I’ll happily share the gpx route ( with errors corrected ) when complete .. if someone can instruct me how ?
50 Castles
- Thread starter GrinningGSer
- Start date
The Cardigan bay coast road has stunning views with delicious wild sandy beaches and often dunes .
However some areas are ruined my mobile homes . IMHO
The tarmac is the best anywhere and having witnessed their road building , the fresh tarmac is very thick . I’m sure there is a specification , different from what I experience in England ?
However , 20 mph zones now everywhere !
However some areas are ruined my mobile homes . IMHO
The tarmac is the best anywhere and having witnessed their road building , the fresh tarmac is very thick . I’m sure there is a specification , different from what I experience in England ?
However , 20 mph zones now everywhere !
Castle 24 Aberystwyth Castle
Aberystwyth Castle is a medieval fortress located in the coastal town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Wales. It was constructed in the late 13th century by King Edward I of England as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. The castle was strategically positioned to control and intimidate
the Welsh population.
The castle was designed in a concentric layout, with a central inner ward surrounded by a curtain wall and four massive round towers at each corner. It was built using local stone and featured a combination of defensive elements such as arrow loops, battlements, and a moat. The castle also included a Great Hall, residential buildings, and a chapel.
Throughout its history, Aberystwyth Castle witnessed numerous conflicts between the English and Welsh forces.
It was captured and recaptured several times, changing hands between the two sides. During the Welsh uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century, the castle was heavily damaged and fell into disrepair.
The coast ride here was fabulous.
Aberystwyth Castle is a medieval fortress located in the coastal town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Wales. It was constructed in the late 13th century by King Edward I of England as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. The castle was strategically positioned to control and intimidate
the Welsh population.
The castle was designed in a concentric layout, with a central inner ward surrounded by a curtain wall and four massive round towers at each corner. It was built using local stone and featured a combination of defensive elements such as arrow loops, battlements, and a moat. The castle also included a Great Hall, residential buildings, and a chapel.
Throughout its history, Aberystwyth Castle witnessed numerous conflicts between the English and Welsh forces.
It was captured and recaptured several times, changing hands between the two sides. During the Welsh uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century, the castle was heavily damaged and fell into disrepair.
Aberystwyth Castle - The Castles & Historic Houses of Wales
Aberystwyth Castle, built in the late 13th century, is a medieval fortress in Aberystwyth, Wales. Its concentric design featured round towers and defensive elements. Despite its ruins, visitors can explore the remains, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the town and Cardigan Bay.
castles.wales
The coast ride here was fabulous.
Castle 25 Cardigan Castle
Not much to see from the outside , other than walls and what looks like a posh restaurant ;
Plus it was closed !
However Cardigan is a favourite , especially the pizza place next to the lovely river , which I was told “ has otters and seals “
I’m coming back here !!!
Cardigan Castle (Welsh: Castell Aberteifi) is
a castle overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales. It is a Grade I listed building.
The castle dates from the late 11th-century,
though was rebuilt in 1244. Castle Green House was built inside the castle walls in the early 1800s. After falling into disrepair the castle was restored in the early 2000s and opened to the public in 2015.
en.wikipedia.org
Not much to see from the outside , other than walls and what looks like a posh restaurant ;
Plus it was closed !
However Cardigan is a favourite , especially the pizza place next to the lovely river , which I was told “ has otters and seals “
I’m coming back here !!!
Cardigan Castle (Welsh: Castell Aberteifi) is
a castle overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales. It is a Grade I listed building.
The castle dates from the late 11th-century,
though was rebuilt in 1244. Castle Green House was built inside the castle walls in the early 1800s. After falling into disrepair the castle was restored in the early 2000s and opened to the public in 2015.
Cardigan Castle - Wikipedia
Castle 26 Cilgerran Castle
Only a stones throw from Cardigan
Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.
Probably first built as a ‘ringwork’ castle in 1108 by the Norman adventurer Gerald of Windsor, Cilgerran changed hands many times over the next century or more.
It was only in 1223 when the dashing earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, built ‘an ornate castle of mortar and stones’ on top of the original site that Norman control stood firm. Despite the best efforts of Llywelyn and Gruffudd and Owain Glyndŵr, Cilgerran never again fell to the Welsh.
cadw.gov.wales
Now a fab campsite nearby ;
Only a stones throw from Cardigan
Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.
Probably first built as a ‘ringwork’ castle in 1108 by the Norman adventurer Gerald of Windsor, Cilgerran changed hands many times over the next century or more.
It was only in 1223 when the dashing earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, built ‘an ornate castle of mortar and stones’ on top of the original site that Norman control stood firm. Despite the best efforts of Llywelyn and Gruffudd and Owain Glyndŵr, Cilgerran never again fell to the Welsh.
Cilgerran Castle | Cadw
Spectacular castle that wasn’t quite as secure as the Normans hopedCilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.The perfect spot, you might have thought...
cadw.gov.wales
Now a fab campsite nearby ;
Day 5 580 miles and Stop n Go holding up well
Castle 27 Llawharden Castle
This castle has the best view from the road, as you descend from the north .I then couldn’t find it and need OS May consultation; more route correction needed to the gpx
This was originally built by the Bishop ‘lords ‘ of David’s.
Occupying a commanding location amongst serene forest and rolling farmland, Llawhaden’s unconventional mix of military and decorative features reveal its main purpose in life: that of a fortified mansion more than out-and-out
castle, designed as a residence for the wealthy bishops of St Davids who liked their home comforts.
cadw.gov.wales
Castle 27 Llawharden Castle
This castle has the best view from the road, as you descend from the north .I then couldn’t find it and need OS May consultation; more route correction needed to the gpx
This was originally built by the Bishop ‘lords ‘ of David’s.
Occupying a commanding location amongst serene forest and rolling farmland, Llawhaden’s unconventional mix of military and decorative features reveal its main purpose in life: that of a fortified mansion more than out-and-out
castle, designed as a residence for the wealthy bishops of St Davids who liked their home comforts.
Llawhaden Castle | Cadw
Forgotten castle-cum-mansion that stays in the memory It’s worth taking the short detour off the busy A40 as you drive through Pembrokeshire to visit this little-known castle. Occupying a commanding location amongst serene forest and rolling farmland, Llawhaden’s unconventional mix of military...
cadw.gov.wales
Castle 28 Picton Castle
Oops missed I completely
Oops missed I completely
Castle 28 Haverfordwest Castle
The castle was established during Norman times in 1120 but much of the architecture remaining today is dated to 1290. For centuries the castle was an English stronghold.
Not much to see with this one ; fenced off and building works .
The castle was established during Norman times in 1120 but much of the architecture remaining today is dated to 1290. For centuries the castle was an English stronghold.
Not much to see with this one ; fenced off and building works .
Castle 30 Pembroke Castle
n 1093, Arnulf of Montgomery built the first castle at the site when he fortified the promontory beside the Pembroke River during the Norman invasion of Wales.
[A century later, the castle was given by Richard I to William Marshal, who became one of the most powerful men in 12th-century Britain. He rebuilt Pembroke Castle in stone, creating most of the structure that remains today.
en.wikipedia.org
n 1093, Arnulf of Montgomery built the first castle at the site when he fortified the promontory beside the Pembroke River during the Norman invasion of Wales.
[A century later, the castle was given by Richard I to William Marshal, who became one of the most powerful men in 12th-century Britain. He rebuilt Pembroke Castle in stone, creating most of the structure that remains today.
Pembroke Castle - Wikipedia
Castle 31 Manorbier Castle
Wow what a surf beach opposite with lots if then surfing!
A fabulous location ; note must come back !
It was founded in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family. The castle was part of a mesne lordship under the control of the medieval Earls of Pembroke.
en.wikipedia.org
Wow what a surf beach opposite with lots if then surfing!
A fabulous location ; note must come back !
It was founded in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family. The castle was part of a mesne lordship under the control of the medieval Earls of Pembroke.
Manorbier Castle - Wikipedia
Castle 32 Tenby Castle
Tenby Castle was a fortification standing on a headland
separated by an isthmus from the town of Tenby,
Pembrokeshire, Wales. The remaining stone structure dates
from the 13th century but there are mentions of the castle
from as early as 1153. It is a Grade II* listed building.
en.wikipedia.org
Tenby ; stunning as expected ! I rode right trough the narrow streets , which will surely be closed soon to vehicular access !
We’re out of holiday season now , but it’s heaving with visitors .
So much to see and do in Tenby
Tenby Castle was a fortification standing on a headland
separated by an isthmus from the town of Tenby,
Pembrokeshire, Wales. The remaining stone structure dates
from the 13th century but there are mentions of the castle
from as early as 1153. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Tenby Castle - Wikipedia
Tenby ; stunning as expected ! I rode right trough the narrow streets , which will surely be closed soon to vehicular access !
We’re out of holiday season now , but it’s heaving with visitors .
So much to see and do in Tenby
Castle 33 Carew Castle
Carew Castle is justly celebrated as one of the most magnificent castles of south Wales. Its position is low-lying, but still prominent in the flat land around the tidal reaches of the Carew river. The castle stands at the end of a ridge at a strategically excellent site commanding a crossing point of the then-still navigable river.
Little now remains of the earth and timber castle that was built here by the Norman Gerald of Windsor around 1100. It is first mentioned in 1212, when for some reason, King John seized it for a short time when passing through Pembroke on his Irish expedition
Carew Castle is justly celebrated as one of the most magnificent castles of south Wales. Its position is low-lying, but still prominent in the flat land around the tidal reaches of the Carew river. The castle stands at the end of a ridge at a strategically excellent site commanding a crossing point of the then-still navigable river.
Little now remains of the earth and timber castle that was built here by the Norman Gerald of Windsor around 1100. It is first mentioned in 1212, when for some reason, King John seized it for a short time when passing through Pembroke on his Irish expedition
Castle 34 Narberth Castle
The current ruins are undoubtedly Norman and seem to date from the 13th century, having been built by Andrew Perrot. However the castle is mentioned in the third branch of the Mabinogi as the place where Rhiannon was imprisoned and forced to carry travellers through the gates as penance for killing her son. The Normans often built castles on top of earlier defensive structures and it is plausible that the original was obliterated.
en.wikipedia.org
Narberth ; bloody lovely little village and very busy too - which is good to see.
There’s a lovely cafe at the top end called Block and Barrel .
lDon’t ask anybody here where the castle is because it’s not signposted and it’s fenced off . However , a resident opposite told me to squeeze through the gaps :
The road here is a fast , national speed limit , with lots of curves, hills and open spaces . A good time to practice your countersteering !
Here I met Grahame Hurd-Wood ,an Artist ,from St David’s Artist. Here is his Harley .
The current ruins are undoubtedly Norman and seem to date from the 13th century, having been built by Andrew Perrot. However the castle is mentioned in the third branch of the Mabinogi as the place where Rhiannon was imprisoned and forced to carry travellers through the gates as penance for killing her son. The Normans often built castles on top of earlier defensive structures and it is plausible that the original was obliterated.
Narberth Castle - Wikipedia
Narberth ; bloody lovely little village and very busy too - which is good to see.
There’s a lovely cafe at the top end called Block and Barrel .
lDon’t ask anybody here where the castle is because it’s not signposted and it’s fenced off . However , a resident opposite told me to squeeze through the gaps :
The road here is a fast , national speed limit , with lots of curves, hills and open spaces . A good time to practice your countersteering !
Here I met Grahame Hurd-Wood ,an Artist ,from St David’s Artist. Here is his Harley .
After a lovely sunset in Cardigan
Day 7
Castle 35 Laugharne Castle
Pronounced “Larne”
I first saw this in a BBC thriller called Faith or Finding Faith
After centuries of conflict between Welsh and Anglo-Normans, Laugharne was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. He turned the dilapidated 13th-century castle into a residence fit for a gentleman
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit laugharne-castle
Day 7
Castle 35 Laugharne Castle
Pronounced “Larne”
I first saw this in a BBC thriller called Faith or Finding Faith
After centuries of conflict between Welsh and Anglo-Normans, Laugharne was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. He turned the dilapidated 13th-century castle into a residence fit for a gentleman
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit laugharne-castle
Castle 36 Llanstephan Castle
This headland castle overlooking the green farmlands, swirling sea and gleaming sands of the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay, boasts one of the most stunning locations in Wales.
That’s not to say that the stronghold itself is lacking in interest. Llansteffan, which controlled an important river crossing, occupies a site that has been defended since prehistoric times. Its rough stone walls, dating from the late 12th century, enclose an Iron Age promontory fort
occupied in 600 BC.
A beautiful secluded beach !
This headland castle overlooking the green farmlands, swirling sea and gleaming sands of the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay, boasts one of the most stunning locations in Wales.
That’s not to say that the stronghold itself is lacking in interest. Llansteffan, which controlled an important river crossing, occupies a site that has been defended since prehistoric times. Its rough stone walls, dating from the late 12th century, enclose an Iron Age promontory fort
occupied in 600 BC.
A beautiful secluded beach !
Castle 37 Carmarthen Castle
First built by Walter, Sheriff of Gloucester in the early 1100s, the castle was captured and destroyed on several occasions before being rebuilt in stone during the 1190s. The castle was captured by Owain Glyndŵr in 1405.Henry VII's father died at Carmarthen Castle in 1456. During the Wars of the Roses the castle fell to William Herbert and, during the Civil War, was captured
by Parliamentary forces. It was dismantled by order of Oliver Cromwell in the mid 1600s.
en.wikipedia.org
The restricted shopping road appears lovely also!
First built by Walter, Sheriff of Gloucester in the early 1100s, the castle was captured and destroyed on several occasions before being rebuilt in stone during the 1190s. The castle was captured by Owain Glyndŵr in 1405.Henry VII's father died at Carmarthen Castle in 1456. During the Wars of the Roses the castle fell to William Herbert and, during the Civil War, was captured
by Parliamentary forces. It was dismantled by order of Oliver Cromwell in the mid 1600s.
Carmarthen Castle - Wikipedia
The restricted shopping road appears lovely also!
Castle 38 Dryslwyn
Founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the verdant Tywi Valley, Dryslwyn was once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.Not much is known about its early history, but in 1287 it was the scene of a significant conflict between Welsh and English forces. In response to an uprising by Welsh lord
Rhys ap Maredudd, 11,000 English troops were dispatched to lay siege to the castle.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit dryslwyn-castle
Founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the verdant Tywi Valley, Dryslwyn was once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.Not much is known about its early history, but in 1287 it was the scene of a significant conflict between Welsh and English forces. In response to an uprising by Welsh lord
Rhys ap Maredudd, 11,000 English troops were dispatched to lay siege to the castle.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit dryslwyn-castle
Great report, great routes & a great country - most enjoyable read & pics.
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