Steam trains and mountains

 Snowdonia National Park - a day in the mountains. Arriving at Beddgelert a stroll around this lovely village was on the agenda and an inpromptu steam train ride further up the mountain to Rhyd Ddu where lovely views to Mount Snowdon were glimpsed between bouts of cloud cover from the window of the mountain pub where a hot lunch was enjoyed with brisk walk around the  lower trails afterwards. This village is yet another very popular set off point to conquer Mount Snowdon and to just enjoy the trails around the lower slopes. Then the return run on the train back to Beddgelert where the car was parked.  Only a quick stop at my favourite village in the mountains Betws y coed as the day was closing in with the weather turning very chilly and it was time to head back to Colwyn Bay.

...on the road to Beddgelert

...over the  Nant Gwynant pass

...down from the pass and into Beddgelert

...strolling around the quaint village

...carved from wood as is the bench seat - talent!!

... up the hill to the train station - toot toot (made it by seconds!)

... The leg between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu (in blue labels on map)

...some views from the train on the way up

... Fabulous mountain village of which there is little except a great pub and tearooms and the myriad of start-point trails.

...I love the mountains and rivers - my kind of country where I really feel at home

...the exterior.....

...dining with a view out of the window to Mount Snowdon (just peeking through the cloud in the top left pane)

...haha happy faces now - we are fed and watered

..... I take the lower undulating trails

... some lovely views and trails looking in the opposite direction from Mount Snowdon

... got back to the train station in plenty of time for the return journey to Beddgelert

...

THE END

love those mountains

A day in Caernarfon

The weather was quite honestly a little awful for sightseeing today but none-the-less off to Caernarfon (Carnarvon). The Castle is listed as one of Wales most famous, looming over the town. Building commenced in 1283 (mind boggling) by none other than Edward 1 as a military stronghold and royal palace. It was also designed to reflect the walls of Constantinople the imperial power of Rome. I'll not go on with a history lecture as you too (like me!) can google all about it if you are so inclined. 

I really enjoyed seeing the architecture around the town - a mixture of medieval and edwardian, some extremely old in both good and sad repair. I was also enchanted hearing nearly everyone in this amazing town conversing in welsh. 

Here's what we saw today - photos are not so great - too dull, and wet!

...and just around the back...read this for a giggle

...time to depart this charming town with its majestic castle - enjoy a few pictures I took from the car on our drive back to Colwyn Bay.

..the next three photos are of Allt wen, the mountain I  climbed days ago (me the lesser summit)

... and through Conwy and past Castle Conwy - love Wales! so many castles..

...Colwyn Bay - almost there

... and look at the sea today compared to yesterday's wild show! take a right and home

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