We moved on from Conwy today winding our way on towards our next top of the Italianate village of Portmeirion.
Anglesey
Our first stop was to be the island of Anglesey, where we had planned three stops, the first of which was the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrn-drobwllan-tysiliogogo-goch, whose only claim to fame must be that it has the longest name in Europe and the second longest in the world. Other than that, there really isn’t anything remarkable about the place, but it does make for a good selfie against the station wall.
Our brief stop in LlanfairPG was long enough for a photo and to talk about Reading to a French couple and their family. I always say “Reading, just outside of London” when people ask where we are from in order to place it on the map for them. What I don’t expect them to say in return is “Oh, I visit Reading for work regularly, to AWE!”
Next was another National Trust property, Plas Newydd House and Garden. This had the attraction of red squirrels in the woods surrounding the property, which was very appealing as I cannot remember the last time I saw one. Sometime in my youth, I would guess, so quite a long time ago. Alas, it was not to be, and no squirrels were spotted; however, like yesterday, it was very peaceful and a very relaxing place to be.
The final place on Anglesey we wanted to visit was the Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse but this proved to be a most frustrating experience as Google Maps took us initially to a closed forest track and then to an unsigned car park so we abandonded that idea and instead headed to Caernarfon.
Caernarfon
I always associate Caernarfon with Wednesday, 29 July 1981, the date of the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer as that day Dad and I climbed Snowdon in an effort to avoid the spectacle and on our return came to Caernarfon only to see it on the big screens there.
I’ve been back at least once since then but I had forgotten just how attractive the place is and it was good just to wander the back streets and around the outskirts of the castle with no particular aim in mind.
Portmeirion
SInce visiting Portmeirion many years ago it has always been on our bucket list to return here and stay over night. The thought of wandering around the village without all the hoi polloi paying day guests was very tempting. I guess that’s something that can now be ticked off that list.
Whenever you mention Portmeirion to anyone almost the first thing that they will say is the TV series The Prisoner being filmed here. Leaning into this fame the TV in our room has one channel dedicated to this series showing all episodes on repeat. It’s on channel 801 which seems like a missed oppotunity to me as it really should be six. Proving that I know a little about it despite never having seen it.
We walked around the village and then took a longer walk away from the buildings towards the beach and along the costal path back to the hotel. As I write this the village still has the day guests so I am looking forward to exploring more tonight.
