-
Dyffryn Ardudwy Neolithic Burial Chambers
Hidden behind the school in small village of Dyffryn Ardudwy is one of the largest Neolithic ritual burial monuments in north Wales. On a west facing slope it comprises two east-west orientated, portal dolmen-type chambers that open up-slope to the east. The chambers are set within a well-defined phased cairn, which is roughly trapezoidal in…
-
Afon Glaslyn from the Cob at Porthmadog
As we were driving around during the Easter weekend explorations we had to go into Porthmadog to get some much needed food supplies to prevent starvation in the caravan. This meant we had to cross the Cob, an embankment that encloses Treath Mawr. This was built to allow the allow drainage of the land behind…
-
Cregennan Lakes
After our trip across the Mawddach Bridge we drove the short distance to Cregennan Lakes for our picnic. This is perhaps my favourite place, and used to be very quiet and tranquil. It was still quiet when we visited, but perhaps only if you compare it with a town centre on market day. The car…
-
Bridge Over The River Mawddach: Welsh 100 – No 22
Still catching up with all the activity Aunty and I managed to get through over the Easter Weekend. We have certainly pegged up the list for the Welsh 100s. Easter Sunday was a day for bridges, rivers and fantastic views. There are a number of bridges that cross over the Afon Mawddach, but today we…
-
The Story of Branwen
Let me lead you into the world of love, betrayal, jealousy and revenge. Sit back and make yourself comfortable as we transport into a world of kings, princesses and magic. Once upon a time, many years ago (sorry couldn’t resist this as an opening to the story) Bendigeidfran (Brân the Blessed), King of Britain, was…
-
Portmeirion: Welsh 100 – No 21
This is another place we managed to fit in during our Easter Weekend stay in North Wales. I’ve had to go back to work for a rest. Portmeirion is a strange place. Fitting when you consider the magical myths and legends that abound in Wales. Today it is a mishmash of Italianate buildings that…
-
Castell Harlech: Welsh 100 – No 20.
Harlech Castle. What can I say about it? This is a real and proper castle. One we all imaged a castle should be when we were kids – young or old. Sitting on top of the crag, it seems to grow out of the rock itself, with plunging cliffs on the seaward side, making it…
-
The Albion – Welsh 100: No 19.
Well once you’ve travelled on a Victorian Tramway up the Great Orme and explored a Bronze Age copper mine, what do you do next? Have a pint or two of course. The Albion Pub in Chapel Street, Conway is a proper pub that serves a great choice of beers. Besides the usual big…
-
Bronze Age Miners – Great Orme.
We are still on the Great Orme at Llandudno, but this time we travelled back almost 4000 years to the Bronze Age copper mine near the summit. This isn’t on the Welsh 100 list but we think it should be. In 1986 the local council approved a scheme to landscape the derelict site full of…
-
Hills and Trams. Great Orme Tramway – Welsh 100: No 18
Aunty and I are up in North Wales for the Easter break. Unfortunately the weather is not as good as one would hope, with temperatures below 6C, a bit of a gale during the night and a lot or rain. Putting up the awning in the caravan was a little challenge but it was still…
Travels With My Aunt
Random notes on the travels of a Welshman who has been allowed out to play after finishing his chores. OK so I don't travel with my Aunt, but I am usually under the adult supervision of my long suffering wife.
Travels With My Aunt 