I once spent a summer holiday on the Isle of Anglesey in my years, so my memories are somewhat hazy about this location. On the bright side, it will be as though Im visiting for the first time and will view it thru adult eyes. When looking at a map of the United Kingdom, Anglesey strongly resembles a head with lots of long hair and an open mouth, sitting atop a body which is the country of Wales – it isnt just a royal title for Prince Charles. This head island can be condensed down to two essentials: castles and coastsyes, there are plenty of castles all over Wales, but few of these attract more admiration than the glamorous trio of Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris, which is why they are recognized as World Heritage Sites. The coastal city of Llandudno has been crowned the Queen of Welsh Resorts and stands in stark contrast to the wild edges of this rugged land.
Any ancient history buffs reading this will be thrilled to know that the region has a number of both historic and prehistoric sites, including burial chambers and a church in the sea at Porth Cwyfan, the site of
one of the most powerful and charismatic Welsh medieval princes, has been discovered near the village of Newborough. The Maritime Museum in Holyhead is well worth a visit, with displays relating to more than 100 shipwrecks that have taken place in the vicinity.
My new journey begins at the port of Holyhead (a name which has existed in English since at least the 14th century), a major ferry port mainly serving Ireland. It is the largest town in the Isle of Anglesey County with a population of approximately 12,000 people, of which 47%!s(MISSING)peak Welsh as well as English. I had a coach tour to explore the region and joined this guided by a mad Brit by the name of Shelley (and yes, she did live up to her introduction). Not a Welsh girl, she hailed from Lancashire in northern England with an accent to prove that fact.
In the fictional world of Harry Potter, The Holyhead Harpies is an Quidditch team that plays in the British and Irish Quidditch League.
Anglesey and entering mainland Wales via the Porthaethwy Menai Bridge. As expected, the scenery was spectacular with rolling hills, soaring mountains and endless fields, many populated with sheep. Climate was a repeat of the last two days: heavy overcast, windy and cool but occasionally, the sun would break thru and cast pools of golden sunlight across the landscape, highlighting small cottages and gardens.
Our first stop was Llanberis, the starting point for many who plan to climb Mt. Snowdon (Waless highest peak) in Snowdonia National Park. Unfortunately, not able to view Mt. Snowdon – all thanks to a thick white mist covering the summit – but at least I saw a few hardy folks headed up the mountain pass, proving its existence. The Snowdon Mountain Railway (one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world) departs daily from Llanberis to Clogwyn Station, located about ¾ of the way up Snowdon. You can choose from either the traditional diesel service or the heritage steam experience. Didnt have sufficient time to do this but I would have certainly opted for the heritage train. There is a discounted early bird offer but only on a 9am departure for
A quickie stop for a bathroom break, a cup of coffee and a photo opportunity, before heading out once more, enroute to where enough time was granted by Shelley for lunch and exploration of this picturesque village.
Stone age man lived in the area and was responsible for the Neolithic Burial Chamber at Capel Garmon. During the Bronze Age (around 2000 BC) the Beaker Folk who originated from Spain sailed into Britain, bringing with them metalworking, although they didnt penetrate the mountainous areas which remained the preserve of the Neolithic people. The Celts arrived from Central Europe about 600 BC introducing the use of bronze and later ironworking.
