Post card from North Wales part 1

On Wednesday we went to visit a garden called Plas Brondanw.

It was the home of Clough William-Ellis.

It was built by his ancestor John ap Hywel in 1550 and given to CWE on his 25th birthday from his father.

It was very neglected at the time and he spent his whole life making it into the beautiful place it is today.

And of course it has a lovely cafe!

Unfortunately the mansion burnt down in 1951

and only the thick stone shell remained but by 1953 it had been rebuilt.

we walked through the woods to the watch tower on the hill

then after a walk back down the hill we drove to a nearby hotel for afternoon tea!

Then a walk along the estuary to walk it off!

You could see Portmeirion across the water

and some scary grey clouds heading our way!

Another beautiful day in North Wales.

Postcard from Anglesey

On Tuesday we went to Anglesey.

We went across the Britannia Bridge built in 1850 (interesting website here) as a railway bridge but the road was added in the 1970's.
We had planned to visit two things on the island, something for me and something for Hubby.

First stop was Plas Cadnant, just outside the town of Menai Bridge.

You can stay in beautifully restored cottages but we had gone to look at the work in progress.

The owner is slowly rediscovering the lost 19th century garden.

There is a formal garden.

and a secret upper woodland garden

and the Valley garden

A beautiful garden to look around and I am sure over the next few years it will get even more interesting to explore.

Next was a classic car museum for hubby.

It was all very neat and tidy....not a drop of engine oil any where!

Then a quick stop off here

it means-
'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio of the red cave'
then a photo at this viewpoint

back across the Menai Bridge this time.
we drove through Caernarfon on the way back.

We had a sneak peek at the mountains....but that is another post all together!

Postcard from Aberdovey

On Tuesday the day started off at a Railway station.
We climbed onto the train at Harlech, which has great views of the castle up above. Many years ago the sea came to this point and the castle had a small port at the base of the rock.

This is the main line service from Birmingham to Pwllheli.
It has great views along the way. We only did the small section between Harlech and Aberdovey.

At Barmouth you go over a mainly wooden  bridge which goes over the estuary of the River Mawddach.

We arrive at a Sunny Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) an hour later.

Now we have been to Aberdovey a few times before when we use to stay in beautiful New Quay in Ceredigion.

Some people might remember this post 'the sands of Ynyslas. when we went to the Nature reserve on the other side of the estuary to Aberdovey.

It was busy on the beach

 and busy at the small harbour

We walked along the road

towards the other end of town which is called Penhelig

to have a lovely lunch

and buy some local produce.

Then it was a walk along the rock pools

and back towards town.

It really is a pretty place to visit.

of course the sunshine helped!

We got to the train station in plenty of time. The train was about 15 minutes late then we only went one stop before we were told we had to continue our journey by coach as there was a crack in the line! we arrived home three hours later!

Never mind we still had a lovely day beside the seaside.