiful location.
The weather was hot and the mountains were as clear as anything so it was well worth going there today.
We then drove along the coastal road through Rhosneigr which was packed with tourists but we didn't stop and returned for home stopping at Bangor where we enjoyed a nice lunch in Domu's, a little gem of a cafe in the high street.     The staff there were so nice and friendly and the food was really tasty, in fact we're going back again soon
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 27, 2019, 02:31:32 pm
We had a great day out on Tuesday at the Royal Welsh Show. Here are some pics.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 27, 2019, 02:33:40 pm
Royal Welsh Show 2019, the 100th show.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 28, 2019, 04:49:05 pm
We had planned a walk today but by the time we reached Betws Y Coed it was pouring down so instead we had a couple of hours being chauffeured around the Penmachno area by Tellytubby
The first stop that we had was at the old Woolen Mill and we crossed the bridge over the fast flowing Afon Machno to have a look at the old "Roman Bridge"   it is not actually Roman but dates to the medieval or post-medieval period. The bridge has a single segmental arch without parapets.
We then went to Capel Salem where my Great Grandparents Joseph and Jane Hughes and some of the family were buried and then continued up the steep narrow forest road until we cam to Ty Mawr  Wybrnant which was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan who did the first translation of the whole Bible into Welsh
Then back downhill to Penmachno where I went into the Eagles Hotel and took a photo of the inglenook fire and the lintel that had been engraved onto it by my G Grandfather.
We then made our way back to Betws passing near the Machno Falls  where a few photos were taken and then on to the Royal Oak where we enjoyed a meal in the Stables Bar

   
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 28, 2019, 04:51:22 pm
Penmachno
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 29, 2019, 04:20:07 pm
What a difference a day makes!      Yesterday it was raining heavily but today it has been sunny but on the cold side.    As i was driving over Rhuddlan Bridge today I couldn't help but notice the River Clwyd in full flood so I stopped to take a photo
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: rhuddlan on November 29, 2019, 05:26:41 pm
Nice shot. What a change from yesterday!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 30, 2019, 10:06:55 am
Rhuddlan very kindly sent me some photos of the River Clwyd in serious flood
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 05, 2020, 02:54:59 pm
We had a drive to Caerhun today and then on to Llanbedr Y Cennin  before going up to Pen Y Gaer to the Iron Age Hillfort.    The views are good from up there but the weather was a bit hazy .
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 12, 2020, 04:08:42 pm
In between showers I had a walk on the quay in Conwy yesterday and the tide was very high indeed.    The sea was calm but if it had been rough then I would imagine that the sea would have overlapped those metal sea defence gates and flooded the nearby cottages
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 26, 2020, 05:38:43 pm
It was such a beautiful day today that as part of the once a day exercise, I walked up to the view which is above Mochdre.     I've lived nearby for about 35 years and have never been there before which is a shame because it has stunning views in all directions.   Getting up to the view you go through a narrow lane with Gorse bushes on both sides and the scent from the flowers was divine.
There was a heat haze so the photos don't do the views justice
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 28, 2020, 11:50:21 am
Yesterday my wife and I did our once a day exercise and had another walk from our home and again did a walk that I hadn't done before
At the end of the unmade section of Pen Y Bryn Road is a footpath that takes you down to the tarmac road in the steep sided Nant Y Glyn Valley.     It brought us out by a very impressive pair of gates which Cambrian has very kindly given me some information about.
We headed off in the direction of Bryn Y Maen and the road is narrow and goes uphill all the way.    It was a nice day and lovely to see and hear all the lambs in the surrounding fields
After a while on the right hand side  we came to a farm and took a very steep bridle path up to Honeysuckle Lane and we huffed and puffed our way up to the top keeping a safe distance apart.    Nothing whatsoever to do with the Coronavirus but more to do with expecting a clip around the ear for taking Mrs H out of her comfort zone.
Anyway it was all downhill from there and we enjoyed a nice coffee when we arrived home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: norman08 on March 28, 2020, 12:52:44 pm
Looks a lovely walk and all the walks you do and you've only just done this one on your doorstep 😅, take care stay safe up there.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 28, 2020, 03:41:05 pm
Thanks Norman,   I've got a couple more walks lined up from the house, one of which is to see the Badger setts in the woods.     I've ordered two snoods for safety sake and I may need a safety helmet if I take Mrs H up hills that are too steep        ;D

There are no flat walks up here but once we get the all clear I'll be back walking on the Great Orme, there's no place like home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on March 28, 2020, 03:46:34 pm
Thanks Norman,   I've got a couple more walks lined up from the house, one of which is to see the Badger setts in the woods.     I've ordered two snoods for safety sake and I may need a safety helmet if I take Mrs H up hills that are too steep        ;D

There are no flat walks up here but once we get the all clear I'll be back walking on the Great Orme, there's no place like home

Somewhere in the shed thingy I have a hard hat, sent by my family as a joke when I cut my head open on a tree branch. I could perhaps de-spider it and post it to you if the situation with Mrs H gets any worse. !!! $donald$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 28, 2020, 04:29:22 pm
Thanks for the offer Nemesis butt you might need it yourself when you tackle those goats

In the meantime this actually happened:-
A workmate of mine and his wife ran a pub near Bangor and we used to see him come to work with cuts and bruises on his head and he readily admitted that he got beaten up by his wife
Domestic violence is an awful thing and the guy was such a nice, popular easy going person
Everyone seemed to know about the abuse and thought that he was stupid to put up with it.     Anyway on his 60th birthday he invited many people to the pub and a few of his friends had brought him a present.     It was wrapped in a large box and he was requested to wear it and walk around the pub
So in front of the waiting audience he opened his present and the present turned out to be a safety helmet with a frying pan stuck to the top of the helmet.
Fair play he put it on his head and walked around the pub while his wife was scowling at him behind the bar.    I wouldn't fancy his chances that night        *punch*
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on March 28, 2020, 09:30:50 pm
You might well say that Hugo, just read on FB that they are back in our road again. My OH had to shift 20 plus from outside our front gate the other night. Just when I thought the church in town had got them. Beginning to be a bit like 'Jaws'. &shake&
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 30, 2020, 03:14:47 pm
Today we had our once a day exercise and it was a walk up Llanrwst Road as far as Bryn Y Maen.      It was a fairly gentle walk with some great views on either side of the road
At Bryn Y Maen we had a look at the "Cathedral in the Hills "  as it is locally known.    It was bought and paid for by Charles and Eleanor Frost and their graves are at the back of the Church in a fenced off grave
Eleanor Frost ( nee Jones ) came from a very poor family and lived in a cottage nearby that is now just a ruin.    When she was a child she would walk to church in Llandrillo and she vowed if it was ever possible she would have a Church built near her birthplace
Anyway in 1838 Eleanor became a servant to the family of Mr James John Frost a wealthy industrialist and married James' son Charles in 1863 and the rest is history
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 02, 2020, 10:37:58 am
On our walk to Bryn Y Maen earlier this week we realised how lucky we are to be living near such beautiful countryside, it was only when we got to near Bryn Y Maen that we saw evidence of the worst part of human nature.
In the hedgerow was a large electric radiator that had been dumped there by some sly lazy misfit.
On our way back and opposite the view in the first photo we saw a small open field that seemed to be the start of some fly tipping, there were numerous black bin bags with household rubbish and a large fridge freezer
I've reported the matter to CCBC with a photo but whether any action is taken in the present circumstances only time will tell.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 04, 2020, 04:25:03 pm
Last night I looked at my O/S map and Google satellite and it showed me that there was a public footpath going from the Bryn Cadno Community Centre direct to the Gwern Tyno Farm in Nany Y Glyn Valley
I thought that this would be the ideal place for me to take a photo of Fox Hill that I have previously talked about .and decided to have my once a day exercise doing that walk.
Straight away the views are stunning and the path went very very steeply downhill (  I may bring Mrs H up this way if I dare! ) near the bottom instead of turning sharply to the left I found to my dismay that the footpath had been redirected and would take me in the direction of Bryn Y Maen.    I followed the path for about 200 yards then it became unclear so I headed to the farm only to find a board on the gate saying no unauthorised access.    So I was left with a dilemma as it was about 40  yards to the main road or about 400 yards up a very steep hill.    Should I go back up the hill or open the gate, anyway I thought about it for a second or two and opened the gate and walked on to Nant Y Glyn Road.
Then I followed the road back to the next footpath that was to take me up to the rocky part of Pen Y Bryn Road and then home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 06, 2020, 10:29:37 am
I had a short stroll in Pwllycrochan Woods yesterday as part of the once a day exercise and It's been a while since I had a walk there even though it's on my doorstep.
From Pen Y Bryn Road I walked a short distance down King's Drive and turned right into the woods and had a good look around the place.   It's a mature woodland of mainly deciduous trees but there are a good number of fallen and dead trees there awaiting to be tidied up.
After looking around I made my way to the stream and crossed the bridge and then back onto King's Drive where I walked up the road to the bad bend and crossed over the road and followed the stream back until I came back to Pen Y Bryn Road and then back home for a nice coffee
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on April 06, 2020, 10:37:44 am
Did you know there are at least 93 different varieties of trees growing there? Used to take the children when they were little every week to learn about trees.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 06, 2020, 02:17:04 pm
I didn't know that there were so many different varieties of trees Ian, that's incredible and it's a nice place to explore.     As I was walking I could hear the Woodpeckers drumming on the trees and the Buzzards calling out from above and there is a lot of wildlife hidden from view.
Many years ago an Italian snake escaped from the Welsh Mountain Zoo into the woods and she was pregnant at the time.  She was a live bearing one and gave birth in the woods and I'm told that the snakes survived, thankfully they are not the poisonous variety
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DVT on April 06, 2020, 07:02:55 pm
Hopefully the snakes are not coronavipers!!!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 07, 2020, 11:22:29 am
I had a walk down King's Drive yesterday and stopped at the cross roads with the Old Highway to take a photo of the building Cambrian mentioned previously.  Then I followed the Old Highway past the Zoo and it was sad to see that the Zoo was closed just like so many businesses are with this lockdown
Just before Seren Y Dyffryn the caravan park I turned left and took the public footpath up to "The View"  but just as I got into the field I was surprised to see the monkey on the gate so I took his photo.     I only stayed at the view long enough to take some photos and then made my way home along Copthorne Road
It was only after I got home that I checked my camera and found that the settings were wrong so I deleted most of the photos.     Still I reckon there will be a few more months of this lockdown so I'll be able to do the walk again sometime
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 16, 2020, 12:59:23 pm
I had the once a day walk today and walked up to the Bryn Cadno Nature Reserve and it was such a lovely day,  as I walked along the path the sweet smell of the Gorse was just incredible.    The views from up there are quite stunning so after taking some photos and walking around the reserve I made my way down a narrow footpath to Honeysuckle Lane.    Coming towards me were a couple with three Whippet type dogs and while I moved over to give some distance between me and the couple one of the dogs had a poo.
The guy walked past and said that he would pick it up on his way back so I said sarcastically to him " yeah, I'm sure that you will".  Anyway I walked on a bit and stopped, the couple had words and he returned and picked up the poo in a blue bag.    I wouldn't be surprised if that blue bag is discarded somewhere after I left.     It's action like that that gives dog owners a bad name
Anyway by then I was so hot in my fleece and decided to cut short my walk and went down Mountain Lane to get to Copthorne Road and then home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 16, 2020, 06:25:56 pm
Lucky you didn't get a whop round the ear from the man with the dog poo. Some people can be incredibly nasty. *punch*
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 16, 2020, 08:27:02 pm
I didn't think of it at the time, perhaps I should have done because  these tired old legs of mine can't move that fast nowadays
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: mondie on April 21, 2020, 09:46:50 pm
I have had some fantastic daily walks these past few weeks as the rat and I explore more on Conwy after moving here from Llandudno last month.

We are so lucky to live in this amazing place in the world.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49783356323_13c34b7a87_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRbHpH)20200413_114047 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRbHpH) by Simon Gee (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151329652@N05/), on Flickr

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Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 22, 2020, 02:46:34 am
Absolutely stunning photos Mondie         $good$

You'll have to go out more often and take some more photos as they are a treat to see.

What camera and lens did you use to get such images as those?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on April 22, 2020, 09:02:24 am
Wonderful pics. Mondie. Love your dog, we had a Schnauzer for a number of years, used to walk miles with her. Alas not nowadays, the dog we have now isn't the worlds best on a lead and I have trouble walking. Ah well, happy memories. {}{}
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on April 22, 2020, 10:24:38 am
 $cool$         great photos, more please.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: mondie on April 22, 2020, 08:52:20 pm
Thanks for the nice comments, I will add a couple more to this post  ;D  Schnauzers are wonderful dogs Nemesis, she enjoys the walks and country smells. A good couple of hours ramlbing on a nie sunny day certainly gives her an excuse to sleep the rest of the day away.

Absolutely stunning photos Mondie         $good$

You'll have to go out more often and take some more photos as they are a treat to see.

What camera and lens did you use to get such images as those?

Just a Samsung phone Hugo. I have a 'good' camera but I don't usually bother to carry it on longer walks, inevitably there are times when I wish I had it with me.

Cheers

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Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 22, 2020, 11:11:38 pm
You don't need a camera when you can produce quality photos like that Mondie.    My main camera is a Panasonic Lumix bridge one and weighs about 2 lb  which is quite heavy to lug around on a walk.
I wouldn't mind if my photos turned out half as good as yours after the effort of carrying it around
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on April 23, 2020, 10:32:38 am
Again excellent photos, but I do think, you are training for a marathon on the sly.    ;)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 05, 2020, 07:31:14 pm
Today for my once a day exercise I thought that I'd have a walk to Bryn Euryn as it's been a while since I last went there.   I followed Llanrwst Road downhill and soon came to the old horse trough, a sign of a bygone age but much the same as the road itself which is narrow and dangerous in places particularly at the bottom where it meets the Conway Road.
I then crossed over the footbridge over the A55 into Tan Y Bryn Road and there is an old water pump that has also survived from times gone by.  After the pump I turned left and followed the public footpath through a delightful woodland setting in Nant Sempyr..This path was to take me to the top of this Iron Age hill fort and although it is only 430 feet above sea level it has stunning views in all directions.
As I came down the hill I could see thousands of Cowslips alongside the path and there were a number of Purple Orchids in full flower too.   By the car park I made a detour to see Llys Euryn which is a ruined building which was the thirteenth century manor house of Ednyfed Fychan allegedly razed to the ground during Owain Glyndwr's rising in about 1409.
After that it was time to head home along Tan Y Bryn Road and then up the steep Llanrwst Road until I got back to my home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 05, 2020, 07:33:59 pm
Bryn Euryn
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on May 06, 2020, 10:38:55 am
Once again, excellent Hugo, very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 17, 2020, 12:33:49 pm
On Friday,  I did my exercise from home and took the footpath by the bend on the rocky part of Pen Y Bryn Road and it took me to the road in the Nant Y Glyn Valley.     Just by there are impressive stone pillars that marked the entrance to the private drive of Fox Hill.
I'm afraid that curiosity got the better of me and I walked up the drive for a little nosy.    The drive is uphill and very long and goes through some mature woodland, at the end it doubles back on itself and then you see the property.    I don't know what the set up is there but it was strange with a few old cars parked in the trees and the cars  looked like they had not been driven for some time.
Anyway I stayed there just long enough to take two photos and headed off towards Nant Y Glyn Farm and the footpath by the entrance to the farm took me to a nice wooden bridge that crossed over the small stream.      I could see a couple of paths for any future walk but turned around and walked to the Old Highway and then through the steep Pwllycrochan Woods to my home
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 22, 2020, 07:01:52 am
For my daily exercise on Wednesday I thought that I would have a flying visit again to the Nant Y Glyn Valley to try and locate the Devil's Bridge, check on the route to Llanelian Yn Rhos and have a look at the stream on the Glyn Farm estate.
The first part of the walk was on the footpath starting on the rocky bit of Pen Y Bryn Road and it goes through some dark woodland and my flying visit turned out to be just that, literally.    I caught my foot on a tree root and over I went face downwards resulting in a grazed arm and knee but I got up and dusted myself down and I think that it was my pride that hurt most
Anyway I got into the Nant Y Glyn Valley without any more scrapes and the valley looked beautiful as it was bathed in the warm sunshine.I  heard the first Cuckoo there too and as I made my way to the wooden bridge across the stream I could hear the Cuckoo calling all the time.
At the bridge I walked along the stream bank looking for the Devil's Bridge but because of the undergrowth I gave that up after about 10 minutes.      I then turned left after the wooden bridge and made my way uphill just stopping to admire the Nant Y Glyn Farm and the impressive looking houses on the western side of the steep valley.    A little further on I came across the signpost for Cilgwyn Mawr so at least I had found the route I was looking for.
Carrying on along the path I came to Glyn Farm and in front of the farm is a modern and attractive housing estate.     Between the houses is a stream which is fenced off in two parts and it was the second and lower part I was interested in having a good look at as I had read that the area had previously been a rubbish dump and broken pottery and glass could be seen on the bed of the stream.
Anyway as I reached the lower part I saw a gate that was opened and had a look at the gate just to see if it was on private property but there was no sign there so I went in to the enclosure.      Steps had been made down to the stream and then up on the other side where a wooden bench was so I just sat there and relaxed.    I couldn't see any traces of pottery or glass but someone had created what could be described as an oasis in a housing estate.     Pools had been deliberately formed and yellow irises were flowering on the banks and small dams had been formed to control the flow of any Winter rain.   I took a number of photos and didn't want to leave the place but it was time to go.    I started to close the gate as I was leaving but a voice from across the road shouted out " don't close the gate"   so I asked the man who owned the enclosure and he replied " I do"         Oops  I thought for a moment but afterwards we had a long and very interesting chat and he actually likes people to go into the grounds
I did however find out about the pottery and the glass and the reason why I couldn't see any  was because when the stream was excavated the bed of the stream was unstable because of the pottery and glass etc so the guy had put paving flags over the stream bed so that the water just flows over them and doesn't create any damage
I then returned home along the same path as I came on after having learnt a few lessons then, one being that wearing sunglasses and walking briskly in dark woodland isn't cool.   The plasters will come off soon though!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 22, 2020, 07:06:42 am
Nant Y Glyn Valley and Glyn Farm
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 01, 2020, 05:35:55 pm
For the first day of "freedom" under the lockdown rules I drove to Conwy and had a short walk on the quay where I enjoyed a Parissella's ice cream. 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 11, 2020, 12:16:28 pm
I took this photo when I had a walk on the Great Orme on Tuesday and it illustrates the point that I had made when I did a coastal walk earlier this year.
Erosion on the western side of the Orme has been going on for centuries and unfortunately is still continuing.     If you look closely at the photo, you can see two rocks jutting out of the water and the tide was still coming in when the photo was taken.   The rocks are known locally as Yr Hen Ddyn a'r Hen Wraig (   the old man andthe old woman)
In the early 1800's Richard Jones who farmed at Tyddyn Gogarth  ( near the old Railway Convalescent Home ) could recall his father complaining about his ploughshare striking those two large upright stones so it just shows how much land has been lost to the sea since those times
 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Blongb on June 11, 2020, 02:06:58 pm
I believe Lewis Carroll also referred to them as the Walrus and the Carpenter but agree with your naming   Yr Hen Ddyn a'r Hen Wraig (   the old man and the old woman)  $welsh$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: PhilMick on June 11, 2020, 06:22:41 pm
Thought you might like to see this.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 08, 2020, 12:20:56 pm
It would have been my late Mother's birthday last week so I paid my respects by going to the Lawn Cemetery at Llanrhos.        Afterwards I walked through the Cemetery near St Hilary's Church and saw a number of graves that may or may not have had connections to research on the forum
Another one that caught my attention was the one for poor Betty which had the following inscription on it:-
" Here lyeth the body of poor Betty who for upwards of 50 years was a houseless wandering maniac Died February 1824.
Then in Welsh Y mae gorphwysfa yn y Nefoedd  {  There is a resting place in Heaven )  "
Apparently local people clubbed together to save her from a pauper's grave
Afterwards I had a look at St Mary's Well and there is a fascinating story about it in the Deganwy History Society's records

http://www.deganwyhistory.co.uk/en/ (http://www.deganwyhistory.co.uk/en/)

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on July 08, 2020, 02:57:26 pm
Thank you, Hugo, for posting the photo of the Kerridge grave.

I read the leaflet posted by PhilMick and recall that my mother always spoke of the mystical powers that surrounded The Monk's Path on the Orme. She always said that it was always green because of the spirits of the monks who had walked up there to St Tudno centuries ago. The Great Orme possesses some sort of spiritual quality in many places.

Helig
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 09, 2020, 06:39:16 pm
Mrs H and I had a drive in the car to Moelfre in Anglesey today. it was the first time that we have been there since the lockdown.
We went to Din LLigwy the Iron Age village and after that  drove to Moelfre.       Ann's Pantry was too busy for a coffee so instead we each had a large ice cream and sat by the pebble beach to eat it.     They were really large ice creams and a bonus for me was that Mrs H couldn't manage all of hers so I had to step in and finish it off         ;D
After that mammoth effort we had a walk around the headland to the Lifeboat Station and returned through an old part of the village that I hadn't seen before.
If anyone hasn't been there before then it's well worth a visit.   
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 09, 2020, 06:43:23 pm
Moelfre
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 15, 2020, 03:37:56 pm
If you are going to Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog just be careful where you park your car

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/moment-pink-vw-camper-van-18936580 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/moment-pink-vw-camper-van-18936580)

Sorry Steve but I hadn't read your post before I posted this.      :-[

At least it makes a change to those people cut off on the sandbanks on the West Shore
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 17, 2020, 03:43:22 pm
I had a nice walk on the disused railway track today that went from Dyserth to Prestatyn.     Mrs H and I walked along the section from Dyserth to Meliden and went past many of the old lead mine tunnels that litter that part of the hillside.    Luckily they are all solidly blocked off to prevent accidents from happening.
At Meliden they have converted the old Railway Shed into a nice cafe along with other outlets.
We stopped there and had a nice coffee and sausage roll before returning to the car in Dyserth
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on September 18, 2020, 10:41:51 am
Hugo, thought you might like these, I know you visited the island in the last few years.

This is the incredible moment an island off the coast of North Wales disappeared under a blanket of mist.

Martin Whitelegge was out walking when he managed to capture the spellbinding moment Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) vanished.

The 59-year-old from Sheffield was walking a section of the coastal path when he noticed the island, which is two miles off the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, had disappeared.              ref DP

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 18, 2020, 11:16:11 am
Thanks Steve, those images are incredible and bring back memories for me of a couple of visits I have had to this unique island.

We had it on our wish list for this year but Covid put an end to the idea but we must do it again another time.   They say that three visits to Ynys Ennli ( Bardsey Island is equal to a pilgrimage to Rome.      I must admit that Rome is on my wish list too
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 20, 2020, 08:57:27 am
I don't think that there will be many locals in Abersoch putting in an offer!           :o


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/little-gwynedd-beach-hut-market-18958694 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/little-gwynedd-beach-hut-market-18958694)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 27, 2020, 01:23:56 pm
I read this article today but I can remember a few years ago that the dam holding the water back in Llyn Anafon was unsafe and the authorities had to reduce the volume of water to avoid the dam bursting.  Perhaps something similar has happened again?


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/extraordinary-saga-snowdonias-vanishing-lake-18994226 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/extraordinary-saga-snowdonias-vanishing-lake-18994226)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 30, 2020, 08:06:15 am
The weather was good yesterday so I took Mrs H to Anglesey for a drive which was just as well because when we arrived home we found out that Conwy was going into lockdown tomorrow.
It was Mrs H's first visit to Point Lynas and Porth Eilian and she was impressed with what she saw.    We had our lunch while sitting on a bench overlooking the beautiful but rugged bay and it felt just like being on holiday
After lunch we went to Llaneilian Church but as expected it was closed,  I have been inside the Church before and it's well worth a visit so we'll return there when circumstances permit.
Then we had a quick visit to Bull Bay before moving on to Moelfre where we had a nice coffee in the garden area of Ann's Pantry and we finished it with a large ice cream by the beach car park
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 30, 2020, 08:10:10 am
Point Lynas, Bull Bay and Moelfre
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 08, 2020, 07:01:35 pm
I had a drive in the Conwy County area today and after driving through an unusually quiet Betws Y Coed we continued along the A5  until we came to Ty Hyll   the Ugly House.    After taking a few photos we carried on to Capel Curig and Llynau Mymbyr, the two lakes located in Dyffryn Mymbyr
We stopped to have lunch there and could see that Snowdon was covered in a low cloud and the weather started to change so we headed off for home

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 15, 2020, 03:19:06 pm
The weather was good yesterday so I drove to Dolwyddelan with Mrs H for a short walk along the Afon Lledr
We parked by the Church and walked past the Railway Station for the start of the riverside walk.     It was very quiet and we only saw one person on the walk, a young woman who was walking a lovely  small dog called Hugo so we had to have a chat with her.    She was telling us that many years ago this small rural community had about 15 Chapels in the surrounding area.
Most of the Chapels have now  been closed or converted into residential homes.
We walked as far as the bridge in the photo and then crossed over it to the main A470 road and then headed back to the village where the car was parked.
On the way back we made a short but steep detour to see Ffynnon Sant Gwyddelan.     The well has been restored in recent years and was well worth seeing.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 30, 2020, 05:25:59 pm
I thought that I'd have a short walk up to the View in Colwyn Bay today and it's easy to see why it has got it's name.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 11, 2020, 03:04:35 pm
Tellytubby, Rhuddlan and I were one of the last groups to climb up the inside of that column but it doesn't seen eight years since we were there.   It must be old age catching up on me!        ;D



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-anglesey-landmark-mysteriously-kept-19259405 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-anglesey-landmark-mysteriously-kept-19259405)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 11, 2020, 04:40:50 pm
Rhuddlan has emailed me to say that we went up to the top of the column on the 26th Feb 2014 and not in 2012.    I have no photos to check but looked back to an article I had posted on here previously and this is what I posted at the time
"The staircase was deemed unsafe and the article said that the column was closed in March 2012,  yet I've looked at my photos and they were taken on 26th Feb 2014."
It still doesn't seem six years ago
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 20, 2020, 03:30:32 pm
We were driving home along the A470 and stopped just outside of Llan Ffestiniog to take this photo
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 22, 2020, 11:20:30 am
Great Strike trail marks 120 years since quarry dispute

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55021434 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55021434)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 02, 2021, 10:43:48 pm
Old Uncle Albert sent me an e-mail with some nice photos on it after he had a walk around his local area of Porthmadog.     In the first photo the snow on the mountain peaks looks very impressive.
The Cnicht is the pointed summit on the left and Moelwyn Mawr is on the right of the photo,     They were not far from a walk we had recently to Rhosydd Quarry and Cwm Orthin
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 04, 2021, 05:56:46 pm
Because of the Covid restrictions in Wales  I am unable to see any of my walking mates so we keep in touch by e-mail and send each other photos from our local walks.  Today I received one from my friend Rhuddlan

This time last year he was walking in the sunshine somewhere, perhaps in the Caymen Islands but now he is confined to walking on Rhuddlan Golf Course.    Anyway he sent us these nice photos from his walk
They make you realise how lucky we are to live in such a nice area
In the second photo you can see in the background the village of Dyserth and I can just make out the house I lived in when I lived there
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 10, 2021, 10:51:37 am
Tellytubby sent me this beautiful photo of Portmeirion that he saw on facebook.    It just shows you the lovely countryside that we are lucky to live in, but because of the virus we are unable to see at the moment
Immediately before the first lockdown we were going to have lunch at Castell Deudraeth then have a walk around Portmeirion but Coronavirus put paid to that
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 12, 2021, 04:26:28 pm
Tellytubby and Mrs T had a walk yesterday in the hills  and they walked from Llyn Geirionydd over the hills to Llyn Crafnant.     The weather was good until they came to the Crafnant Valley when they hit a blizzard but enjoyed it all the same.
It was nice to a see a photo of the old Chapel in Crafnant after it had been restored
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on April 19, 2021, 05:27:07 pm
First ever visit to Gwrych Castle today.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on May 29, 2021, 11:01:17 am
The amazing 'national treasure' hidden in Gwynedd woods and in danger of being lost forever
A former chicken farmer and his wife spent years building the complex in their garden to remind them of cherished holidays in Italy

Tucked away in woodland, mostly hidden from public view, is a mini Portmeirion that is now abandoned, crumbling and slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Lovingly built over decades by a former chicken farmer, as a nostalgic shrine to a lifetime of Italian holidays, the place is little known but has been labelled a “national treasure”.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/amazing-national-treasure-hidden-gwynedd-20686072 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/amazing-national-treasure-hidden-gwynedd-20686072)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on June 05, 2021, 07:09:57 pm
A rare day out for us yesterday to visit Penrhyn Castle and gardens and also a walk along Bangor pier.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on June 08, 2021, 07:58:38 pm
Mr H (action man) has been exploring in the mountains today. This is the view from Y Garn.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 09, 2021, 09:57:23 am
It's good to see that Action man is still doing his stuff on the hills.   That's a lovely photo and brings back distant memories for me as I don't think that I'll be able to do those walks again.
Either lockdown or old age or a combination of the two has finished it off for me and old Uncle Albert as we found out yesterday when we had a gentle walk in Deganwy
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 13, 2021, 09:28:42 am
Bizarre TripAdvisor review slams North Wales lake for location, beauty, and lack of a McDonalds
The reviewer signed off with ‘thank you Wales Gods that I got out alive


Some of the comments are just unbelievable and you wonder what planet the people are on.      Here's one for you to ponder on Steve about the beautiful Llyn Geirionydd
 One reviewer who gave the beauty spot one-star blamed the lake’s beauty for distracting them and causing them to capsize their kayak “which was very distressing”.

They also complained that the lake's water was too cold, that they had no signal, and about the location's lack of a McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tripadvisor-review-slams-lack-mcdonalds-20791793 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tripadvisor-review-slams-lack-mcdonalds-20791793)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on June 13, 2021, 11:38:58 am
Oh dear, what a dreadful story. We have gone to Llyn Geirionydd sice our daughter was small and she is now in her mid 50s. We've swum in the lake, probably illegally, eaten our lunch on its banks and generally enjoyed the peace and beauty of the place. Mc Donalds?? I hate to imagine the problems that would cause, but perhaps I am just old fashioned. I just wish that we could still walk enough to  explore the area as we used to.
Watersport became popular and it wasn't as peaceful, but people seemed considerate and enjoyed the beauty of the place.
Times gone by. !
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 13, 2021, 12:13:41 pm
Llyn Geirionydd is set in a beautiful location as Steve can verify but it makes you wonder what people expect with their inane comments.
You would get a more sensible comment from anyone who was in "One flew over the Cuckoo's nest" 

Another one was why did they put Snowdon in Wales?          &shake&
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on June 13, 2021, 02:24:26 pm
Idiocy ! On those lines did you see those women who climbed Snowdon wearing very little? Good on them for raising money for charity, but had the weather turned they would have needed to be rescued.Even on a hot day it can be perishing cold at the summit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DVT on June 13, 2021, 03:28:45 pm
I wonder how many of those inane comments are simply jokes written by social media keyboard warriors with nothing better to do that to post them and sit back to see the reaction.

Perhaps a motorway standard road from Trefriw to Geirionyndd might not be a bad idea, the idiots who have no idea how to drive on narrow roads could then work out how to pass oncoming traffic.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on June 13, 2021, 04:29:54 pm
I have always said that you don't learn to drive properly till you have negotiated these roads.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on June 13, 2021, 06:33:38 pm
The biggest problem some seem to have is an utter inability to reverse.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Nemesis on June 13, 2021, 06:54:11 pm
My thoughts exactly.If we are sending anyone up to 'The Welsh Lakes' we always warn them not to go unless they are capable of reversing.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on June 19, 2021, 09:45:40 am
Rules for motorhomes and campervans in Wales as Snowdonia urges some owners to 'delay visits'

A staycation surge in motorhome ownership and rentals has fuelled tensions in many communities

The Covid pandemic has had many unexpected consequences, and one of them is the rise of the motorhome.

Since the second lockdown eased, this new army of campervans seems to be heading to Wales.

Social media photos show motorhomes lining narrow roads, crowding into laybys or annoying coastal residents by parking up on seafront proms and “spoiling the views”.

Most owners leave no trace, some don’t. Across North Wales, councils have been left to deal with piles of roadside rubbish as campervans eject everything from food scraps to soiled nappies and waste from chemical toilets.

Interesting read cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/rules-motorhomes-campervans-wales-snowdonia-20848570?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/rules-motorhomes-campervans-wales-snowdonia-20848570?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on June 20, 2021, 10:37:33 am
The underground 'car cave' hidden in abandoned North Wales mine that stunned urban explorers
The 'discovery' of the Cavern of Lost Souls caused an internet sensation - but some claim it's now being spoiled by litter, graffiti and vandalism

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/underground-car-cave-hidden-abandoned-20839301 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/underground-car-cave-hidden-abandoned-20839301)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 11, 2021, 09:31:45 am
North Wales landscape dubbed Europe’s ‘Machu Picchu’ set to emerge from the shadows
A photographer who has been documenting Blaenau Ffestiniog's slate mines for almost two decades, believes action is needed to save them from being reclaimed by nature


We had a walk up to Maen Offeren recently and there is a lot to see up there and also a lot more quarries to look at


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/north-wales-landscape-dubbed-europes-21013876 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/north-wales-landscape-dubbed-europes-21013876)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Robbie G on July 11, 2021, 06:43:00 pm
Suggest you have a look at Falcon Hildred work he has a fascinating portfolio of industrial heritage from the Ffestiniog area and other places , he considers Ffestiniog as the most complete Victorian industrial town in the U.K ,his work not only of that area but of the whole of Wales is brilliant hope you enjoy .
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 12, 2021, 07:04:13 am
Thanks very much indeed for posting that information Robbie, what an incredible person and what a legacy he will leave      $good$

http://www.falconhildred.co.uk/page4.html (http://www.falconhildred.co.uk/page4.html)         
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2021, 06:37:26 pm
Suggest you have a look at Falcon Hildred work he has a fascinating portfolio of industrial heritage from the Ffestiniog area and other places , he considers Ffestiniog as the most complete Victorian industrial town in the U.K ,his work not only of that area but of the whole of Wales is brilliant hope you enjoy .

Thanks again for sharing that info Robbie.    I passed on the details to my walking mates who were very impressed and we are planning a walk in that area soon.    We;ll be far from the maddening crowds up on those hills while the tourist season is upon us.   The touristy bits we'll keep until the Autumn
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: hollins on July 16, 2021, 06:50:50 pm
Action man has been "exploring" the area today, climbing, scrambling on Tryfan.
The first photo is the pinnacle on the east face of Tryfan and the second photo is a view of Snowdon and Lliwedd from Capel Curig car park.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2021, 11:24:58 pm
I hope that you've got Action man insured Hollins as Tryfan is not for the faint hearted.      I've never jumped across the Adam and Eve stones before and I know that these old knees of mine wouldn't be up to it now anyway   
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2021, 10:00:39 am
The first of its kind in North Wales, a free history app, called Imagine Trail, will shed light on some of the Bay of Colwyn and Mochdre’s old tales and bring them to life through augmented reality (AR) technology.

The app has been created as part of Imagine Colwyn Bay, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from Conwy County Borough Council and the Bay of Colwyn Town Council. Local arts charity TAPE Community Music & Film and tech experts Reality

Boffins worked closely with local creatives, heritage groups and the wider community to develop it.

Animated videos, old footage and photos, sound recordings and interviews have been used to recall stories of note from monks in the Middle Ages through to the mod rallies of the 70s and 80s.

The app will be unveiled and ready for download on September 18th with launch events at Colwyn Bay Artisan’s market and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Before then, history buffs and cinemagoers can enjoy a week of free, related activities starting on September 13th.

TAPE’s Neil Dunsire said: “The app is a real treasure trove of stories. We’ve been fortunate to unearth some terrific tales and memories from Dinosaur World to Medieval ambushes.  It has been brilliant to work with 20 local creatives, who have adapted and overcome

cont https://www.wales247.co.uk/history-trail-app-to-shed-light-on-north-wales?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.wales247.co.uk/history-trail-app-to-shed-light-on-north-wales?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 22, 2021, 02:28:10 pm
I went to Conwy this morning and was lucky enough to get a parking space by the Bowling Green, so I took some photos of the castle.
After doing so I drove around the town and then headed home as it was so busy there.
It's such a beautiful place that I can understand why so many people were there but I'll go back again when it's not so busy
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SAJ on September 22, 2021, 04:44:53 pm
Hugo, your post reminded me of a story told to me some years ago by a school friend of my daughter. Her grandma had enjoyed a coach holiday to Bournemouth and upon her return, remarked, “It’s a lovely place. I think if it wasn’t so busy, a lot more people would go there”. 😂
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 23, 2021, 10:06:23 am
I'm lucky because I live in the area and can go there anytime, especially when it's not so busy and you can appreciate the place better but I understand what the Grandma meant.
On my way home I went through Llandudno but didn't bother stopping there either for the same reason but it was nice seeing both places heaving with tourists after the last 18 months or so.         $good$.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SAJ on September 25, 2021, 10:54:26 am
Last weekend, MOH and I, along with a group of fellow villagers, visited the Rhydymwyn Tunnels. It was a very interesting Tour and fascinating to discover exactly what was going on in that small village during WWII and in the following years. The tours are organised by the Rhydymwyn Valley History Society whose very enthusiastic and knowledgeable members lead each group and describe in detail the once top secret history of that location. Well worth booking a visit.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 25, 2021, 03:48:22 pm
I haven't been to see the tunnels yet but my walking mates have and they said that it's well worth the visit.    I'm sure that they mentioned a nature reserve that was there and they enjoyed seeing the reserve too.
I do remember the railway tracks that went across the main road into the site and my friend's father worked in there during the post war period

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/take-tour-secret-north-wales-18039484 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/take-tour-secret-north-wales-18039484)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on September 27, 2021, 11:45:33 am
Although I have never been inside the tunnels, having visited Rhydymwyn many times, I used to wonder what was under all those bumps in the ground. Seeing these photos makes me want to explore them when it is possible.

You mentioned a nature reserve, Hugo, I am not sure about that but there is a good walk from Rhydymwyn to Loggerheads along the Leete path. It isn't possible to do a circular walk . You have to take the same path back. There are shorter walks from Rhydymwyn which can be done on a circular route. The Leete path was a wonderful work, dug out for the industry that existed there years ago. You can see old lead mines and go in them if you want to risk it. We did and I am alive to tell the tale. The Devil's Gorge is quite spectacular. There was a deep lead mine in Pen y Fron, it was known as The Gob and said to be 800 feet deep. At one time it was open and you were able to peer down it but they filled it in some years ago.

This link is for a walk from Cilcain hut you get the idea. http://www.cilcaintoday.org.uk/In%20search%20of%20the%20Lost%20Leete.pdf (http://www.cilcaintoday.org.uk/In%20search%20of%20the%20Lost%20Leete.pdf)

Helig
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 27, 2021, 03:44:41 pm
Thanks very much for posting that info Helig.    I've only done the walk once before but wouldn't mind doing it again after reading the link that you attached.     It's a nice walk and we started it from the narrow bridge with the bollards on it near Cilcain.
What is unusual about the River Alyn is that in the Summer months the river is dry sometimes.   In the Valley the water goes into a sinkhole and then reappears a mile or two further on

I've attached a link and if you scroll down it you can see a short reference to the Nature Reserve that I mentioned

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._S._Factory,_Valley

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Robbie G on September 27, 2021, 07:34:09 pm
Heliig
I worked for a firm of contractors who had a contract at Rhydymwyn with the M.O.D. as it was in  those days it is an amazing place  & some   area`s had restricted access as they produced Mustard Gas there at one period . As I remember it was a storage facility for the M.O.D. , some of the items kept in store were unbelievable some items from the Boar War also from WW1 ,it is a long time since I worked there so my memory is rather hazy to say the least but one thing I remember it was / is the coldest place I ever worked .
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on September 28, 2021, 10:12:11 am
Thank you to both Hugo and Robbie G. I haven't heard of the Nature Reserve and will try to explore that area again when time permits. We used to park by the old MOD buildings in Rhydymwyn, walk down the lane, through the caravan site, then pass through an old quarry before we came to the Leete path. There used to be a booklet on the walk which was produced by the council, I have a copy and that is how we found it all. I think the booklet dates to the 1970s. It gave a description of the history and the old industries that existed there. I recall it said many of the lead miners moved from Cornwall as they had experience of that work. There was the old mine manager's house which was derelict, he came from Cornwall too. I think that was close to Pen y Fron. There was a good circular walk from Rhydymwyn round Pantymwyn too.

I did read that the royal family had a top secret nuclear bunker at Rhydymwyn. That they were to travel there for safety in the event of nuclear war. There was one story that they had some storage for valuables belonging to the royals as well.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SAJ on September 28, 2021, 06:36:15 pm
Helig, there were definitely secret plans for usage of parts of the Rhydymwyn site. I won’t give any more details as it may be a spoiler for anyone planning to go on the tour.

We are lucky to have some splendid walks here in Flintshire. There is a guide which can be found at www.flintshire.gov.uk (http://www.flintshire.gov.uk) called “Rural Walks in Flintshire” which has one or two routes that I still need to try.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on October 09, 2021, 09:31:59 am
Mysterious railway discovered that disappears into the sea off North Wales coast
Rail tracks hidden for decades have re-emerged on Barmouth beach - and their purpose may now have been solved

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mysterious-railway-discovered-disappears-sea-21805572 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mysterious-railway-discovered-disappears-sea-21805572)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 09, 2021, 02:57:56 pm
Yesterday we went to Porthmadog railway station to see some of the steam trains that were taking part in the weekend event.   It was nice to see the trains and the people taking part in the event
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 09, 2021, 03:13:53 pm
After seeing the trains in Porthmadog we drove down to Criccieth and had a short but very enjoyable walk along the promenade and on the way going up to see the castle which is situated on a prominent hilltop.
We started the walk by crossing the railway track by Dylan's restaurant and then following the promenade and then going uphill to visit the Criccieth Castle.   We had a good look around the castle before having our refreshments sitting on a bench and having fantastic viewsof the coast and mountains. It was my first visit there and it was a nice experience
From the castle we followed the promenade for a short distance passing the colourful hotels on the way and then we returned back to our car
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 09, 2021, 03:20:25 pm
On our way back from Criccieth we had a quick look at Borth Y Gest,  It's a pretty village but was very quiet as most of the second home owners must have gone back home after the season ended
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on October 10, 2021, 09:56:18 am
The ghostly ruins of the old Victorian porcelain works left abandoned for more than 100 years
Llanlleiana porcelain works has been closed for over a century after it was badly damaged in a fire in 1920

At Wales' most northerly point lies an old Victorian porcelain works that has fallen into ruin after being disused for more than 100 years.

Llanlleiana porcelain works is located between Porth Wen and Traeth Mawr, Cemaes on the northern coast of Anglesey.

It sits in a small valley in front of a secluded beach that will be a familiar spot to anyone who has walked further along the coastal path in that area.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/ghostly-ruins-old-victorian-porcelain-21776643 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/ghostly-ruins-old-victorian-porcelain-21776643)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on October 10, 2021, 02:49:48 pm
Thanks for posting that article Steve.     $good$                     We have come across those ruins many times when we have walked from Bull Bay to Cemaes Bay but never knew what they had been used for
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on October 19, 2021, 10:22:18 am
The Snowdonia National Park at 70
The Snowdonia National Park was the one of the first areas in Britain to receive the designation in 1951 and for the past 70 years this beautiful area has been protected

Celebrating 70 years of Snowdonia National Park in pictures
A number of events have taken place over the last few weeks to celebrate Wales' oldest designated beauty spot

photo GALLERY    https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/celebrating-70-years-snowdonia-national-21889306 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/celebrating-70-years-snowdonia-national-21889306)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on December 29, 2021, 10:24:47 am
The tiny ruined chapel in the shadow of Snowdon which has a fascinating story to tell
Capel Hebron served the remote community of Cwm Brwynog for nearly 150 years

Thousands of people travel past a ruined building on the lower slopes of Wales' highest peak on the Snowdon Mountain Railway every year and many, many more walk past on one of the main paths to the summit.

But few know the history of Capel Hebron, which served the residents of Cwm Brwynog for more than a century.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tiny-ruined-chapel-shadow-snowdon-22520505?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tiny-ruined-chapel-shadow-snowdon-22520505?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 30, 2022, 09:34:11 am
We saw the grave when we did a walk from Pistyll to Nant Gwtheyrn on the Llyn Peninsula.  It's a nice little Church situated near the main road to Nefyn and overlooks the Irish Sea

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/how-1960s-film-tv-star-22713480 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/how-1960s-film-tv-star-22713480)

Here is a link to the history of the Church

https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=st-beuno-s-church-pistyll (https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=st-beuno-s-church-pistyll)



Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 01, 2022, 03:24:29 pm
I was in Bodelwyddan on Sunday and had a look around St Margaret's Church   ( Marble Church ) and took some photos of the Church and the graves there.
The white headstones are the graves of Canadians and other service people who died after the end of World War I.     There has always been a mystery to how they died so I've attached a link about the matter

https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=canadian-war-graves-bodelwyddan

One other headstone stood out and was lovingly tended and the epitaph was particularly  poignant



   
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on February 05, 2022, 10:15:07 am
The story of the Ugly House: The mysterious Welsh cottage full of history and legend that nobody knows who built
Thousands of drivers heading through Snowdonia will have spotted the quirky cottage

Tŷ Hyll, or The Ugly House, looks intriguing - magical even- as though two white witches could emerge at any moment.

In reality, you're more likely to be greeted by smiling waitresses and the promise of good old fashioned tea and proper Welsh baking.

This perfectly quirky little cottage is far from ugly however and around 35,000 people stop off every year entranced by its charms and the promise of cake at the Pot Mel tearoom inside.

The striking house is right on the corner of the bridge which carries the A5 road over the river and has "intrigued" thousands of drivers over the years, said Mary Williams from the Snowdonia Society, which owns the cottage. Mary said: "A lot of people have driven past it again and again and thought to themselves they'll stop there one day." Like many, she can't fathom why Tŷ Hyll gets called the 'Ugly House'.

To get any clue, you have to delve back into its history, which some believe could go as far back as even the Middle Ages. The jury's out on the exact origins of the cottage, said Mary, but each theory lends another layer of intrigue.

Some legends say it was built by robbers and thieves taking advantage of travellers on the old A5 as they journeyed through Snowdonia - ugly people who gave the house a fearsome reputation.

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/story-ugly-house-mysterious-welsh-22954645?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/story-ugly-house-mysterious-welsh-22954645?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 06, 2022, 05:29:36 pm
I read this in the Daily Post today and we did a walk in that area last year but didn't know all the history of that area at the time.  The countryside is stunning and  we have planned to do a shortened version of the walk again in the Summer but will keep an eye out for Boot Hill.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/havens-hafan-y-mor-holiday-22961679 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/havens-hafan-y-mor-holiday-22961679)


https://geotopoi.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/boot-hill-crimea-pass/ (https://geotopoi.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/boot-hill-crimea-pass/)


Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 09, 2022, 09:57:06 am
 $booboo$    I've only just noticed that I posted the wrong link above.           The correct one is below ( I hope  :-[ )

North Wales secret spots: The beautiful mountain pass where Roman soldiers once marched
For the latest in our series, we look at Crimea Pass & Boot Hill near Blaenau Ffestiniog


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/north-wales-secret-spots-beautiful-22986636 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/north-wales-secret-spots-beautiful-22986636)

https://geotopoi.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/boot-hill-crimea-pass/ (https://geotopoi.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/boot-hill-crimea-pass/)

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on February 09, 2022, 06:52:01 pm
You are so lucky to go on these walks Hugo i envy you and your mates only wish i could do the same it must be so satisfying seeing all that beautiful country side that holds so much history but I'm out of breath just  looking at your lovely photo es. I'll just have to stick to walking on the boring golf course
  Look forward to seeing more of your walks keep it going for as long as you can mate
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Cambrian on February 09, 2022, 07:58:11 pm
Nice photos Hugo, some interesting industrial archaeology as well.

I don't know if it's just my imagination but, on the last photo, can anyone else see a face at about 1100 o'clock in the large fern in front of the wall ?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on February 09, 2022, 08:29:47 pm
I can see it, although I suspect it's simply a good example of Apophenia.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 10, 2022, 09:43:38 am
That walk we did starts at the top of the Crimea Pass and ended at Dolwyddelan Castle, a lovely walk but I wouldn't like to do it the other way round!       What was a bonus was the fact that although we did it in August we only met one other person en route but we could see hundreds of people on Snowdon queuing up for the summit
I've blown the original photo up Cambrian but there is no one in the photo.     I know Tellytubby was in the Chapel but he's out of sight and not in the photo
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 12, 2022, 09:45:47 am
Tellytubby has been out and about again and has sent me these photos from his recent trip to Chirk Castle, we were due to go for a walk today but have cancelled it as the weather is horrendous.    There is always another day
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 19, 2022, 06:36:17 pm
Abersoch beach hut price tag could make it most expensive ever sold on resort's beach.
The record price tag is for a hut with a private deck but no water or electricity   I don't think anyone local to that area will be making an offer for the hut

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tiny-abersoch-beach-hut-sale-23439909 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tiny-abersoch-beach-hut-sale-23439909)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Ian on March 19, 2022, 07:04:22 pm
Re: the Face in the Fern (above) this is a screen grab with a red circle around the 'face'

[smg id=4165]
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 19, 2022, 10:30:16 pm
That must be the one Cambrian noticed
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on March 27, 2022, 11:12:58 am
I was in Bodelwyddan on Sunday and had a look around St Margaret's Church   ( Marble Church ) and took some photos of the Church and the graves there.
The white headstones are the graves of Canadians and other service people who died after the end of World War I.     There has always been a mystery to how they died so I've attached a link about the matter

https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=canadian-war-graves-bodelwyddan (https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=canadian-war-graves-bodelwyddan)

One other headstone stood out and was lovingly tended and the epitaph was particularly  poignant

Hugo, I think you will like these photos, after your visit a short while ago................

51 pictures of the ornate interior and poignant churchyard at Bodelwyddan's Marble Church


Photo gallery  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/gallery/51-pictures-ornate-interior-poignant-23498480?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/gallery/51-pictures-ornate-interior-poignant-23498480?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)


 
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 27, 2022, 01:01:25 pm
Thanks for posting that link Steve, it's over 50 years since I went inside the Church and had forgotten just how nice it is        $good$
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on April 02, 2022, 09:54:57 am
The scenic stroll which takes you through centuries of history in 'majestic' Llanrwst
Have you tried taking a walk along Llwybr Glan Yr Afon?

Rich in character, history and unrivalled views of the verdant Vale of Conwy, Llanrwst is undoubtedly one of the most majestic market towns in North Wales. Its three arched bridge, leading across sparkling waters towards a leaf clad cottage, looks like something from a postcard.

But to discover more about this bustling place, consider taking a scenic stroll along Llwybr Glan Yr Afon. This purpose built path can be conveniently found at the far end of Glasdir car park, near the police station, taking you along the river towards an old tannery.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/north-wales-secret-spots-llanrwsts-23564195?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/north-wales-secret-spots-llanrwsts-23564195?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on April 25, 2022, 09:47:00 am
The fascinating history behind Anglesey's 'little church in the sea' that's still used for worship
This Grade II listed building sits on a small island and can only be accessed by a causeway depending on the tide
A few years ago I went to Anglesey to visit a friend and took my wife on a surprise journey to Aberffraw as I wanted her to see the Church.
 At the time she suffered from Chronic fatigue and couldn't walk far but at least I knew that there was a parking area near the shore and that we could see the Church across the bay.    We sat on a bench by the beach and looked over to the Church and had a lovely surprise when we saw the Bride and Groom walking along the causeway to the Church. She had hitched up her white dress to reveal a pair of black wellies!
The couple then walked up the steep steps and entered the Church and then came out a short time later with the vicar.  What are the chances of that happening?  my wife was really pleased to have seen all that.     Years later when her illness had subsided I took her back to the area and we went up and on the island but the church was closed as usual


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/fascinating-history-behind-angleseys-little-23724274 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/fascinating-history-behind-angleseys-little-23724274)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 02, 2022, 01:04:28 pm
Tellytubby had a trip to Bodnant Gardens last week and sent me some nice photos of the Gardens
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 06, 2022, 02:24:13 pm
Tellytubby has been enjoying a few days in Llangollen and he sent me a few lovely photos of the area.  It is a beautiful place to visit with lots of attractions in the nearby area
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on May 06, 2022, 08:51:43 pm
the photos have brought back some memories for me Hugo, I used to deliver wines and spirits and barrels of Double Diamond, Watneys Red Barrel and Guinness to the Chain Bridge Hotel on the canal side in 1963, I drove a three ton lorry once a week over that bridge crossing the canal which is no mean feat.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 06, 2022, 10:32:03 pm
Is this the bridge that you used to drive over Snowcap?   It is quite narrow as you've said
Those beers you used to deliver also brought back memories for me too as I loved Double Diamond and Watneys Red Barrel.    I remember watching amateur boxing in Rhyl many years ago and had 8 pints of Double Diamond before the bouts had even started.    I certainly couldn't do that now or else I would be out for the count
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on May 07, 2022, 09:51:44 am
These photos bring back memories for me too. The walk to the Horseshoe Falls was always lovely at anytime of the year. It was quite an experience to walk over the chain bridge to Berwyn station. There was another walk we used to do along the Dee back to Llangollen and I am trying to recall the route. I would recommend the World's End above Llangollen, the views from there are spectacular. There is an old manor house in that area too:

https://www.wrexham-history.com/foul-deeds-at-worlds-end/ (https://www.wrexham-history.com/foul-deeds-at-worlds-end/)

I see it is on the market for the first time in 400 years:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10778957/Elizabethan-country-manor-boasting-six-bedrooms-goes-market-time-400-years.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10778957/Elizabethan-country-manor-boasting-six-bedrooms-goes-market-time-400-years.html)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on May 08, 2022, 12:32:02 am
no not that bridge Hugo the one in the distance on you first photo posted on may6th
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 08, 2022, 12:15:21 pm
Is it the small humped back bridge by that nice cottage?       The last time I walked by that bridge the cottage was painted white but the owners must have changed the colour and it doesn't look as special now
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: snowcap on May 08, 2022, 11:36:53 pm
If its the one were you turn right down to the Chain Bridge then that's the one
 You were able to walk across the chain bridge in those days but that's not the case to day, its been closed for many years
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 09, 2022, 09:07:57 am
I'm not sure Snowcap but when I'm next there I'll check on it.     The old Chain Bridge was closed for many years and was in a terrible state but they must have improved it because I went across it in November 2019 and took this photo of the hotel from the bridge
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on May 19, 2022, 12:40:17 pm
Portmeirion in pictures - the beauty and character of North Wales' unique attraction.    It really is a special place to stay at or visit


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/gallery/portmeirion-pictures-beauty-character-north-23993129 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/gallery/portmeirion-pictures-beauty-character-north-23993129)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 02, 2022, 12:51:08 pm
Mondie,   I'm thinking about getting a Samsung phone but when I looked at the phones online there were so many models I'm more confused than ever about which one to buy.
What model to you have as I would be more than happy to have one with the quality photos that you have posted?
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 19, 2022, 05:23:58 pm
River Alyn runs dry at Denbighshire country park amid record breaking heat wave
Locals said they have never seen it like this as the hot spell continues.

Just as an add on this type of thing has happened in the River Alyn many times before.     In dry Summer spells the river goes into a sink hole and reappears some distance downstream



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/river-alyn-runs-dry-denbighshire-24530154
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SAJ on July 19, 2022, 09:31:36 pm
As far as I?m aware, the water level of the Alyn at Loggerheads regularly falls away during summer months. I was told when I moved to the area back in the 1970?s that the main body of water disappears into swallow holes in the limestone river bed, possibly associated with former mining infrastructure from back in the day. I?m advised there?s plenty of flow in the river further downstream in Mold.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: mondie on August 07, 2022, 09:14:34 pm
Mondie,   I'm thinking about getting a Samsung phone but when I looked at the phones online there were so many models I'm more confused than ever about which one to buy.
What model to you have as I would be more than happy to have one with the quality photos that you have posted?

Hi Hugo,

just saw your message as this is the first time I have logged on for a while. I would suggest the S22 Ultra or Google Pixel 6 Pro, the latter is a bit less expensive and is probably overall a better camera, but not a better overall phone. Depends on which is more important to you :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 08, 2022, 10:43:24 am
Thanks very much Mondie for your advice on those phone cameras.    I noticed that your phone camera was a Samsung and I was impressed by the quality of the photos from your walks, is your phone the Samsung S22 Ultra?
I've only just thought of getting a phone camera because my camera must weigh 1 Kg and that's heavy when you're lugging it around for miles
I have looked at a Samsung Galaxy A53 and that sounds good too and more in my price range.    I'm more interested in the camera aspect
than as a phone.     
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 14, 2022, 12:19:38 pm
Heavenly hideaway with beach and wildlife that's just off the A55
The Spinnies nature reserve is free to visit and is open 'during daylight hours'

It's a lovely place to visit if you're a bird lover but I hope that the same thing doesn't happen to anyone like it did to me and my two friends who went there.
The approach is down a narrow single track lane to the beach car park but as we neared the car park we were stopped by the Police from going any further.    There was an unexploded bomb on the beach and the bomb disposal squad were going to detonate the explosive there
So we turned the car around and parked it  and then made our way through the reserve to the Kingfisher hide.   It's a nice wooden hide and the best spot to photograph those elusive Kingfishers.    We all got our cameras out and took photos of some birds and waited for the Kingfisher to appear but then there was an almighty bang and the wooden hide rocked to and fro.    The birds all disappeared after that bang so we made our way to the beach and I spoke to the officer in charge of the Bomb Disposal Unit and asked him where did the detonation occur.    He pointed to a place in the field about 30 yards away from the hide and when I told him what had happened his face went white.   He never knew there was a hide there let alone anyone in it so he said that's a lesson learnt for the future



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/heavenly-hideaway-beach-wildlife-thats-24741921
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: mondie on August 22, 2022, 09:59:47 pm
I have looked at a Samsung Galaxy A53 and that sounds good too and more in my price range.    I'm more interested in the camera aspect than as a phone.  

Hugo, in that case, I would definitely suggest a Pixel 6 Pro. Fantastic camera and onboard processing and the price on them have come down quite a bit since release. The amount of R&D invested into camera phones is massive, it is one of the few differentiators these days.

I have no experience with the Samsung A53 but if you watch a few reviews on YouTube you will start to get a feel for whether it's for you.

Cheers Simon
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on August 25, 2022, 05:31:16 pm
Hi Mondie    thanks very much for your help and advice, it's really appreciated.     After lugging around a 1 Kg camera for years it will be nice if I can go walking and just carry a phone around instead.
Ironically with an Achiles heel problem and hospital visits it may be a few weeks before I go walking again so it'll give me plenty of time to follow your advice and look up these tips you have given
Thanks again and I hope that you keep posting your photos on here
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: mondie on November 13, 2022, 08:02:15 pm
No worries Hugo, I hope your Achillies is healed up by now. We have been fortunate to have done a lot of travelling over the past three months so I don't have many worthy pics of the local area. Must get back out there.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 14, 2022, 09:14:54 am
Thanks for posting those lovely photos Mondie, just seeing them makes you realise what a beautiful area we live in.   My Achilles is still playing up and it's been over 4 months now since I first had it.   After the last two short walks I did I ended up putting ice packs on the heel to ease it a bit.
That's one of the reasons I haven't bought a camera phone but hopefully it may get back to normal soon
Keep posting those photos as they are always nice to see
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on November 14, 2022, 10:03:39 am
Nice photos Mondie......

CAMERA Club member Chris Woodbine has shared some enlightening photos from inside St Asaph's cathedral.
The cathedral dates back 1,400 years, with the current building dating from the 13th century

And while we are familiar with the exterior of the building, Chris wanted to capture some of the interesting objects and architecture within its historic walls.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23116605.amazing-photos-inside-st-asaph-cathedral/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 14, 2022, 10:09:13 am
Calls for public takeover of Owain Glyndŵr's 'forgotten' home which was once the noblest in Wales
Campaigners demand greater recognition for Welsh history rather than 'Norman castles'
I've only been there once before and thought then that more should be done to preserve an important part of Welsh heritage


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/calls-public-takeover-owain-glyndrs-25742339
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on December 15, 2022, 01:52:01 pm
I agree that this should be in public ownership and protected as it is such an important part of the Welsh heritage.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 15, 2022, 05:29:14 pm
I spoke to Tellytubby this week and we said that we'd visit the site again sometime in the new year.    When we went there before I collected a number of acorns from the great Oak trees on the mound and intended to grow Bonsai trees so I stored them in my shed ready to plant them later.   When the time was right I went to get them but found that the Squirrel had beaten me to it and I later found little Oak trees popping up all over the place



http://www.castlewales.com/sycharth.html
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 18, 2022, 10:47:11 am
The 'most isolated' village in North Wales - which is anything but dull
The small Conwy village of Llansannan punches well above its creative weight     I'm sure that I read an article in the Daily Post a while ago that Llansannon was also one of the nicest places to live in North Wales.     When I was working I went  there in the Winter and the snow was so bad I ended up getting towed  out of the drift by a farmer.   Another time in the Summer when I called on a farm I ended up helping to deliver a calf.    Nice memories from a nice place



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/most-isolated-village-north-wales-25760557
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 26, 2022, 12:57:07 pm
It's a dry sunny Boxing Day today but it wasn't like this in 2015
Looking back at the 'extraordinary' Boxing Day flood that devastated North Wales and the A55
Boxing Day 2015 saw 32 flood alerts across North Wales as the deluge devastated communities

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/looking-back-extraordinary-boxing-day-25817153
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on December 29, 2022, 10:23:55 am
Anglesey's strange tombstone memorial to man who spent half his life in Chinese lighthouse
Unravelling the mystery of the unique headstone and the man who resides beneath it

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/angleseys-strange-tombstone-memorial-man-25755009?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 07, 2023, 03:20:15 pm
The wooden toll bridge that's become an Snowdonia landmark over the centuries
Penmaenpool bridge has become a fixture of the local landscape since it was built in the 19th century


It's also a good place to start the Mawddach Trail walk,    An 8 mile walk along a disused railway track to Barmouth and in an are of outstanding natural beauty.       Catch the bus back to Penmaenpool, pay the 20p pedestrian fee for crossing the toll bridge and finish the walk off in the nearby George III hotel.     It's well worth doing

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wooden-toll-bridge-thats-become-25917072
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 08, 2023, 08:45:01 pm
This article was in the Daily Post and it's about the walk I mentioned yesterday


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/magnificent-nine-mile-snowdonia-estuary-25924352
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 10, 2023, 12:03:13 pm
Tellytubby sent me some photos of a walk we did 7 years ago in Cwm Eigiau.    I'm glad that we didn't go there today as the rain has been  atrocious
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 14, 2023, 12:12:12 pm
This article was in the Daily Post and it's about the walk I mentioned yesterday
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/magnificent-nine-mile-snowdonia-estuary-25924352

There was another article in the Daily Post about the Mawddach Trail walk and we hope to do it again when the weather improves

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/gallery/nine-images-stunning-eryri-estuary-25930150
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 10, 2023, 03:10:15 pm
I had a nice walk around Bodnant gardens yesterday and enjoyed the Wintet Gardens section in particular,   The Daphne bushes were all out in full bloom and the fragrance from them was really nice.
A coffee and Pasty at the old mill completed a lovely day out
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on February 11, 2023, 10:15:00 am
I had a nice walk around Bodnant gardens yesterday and enjoyed the Wintet Gardens section in particular,   The Daphne bushes were all out in full bloom and the fragrance from them was really nice.
A coffee and Pasty at the old mill completed a lovely day out

Looks like a good day out, and shows spring is getting closer.      :)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 11, 2023, 04:04:23 pm
What made it even better Steve was the fact we used free tokens from the Daily Mirror         ;D
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on February 11, 2023, 04:27:02 pm
Free tokens and good weather, you were being spoilt, your photo of the white flowers I believe are
White hellebores, which I noticed a couple of days ago flowering in our own garden.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DVT on February 11, 2023, 07:36:40 pm
From where the pic of the weir has been taken, turn through 180 degrees and a visitor on Thursday told me he saw an otter go into a hole in the stone embankment on the left side of the river.  Must go armed with camera next week!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 19, 2023, 04:18:35 pm
Free tokens and good weather, you were being spoilt, your photo of the white flowers I believe are
White hellebores, which I noticed a couple of days ago flowering in our own garden.

The flowers were Hellebores Steve and you're lucky to have them in your garden as they are such attractive flowers.   I've not been lucky when I've planted them in my garden they all seem to have died on me.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 19, 2023, 04:32:28 pm
From where the pic of the weir has been taken, turn through 180 degrees and a visitor on Thursday told me he saw an otter go into a hole in the stone embankment on the left side of the river.  Must go armed with camera next week!


I'll keep my eye open for the Otter when I next go to Bodnant, it must have been a great sight for the guy who saw the Otter,    Arfon, an other volunteer was busy weeding by the main entrance when we visited the garden but didn't know whether you were there  on the day, but he did mention your camera!      Keep those photos coming as they are a joy to see
I'm hoping to visit there again soon and especially when the Rhododentrons are out.     After smelling the fragrance of the Daphne in the Winter ardens I ordered a Daphne Perfume Princess said to be the most fragrant shrub in the World and I'm taking good care of it at the moment and hope that it'll be as good as those in Bodnant
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on February 20, 2023, 09:49:31 am
Free tokens and good weather, you were being spoilt, your photo of the white flowers I believe are
White hellebores, which I noticed a couple of days ago flowering in our own garden.

The flowers were Hellebores Steve and you're lucky to have them in your garden as they are such attractive flowers.   I've not been lucky when I've planted them in my garden they all seem to have died on me.

Lucky indeed, we have three white and two burgundy plants, inherited when we moved in, in fact the majority of the garden was here when we arrived, if I get any off shoots I will let you know.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 25, 2023, 03:16:18 pm
'Fantasy island' seen by thousands from A55 was part of forgotten 4,000-year tradition
Ynys Gorad Goch is the most famous of the 20 fish traps in the Menai Strait

It does look so picturesque every time you see it but I've also noticed that the tides there are getting higher and higher!




https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fantasy-island-seen-thousands-a55-26311337
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on March 01, 2023, 10:09:04 am
Plas Glynllifon is one of the most recognisable buildings in North Wales. The grand neo-classical mansion on the outskirts of Caernarfon, Gwynedd was built in the 1830s to 1840s by Lord Newborough and was a playground for the rich and aristocratic.

It sits on the site of a series of earlier houses and was the family seat of the Glynn family of the Glynn family until the 1700s, when it passed to the Wynns. It sits in the heart of Parc Glynllifon, which is now owned by Cyngor Gwynedd, and is a sprawling country park which is still open to the public.

In 1948 the estate was sold to a timber merchant and in 1954 the house and park were sold to Caernarfonshire County Council, the estate buildings were later transferred to Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor. In 1969 Plas Glynllifon even played host to the Prince of Wales Investiture Ball.

The mansion house has been in private hands since the turn of the century and was sold at the end of 2020, to a Manchester developer, after going into receivership, following a failed attempt to develop it into a luxury hotel. It's last listed guide price was for ?2 million. The mansion, it's understood, has lain empty for the last three years.

cont and photos https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/property/gallery/grand-gwynedd-mansion-played-host-26325769
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on March 01, 2023, 03:34:33 pm
This featured on a Salvage Hunters programme which has been shown quite often. Drew and Tee visited the place with a view to buying some antiques but came out with very little. Most of the furnishings etc were reproduction and too new. Not sure when this was filmed exactly. I think a property developer had bought it in order to use it as a wedding venue and hotel. I think he will need deep pockets to restore this let alone make it viable as a commercial venture.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 01, 2023, 04:51:23 pm
Sadly Helig, there are a number of grand houses that have gone into decline in the North Wales area and are unviable to restore to there former glory such as Bontddu Hall near Dolgellau and Plas Gwyn Fryn near Llanystumdwy
Sadly too are unscrupulous actions by builders in North Wales.    I know of listed buildings in Rhyl, Abergele,  Rhos on Sea and Llangernyw that had applications made  for planning permission to demolish them and in every case the planning permission was refused,    Then strangely soon afterwards all four properties were destroyed in "mysterious fires"           Little wonder I rate developers on a par with politicians and bankers and now energy companies

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/price-cut-former-hotel-sits-23601731

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/plas-gwynfryn-mansion-fire-redeveloped-23841523

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 02, 2023, 12:34:08 pm
I was disappointed when I saw this headline and then read the article.  If anyone has visited this park then they will have noticed how nice and natural this place is
If the County needs Hydro Electricity then there is a better place nearby at Greenfield where an untapped source spews out millions of gallons of water each and every day


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/calls-abomination-flintshire-waterfall-removed-26359995
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 02, 2023, 03:30:29 pm
After posting the bit about the unsightly Hydro Electric scheme in Gwepre Park I came across this article on the Milwr tunnel.     It's an interesting piece to read but at the end it says that 23 million gallons of water is discharged into the Dee Estuary on a daily basis.
I've seen it for myself and the water enters the sea at an incredible rate,  If Flintshire need hydro electricity that is a better source to tap in to.


https://www.mythslegendsodditiesnorth-east-wales.co.uk/milwr-tunnel
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on March 03, 2023, 10:55:32 am
I was horrified to see what they have done to the waterfall at Wepre Park. The last time I was there it was a pretty spot, natural and unspoiled. I fear this structure will be left in place now it has been erected. This place received Lottery Grants to make improvements to the gardens and park. It seems inappropriate to take that money and then ruin the place by such a development.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 03, 2023, 02:45:50 pm
I'm pleased that you've seen Wepre Park and remember how nice and unspoilt it was.    I was there in 2021 and they had made a number of improvements to the park.
I've attached a few photos from my last visit there and they had even improved the Pet Cemetery.     I bet Nora the Nun, the resident ghost will be turning in her grave at the thought of that monstrosity
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Helig on March 04, 2023, 11:10:01 am
Thank you for these photos, Hugo. I haven't been there since they received the Lottery grant and did improvements to some of the park. I have an idea that a gt gt gt grandfather of mine worked there as a gardener back in the 19th century. He was born Flint Mountain and lived in Wepre and Connah's Quay all his life.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 06, 2023, 10:28:35 pm
Sand-covered bricks on North Wales beach mark site of bungalow lost to the sea  Some sections of the bungalow have survived the elements
At the time Rhyl had an 18 hole Golf Links but 9 holes were lost to the sea.   Salem Bungalow looked very impressive when it was built


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/sand-covered-bricks-north-wales-26400487
Title: Re: Exploring The Area.........Amazing grotto
Post by: SteveH on March 12, 2023, 10:20:23 am
Amazing' grotto opens in North Wales gallery that has secret stream running through it
The building was constructed as an infill property over a culvert installed by Thomas Telford in the 19th century

Frank Meldrum will never forget the day two nuns visited his gallery. Small talk led to a discussion about the unusual history of his Penmaenmawr premises, now a showcase for vintage sewing machines.

The nuns were visiting from the nearby Noddfa Centre, a grand country house built by a relative of William Gladstone. It was used as a holiday home by the Owen Owen department store family and is now a religious retreat. Pulling back a carpet on the shop floor to reveal an embedded window, Frank, 78, revealed the building?s big secret..........

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/amazing-grotto-opens-north-wales-26435966?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area...Cadw has released its packed May half-term schedule,
Post by: SteveH on May 17, 2023, 10:06:55 am
Cadw has released its packed May half-term schedule, offering activities for families to enjoy and bring Welsh history to life. From May 27 to June 4, Cadw sites ? including an ancient fortress, abbeys, and castles - will play host to a wide range of historical and cultural activities providing an exciting day out for the whole family.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/cadw-sites-across-wales-offer-a-majestic-may-half-term-for-all-the-family/
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on May 21, 2023, 10:07:31 am
Snowdonia's hidden 'little Italy' reveals more of its astonishing secrets
Scores more replica buildings and structures have been discovered as the overgrown site is cleared

A mini Portmeirion hidden in vegetation has yielded more of its secrets as the site is cleared. Volunteers have been left bewildered by the sheer number of replica buildings scattered across a small woodland known as the ?Little Italy? of southern Eryri (Snowdonia).

?Every time I pulled away more ivy, I thought, bloody hell, there?s another one,? said Jonathan Fell, the site?s flamboyant curator. At the last count, around 200 ?objects? had been unearthed ? not just buildings but statues, plaques and curios as well. Before conservation work began, a few years ago,

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/snowdonias-hidden-little-italy-reveals-26950237
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 01, 2023, 11:28:34 am
Tellytubby  has been out and about recently and has sent me some photos.     The first two are from Bodnant Gardens  and he said that the gardens were really busy so that's a good thing.
The 3rd & 4th photos were taken from the bird reserve at Llandudno Junction
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: DVT on June 01, 2023, 11:41:47 am
Bodnant  ... recent days have seen 3500 or thereabouts visitors daily!
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 02, 2023, 11:23:30 pm
Tellytubby told me that he had never seen the car park that full and he had to park his car right at the top of the hill.   It's no wonder so many people go there as you and the other volunteers keep the gardens looking immaculate.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on June 14, 2023, 06:01:53 pm
I saw this article in the Daily Post today and it reminded me of the time I took my wife to see the Church.    At the time Mrs H was suffering from Chronic Fatigue so she couldn't walk far so I surprised her and took her to Aberffraw and at least she would be able to see the Church from a distance.
You can get to the Church at low water and there is a sort of causeway that takes you up to the steps leading up to the Church.
  It was low water when we visited there then to our amazement the bride and groom were on the causeway walking to the Church to get married.   The Bride had hitched up her white wedding dress and we could see her wearing a pair of wellies.
Thankfully a year or so later on Mrs H's condition had improved and we were able to walk to the Church.    The inside of the Church is quite plain but its location is unique

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/whats-your-favourite-church-north-27120947
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 09, 2023, 02:38:22 pm
Hidden rock path leads to 'magical' cave beach that was one of Anglesey's best-kept secrets
For generations of local people, it was their own private 'swimming pool'
We visited Traethh Dynion  (Mens beach ) in 2018 and it is worth a visit.    During our visit we met a local and he tols us a story about Queen Victoria visiting the beach and having a swim there and for reasons of modestry she changed in the cave described in the article.
Whether the story is true or not it did make interesting listening to the guy


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hidden-rock-path-leads-magical-27280683
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 15, 2023, 09:22:21 am




https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holiday-chalet-edge-glorious-north-27313754
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 15, 2023, 09:26:00 am
Holiday chalet on edge of glorious North Wales beach up for sale for ?1m
It is situated on the exclusive Warren holiday park just outside Abersoch,  I don't suppose any local people will be making an offer for the holiday chalet?




https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holiday-chalet-edge-glorious-north-27313754
[/quote]
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: norman08 on July 15, 2023, 12:14:18 pm
Are you putting the feelers out Hugo making sure nobody buys it before you. 😂
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 15, 2023, 05:36:45 pm
Now that does sound like a good idea, but if it's going to work then I'll need a 100% loan from my rich cousin Norman          ;)
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2023, 02:52:17 pm




https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/pigs-wreak-havoc-north-wales-27404983
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2023, 03:59:47 pm
Pigs wreak havoc in North Wales village after escaping from field
Around half a dozen porkers descended on Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, churning up gardens and ripping up turf
That little story reminded me of when I got married and lived in Towyn.    It was a brand new bungalow and backed on to a large field where a herd of cows used to graze.    We hadn't been able to see to the back garden and it was over knee high in thistles and other vegetation.     Anyway at the weekend we were having a lie in when I heard a commotion in the back garden and looked out of the window and saw a herd of cows there munching away on the thistles.
The cows could have done me a favour by munching away all the weeds if it wasn't for the fact that the previous day I had sprayed all the weeds with a strong weedkiller.
With visions of the cows dropping like flies in the garden I got dressed and sent them packing into the street where they ran like racehorses over the residents gardens.
I only found out later that the cows had come from the field into my next door neighbours garden and he drove them into my back garden





https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/pigs-wreak-havoc-north-wales-27404983






Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on September 16, 2023, 10:35:11 am
Question over building on North Wales clifftop uncovers explosive history
History buff's theory to explain its important role

This squat, unassuming little building has an explosive history. People used to see it up on a rocky crag overlooking the Irish Sea.

For many, its purpose was a mystery so one woman posted some photos on Facebook and asked for information about it. Now its role may have become clearer.

On a page called Residents of Old Colwyn Past and Present, Donna Smith posted these photos of the building. She asked if anyone knew what it was used for apart from latterly a toilet.

There were a couple of theories. A number of people suggested it was a seafront lookout while others said it was a storage building for explosives at the nearby quarry.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/question-over-building-north-wales-27714505
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on September 16, 2023, 03:00:34 pm
Holiday park dog attack leaves five people injured
Two people have been arrested but police were keen to stress the canine is not believed to be a Bully XL breed


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holiday-park-dog-attack-leaves-27727800
Title: Re: Exploring The Area.......Pabo hall
Post by: SteveH on September 24, 2023, 09:43:08 am
Elegant property once visited by Romanian princess on sale for almost 1.7m
Pabo Hall also has wonderful features and a beautiful setting
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/property/elegant-property-once-visited-romanian-27758978


Lord of the Rings Snowdonia gorge with ancient bridge guarded by 'fearsome cockerel'
The Roman Bridge lies at the head of a stunning beautiful complex of fairytale gorges
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/lord-rings-snowdonia-gorge-ancient-27772142
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 09, 2023, 07:25:23 am
It's not 20 mph on this road bridge, it's only 5 mph and believe me that's fast enough on this rickety old bridge.   It's a beautiful old bridge in a stunning location
Motorists driving ?too fast? across iconic Snowdonia bridge with 5mph speed limit
Its new owners are concerned excessive speeds are affecting the bridge's timber decking


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/motorists-driving-too-fast-across-28060766
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 13, 2023, 02:37:41 pm
I regularly walk my dog on ?Dog mountain? near where I live and last year I met another dog walker and we often used to have a chat when we met..   We found out that we were both born in Llandudno and shared an interest in family research.    Roy said that he would like to revisit his home on the Great Orme but as he has mobility problems I offered to drive him around the area, but for one reason or another we never did visit the Great Orme, that was until this Saturday.    We met by chance again on Dog Mountain and because the weather was so good we decided to go for it.
It wasn't a walk as such but I drove to Old Road first of all, then on to St Beuno's Road, then to the Pink Farm before visiting St Tudno's Church.
I managed to park my car by the King's Head pub and walked uphill for a short distance.  What a lot of visitors don't know is that in the early 1800's Llandudno was just a small village built manly on the lower slopes of the Great Orme and it had a population of only 1131 in 1851.    The visitors also walk past and admire the quaint old cottages but know little about the history of the buildings.   The first cottage on the right after the King's Head is Ty Newydd, now a holiday rental cottage but that is where Roy was born.  It was built in about 1817 and was then a new house as the name Ty Newydd suggests.   According to the chronicles of Thomas Rowlands in the mid 1800's it was the home of aged widower William Jones and Siop Ty Newydd was run by David Williams and his sister Jane selling drapery and groceries.
Above Ty Newydd is Greenhill which operated two shops . Ann Jones opened Llandudno's  first Post Office there in 1838 which was in a small shed by the side of the house.    Roy also told me that his Taid David Owen who played for Llandudno FC lived there and related a story about his Taid  and the legendary Everton Footballer Dixie Dean.       Dixie and David were best mates and Dixie once came over to stay at the cottage and they both went out that night for a drink.   It must have been one heavy drinking session because they hadn't returned by midnight so Roy's Nain locked the cottage door.     When she opened the door in the morning there they both were fast asleep and still drunk from the night before!
After looking around we got back in the car and I drove up to St Beuno's Road and parked the car so we could have a look around. The views from some of the properties are spectacular with stunning views of  both Ormes and the Bay      For anyone  unfamiliar with the road, it's only a small road with nice terraced cottages and it had a Church and a Chapel at one time  but both have been converted into nice family homes.   We headed to Baron Hill where Roy's relations once lived but it's now two holiday cottages called Ty Mawr and Ty Bach.    By coincidence one of our forum member's family once lived there in the early 1900's.   I don't think that Karen would mind if I said that her ancestor Robert Hughes was fined thirty shillings for hitting a Police Officer and the judge said failure to pay would result in a months hard labour in prison!
We had our lunch in the car and then drove to the Pink Farm where another of his ancestors, the Owen family once lived,  The farm once sold alcohol as Cambrian has told us and I can even remember when it sold other refreshments.  You can just make out the words Teas on the slate roof of the farm
Then it was on to St Tudno's Church where Roy showed me the family grave where his relations the Jones' and the Owen's are buried.   
We had a good look around and finished a nice day out with a coffee at the Beach Cafe on the West Shore.

Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on November 13, 2023, 02:41:07 pm
Great Orme
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on November 18, 2023, 10:21:28 am
'Fantasy' island home seen from A55 where people ?wouldn?t live for million quid?
It offers solitude in a spectacular location - but there is one big drawback

While some coastal residents rush to protect their properties from climate-driven flooding, others have become accustomed to the capricious nature of the sea. For more than 400 years, fishing families in the Menai Strait have been used to the familiar sound of lapping water on property walls.

A photo shared on social media this week showed water edging up flood walls protecting two properties on Ynys Gorad Goch, a distinctive island in the strait that separates Anglesey from Gwynedd. Surrounded by water in a raging tide, the island seemed to be almost floating along a channel that, at times, resembles a river more than the sea.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fantasy-island-home-seen-a55-28123435
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 09, 2023, 11:23:32 am
I'm pleased to hear that this iconic bridge has now reopened.    It's set in an area of outstanding beauty and worth walking across if you are ever in the Barmouth area
We had arranged to do the walk along the disused railway track from Penmaenpool to Barmouth earlier this year but cancelled it when the bridge closed.    All being well we'll do it next Summer




https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67663284
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 16, 2023, 08:45:36 am
The charming village in the heart of Eryri where the weather is often unforgiving
The community often finds itself at the top of the league for windspeeds and rainfall amounts



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/charming-village-heart-eryri-weather-28277864
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2023, 09:30:34 am
Coastal boardwalk offers insight into council battle with man and his 'goldmine'
The nature reserve is now an area where families can enjoy the sea air and learn about nature
It's quite a pleasant and attractive walk with the bonus of a nice cafe by the pedestrian bridge



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/coastal-boardwalk-offers-insight-council-28277860
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on December 30, 2023, 05:09:49 pm
The famous Anglesey statue that was built as part of an experiment
The memorial to Lord Nelson was built 150 years ago by an artist experimenting with materials


It's not that far from the Church but if you want to see the front of the statue (pictured) then you need to go there on a low tide

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/story-behind-well-known-anglesey-25767594
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 02, 2024, 10:54:28 pm
People warned to avoid going into sea at three Anglesey beaches         It comes amid a weather alert for rain in North Wales
These are three lovely beaches but I don't think that many people will want to swim in the sea now anyway.   I hope that Dwr Cymru cleans up its act before this Summer.      Pembrokeshire seems to be in the poo too!



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/people-warned-avoid-going-sea-28378107
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on January 06, 2024, 01:46:46 pm
Eryri cafe loved by walkers will close this weekend
Operators are leaving Caffi Siabod and it is not yet known if it will reopen under a new team.    I hope that it does open gain as it had a nice atmosphere and was a good way to relax after a day out walking


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/eryri-cafe-loved-walkers-close-28401304
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on January 24, 2024, 10:10:27 am
Inside the luxury apartment hidden within a manor house once gutted by fire
There are four fab flats to choose from within this landmark property that was once attacked by arsonists

Aaron House, also known as Gainsborough House, is a gated community the sits within the stunning north Wales landscape just south of Abergele

cont/ photos   https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/welsh-homes/gallery/inside-luxury-apartment-hidden-within-28497633?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on February 23, 2024, 05:31:11 pm
The 14 spectacular North Wales waterfalls that are worth visiting all year round
The region is home to a number of beautiful waterfalls which each offer a spectacular sight for visitors.    With all the rainfall we have had recently they will be very impressive



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/14-beautiful-dramatic-waterfalls-you-16684290
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on March 02, 2024, 09:28:47 am
An interesting article for those who follow the show, including a page by page catalogue of the auction items........

Salvage Hunter Drew Pritchard selling part of private collection from antique filled Conwy cottage

Drew Pritchard is well-known from his television work, but first and foremost he is well respected within the industry as a leading antique dealer. You know when it?s a piece chosen by Drew, there?s something about it, it?s difficult to put your finger on it, but it?s unmistakably a Drew Pritchard piece. On Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 March, we are pleased to be holding our auction Drew Pritchard: The Collection, celebrating the first 30 years of Drew's career, with items he has collected over this period.

cont https://www.dreweatts.com/news-videos/drew-pritchard-the-collection-14653/
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on March 03, 2024, 09:57:15 am
Inside stunning windmill with spectacular views that?s now a unique dream home
The location is amazing but it's the circular tower that captivates the most

Wander up a road that climbs a hillside as you leave the popular coastal town of Llandudno and you come across a building that will instantly captivate and intrigue ? Hen Dwr windmill. It stopped working as an industrial structure more than 150 years ago and is now a unique and stylish home that can boast the fabulous and original windmill tower as its core feature.

The windmill is a Grade II-listed structure, awarded by Cadw in 1951 and amended in 2001, because "notwithstanding modern addition, it is a picturesque structure with probably 18th-century origins".

The listing goes on to say that it is known that a windmill was built on this hill between 1617 and 1642 with a mill on the site of the present building apparently shown on a map of 1748. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/welsh-homes/gallery/inside-stunning-windmill-spectacular-views-28732909?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: SteveH on March 08, 2024, 09:34:46 am
update on March 2nd post above.....

Salvage Hunter Drew Pritchard nets six figures in Conwy cottage antiques auction
The TV star and antiques dealer sold a chunk of his private collection

Auction house Dreweatts said the 'hammer total' at the auction was ?636,510. The aggregate total, which includes the commission for the auction house and other expenses, was ?802,003.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/salvage-hunter-drew-pritchard-nets-28774565?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 08, 2024, 06:24:51 pm
I had a walk yesterday in Tyn Y Morfa with Tellytubby but before the walk I had a look at the Roman Bath House that had been excavated in Melyd Ave.   One interesting discovery that they found was a tile or brick that they made on site and while the clay was still wet a dog had walked over it and its pawprint was still there nearly 2000 years later.
After doing the walk we stopped at Nant Mill Pond where we hoped to see the Kingfishers that had been seen there recently but unfortunately they weren't there at the time.    There's always another day but it was still nice to see the pont again.
Title: Re: Exploring The Area
Post by: Hugo on March 25, 2024, 10:14:39 pm
Seven celebrities cross North Wales in footsteps of saints, pilgrims and 'terrifying' priestesses
All are searching for enlightenment in the latest BBC series of Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales starts on Friday, March 29. It?s on BBC Two at 9pm and on BBC Two Wales at 9.30pm.
It promises to be a good programme and starts from Flint Castle and ends up on Bardsey Island.   My walking buddies and I have walked along some of the route and all being well we hope to visit Bardsey Island ( Ynys Enlli ) again this year, It'll be my thirs visit to that lovely island


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/tv/seven-celebrities-cross-north-wales-28884789