The Wonders of North Wales
Sep 24 '00
Our seven enchanting days experiencing Ireland were complete. Our bags were packed and the tour coach carried us to Don Laoghaire where we boarded the boat to cross the Irish Sea. Our destination was North Wales. First stop was Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey. The scenery of the Isle of Anglesey is mostly meadow and farmland with low-lying hills. We learned that at one time the island was important for the production of copper and lead ore but in recent times farming and fishing have become the main occupations. Off to Llanfair where we stopped for a photo shoot of our entire tour group. The background displayed nature at its finest with the green hilly grass and thatched roof tops of the cottages dotting the landscape.
Then we were treated to a scenic drive through the Snowdonian National Park. Snowdonia Park covers 845 square miles comprising mountain, moorland and forest. All of this is interspersed with deep valleys. As we rode our tour guide expounded on the easiest way to ascend Snowdon is by the picturesque Snowdon Mountain Railway. She explained how the track climbs from the lakeside at Llanberis to a point about 70 feet below the summit. Unfortunately, taking the train ride was not part of our tour. We could only enviously watch as others took the trip.
Our attention was captured as we rode over the spectacular Llanberis Pass and continued via pretty Betws-y Coed. Betws-y Coed is situated at the junction of the Llugwy and Cnwy valleys. It is famous for its waterfalls and interesting bridges. One infamous falls is the Swallow Falls. The Swallow Falls are considered to be one of the loveliest spots of North Wales. Here the river rushes down from the mountains. Crags and jagged rocks divide the stream into a number of foaming cascades.
We then drove to Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee. Here, we spent the night after a walking tour to see the Roman remains. We viewed the “Rows”, which were the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings with the two-tiered arcades.
Beauty abounded everywhere! It was probably this very magnificent scenery which moved John Dyer to say:
Ever charming, ever new,
When will the landscape tire the view!
The fountain’s fall, the river’s flow,
The woody valleys warm and low;
The windy summit, wild and high,
Roughly rushing on the sky!
I leave you with Mr. Dyer’s soothing thoughts. Take a moment and reflect upon the message of beauty. You will find it relaxing. Our experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland will be my next travel sharing.
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