The next morning we eagerly set out to explore some of the walking
routes shooting off from the front door. First we headed upwards, enjoying the
panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Following this we
took the coastal path, a route that eventually leads to a lighthouse, a popular
area with seals. We had to cut our walk shortly unfortunately as Snowdonia was
calling to us.
The next day held the biggest challenge – reaching the peak of
Snowdon. A task that has evaded me on multiple occasions due either to ill
health or dangerous weather conditions (even as a child attempting to reach the
top via the mountain railway the fog was so dense it would not ascend fully).
We chose the Snowdon Ranger Path as it is heralded as a good route for your
first attempt, quiet and picturesque. Thought to be the oldest route to the
summit, it rises swiftly to begin before a gentle section leading to the start
of the steep climb, a relentless hour or so of ascent on loose grave before
joining the Llanberis Path in a more gentle climb to the summit. It was 27
degrees on the day and with no relief of shade we were thankful for the
presence of the café and the ability to purchase cold drinks. The railway and café
do somewhat ruin the peacefulness that you find at other peaks however. Every half an hour or so a new train load of tourists unload and climb the few steps
leading to the summit. Thankfully, we arrived between trains and so had a few
moments of relative peace before the onslaught of tourists.
The Norman castle still stands although it was damaged badly in the
Civil War. The tower provides excellent views across the city. Furthermore, the
walls of the castle were used during the Second World War as an air raid
shelter. Visitors are able to walk the length of the tunnels, dark and
unsettling with recorded air raid warnings playing.
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