Exploring The Area

[SteveH]

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

[Hugo]

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

[Hugo]

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

[snowcap]

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

[Cambrian]

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 ?

[Ian]

I can see it, although I suspect it's simply a good example of Apophenia.

[Hugo]

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

[Hugo]

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

[Hugo]

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

[Ian]

Re: the Face in the Fern (above) this is a screen grab with a red circle around the 'face'

[smg id=4165]

[Hugo]

That must be the one Cambrian noticed

[SteveH]

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

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


 

[Hugo]

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       

[SteveH]

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

[Hugo]

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