2019 North Wales – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen, Chirk and Caernarfon

Prior to early 2018, I had for many years managed a “ fear of heights”. At home in Auckland New Zealand, I would avoid driving over the outside “exposed” lanes of our Harbour Bridge. In England I would use the Rotherhithe Tunnel to avoid the Queen Elizabeth Bridge at Dartford over the Thames. In Wales, venturing out onto the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct when we first visited the area in 2017 was a complete NO NO!!!

Until “ hypno therapy in 2018” and it worked – thanks Rebecca , my fear of heights now is significantly improved, so 2019 back to and walk out on to and across, by boat, the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct! No fear and great fun!!

Thomas Telford’s list of achievements is overwhelming. But standing on the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, looking down at the River Dee, it’s truly staggering how this was started to be erected in 1795, and now is the “ stream in the sky”. The view from the football pitch below gives the best perspective of the magnitude of and endurance of his engineering.

Jones the Boat does a great job with the “ narrow boat trip”, options of canoeing were considered but rejected in favour of morning tea, scones and cream!!

Llangollen

The A5 Road treks up from the English Midlands, through Shropshire, snd into North Wales, pausing briefly to consider how pretty Llangollen and the surrounding Vale of Llangollen, River Dee, hills and countryside are before pushing on to Betws-y-coed and Snowdonia.

Consider the attractions at Llangollen and all the walks and wandering in between. Horseshoe Falls – Telford’s creation to source River Dee water for his Llangollen Canal – the Berwyn Chain Bridge – pre canal access across the Dee – the Camlas Llangollen Canal it’s towpath and Horse Pulled Barge Trips – Llangollen to Corwen Historic Railway and Castell Dinas Bran a medieval 13th century fort guarding the entrance to the Llangollen Vale with origins back to 600BC and the Iron Age, plus pubs, tea rooms and ice cream shops. What more do you want?

Chirk Castle

Chirk Castle was constructed by Roger Mortimer de Chirk in the late 13th century, under instruction from Edward I as part of the King’s chain of fortresses surrounding North Wales.

It happens to be adjacent to Offas Dyke, constructed in the 8th century and 170 miles in length, keeping marauders apart. And impressive, when one comes across it.

Caernarfon

The town of Caernarfon on the North Wales Coast is dominated by the mountains of Snowdonia directly inland and the Castle with its ramparts encircling the old town. The Castle is beautifully presented and preserved and a must visit. It is another example of Edward 1 in the 13th century showing his military might but also displays the myths and stories around his authority to rule the Welsh, including the story of his first son, the first Prince of Wales.

You need a minimum of half a day to enjoy the Castle as it is fascinating but be prepared for some good climbs up steep staircases winding up the many Towers to enjoy the superb internal and external views. The Audio Visual presentation is unusual but very informative as are all the displays throughout the Castle.