29th April 2018

Dear All,

We have had an enjoyable five days in north Wales and the weather was kinder than back home with only one partially wet day. We drove up on Sunday together with Jutta, a German lady who lost her husband about 3 years ago, stopping en route at Chirk Castle near Wrexham. It was built between 1295 and 1310 in the time of Edward 1^st to subdue the Welsh and has survived in excellent condition. It has spacious grounds, a formal garden and well preserved inside rooms.

Chirk Castle

The Saloon

We eventually arrived at The Princes Arms, Trefwir about 3 miles north of Betws y Coed with a magnificent view over the Conwy valley. One of our group (of 24) had been at catering college with the host so had made all the arrangements. The hotel was comfortable and the food excellent.

The Princes Arms, Trefwir

On Monday we started a walk from the hotel and skirted two local lakes: Crafnant and Geirionydd before arriving back in Trefwir via the Fairy Falls.

The Crafnant Valley

Fairy Falls, Trefwir

On Tuesday we drove to Conwy and walked up to Conwy Mountain taking in the Sychnant Pass. The weather deteriorated after midday and we arrived back in Conwy cold and damp. In the evening our catering managed arranged a Spanish themed meal complete with wine to match each course.

Conwy & Llandudno from Conwy Mountain

We had a free day on Wednesday and returned to Bodnant Gardens which we visited 3 years ago. It is one of the best gardens I have been to as it has natural features with a cliff, stream and numerous lakes which have been attractively planted and at this time of year the azaleas, magnolias and tulips were at their best.

Bodnant Gardens

In the afternoon we explored Conwy walking the walls and visiting Plas Mawr a fine Elizabethan townhouse.

Plas Mawr, Conwy

Thursday began with an interesting drive 19 miles to the NE for a river valley walk. We had a convoy of six cars and met a car and lorry on the first narrow bridge so had the back off. The leader then took a wrong turn which meant finding a turning place for the convoy then took a route through some of the narrowest lanes that I have driven. The walk began at Llanefydd not far from Rhyl and eventually had fine views of Colwyn Bay. Although advertised as a river walk it involved a fair amount of climbing but the views made it worthwhile.

River Elwis valley, Llanefydd

The journey back on Friday was rather tedious as it rained nonstop and there were numerous road works and traffic lights.

It was back to earth on Saturday with the Street Pastors AGM, Kate was helping cater at a Lego afternoon at chapel and we were invited to share an Indian meal in St Ives to celebrate Bob Kitson’s birthday.

Love

Mike & Kate