Cavorting in Castles and the Cambrians

My apologies that this blog is a month behind, but I will try to catch up.  After spending the night in a farm campsite in North Wales we headed out to see the big three castles in North Wales; Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech.

Conwy Castle was built in the 1280’s by Edward I after he invaded Wales.  He had the castle and walled city built in record time and at huge expense.  The setting on the River Conwy, with modern houses tucked between the Medieval walls is quite beautiful.

The ruins of Conwy Castle

The old city walls

The town and castle

The River Conwy at low tide from the castle walls

Caernarfon Castle had its beginnings in Roman times.  In 1086 the Normans built a castle on the site.  Thirty years later the castle was taken over by Welsh princes until Edward I took possession of the area in the late 13^th Century.  Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales in 1969.  Caernarfon is a very well preserved castle with an excellent museum of the Welsh Fusillers.

Caernarfon Castle in the rain

The dais where Charles was invested

The next day we made our way down the coast to Harlech Castle.  Harlech was also built by Edward I in the late 13^th  Century.  It is renowned for its seven year siege during the War of the Roses.

Harlech Castle

View from the walls of Harlech

On to Rhayader to visit our friend Peggy in her wonderful 15^th Century house.  Peggy’s family lived in the Cambrian Mountains near Rhayader.  She took us on a fantastic tour of her family properties where she grew up.  It is a very beautiful area and to hear about Peggy’s life and that of her family 70 years ago was a real privilege.  We had a great visit with Peggy and we are looking forward to catching up with her again in October in Turkey.

Peggy's Grandparent's house

The front yard

Beautiful Wales

I had hope on this trip to do some walking on the moors around Snowdonia or the Elan Valley but sadly it was not to be.  I will plan a bit better next time.  Wales is just too beautiful not to spend some time rambling through its countryside.