Sunday, July 19, 2009

Visit Wales?

You may have seen the recent TV adverts from the Welsh Assembly, 'Holidays Unpackaged', well I've just returned from a holiday and Wales, so how does do they compare to reality.


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Last day - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Last day of the holiday - time for just one more excursion - the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct


Pontcysyllte Aqueduct


I'd seen it featured on a TV show earlier in the year and as it was close to the route home I added it to my itinery. Recently it was added to the list of World Heritage Sites.


Friday, July 17, 2009

Sunset Now

Last full day in Wales and it end it ended with a spectacular sunset.


Snowden Sunset


But the day started with heavy rain so it was destined to be a bit of a mixed bag.


Thursday, July 16, 2009

Conwy & Padarn

Paid a return visit to Conwy today.


Conwy Bridges


The town has a lot of charm and contains one of the best castles in Wales - there are some very high towers that command stunning views.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Moelfre & Traeth Lligwy

Today I took a drive over the Menai Bridge to Anglesey and visited Moelfre for the start of a walk along the coastal path.


Moelfre


Moelfre is one of the nicer places I have visited on the island and it is reminiscent of Cornwall.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Llandudno & Great Orme

Drove to the top of the Great Orme and took the Tram back down into Llandudno.


P1020607


Monday, July 13, 2009

Rainbow

View from my holiday cottage this evening.


Rainbow


Bodnant & Penrhyn

The weather forecast didn't look so good today so decided to head somewhere where a bit of rain wouldn't matter. First stop was Bodnant Gardens and fortunately the sun managed to stay out until just as I was leaving.


Bodnant


Sunday, July 12, 2009

Caernarfon & Llanbedrog

Looking at the satellite weather forecast it was clear that I would need to chose my destinations carefully today to make the most of the available sun.


Started the day in Caernarfon - had a walk around the town, visited the castle and found a bistro serving Sunday lunch.


Caernarfon Seagulls


Saturday, July 11, 2009

Powis Castle

Day 8 - Time to move on to the new base for the second week of my Holiday. I'm relocating from south west Wales to the north west - half way there I took a major diversion to visit Powis Castle.


Powis Castle


Given it's location - it not somewhere I could normally visit so it was an opportunity not to be missed.


Friday, July 10, 2009

Mwnt & Llanerchaeron

Last day in Pembrokeshire - tomorrow I head north for a week in Swowdonia

Promising start to the day - the warmest so far.


St Dogmaels


First off - head to the beach at Mwnt (pronounced "moont"). I read great things about it and I wasn't disappointed.


Thursday, July 09, 2009

Tenby & Bishop's Palace Lamphrey

Well the promised sun hardly ever materialised but it was a pleasant day none-the-less. Started in Tenby with a walk around the town followed by an excellent lunch in the Hope & Anchor (Sea Bream).


Tenby


After, a long walk down the length of the beach.


Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Newport, Cwm yr Eglwys & The Rainforest Centre

Started off at Newport - which I've seen described as being like Tenby. I think they forgot the word "not" as it's nothing like Tenby.


Newport


Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Aberporth & New Quay

Dull but dry day - perfect for walking.


Started of with the coastal footpath at Aberporth and finished with a walk around New Quay


AberporthNew Quay


Also worth mentioning is the excellent lunch at the "Old Watch House" restaurant in New Quay.


Monday, July 06, 2009

Kidwelly, National Botanic & Llansteffan

First stop of the day - Kidwelly Castle - apparently I visited it as a child but It's too long ago for me to remember.



Sunday, July 05, 2009

Poppit, Cenarth and Major Fail.

After the long drive to Wales yesterday I didn't want to spend too much time in the car. Started off a mile from where I am staying at Poppit Sands.


Poppit Poppit Canarth Cenarth


And in the afternoon a long walk though the valley at Cenarth along the banks of the river Teifi.


St. Dogmaels Morning

My base for the next week is a Cottage in St. Dogmaels. This was the view from the front door that greeted me this morning.


St. Dogmaels


Saturday, July 04, 2009

Tintern Abbey & Dinefwr

Day 1 of my Holiday to Wales - visited two spectacular locations on my way to the cottage.


First , just over the border in the Wye Valley was Tintern Abbey.

  Tintern Abbey


The second stop was at the Dinefwr Park and Castle.

   Dinefwr


Wednesday, July 01, 2009

iPhone 3GS review

I finally switched to the iPhone when the new model, the 3GS, was released on the 19 June. My main requirement was not the phone but the data capilities. I also wanted it to replace my existing iPod Classic.