Snowdon – Yr Wyddfa (the tumulus).

You can’t live in north Wales (and blog about it) without mentioning Snowdon, so after about 11 months of this blog I thought I’d better put that right.

Tuesday 24th June dawned bright and sunny, so I made an early start. Up the valley to Betws y Coed and then up the Llugwy valley to Capel Curig. Just after passing through the village you come to Llynau Mymbyr, and this is where you get your first view of the famous Snowdon horseshoe.

First view of the Snowdon horseshoe. 24 June 09.

Then it was onwards, over the Llanberis pass, down into the valley and onto the village of Llanberis.

There are 3 main paths up to the summit of Snowdon. The Llanberis path, unsurprisingly starts at Llanberis, close to the Snowdon mountain railway station. It starts along a narrow road, soon becoming steep as you turn onto a stony path. The first third of the walk is steep, but very soon there is wonderful scenery all around. looking back you get a wonderful view of the village and Llyn Padarn.

Llanberis and Llyn Padarn. 24 June 09.

Climbing a little higher you can look back and see the huge slate quarries cut into the hillside above the valley.

Llanberis valley and the huge slate quarries. 24 June 09.

Halfway up is the Halfway cafe where you can stop for refreshments. It used to be a wooden hut but that was blown down in a gale a few years ago. It’s now a more substantial building.

As you continue your walk you’ll probably see the steam trains chugging their way up some of the steep inclines. The railway was built in 1896, more wonderful Victorian engineering.

The train makes it's way slowly up an incline. 24 June 09

The path continues upwards, getting steeper agin for the last third. It’s a rocky path and good footwear should be worn. Many people have accidents and twist their ankles every year because they wear trainers or sandals.

The path with Clogwyn Coch in the background. 24 June 09.

I should add here that I’m no expert, so feel free to correct any mistakes I make with names etc.

The path continues to climb, up to where the Pyg path and Miners path meet it. These two paths start at Pen-y-Pass. One running alongside Llyn Llydaw and the Pyg path running below the ridge of Crib Goch.

The path to Pen-y-Pass. 24 June 09.

Crib Coch means “Red comb”. The ridges leading to it are knife edge, with steep drops on either side. This is not a walk for beginners, even in good weather, and in bad weather even experience climbers need good equipment. The peak of Crib Goch is 923 metres (3, 028 feet).

Crib Goch showing the Pyg and Miners tracks. 24 June 09.

Llyn Llyddaw lies in a bowl between Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd.

From here the path gets even steeper as it heads for the summit of Snowdon.

The last push up to the summit.

Yr Wyddfa means “the tumulus”. Legend has it that a giant called Rhita Gawr who lived here killed kings and used their beards to make cloaks to keep himself warm. Eventually though he come up against King Arthur, who killed him. Everyone then placed rocks over his body to form the summit.

Onwards and upwards, and after the last steep climb the new visitor centre comes into view.

Hafod Eryri. 24 June 09.

Hafod (summer residence) Eryri (Snowdonia) was opened in early June 2009. It was about a year late in opening, but the workers had to suffer some atrocious conditions.

It is built of local granite and the inside is lined with local Oak. It has to withstand winds up to 150 mph, about 200 inches of rain per year and temperatures of -20 deg C.

It’s a wonderful building, blending in with it’s surroundings and the wall of glass at the front gives fantastic views.

The view from Hafod Eryri. 24 June 09.

Prince Charles famously called the old building, “the highest slum in Britain”. Well Hafod Eryri is certainly not a slum, it’s a wonderful building, and everyone concerned should be congratulated.

Out through the back door, and it’s a few more steps up to the actual summit.

The summit of Snowdon. 24 June 09

Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales, standing at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet). Down in the valley it was over 20 deg C, but up here there was a strong, cool wind. The weather can change in minutes up here but I was lucky, it was a gorgeous sunny (warm lower down) day.

Y Lliwedd is is the other peak which makes up the famous Snowdon horseshoe, and stands at 902 metres (2, 595 feet).

Y Lliwedd from near the summit of Snowdon. 24 June 09.

This had been a wonderful day. History, fantastic scenery and great weather. Tiring but wonderful. I’ll end this post with a few miscellaneous photos, and invite you to visit Snowdon and experience it first hand.

A stroll around the precipice.

Tuesday 16th. June dawned bright and sunny so I set off towards Dolgellau. The start of the precipice walk is at Coed y Groes, on the narrow road between Dolgellau and Llanfachreth.

The walk lies on the Nannau Estate which grants permission for use of the footpaths.

There has been a house at Nannau since the 12th. century, when the estate was  owned by Cadwgan, Prince of Powys. The original building was burned down in 1404  after trouble between the owner, the 8th. Earl of Nannau and his cousin Owain Glyndwr.

The house wasn’t rebuilt until 1693. The Nannau family (who became the Nanney’s), still lived on the estate, but were having financial problems. Hugh Nanney was imprisoned for trying to sort out his financial prblems by cutting down 10,000 Oak trees.

When the male line died out the female line, which had married into the powerful and influential Vaughan family, took over and replanted many of the trees. In 1796 they built the grand mansion that stands today.

The early part of the walk crosses woodland and farm pasture. Nannau Hall stands to the south east, and you can glimpse it through the trees as you start the walk.

Nannau Hall.

As the path starts the slight ascent up around Foel Cymwch you get your first sight of Llyn Cymwch in a hollow surrounded by woodland.

Llyn Cymwch from the north.

As the path ascends and rounds Foel Cymwch spectacular views open up. The first photo is the view to the east; the lush foothills and pasture land of this part of Wales. The second photo is the view across Coed Dôl-y-clochydd towards the peaks of Snowdonia.

Looking north east from the side of Foel Cymwch.

Looking over Coed Dol-y-clochydd.

I could have spent hours sat here. The views in any direction were stunning and it was so peaceful. All I could hear as I sat looking out over the wonderful landscape was bird song, the occasional sheep and the breeze rustling through the bracken. The sun was bright and warm and it was a shame that I had to move, but the precipice was just around the corner.

The narrow path winds it’s way along a terrace on the slope of Moel Cymwch with the Mawddach valley down below. The path is quite rocky in places so good boots are definitely a good idea.

The precipice footpath.

The Mawddach valley from the precipice footpath.

The precipice footpath.

The precipice path itself  is just over a mile, with the occasional twist and turn to add interest. As you reach the southern end, below Foel Faner, more beautiful scenery opens up in front of you.

Straight in front of you Afon Mawddach meanders through the plain of Dolgellau, on through sand banks before reaching the sea. Just to the left are the northern cliffs of the Cadair Idris mountains.

Once again this is a place just to sit and take in the views and the peace.

Afon Mawddach meanders to it's estuary.

The northern cliffs of the Cadair Idris mountains.

It’s a shame, but once again I have to move on. Now the path turns to the left and descends to the shores of Llyn Cymwth. The scene is still peaceful, with just a few fishermen on the banks of the lake. The walk back to the car park is along the tree lined banks of this lovely little lake.

Llyn Cylmwch from the southern end.

Fishermen line the banks of Llyn Cylmwch

Fishing on Llyn Cymwch

The precipice walk starts and ends at Coed y Groes. It’s only about a  4 mile walk so you can have an afternoon stroll or make a day of it. There are a couple of picnic tables at the car park, but there are plenty of places to sit on the way round. Whichever you prefer, the precipice walk is definitely worth a visit.

Springtime in north Wales.

Anytime is a good time to visit north Wales.

Last winter was the hardest for many years, but there were some magical views in the valleys and the mountains.

Autumn is full of wonderful colours.

Spring though, has to be my favourite time; as fresh green leaves start to appear on the trees and flowers start to bloom.

There is a limit to how much I can put into one post, but I hope it gives a taster of how wonderful springtime is around north Wales.

Betws y Coed is a favourite place of artists, walkers and climbers. There is a lovely walk along the river banks, and on the day these photos were taken the weather was wonderful.

Afon Conwy at Betws y Coed, 13 April 2009

Afon Conwy at Betws y Coed, 13 April 2009

I have already written a post on Llyn Crafnant, on 23 feb 2009, so I won’t go into more detail here. I will say though that Llyn Crafnant is wonderful at any time of the year. This was a lovely spring day with blossom on some of the bushes and trees just starting to come into leaf.

There is not much to say about this photo. Bluebells mean spring, and they were in profusion this year. The photo was taken near Trefriw in the Conwy valley on 30th. April 2009.

Nant y Coed is a lovely wooded valley near Llanfairfechan. It was once described as “the loveliest sylvan rock and river scenery in Wales”, and I certainly wouldn’t argue with that description.

Nant y Coed, 7 May 2009

Blue bells at Nant y Coed, 7 May 2009

A sun-dappled path through Nant y Coed, 7 May 2009

The Isle of Anglesey is a great place to visit. South Stack, not far from Holyhead is a nature reserve. It’s a place to see Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots as well as the Chough, which nests here.

Walking through the heathland and farmland along the cliff tops you hear the Skylark singing. Not a common sound these days. These photos were taken on 31st. May 2009.

Razorbills and Guillemots perch on narrow ledges, 31 May 2009

Lots of spring colours, 12 May 20

I did a post on Bodnant gardens on 14 May 2009, but with all the spring colours there I had to put a couple of photos here, just to tempt you.

Colours in The Dell, 12 May 2009

Fairy Glen is just   outside of Betws y Coed and is well worth a visit.

A walk down into the gorge is a must, and then a walk back up, along the top and then gently down to walk along the Afon Conwy.

The black Zwartble sheep are on the farmland which leads to Fairy Glen.

Zwartbles sheep & lambs, 3 May 2009

Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza is held over 3 days of the May Bank Holiday.

It was a beautiful day on the Saturday this year (the Sunday too, but Monday was not as good) and I ended up getting sunburnt!

I did a post on the Extravaganza on 8 May 2009 so this is just a taster.

Fairground rides on the main shopping street, 2 May 2009

Canada goose with goslings, Conwy, 29 May 2009

Birds are every where during spring. Lots of summer migrants have arrived and everywhere you go you can hear bird song.

Not all our birds are little brown jobs either, we have plenty of colourful ones too.

Stonechat near Aber falls, 28 May 2008

Chaffinch on Anglesey, 21 May 2008

Greenfinch at Conwy, 29 May 2008

Oystercatcher chick at Conwy, 30 May 2008

Oystercatcher with a chick, 28 May 2009

Aber falls, 29 May 2008

Visit the Aber falls, it’s a great day out.

Near the village of Abergwyngregyn, the falls are reached after a gentle walk through pastures and woodland. The valley is now a nature reserve.

It was here that I heard my first Cuckoo of the year, last year.

The fall’s longest single drop is about 115ft.

As it’s spring I thought I’d end with some spring flowers.

Gorse, April 2008

Wild Primroses on Anglesey, May 21 2008

Bee on a flower, Conwy, 28 May 2008

Common centaury at South Stack

Birds foot trefoil, Conwy, 28 May 2008

I could have found much more to put in here but that will have to do for now. Why not visit north Wales and do some exploring for yourself.

Medieval knights, a medieval castle, a medieval house……oh, and Lloyd George.

Sunday 24th. May and it’s a glorious morning so I’ve decided to head out for my first visit to the Llyn Peninsular. My first stop being Criccieth castle.

The first view of the castle is seeing it stood on a headland, the  sea  around most of it with the village huddled around the  bottom.

Criccieth castle, 24 May 2009.

It is thought that the castle gave it’s name to the village rather  than the other way round. The origins of the name thought to be  ”crug” (hill) and “caith” (captives). The castle was also a jail.

It was originally built in the 1230’s by Llewelyn the Great. It  was a Welsh castle with a very English style twin-towered  gatehouse.

The gatehouse

The castle was taken by the English in 1283, extended and more fortifications added. The Welsh never gave up though, and it was taken and burned by them in 1404.

View from a gateway

Medieval maids at Criccieth castle, 24 May 2009.

Knight fight.

Knights fight at Criccieth castle.

Criccieth, looking west towards Pwllheli, 24 May 2009.

The views from the castle are not to be missed. Both east and  west offer wonderful vista’s.

In truth there is not very much left of the castle, but the  entertainment provided by the Ardudwy Knights added to the  visit.

Criccieth beach from the castle.

After spending time at the castle and looking around the village I headed a few miles west, to the village of Llanystumdwy. This is the childhood home of the great Liberal Prime Minister, David Lloyd George.

David Lloyd George's childhood home, 24 May 2009.

Lloyd George was born in Manchester (of Welsh parents) in 1863, but on the death of his father (in 1864) the family returned here, to be cared for by his uncle Richard.

The workshop to the left is where Richard had his shoemakers workshop, with the small cottage to the right where the family lived.

The Lloyd George museum.

The museum was officially opened in 1960 by Lloyd George’s brother William, when he was 97.

The splendid entrance gates were provided by the Royal Borough of Caernarfon.

Unfortunately photography is not allowed in the museum or the cottage, but they are well worth a visit. The cottage and workshop have been restored to their original condition.

The village school.

Church of St. John.

Lloyd George's grave above Afon Dwyfor.

David Lloyd George had chosen his burial site before his death, a spot  overlooking Afon Dwyfor where he used to sit.

He died in 1945, and his grave is marked only by the boulder on which he  used to sit. It can be seen behind the gates.

After the funeral his wife Frances commisioned an architect to build the  enclosure around the grave.

Afon Dwyfor below Lloyd George's grave.

There is much more to see around Llanystumdwy, it is well worth a visit.

“As a man of action, resource and creative energy he stood when at his zenith, without a rival. His name is a household word throughout our Commonwealth of Nations. He was the greatest Welshman which that unconquerable race has produced since the age of the Tudors. Much of his work abides, some of it will grow greatly in the future, and those who come after us will find the pillars of his life’s toil upstanding, massive and indestructable”. Winston Churchill’s tribute in Parliament in 1945.

Another short drive west took me to Penarth Fawr, a wonderful Medieval stone built hall house.

Penarth Fawr, 24 May 2009

The house is thought to have been built by Madoc of Penarth in  1416. Few such houses still remain in Wales, and most of the  ones which do remain are half-timbered rather than stone built.

The fireplace (the only one in the house)

Some of the roof beams.

Part of the main room.

It was a day of Medieval splendour and a Victorian childhood leading to great things. A full day, but what a heritage we have to explore. Visit Wales, visit your heritage.

Bodnant Gardens in Spring.

Bodnant Gardens is in the Conwy valley, not very far from the A55. For anyone looking for a really plasant day out, this it.

The garden is in two parts. The upper part around the house is made up of terrace gardens and informal lawns. The lower part is formed by the Dell. Pinetum and Wild garden.

Bodnant Hall from the front lawn.

Henry Davies Ponchin, whose son-in-law was the first Lord Aberconwy bought Bodnant and it’s surrounding estate in 1874.

The house had been built in 1792 and was a typical Georgian design.

The garden, when Ponchin bought the estate consisted  of  Victorian shrubberies and lawns.

He first started on the Dell, reinforcing the banks and  planting the great conifers in 1876.

Lily pond.

The lily terrace,containing the formal pond was designed around the two Cedars which were planted in 1875. This one, at the northern end of the pond is an Atlas Cedar.

Pin mill and Canal pond.

The Pin Mill stands at the south end of the canal. It was  originally built in about 1730 as a garden house, in  Gloucestershire.

In 1938 it was decaying and the 2nd Lord Aberconwy  bought it and brought parts to Bodnant where he  incorporated them into this new building.

Priapus with a colourful background.

Banks of wonderful spring colours.

Everywhere you look there are wonderful banks of  colour.

Trees too have blazing colours.

Even some of the trees are as colourful as the flowers.

Blazing colours.

Beautiful spring colours are everywhere.

The Dell.

The Dell.

A Sequoia

Strange shapes.

One of the great Sequoias, standing at about 145 feet high.

Some of the ancient trees have strange shapes, like this one, almost lying down to grow.

View across Conway valley from Lily pond.

Everywhere there is something  wonderful to see, not least the views  across the Conwy valley, like this one  from the Lily pond.

Bodnant is a great place to visit, in a fantastic setting in the Conwy valley. I will be going back and doing more posts during the different seasons.

Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza.

The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza is held over the 3 days of the May Bank Holiday.

 

It’s a great family day out, especially when the weather is as good as it was on the Saturday this year.

 

A parade is held each day with bands, Victorian dress, traction engines and vintage transport. The whole of the main shopping street is closed off (asare many of the streets off), for fairground rides, stalls and entertainment.

 

I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking.

 

One of the marching bands.

 

 

This is just one of the bands, there are a number of others, including one from Llandudnos’ twin town in France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There are lots of wonderful Victorian costumes to be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crowds on the promenade.

 

On the promenade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun for all the family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the fun of the fair along the main shopping street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crowds along the main street with the Great Orme in the background, and a wonderful blue sky.

 

 

The Ghurkas still need our support.

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget that the Ghurkas still need our support, the battle isn’t won yet.

Now the council target Glan Conwy.

Last year developers targeted fields around Top Llan Road to build a large number of houses on. Glan Conwy is a small community and the infrastructure is not suitable for this type of development. It is also green belt land. That development was fought and stopped.

Now the council have included the land in their Local Development Plan (LDP). 

The Glan Conwy Preservation Society are set to oppose the inclusion of the land in the LDP. A public meeting will be held at the Church House at 7pm on 28th April.

Lets hope that the council listen to the publics view.

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/where-i-live/conwy-valley-news/2009/04/30/campaign-to-save-glam-conwy-beauty-spot-from-housing-55243-23505205/

Lakes of North Wales (2)

Here are 5 more lakes to be found in north Wales. As I said in the first post, you won’t find anything as big as Loch Lomond, Loch Ness or Loch Awe here, but what you will find is stunning scenery, good walking and lots of history.

Llyn Brenig is in Denbighshire.

It’s a reservoir, built in the 1970’s to help regulate the water supply to the river Dee.

The lake covers the largest area of all the lakes, and it’s over 9 miles to walk around it.

Llyn Brenig, Aug 2008

There are lots of activities here, including fishing, mountain biking, walking and bird-watching.

There are archeological sites all around the lake, including burial mounds and ancient villages.

The world fly-fishing championship has been held here.

Llyn Brenig, Aug 2008

Llyn Alwen is on the Denbighshire moors, not far from Llyn Brenig.

This is another lake formed by a reservoir to send water to the Mesreyside area.

There is good walking and mountain biking around the lake, which is about 7 Km around.

Trail racing is popular here.

Llyn Alwen, July 2008

Llyn Celyn is in the valley of Afon Tryweryn, not far from Bala. It’s 2.5 miles long and up to a mile wide.

The lake was created in the early 1960’s when the village of Capel Celyn (one of the last villages in Wales where only Welsh was spoken), and surrounding farmland was submerged.

Llyn Celyn, May 2008

A great deal of ill-feeling was caused, and Nationalist feelings ran high. When building started equipment was sabotaged and buildings set fire to.

Parliament pushed through the legislation to allow it, very much against the wishes of the Welsh MP’s and the people of Wales.

Because of the ill-feeling caused, Liverpool Council issued an official apology in 2005. The apology acknowledged “the hurt of 40 years ago”, and “insensitivity by our predecessor council”.

Llyn Celyn, May 2008

Llyn Gwynant huddles in a deep valley formed by the action of glaciers, at the foot of the Snowdon range.

It is a lovely little lake surrounded by hills and mountains.

As the Watkins path up Mount Snowdon starts here it’s popular with walkers.

Llyn Gwynant, Sept 2008

Llyn Elsi lies in the hills above Betws y Coed, and it’s a steep walk up from the village to get here. The lake covers 30 acres.

From here there are great views of the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges.

Footpaths lead around the lake and off in other directions, Sarn Helen the Roman road is not far away.

Llyn Elsi, Aug 2008

There will be more lakes to follow in another post.

More mountain rescues on Snowdon.

The mountain rescue teams serving Snowdonia have had a busy time since Christmas. Warnings have been issued urging people to stay away from the mountains in bad weather. Only experienced and well-equiped climbers should be climbing whilst the weather is so bad.

It was reported over the Christmas period that people had been going up the mountains wearing fleece jackets and trainers. What is wrong with these people? Don’t they realise that the mountain rescue teams risk their own lives every time the have to turn out for these stupid “climbers”?

On Sunday, yet again rescuers had to turn out. This time they had to abseil 500 feet in the dark to rescue an injured climber and his two companions. The climbers were on a mountain face 1000 feet high, with no helmets and just one head torch. 41 rescuers were involved.

People should stay away from the mountains unless they are experienced climbers and are well equiped. Lets hope the message gets through soon.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/7864422.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7877493.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/7904379.stm

Common Sense – R.I.P.

A Big hat-tip (with a flourish) to Valleys Mam for the following from her blog:

The following is taken from the London Times obituary column…… Interesting and sadly accurate.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: 
Knowing when to come in out of the rain; 
Why the early bird gets the worm; 
Life isn’t always fair, and; 
Maybe it was my fault. 

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). 
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. 
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. 
He declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. 
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense really took a beating when it became law that you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault if you tried to. 

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a man failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. He spilled a little in his lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. 

Common Sense was predeceased by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. 

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; 
I Know My Rights 
I Want It Now 
Someone Else Is To Blame 
I’m A Victim 
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.