- Caernarfon
- (9)
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United Kingdom
A beautiful and not too strenuous hill walk leading to the Iron age fort of Tre'r Ceiri with the option of visiting the National Welsh Language centre.
The site of Tre'r Ceiri a name that probably means Town of the Forts, is a sprawling hill top settlement with significant stone ramparts. It has been described as the most 'dramatic and impressive Iron age hill fort in Britain'.
The site is indeed impressive, due to the fact that remnants of around 150 Iron age huts can be explored. The huts are extremely well preserved with some huts standing at over one metre high.
The drama is provided by the setting; Yr Eifl is the name of the highest peak of the mountains that form the backbone of the beautiful Llyn Peninsula.
This site is ideal for those that enjoy combining a walk with an interesting goal. A not too strenuous hill walk at 574 metres along fairly easy terrain through hills covered with heather and gorse will be rewarded with a fascinating historical site and stunning views.
The summit offers views of the Snowdonia mountain range to the north, to the west the Irish sea and at your feet a birds eye view of the beautiful Llyn Peninsula. On a clear day Ireland itself can be spotted.
For refreshments and further interest this exploration can be combined with a visit to the Welsh National Language centre in "Nant Gwtheyrn' a village that closely hugs the coast beneath Yr Eifl. The village housed the families that quarried the Port Y Nant stone quarry that produced granite suare cobbles or sets.
After the decline of the quarry the last residents left in 1959. The village was deserted throughout the 60's and 70's except for a period when inhabited by hippies. In 1978 work started on improving the steeply inclined road that leads to the village and the houses, the chapel and community hall were modernised. The modern facilities now house accommodation for up to 58 educational residents and the chapel is now also used as a local community centre. There is a cafe bar and restaurant in the village and a pub called the 'Tafarn Y Fic' in Llithfaen.
Take the A499 north of Pwllheli. At Llanaelhaearn, take B4417 towards Nefyn. Less than a mile from the junction for the B4417, there is a footpath on your right,
alternatively carry along the B4417 until arriving at the village of Llithfaen here you will see a sign to Nant Gwrtheyrn National Welsh learning centre here you will find Upper Porth Y Nant car park, it is possible to take a different path to the summit and ideal if you want to visit the centre.
Tre'r Ceiri hill fort
NPRN: 95292; Map Reference: SH34SE; Grid Reference: SH3734044670
www.nantgwrtheyrn.org
Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 6PA
+44(0)1758 750334
Google map: bit.ly/i0h67u
Why travel all the way to southern France to see one of Europe's finest medieval castles? While not on the scale of Carcasonne, Caernarfon has plenty of excitement of its own to offer.
It retains an angular, massive, military and almost industrial character (the closest comparison I can think of are 1940s flak towers I once saw in Vienna). As its purpose was to help subjugate the last area of strong Welsh resistance to the invading Anglo-Normans and symbolise royal authority, this isn't surprising. Come to think of it, Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales in the castle doesn't seem too surprising either.
Though dominating the town, the castle really comes into its own when you (literally) get inside the walls. These are thick enough to contain a labyrinthine maze of passages linking the multi-layered, multi-levelled towers. You can easily become disoriented and enjoyably lost: I'd say it's the kind of place you could scamper round for hours with the kids, but to be honest I had hours of entertainment scampering round it with Richard Hammond-esque glee as a supposedly responsible adult.
Add beautiful views across the Menai Straits and Snowdonia from the ramparts and the relatively unspoilt walled town (there's also a particularly good curry restaurant in one of the side streets yards from the castle) and you have a near-perfect day out.
www.caernarfon-castle.co.uk
Gpoogle map: tinyurl.com/36f89ys
We road the Route 8 cycle route from the top (Holyhead) to the bottom (Cardiff) of Wales. The roads around North Wales were fantastic, we hardly saw anyone, the scenery was beautiful, the food was tasty, the route was well signposted and the roads and cycle paths were smooth and pot hole free. There were things to see along the way like visting Caenarfon and the Centre for Alternative Energy. It's a cyclists dream, you can't ask for a better place to cycle in the UK and Europe for that matter!
Cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff along the Route 8 cycle route. See sustrans website for more information.
We celebrated our anniversary at Plas Dinas which is a 400-year-old country house where the Armstong Jones family used to live - it still has lots of photos and portraits of Antony and Princess Margaret and is really interesting.
Rarely have we been somewhere that not only oozes character and is set in a lovely location with great views but also manages to deliver on service too. The hosts were really chatty and friendly and we had a great meal in their restaurant.
It was a beautiful weekend and we took the opportunity to walk round the grounds. They have benches strategically placed so you can sit and enjoy the view - we took our books out there to read with a glass of wine.
Our room was imaculately clean, came with a really comfy super king bed and a great bonus for me was the fresh milk for my tea in the morning.
I can't fault dinner (great cheese from the local delicatessan - we were given the details to go and buy some to take home) and breakfast was great too.
If you are looking for a relaxing break I can't reccommend this place more - we had a great time and will definitely be back.
Plas Dinas Country House
Bontnewydd
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL54 7YF
01286 830214
www.plasdinas.co.uk
info@plasdinas.co.uk
It's a stone-built guest house of great character and style in the countryside outside Caernarfon, between sea and mountains. I hesitate to call it a guest house, but neither is it a hotel or B&B.
It's a Welsh-speaking home where guests are welcomed like friends or relatives. Rooms have been furnished to a high standard of luxury, yet have a cosy feel, and there is a fusion of traditional and modern here. Great use is made of local slate, traditional oak furniture, modern lighting effects, and there are slate tables outside for al fresco drinks or meals in fine weather.
The atmosphere is fantastic, the tranquillity wonderful. The house is full of books in both Welsh and English, and there are modern Welsh paintings on the walls, and sometimes you can hear classical music being played on the Bechstein grand piano.
Tasty local food is cooked on the Aga, and they have a fully licensed dining room. This is a great base for exploring the Llyn Peninsula, the wild beauty of Snowdonia, and is within easy reach of picturesque towns and villages such as Caernarfon with its castle, the university town of Bangor, the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, Beaumaris, Llanberis, Beddgelert, Betws-y-Coed, Porthmadog, Pwllheli, Abersoch and, of course, the Italianate village of Portmeirion.
It's ideal for nature lovers, walkers, climbers, fishermen as well as lovers of history, culture and especially the Welsh language.
Y Goeden Eirin, Dolydd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7EF Tel: (01286) 830942
Have a look at their bilingual website: www.ygoedeneirin.co.uk
From Caernarfon, take the road south, and at the last roundabout at the south end of the village of Bontnewydd, take the left turning signposted Dolydd. Before reaching Dolydd Garage on the left, take the drive on the right hand side past the white painted farmhouse to the renovated farm buildings behind. These squat and interesting buildings constitute Y Goeden Eirin, but they don't look in any way like a conventional B&B or hotel! The nearest railway stations are Bangor and Porthmadog, and there are good bus services from these which go through the hamlet of Dolydd.
Have a look at their bilingual website: www.ygoedeneirin.co.uk
The castle is one of the best in my experience in Wales, with a lot of it remaining intact. The size of it is relatively large (larger than Conwy). Well-kept gardens and great location on waterfront.
The town is nice, as it has a lot of historic buildings and friendly people. Good location for day visit and then explore nearby Bangor or Snowdonia.
The Gwyrfai valley, with its gentle hills, wooded slopes and magnificent coastal views, is perfect for horse riding.
It's a youth Hostel whose front door virtually opens onto the miner's path, the easiest way to climb Mt Snowdon.
www.yha.org.uk
Pen-y-Pass, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4NY
Tel: 0870 770 5990
My local and one I can't believe hasn't been mentioned before! A little gem in the heart of Snowdonia. Real dairy ice cream and fruit sorbets with over 30 national award wining varieties, so at least one favourite for everyone! I can't decide what my favourite is...I've tried most of them and love them all, the pistachio ice cream and the tangy lemon sorbet rank highly, especially in a crisp waffle cone. Go and try for yourself and see if you can keep away.
Beddgelert, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL554YB
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