Slate mine and Mount Snowden

Saturday 2nd September

Headed off in brilliant sunshine and drove up the river valley with some great views across a lake. The road climbed up to the top of Llanberis Pass and travelling down the pass which runs between Mount Snowden and some other mountains was spectacular and exhilarating. Unfortunately there was no where to stop and take in the view as every parking area and wayside pullover was chockers with the cars of people climbing Mount Snowden. We reached the town of Llanberis, the start of the Mount Snowden train journey to find that they did have some tickets available for the 1.30pm trip, which was great and we immediately grabbed them - the website had shown they were completely booked out for the weekend. This then gave us the morning to explore the nearby National Slate Mine Museum. It was wonderful! In buildings which had been the engineering works for a large slate mine were displays, equipment, demonstrations of slate splitting, a film, worker's cottages with coal fires going in the hearths, the largest water wheel in Britain - about 3 stories high it had been used to power the equipment in the engineering works and it was all free! We  spent several hours there.

 

After a picnic lunch and a short walk to the station we were on the train and climbing up Mount Snowden. A most enjoyable 1hr trip to the summit with spectacular views all round, until we got to the top which was covered in cloud for the last 100m. We were only allowed 20mins at the summit which just gave you enough time to push through the very crowded station café and then get in a line to climb the last few metres to the peak for the 'I made it to the top' photo.

When I was waving to Merilyn from the summit her camera ran out of batteries so no photo of mountain conqueror Bruce. We were amazed at the number of people who had made the climb on foot - there were hundreds on the trail which ran alongs the rail line for much of the way, many with young kids and lots of dogs. As well as that trail there are another 5 trails so no wonder that at the top it felt like Bourke St at 5.00pm on a Friday. The trip back down was in  sunshine and also most enjoyable.



Late afternoon found us in the city of Caernarfon because Merilyn wanted to see the Castle where Charles had been anointed Prince of Wales.

It is a huge castle and even though we did not go inside we spent about an hour wandering through the narrow streets inside the City Walls and along the wharves from where, in the past, slate from the mines had been shipped all around the world - they say Wales slate mines roofed the world in the Victorian era.  Back at Beddgelert, after one of the best meals we have had so far, we did a short walk along the river and through the town, ending a very full and satisfying day.

Sunday 3rd September

Rained all day but mostly very gently. We did not let it stop us from having another great day. Spent nearly 3 hours at Bodnant Garden. 80 acres of magnificent garden which was first established 160 years ago and was given to the National Trust in the 1940's. It was just wonderful, probably the most magnificent garden I have ever seen

 

After arriving at our B & B in Conwy - we are the only guests and our room has a great view of the town and some of the castle wall, we quickly settled in then headed off to explore, still with our umbrellas up. Merilyn was thrilled with our walk around the castle walls and bravely climbed to the top of the highest tower in the wall - take note grand children! Lovely Fish & Chips for tea then more walking through the town, taking in some very old buildings including the smallest house in Britain.

Yet another great day, hope we can keep up the pace.