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 the island promontory of Anglesey before heading south for Abersoch – aber in Welsh means the mouth in this case, of the River Soch.  

Think of all those wee chimney sweeps

Quaint lanes (AKA roads!) and villages

The delightful holiday spot of Porth Llechog

The welcome sign at the caravan park

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 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

Double yellow lines didn't mean no overtaking!

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 shipwrecks. 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. 

Quaint roads - when there's no traffic!

Lots of unripe blackberries and other berries. Bottom L: Caught this little guy chomping on this Cruciferae/mustard plant.

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. 

Heading towards Hell's Mouth  

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