Wales - first glimpses 14 - 16 October

 Getting to Wales is best left undescribed  except to say motor ways! but we eventually got to Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey – after a few nasty experiences with THOSE narrow high hedged lanes and feeling completely lost.  The caravan park was one of those holiday parks with onsite caravans dotted over the hills, seemingly miles from the amenities block.  We were closer but it was still a long walk and totally unlit after dark - not a place we would recommend. Next day we did a circuit of island promontory of Anglesey before heading south for Abersoch – aber in Welsh means the mouth in this case the river Soch.  

Quaint lanes (AKA roads!) and villages

The delightful holiday spot of Porth Llechog

Beautiful vistas as we drove south to Abersoch on the Lleyn Peninsula past the Snowdonia National Park with its many peaks. The caravan park – Tyn-y-Mur, is perched on a hill at looking out over valleys and sea; we were the only ones there. Quite lovely – despite slightly inclement weather. 

The western edge of Snowdonia National park

The next day we drove back down to the village and took a leisurely walk topped off by a simple brunch overlooking the wee harbour. It was quite delightful. 

It was a challenge to read Welsh signs so translations were a welcome sight

Abersoch at low tide

It was a very friendly village

On the western side of the peninsula is Porth Neigwl, ‘Hells Mouth’. Here the gales scream in from the Atlantic and have caused a number of fatal ship wrecks. It looked very innocent the day we visited with just a light fog rolling up the beach from the west but I can well imagine it in ferocious weather. 

The dunes are home to the protected Mason bee Osmia xanthomelana the rarest. solitary bee in Britain. It builds nests of mud on eroding sand dune faces. Local authorities here are working to protect this vulnerable and endangered bee by creating suitable open habitat and by managing the grazing levels to provide sufficient pollen. The hedgerows along the path to the beach were dense with fruit and flowers so more power to the bees. There were lots of blackberries still ripening also other berries which I think could be Rowan but really don’t know. Bottom L: Caught this little guy chomping on the seed pod of this Cruciferae/mustard plant.

A thoroughly gorgeous place to visit but all too soon it was time to move on further south through Wales. Next stop Laugharne on the south coast of Wales.