Dec 30 2016 - Jan 3 2017
We started our road trip around Wales by driving from Cardiff to Swansea, along many windy, narrow roads. Swansea didn't have much to offer. We stopped only for a toilet break and a brief wander around the market.
We then spent the rest of the day on the Gower peninsula. First we walked around Mumbles Hill to see foggy views of the coast.
By the time we reached three cliffs bay, the fog had largely cleared.
Our last stop for the day was Rhossili Bay, rated the most beautiful beach in the UK. While it was still quite foggy there, we managed to get decent views of the coast and its local sheep.
A short walk took us further along the coast for more stunning views and a wicked sunset.
We spent day two exploring the Pembrokeshire area, starting off with Pembroke Castle. It's biggest claim to fame is that Henry the 8th was born there! We found out that a cousin of William the Conquerer, who we are distantly related to, once lived in the castle too... So basically, the castle is OURS. Amazing.
Next up, the lily pad lake with no lily pads! We didn't really consider the fact that the lily pads would only be there in summer... But regardless, the walk around Bosherston was wonderfully picturesque.
A little bit further down the coast, we found beautiful coast line offered a nice short walk to see the rock formations, including a 'bridge.' Pretty!
While there, we froze our fingers attempting to eat lunch at a park bench. (Note to self: get gloves!) Therefore we figured hot chocolate was a must at our last stop for the day, the adorable town of Tenby. Once we were suitably warmed with chocolatey goodness, we admired the gorgeous colourful streets of Tenby and the huge, stunning beach accompanied by a castle on an island! Cute.
Once it gets dark there's not much to do, so we spent the afternoon relaxing at our little inn, in the middle of nowhere.
To celebrate New Years Eve we headed back to Tenby for dinner, drinks and fireworks.
Our third day on the road was a bit of a flop. After what felt like a very long morning of driving, we stopped at Llynau Cregennen to take in the view. The wind was sooo cold that we only lasted a few minutes. But it was beautiful - and this was our first taste of Snowdonia National Park!
Katie then found a random waterfall on the map that we decided we'd go check out. However...the road was awful, we had a little hiccup with the car and then once we were eventually "there" we discovered it was an hour walk each way to the waterfall. Given that we didn't even know what we would find at this waterfall, we ended up skipping it! All that effort for nothing.
We stopped at Llyn Trawsfynydd, a beautiful lake, for lunch.
The next waterfall was a bit more successful. Swallow Falls. Quite pretty.
Further along the same road we found Llynau Mymbyr, another lake with mountain views. This was stunning! The sun was just starting to set and finally our day was looking up.
We found two more beautiful sunset views, which the photos do not do justice at all!
When we arrived at the hostel, we were told that check in wasn't til 5pm, so we had half an hour or so to kill. The hostel staff kindly suggested that we walk along one of the paths that lead up to Mt Snowdon (not the whole way though, obviously) A good little taster.
The next day, at last, it was time to hike to the peak! Or, almost the peak, as the case may be...
We hiked up the Pyg track which offered continually stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
When we got to the last section, where the walking become more like rock climbing and the ground was covered in snow and ice, Katie wisely chose to head back. I, however, continued on for a little while. When I'd had a few minor slips and saw that everyone started putting on their cramp-ons...I thought perhaps it was time to give up. So close..yet so far!
On the way down we took the Miner's Track which was a steep decent and then a nice easy flat path most of the way, following various lakes and landing us right back at the hostel.
So...I didn't make it to the top! It's now on my to do list for the summer.
Our final day in Wales included a flat tyre, many wrong turns, and a missed bus to London. Oops. But we made it eventually.
Stay beautiful, Wales. I'll be back!
