Chirk Castle

You had a lovely weekend in Wales but you’re headed to England now. Where to next? First stop is the local pub called The Bryntirion Inn for a pint then onto your adventure.

You don’t have to enter Snowdonia National Park to see the lovely sights nearby. Why not visit Bala Lake? This is the largest natural lake in Wales and over 3.5 miles long. It’s great for wildlife watching and the birds love it too. I just imagined the conversations between the two gulls…

“Mornin’ Harry.”

“Mornin’ Earl. How are the hatchlings?”

“Oh my misses got her feathers in a ruffle over something Junior did yesterday. Enough chat. Let’s fish!"

My other half shakes his head at my bird ‘insight’ and carries on walking around the lake taking photos. I shrug my shoulders and follow. We didn’t plan to spend much time here other than to take a few photos on this wet and windy day. However, the lake is home to fun such as water sports, fishing (like the waterfowl above) and even part of the 3 Lakes Swim Challenge, (brrrr…no thank you. I’ll be waiting in the nice warm car if you need me).

Chirk Castle

Our next stop before crossing the border to England aka The Country of Traffic Jams and Road Blocks, is Chirk castle near Shrewsbury. Our luck changed as the weather did and we enjoyed a lovely sunny afternoon in the castle gardens hunting for the famous Snowdrop flowers sprawled along the forest ground. Before leaving we had a nice cream tea in the castle courtyard whilst watching a man desperately try to capture the bouncy, black labrador who was having such fun romping about the courtyard and didn’t understand why her Human wanted her to go inside the office on a day when the sun was shining like this and she had a toy to chase!

Chirk castle wasn’t quite ready for guests so only the room available to view inside the castle was the dungeon. (Go figure!) The state rooms are still under repair as this castle is over 800 years old and needs a new face lift (wouldn’t you at that age!?!)

 Adam’s tower and the dungeon were great fun! Loads of interactive things to do. You can dress for battle or like royalty AND if you’re really adventurous, you can take the dim-lit, windy, stone staircase down into the dungeon and see what it was like to be a captive of the evil Roger Mortimer. Who it is said was responsible for the killing of the Welsh princes that once lived in that castle. Nice story, eh? What’s a castle visit without a grim tale? Now that is MY kinda Valentine’s Day. Hope you enjoyed yours!

Harlech Castle - Welsh country

I mentioned the waterfalls during our Valentine’s holiday but no yet talked about our trip to the castles.

Harlech castle was built in 1283 A.D. by Edward I. Owain Glydwr called it home for about 5 years before the English laid siege to the castle and England’s king took over. (Those dang English tried to rule the world)!

Harlech Castle

During the 13^th century the castle was mounted upon a great cliff near the Cardigan Bay which made it very easy for the ships coming in to supply.  However over the great many years, sand bars moved in and pushed back the sea thus leading to marshy areas and finally claimed by farmers for fields and buildings. Today a sleepy little village lies here in awe of this great castle.

Much of the castle is still intact and when crossing the “draw” bridge keep your eyes out for arrow loops and murder holes (sounds like a lovely place to visit doesn’t it?) above your head where they once dropped unpleasant things onto unwelcomed guests. Thankfully we were welcomed visitors after paying the £6 entrance fee.

This coastal castle has panoramic stunning views out to sea, of the mountains and of the town (where the peasants live) below. Be sure to bundle up as it gets a wee bit windy on top of the old castle towers. Those windy staircases are worth the climb to take in the sunset views over the ocean. 

Exploring the castle will take approximately 1-2 hours in its many towers and “rooms”. Remember it is an open air castle so prepare for all weather. Near the chapel I found a secret passage!  I’m 5 foot nothing so I could squeeze in through the hole in the wall. Don’t worry it opens up on the other side to stand and walk through. (This secret room is not on the map). Happy Hunting!

interior of Harlech castle

Valentine’s in Wales

Nothing says I love you like dragging your other half to some of the wettest places on Earth to visit more wet places (waterfalls) and draughty ol’ castles.

Pistyll Rheadr (Tallest single drop waterfalls in Wales) 

“Let’s trek three miles up this mountain to see some waterfalls,” he says. 

“Okaaaay,” she says and off we went. Why would you want to drive up the mountain lane when you can walk after all? Silly cow me legs think after the long, wet wander back down the lane to the parked car. In my head I hear the words of my mother exclaiming, “I do not like outside!” and I smile to myself.

(Side note to those of you who have not yet experienced a ‘lane’ in Great Britain. A lane is sizable enough for one car to drive on whilst hitting any tree branches or hedges that might be sticking out from either side of the country lane. Not big enough for the TWO cars that will be passing each other at any given point around blind corners with people walking alongside yelping and jumping out of the way each time a vehicle flies past. Let’s not get me started on the lorries and farm tractors that like to add to the mix). 

Where was I? Oh yes…Andy thought it would be a good idea to park in the village below (since the sign there said waterfall-but gave no indication it was--three bloody miles away!) instead of turning right like I said when I saw the same sign and driving up the mountain lane to park RIGHT NEXT TO THE FALLS IN THE FALLS CAR PARK. Ahem…right. I’m better now. *coughs* 

For the less adventurous (driving), turn right at the brown Waterfalls sign in the village of Llandern ym Mochnant (don’t blame me, I didn’t name the place) and follow the classic British windy lanes up to the falls trail. 

The trail is rough and rocky and not suitable for wheelchairs or small children. It can be wet and slippery on a snowy or rainy day like this. A bridge crosses the falls trail and has become quite the landmark for brides on their wedding day in photos. (Bet she didn’t hike up the lane in her dress)…

Pistyll Rheadr Waterfalls

Another trail, quite steep, runs along the mossy carpeted forest and climbs to the top of the falls for those feeling brave (and haven’t already climbed 3 miles from the village…ahem! Sorry last time I’ll mention it! No, probably not). 

On the site of the car park is a little restaurant that serves tea and such. Also toilets found inside here as listening to the sounds of the water gushing over the rocks will probably make you have to wee. No? Just me? I MUST be getting old. Back to the goodies. Try the hot cocoa on a cold, snowy day. You won’t regret it. It was the best cuppa cocoa I’ve drunk in years---so creamy!