What a great thread and with lucky weather you are smashing it .. great stuff ...keep going old fruit.
50 Castles
- Thread starter GrinningGSer
- Start date
This one?
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Llandudno : what a stunningly wonderful relic of Victorian holidaymaking… and apparently still healthily thriving
I would go back and stay here one day .
I last went here age 14 on a ‘big ship ‘ from Liverpool .
Then there’s the private toll road around The Orme , which rivals Countisbury hill and some of the European passes . Challenging hairpins .
There is even a cable car and a short railway .
It’s a must do ride up here for any biker !
And the cafe at the top is welcome !
I would go back and stay here one day .
I last went here age 14 on a ‘big ship ‘ from Liverpool .
Then there’s the private toll road around The Orme , which rivals Countisbury hill and some of the European passes . Challenging hairpins .
There is even a cable car and a short railway .
It’s a must do ride up here for any biker !
And the cafe at the top is welcome !
Castle 17 Beaumaris (Anglesey )
Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales – and perhaps his masterpiece.
Here Edward and his architect James of St George took full advantage of a blank canvas: the ‘beau mareys’ or ‘beautiful marsh’ beside the Menai Strait. By now they’d already constructed the great castles of Conwy, Caernarfon
and Harlech. This was to be their crowning glory, the castle to end all castles.
The result was a fortress of immense size and near-perfect symmetry. No fewer than four concentric rings of formidable defences included a water-filled moat with its
very own dock. The outer walls alone bristled with 300 arrow loops.
cadw.gov.wales
The trip across Telford’s bridge , crossing g the Menai Straits , is a bonus .
Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales – and perhaps his masterpiece.
Here Edward and his architect James of St George took full advantage of a blank canvas: the ‘beau mareys’ or ‘beautiful marsh’ beside the Menai Strait. By now they’d already constructed the great castles of Conwy, Caernarfon
and Harlech. This was to be their crowning glory, the castle to end all castles.
The result was a fortress of immense size and near-perfect symmetry. No fewer than four concentric rings of formidable defences included a water-filled moat with its
very own dock. The outer walls alone bristled with 300 arrow loops.
Beaumaris Castle | Cadw
Fortress of near-perfect symmetry is an unfinished masterpiece Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales – and perhaps his masterpiece. Here Edward and his architect James of St George...
cadw.gov.wales
The trip across Telford’s bridge , crossing g the Menai Straits , is a bonus .
Castle 18 Caernarfon Castle
The sunlight was wrong for this photo ,sorry , plus I didn’t go in, because visited recently. The castle is intact as you would expect .
Anyone remember A young Prince Charles’ investiture here ? If you did , it was probably on a black and white tv ?
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands
alone.
Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years and cost a staggering £25,000.
The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes. So of course its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault. But the polygonal
towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message.
cadw.gov.wales
The sunlight was wrong for this photo ,sorry , plus I didn’t go in, because visited recently. The castle is intact as you would expect .
Anyone remember A young Prince Charles’ investiture here ? If you did , it was probably on a black and white tv ?
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands
alone.
Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years and cost a staggering £25,000.
The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes. So of course its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault. But the polygonal
towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message.
Caernarfon Castle | Cadw
Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech...
cadw.gov.wales
Castle 19 Dolbadarn Castle
This involves riding the Llanberis pass with its menacing mountains of Snowdonia
Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd.
Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth
(Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley.
cadw.gov.wales
The ride from here to my next castle was a feast !
This involves riding the Llanberis pass with its menacing mountains of Snowdonia
Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd.
Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth
(Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley.
Dolbadarn Castle | Cadw
Welsh castle and solitary guardian of Eryri's (Snowdonia’s) Llanberis Pass Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth...
cadw.gov.wales
The ride from here to my next castle was a feast !
Castle 20 Dolwyddelan Castle
One of a group of fortresses built to command the
mountain passes, it stands as a lasting memorial to Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great. He was the undisputed ruler of Gwynedd from 1201 to his death in 1240.
But Dolwyddelan was finally conquered during the reign of his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by the English king Edward I. It marked a crucial stage in his relentless campaign to crush the Welsh once and for all.https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/dolwyddelan-castle
One of a group of fortresses built to command the
mountain passes, it stands as a lasting memorial to Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great. He was the undisputed ruler of Gwynedd from 1201 to his death in 1240.
But Dolwyddelan was finally conquered during the reign of his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by the English king Edward I. It marked a crucial stage in his relentless campaign to crush the Welsh once and for all.https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/dolwyddelan-castle
Keep ‘em coming…
Castle 21 Criccieth Castle
I’ve cancelled this one , because I’m running behind time to meet my best friend in the world , down in S Wales and Criccieth is taking me too far west .
Also cancelled are planned ;
Barmouth wooden bridge , Snowdon viewpoint , the mach loop ( excuse fir another day.
Also all of Wales gets 20mph speed limits in all towns and villages on 27 th September . In many places , the signs are already up, so I suppose that’s legal ?
At todays campsite , I met a guy doing the ‘Wales 500’
Also a fellow GSer came over , who lived where I was from . He currently lives in Nantwich or (Northwich) and is about to ride to Lake Bled. ( say hello if it’s you on here )
I’ve cancelled this one , because I’m running behind time to meet my best friend in the world , down in S Wales and Criccieth is taking me too far west .
Also cancelled are planned ;
Barmouth wooden bridge , Snowdon viewpoint , the mach loop ( excuse fir another day.
Also all of Wales gets 20mph speed limits in all towns and villages on 27 th September . In many places , the signs are already up, so I suppose that’s legal ?
At todays campsite , I met a guy doing the ‘Wales 500’
Also a fellow GSer came over , who lived where I was from . He currently lives in Nantwich or (Northwich) and is about to ride to Lake Bled. ( say hello if it’s you on here )
Castle 22 Harlech Castle
Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master
James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog and Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
cadw.gov.wales
Seven years … OMG
This castle has impressed me , perhaps more than any others
Some inviting spiral stairs ..
But I counted a never ending 143 steps up to the top of this tower :
This is the view down to the splendid cafe ;
But the panorama views were stunning
Now safe at yet another campsite ;
But on arrival I get a tyre pressure warning at 2.2bar ( was 2.9bar ) , from my new 1 week old rear tyre . I carry stuff so I’ll do more investigations tomorrow . Nothing obvious though .
Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master
James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog and Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
Castell Harlech | Cadw
None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular settingCastell Harlech crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
cadw.gov.wales
Seven years … OMG
This castle has impressed me , perhaps more than any others
Some inviting spiral stairs ..
But I counted a never ending 143 steps up to the top of this tower :
This is the view down to the splendid cafe ;
But the panorama views were stunning
Now safe at yet another campsite ;
But on arrival I get a tyre pressure warning at 2.2bar ( was 2.9bar ) , from my new 1 week old rear tyre . I carry stuff so I’ll do more investigations tomorrow . Nothing obvious though .
kenb
Registered user
Told you not to buy remouldsCastle 22 Harlech Castle
Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master
James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog and Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
Castell Harlech | Cadw
None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular settingCastell Harlech crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
Seven years … OMG
This castle has impressed me , perhaps more than any others
Some inviting spiral stairs ..
But I counted a never ending 143 steps up to the top of this tower :
This is the view down to the splendid cafe ;
But the panorama views were stunning
Now safe at yet another campsite ;
But on arrival I get a tyre pressure warning at 2.2bar ( was 2.9bar ) , from my new 1 week old rear tyre . I carry stuff so I’ll do more investigations tomorrow . Nothing obvious though .
Conti trail attack 2 again last week . Let’s see what the pressure is in the morning. I can’t fix though if I can’t see anything.
Day 5 444 miles
Last night retired with 32psi and this morning 29 psi (cold ) Note trip start was 42psi (2.9 bar )
So I’ve lost pressure very slowly.
I carry a mechanical guage because TPS , as y’all will know , does not read until you’ve ridden for a bit
1 st stop a fuel station for air ( I passed an Esso 0.2 miles away and their air line not working )
Plan , towards Cadair Idris today and eventually towards Aberystwyth ( if tyre help required )
Oh and meet my bestest friend .
Last night retired with 32psi and this morning 29 psi (cold ) Note trip start was 42psi (2.9 bar )
So I’ve lost pressure very slowly.
I carry a mechanical guage because TPS , as y’all will know , does not read until you’ve ridden for a bit
1 st stop a fuel station for air ( I passed an Esso 0.2 miles away and their air line not working )
Plan , towards Cadair Idris today and eventually towards Aberystwyth ( if tyre help required )
Oh and meet my bestest friend .
What a great start to my morning reading this RR. Keep it coming and ride safe!
Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk
So , first petrol station Dolgellau ( spelling ?) , “ there’s no working tyre machines around here for miles , busy go to the new one at Machynlleth 8-10 miles away
They took me , at 8 am , past the Mach Loop fab road and car park full !!!
Arrived at a new station ;
I’m in remote places with only one shot at air
Best try and fix in a safe location by an air line
Stop n Go here we go
Think fifth use !!!
Success ; passed the spit test
Big thanks to Tiger Nigel from Manchester who assisted pushing the introducer in ( stronger than me )
It was tough on a brand new tyre with 8mm tread !
Think I’ll go and hang around the Mach Loop for a little while
People there must know sumfink .
Tip for all who fail with Stop n Go ; essential to finish with a good tug back !
They took me , at 8 am , past the Mach Loop fab road and car park full !!!
Arrived at a new station ;
I’m in remote places with only one shot at air
Best try and fix in a safe location by an air line
Stop n Go here we go
Think fifth use !!!
Success ; passed the spit test
Big thanks to Tiger Nigel from Manchester who assisted pushing the introducer in ( stronger than me )
It was tough on a brand new tyre with 8mm tread !
Think I’ll go and hang around the Mach Loop for a little while
People there must know sumfink .
Tip for all who fail with Stop n Go ; essential to finish with a good tug back !
Last edited:
So , I rode back to the Mach Loop car park , which was rammed full at 8 am !!!
A knowledgeable guy from Knutsford said “ Cad East is the best”
Picture compression means that maybe you cannot see all of the spotters up there.
This road was a spirited ride and raised my tyre pressure 1 bar .
The next road was very minor , single width , goid tarmac but gravel in the middle
A knowledgeable guy from Knutsford said “ Cad East is the best”
Picture compression means that maybe you cannot see all of the spotters up there.
This road was a spirited ride and raised my tyre pressure 1 bar .
The next road was very minor , single width , goid tarmac but gravel in the middle
Castle 23 Castellated y Bere
Really worth this ‘more remote trip !
You are riding in empty Mach Loop lanes and here you see the familiar lake ( if you are a plane spotter );
Overhead flew whatever this small spec is ;
Castlell y Bere is remote but clearly attracts castle enthusiasts ; the car park ( 6 cars ) was full .
A 1//4 mile uphill walk through a forest ( in Sidi Adventure boots ) was ok and suddenly the castle appeared ;
It felt like an Inca place ( I jest )
Lots of pics now because stunning ;
There was a young girl student up there , from Michigan USA , who was researching “places for my parents to visit .”
It may be remote. But it’s a magnet for all castle lovers. Strung along a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris, Castell y Bere is especially good at evoking the spirit and atmosphere of Wales’s native castles. Built by Welsh ruler Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) to protect Gwynedd’s southern frontier, construction began in 1221 with the castle remaining in use until 1294.
cadw.gov.wales
Now cooling with an orange juice and lemonade by the sea :
Really worth this ‘more remote trip !
You are riding in empty Mach Loop lanes and here you see the familiar lake ( if you are a plane spotter );
Overhead flew whatever this small spec is ;
Castlell y Bere is remote but clearly attracts castle enthusiasts ; the car park ( 6 cars ) was full .
A 1//4 mile uphill walk through a forest ( in Sidi Adventure boots ) was ok and suddenly the castle appeared ;
Lots of pics now because stunning ;
There was a young girl student up there , from Michigan USA , who was researching “places for my parents to visit .”
It may be remote. But it’s a magnet for all castle lovers. Strung along a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris, Castell y Bere is especially good at evoking the spirit and atmosphere of Wales’s native castles. Built by Welsh ruler Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) to protect Gwynedd’s southern frontier, construction began in 1221 with the castle remaining in use until 1294.
Castell y Bere | Cadw
Architectural ingenuity and natural advantages combine in a must-visit Welsh-built fortressIt may be remote. But it’s a magnet for all castle lovers. Strung along a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris, Castell y Bere is especially good at evoking the spirit and...
cadw.gov.wales
Now cooling with an orange juice and lemonade by the sea :
Mach loop was busy today. I had lunch in The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd and saw several aircraft pass over.
https://goo.gl/maps/KAd1KjMuTeBHevkP6 - my route from near Oswestry. Weird at Criccieth. 27.5C with rain.
Whilst I was in Criccieth I asked Giles to take a snap for me
https://goo.gl/maps/KAd1KjMuTeBHevkP6 - my route from near Oswestry. Weird at Criccieth. 27.5C with rain.
Whilst I was in Criccieth I asked Giles to take a snap for me
Would kindly share the link.
I remember reading the article thinking that’s something
I remember reading the article thinking that’s something
This one?
Homepage | Cadw
We are the Welsh Government's historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.
I really meant the route, .gpx or similarThis one?
Homepage | Cadw
We are the Welsh Government's historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.
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