Wales - Castles, Coast & Steam Trains
Collecting our tickets, we had soon taken our seats in the old fashioned carriages and we could hear the station master blow his whistle as we set off, chugging down the track.
A slow and bumpy ride took us through some of the most picturesque landscape of the Welsh valleys all the way to Devils Bridge. Stopping here for a light lunch, we soon made the return journey back to Aberystwyth and as we pulled into the station the other passengers on the platform gave us a big wave.
Next on the agenda was a tour of the famous castle. This timber castle (later reinforced with stone) changed hands repeatedly as the Normans warred with the native Welsh. We learnt that the build started in 1277 but was a particularly taxing job. It still was not completed by 1282 when the Welsh briefly captured and burned it down. Construction was finally completed in 1289 at great expense to the crown. We walked through the castle grounds exploring the ruins taking some fantastic pictures.
Everyone was super excited for our canal boat journey through the heart of the Welsh countryside. We climbed aboard and we had soon set sail. Once again, we were greeted by breathtaking views as the captain navigated his way down the narrow canal, passing through locks and venturing through long, dark tunnels. Everyone looked out for the various wildlife on the banks of the river, whilst relaxing int the glorious sunshine. We stopped off at a near-by cafe for drinks and watched other boats pass through the canal clearly having just as much fun as we had.
We love a birthday on one of JollyDays holidays and we had double celebrations this time! There was cake galore!
Our journey began to the highest mountain peak in the South of Wales, Pen-y-fan. Driving through the clouds we had soon arrived, and we realised why it is known as being the highest peak, wow! It really was tremendously high and had the most spectacular views; we could see for miles. Then we drove down to the 2nd highest mountain called Rhigos, taking in more incredible scenery, seeing most of South Wales. It was something we wouldn’t forget.
We then set off for our next adventure on a safari trip with our tour guide Richard. He took us on a breathtaking historical tour and showed us where the last prince of Wales (Llywenlyn) was killed in 1282 by the King of England.
He gave us a tour around the castles and where the King would have lived. It was a fascinating tour and the whole group enjoyed every moment. We then made our way to the top of the mountain in Builth where the Welsh army practice their live shooting.
After our busy days out, we loved coming home to relax in the warm, bubbling jacuzzi. We certainly had a 'splashing' good time.
A brilliant morning was spent at Llewelyn Wildlife Walk which was amazing! We saw the birds and enjoyed spectacular views as we walked up and down windy, rocky pathways to the top of the peaks and down into the valleys. After our long walk, we stopped at Builth Well to do a little shopping for some gifts and souvenirs for our loved ones back home.
We visited a lovely chapel and explored the town of Tregaron. We stopped at St Mary’s Church at Pontrhydfendigaid dating back to 1164. Although today this is ruin, many features of buildings show how impressive this place must have been during the medieval period. A beautifully carved Romanesque arch and medieval floor tiles still remain intact. We then visited the graveyards of the Welsh princes.
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