Wet and windy weather in Wales!

Sunday 15^th September

Today’s pedometer reading is 7.6 k’s

How do you pronounce Llangollen?

We can’t…that’s for sure…the correct Welsh pronunciation is very tricky! Our host gave us a lesson but I’m still not sure that I’ve got it right!

Yesterday as the ferry came closer to Wales we could see the majestic Snowdonia Mountains and this morning we drove to Llangollen through the Snowdonia National Park. Eryri, the Welsh name for Snowdonia has it’s Celtic roots in the word for “eagle’s nest”…fitting for the spectacular highland region and national park.

We had planned to take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Mt. Snowden. The steam engines were used to transport slate from the area’s world-famous slate quarries to the coast for shipping around the British Empire during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. HOWEVER the weather was so appalling we decided against it and drove on to Betws-Y-Coed and have brunch. The drive was spectacular with wonderful views all along the 125 k trip the first part took us through  Snowdonia National Park past the steep, boulder-strewn rocky shoulders of Mount Snowdon…the highest point in Wales. We didn’t actually see the summit because it was blanketed in clouds. The clouds were sitting on the high peaks and rolling down the rocky outcrops into the valleys. The wind was so strong that the rain was horizontal. It was amazing to experience the change when we were in the lea of the mountains…it was so still and peaceful.

As we approached Betws-Y-Coed the landscape changed and became lush, green and heavily treed but still very steep mountains and valleys. The village is in a valley and was sheltered from the wind. It is picture postcard BEAUTIFUL and we had brunch in a delightful and quirky café. Our waiter, who looked very much like Harry Potter, was keen to chat about Australian politics…he is studying politics and a big fan of Julia Gillard…I think her Welsh parentage influenced his views quite a bit! Naturally Andrew had the Big Breakfast and I thought I should have the Welsh Rarebit and was very happy with my choice. We did brave the drizzle and had a short stroll around the village before heading on to Llangollen.

The most astonishing aspect of today’s drive has been the number of groups we have seen walking in groups…in full wet weather gear…they wear maps in a plastic pouch hanging on strings like a bib from their necks!

We spent some time exploring Llangollen in the mist and drizzle this afternoon and drove on to the little village of Trevor where we walked across the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. It’s known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’ because the barges float along it. There is a walking path as well and we decided to give it a go…a bit scary and unsettling…but sensational views.

Here are some statistics…

• There are 18 piers 126ft high & 19 arches each with a 45ft span.

• To keep the aqueduct as light as possible, the slender masonry
    piers are partly hollow and taper at their summit.

• The mortar was made of oxen blood, lime and water.

• The aqueduct holds 1.5 million litres of water and takes two 
    hours to drain.

• The structure is 1,007ft long & the River Dee runs beneath it.

• The work was undertaken by Thomas Telford and supervised by
    the more experienced canal engineer William Jessop.

• The first stone was laid in July 1795 & it was completed in 1805
    using local stone.

• This is the largest aqueduct in Britain. The water runs through an
    iron trough that measures 11ft 10ins wide and 5ft 3ins deep.

          

Driving back to Llangollen we came to this sign… 

the bridge is only 2 meters wide!

not a lot of room for error…but great views!

Here’s the view from the bridge …  

upstream from the bridge there are rapids 

and we watched one of the kayakers capsize!

We checked into the Guest House that will be home for 2 nights and we’re delighted with our view. If you click on the photo & have a close look you will see the ruins of Crow Castle on the top of the hill.

We decided to eat in the restaurant here tonight, had a delicious meal and a lovely chat to Mark, our host…now we’re really looking forward to breakfast!!!!