Rhug Estate, on the way to the Llyn Peninsular

 

Tuesday 7th May 2024

With fine weather forecast, the first time a few consecutive dry days have appeared in the forecast for what feels like months, I decided a trip was in order.

I thought about heading up to Scotland, but the weather looked less favourable there and I wouldn't have much time anyway, as I have things on next week.

So the Llyn Peninsula it is.

I never tire of coming here, the scenery is spectacular, the sea water sparkling clear and lots of wildlife to watch.

But first stop on the way is the Rhug Estate near Corwen where they allow overnight motorhome parking.

I'm joined tonight by one other motorhome.

I called in the farm shop to make sure it was ok to stay and was tempted by some Bison Burgers, a bit pricey but what the heck it's not every day you can eat Bison which roam the fields behind the farm buildings.

After tea (not Bison) we went to look for the signposted farm walk across the fields.

Unfortunately the Bison were too far in the distance to photograph, but there were some calf's happy to pose for a photo.

The Bison sculpture was the only one I could photograph.

Tomorrow I'll head on in the direction of the Llyn Peninsula for a destination unknown at the moment, but to be decided this evening.

Penmon Point

Saturday 20th April 2024

It was another peaceful night next to Beaumaris Castle and I was joined by about 12 other camper vans and motorhomes.

A lot of overnight parking places on Anglesey have been removed in recent years as I think the council introduce height barriers.

So with not too many options available, clearly Beaumaris is in popular whilst it lasts.

There was no rain overnight and we woke to blue skies and sunshine which was very welcome.

For today's destination, it was a toss up between Newborough Beach or Penmon Point.

I've been to Newborough Beach before and really enjoyed it, but never Penmon Point, so that decided it. 

As much as I like Newborough, Penmon won out.

I knew it was a pay carpark as it's privately owned, but £12.50 for the day ??? Ouch. A bit steep for what it is.

Still it's a great place overlooking Snowdonia, the North Wales coast and the Great Orme. 

I could almost see Saint Trudos church where I was parked the other night.

Penmon Point also overlooks Puffin Island.

There are boat trips from Beaumaris to see the Puffins.

I was hoping to see some from the beach but no such luck, and I'd left my binoculars at home.

So it's been an enjoyable little trip around North Wales, especially so as it's been the first one of the year.

Oh I did some research and the arch walk at Penrhyn Castle is actually a fuchsia walk, not wisteria as I suggested it might be.

I'll bet that looks good hanging with flowers in the summer.

Todays photos . . . . .

I'm heading home tomorrow to avoid the busy traffic on Monday.

Penrhyn Castle and Beaumaris Anglesey

 

Friday 19 April 2024

It was grey and cloudy with intermittent drizzle this morning so I didn't rush anywhere from our overnight parking at the town I can't pronounce, Llanrwst.

Louis had a walk along the river then we chilled after breakfast waiting for the skies to clear, which the weather forecast said was a certainty to happen around 1100 lol, oh yeah ???

Well it did clear but not until about 1200.

By that time we'd had a drive through Betws y Coed. 

I didn't stop as it was still drizzling, and parking always looks a bit limited and expensive for some reason.

So I carried on to Llyn Ogwen in the shadow of Snowdon where we had a cuppa and waited again for it to dry up.

It did eventually and we had a walk along to the National Trust office.

I was here in May last year when the weather was glorious and we walked up to Llyn Idwal which is a fantastic walk and amazing scenery. 

Llyn Idwal and Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula

Llyn Idwal and Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula Wednesday 17th May 2023 After breakfast I set off from Panoramic Walk and headed west into Snowdonia National Park. I've wanted to do a walk...

But not for today, too cold and windy for me and Louis.

After lunch we set off for Penrhyn Castle near Bangor, another National Trust site but one I've not been to before.

It's a rather austere grey granite castle building which on a grey wet day can look a little depressing. 

But thankfully, by the time we arrived the skies had cleared and we walked around the grounds in glorious sunshine, enjoying the spring flowers especially the bluebells.

The walled garden was especially attractive with lots of azaleas and rhododendrons now flowering.

Next stop afer a visit to Tesco was Anglesey, and our destination was the coastal town of Beaumaris overlooking the Menai Straits.

We're on the carpark right next to the castle where they allow overnight parking for the very reasonable price of 6 pounds.

The castle is rather less impressive than I remember, I must be confusing it with somewhere else I think. I didn't go in, just walked around the outside but not much of it appears to remain, it seems only the ground floor has been saved.

The town is quite vibrant and even has a ferris wheel which I don't remember seeing before, overlooking the Menai Straits.

We walked around the town which didn't take too long, and then sat on a bench for half an hour watching the world go by.

The weather forecast for the weekend looks great so I'll try and find somewhere on Anglesey to spend it.

Penrhyn Castle in the sunshine

Another arch walk before the flowers bloom, I think this one is wisteria

They like Gunera here

Not just dragons in Wales

Beaumaris Castle

Menai Straits

Tonights parkup next to Beaumaris Castle