UNITED KINGDOM - Wales

Location - Western Europe; Capital - Wales - Cardiff; Population - Wales - 3 million; Currency - Pound Sterling MORE UK - WALES

From Dolgellau it was back towards Machynlleth but this time stopping at Tal-y-Llyn, then west along the valley to Tywyn and Aberdyfi. I retraced my steps north to Barmouth and Harlech, before making my way inland to Llangollen - April/May 2017

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Located between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, and sheltered below the peak of Cadair Idris is the attractive Tal-y-llyn

It's a peaceful walk along the northern shore through farmland tracks - Tal-y-llyn

On the right is Ty'n y Cornel Hotel which has a bar restaurant. Close by is the Pen-y-Bont Hotel which also has a bar - Tal-y-llyn

Follow the Tal-y-Llyn valley westwards from the lake to Dolgoch Falls where there's forested walks and a small cafe

And of course, being Wales there's a steam railway covering the valley route to Tywyn - Dolgoch Falls

There's not much at Tywyn except for a wide beach

Aberdyfi, just south of Tywyn and on the main trainline, is a coastal town with a picturesque setting

There's another wide stretch of beach at Aberdyfi (called Aberdovey in English). Plus several dead jellyfish..

The seafront has ice cream parlours, cafes, restaurants and guesthouses - Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi translates to Dyfi estuary and this is the Dyfi River flowing out to the Irish Sea

There's a pretty high tidal flow along the coast, and here the sea has gone walkies back to the ocean - Aberdyfi

Reverting to type, I present my pet photo of boats on a shimmering sea - Aberdyfi

Approaching Barmouth via the lovely sweep of sand at Fairbourne, on the opposite side of the Mawddach River

A challenge to Llanfair PG's rather long name is this one, a stop on (another!) steam railway at Fairbourne

Crossing the bridge over the Mawddach River heading to Barmouth

I really like this picture, where storm clouds are gathering over the Mawddach Estuary - Barmouth

The rail and pedestrian bridge over the Mawddach - Barmouth

Barmouth harbour and the Irish Sea - Barmouth

Although the town itself is nothing special, Barmouth has a great setting alongside the Mawddach Estuary, as well as having a good beach

Wide beaches seem to be the norm around here - Barmouth

On the slopes above town is the old quarter, with the bridge in the background - Barmouth

Definitely seek out the Panorama Viewpoint, a short but steep walk from the town centre with glorious views of the Mawddach Estuary - Barmouth

It took 30-40mins to get here and seeing the Mawddach River is well worth it - Barmouth

The peninsula at Fairbourne is the location of the very short ferry crossing to Barmouth

I used Barmouth as a base and retraced my steps along the coast northwards to Harlech. I'm sure everyone knows this is the Welsh dragon! Of course you do..

And naturally Harlech has a wide beach, a 10minute walk from the train station, alongside the golf course

But the main reason for visiting Harlech is its castle

13th century Harlech Castle is another of King of England Edward I's campaign against the Welsh - Harlech

When the castle was built it was protected by the Irish Sea, but as the waters receded it's now about 1.5km inland, perched above the coastal plain - Harlech

Across Tremadog Bay the slopes of Snowdonia National Park appear again - Harlech

Climb the steps of the south west tower for the highest views - Harlech

The unique and colourful Welsh flag (Y Ddraig Goch) flies over the castle - Harlech

Earlier in my trip I took a picture of Harlech from Criccieth Castle, and here I do the same in reverse. This is Criccieth Castle from Harlech's south west tower - Harlech

Welsh flags fly over the gatehouse turrets - Harlech

From Barmouth there's direct buses to Bala and onwards to Llangollen. This is Llyn Tegid, also known as Bala Lake

On the road to Llangollen is Corwen, home to a 2007 statue of Owain Glyndwr, the last native Prince of Wales who was born around AD1349-1359 somewhere in north east Wales

Legend has it that Glyndwr threw his dagger from Pen-y-Pigyn, a hillside above Corwen. The viewpoint is marked by a monument to commemorate the marriage of Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1863

The dagger is said to have left its mark on the St Mael and St Sulien's Church below - Corwen

I love this smiling Welsh dragon adorning a mobile dentist unit - Corwen

A short bus ride further on is the attractive valley town of Llangollen. Again the actual town is nothing special but its setting and surrounds are superb

This must the most popular photo opp in town, from the bridge crossing the River Dee. The popular Corn Mill bar restaurant is on the left - Llangollen

I went to a Plas Newydd in Anglesey and this is another - unrelated - one, home to two Irish ladies (and elopers?) in the 18th century - Llangollen

The Llangollen Canal runs parallel to the Dee River on its way from the Horseshoe Falls, passing the Chainbridge Hotel on the way - Llangollen

The Horseshoe Falls isn't really a waterfall, rather it marks the diverting of water from the Dee River to the canal. Plus it's a pretty walk along the towpath, about 45mins from the town centre - Llangollen

Up the hill from the Horseshoe Falls are the ruins of the 13th century Valle Crucis Abbey - Llangollen

Valle Crucis Abbey, built in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor - Llangollen

More ruins come in the form of Castell Dinas Bran (Crow Castle), but it's the hilltop location that's the lure - Llangollen

Brilliant views of Llangollen and the surrounding countryside from Castell Dinas Bran, a steep 45min walk from Llangollen

A big tourist draw is a barge trip on the Llangollen Canal combined with a crossing of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Llangollen

And this is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site lifting the canal over the River Dee - Llangollen

A boat crosses the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38m above the River Dee which flows underneath. Mind the drop! Llangollen

There's plenty of boat trips cruising the canal and aqueduct, a relaxing way to pass a few hours in a picturesque setting - Llangollen

Walking the tree-lined road through the grounds of Chirk Castle - Chirk

13th century Chirk Castle was, like many of the castles in north Wales, among Enlgish King Edwards I's ring of fortresses. No more castles, that's it! For now anyway.. - Chirk

The thatched Hawk House in the castle gardens - Chirk

Carry on past the Hawk House to a panoramic viewpoint, where the rolling hills of north Wales cross into England - Chirk

The best photo of Ruabon I managed! Not a lot there, but this marked the end of my trip home to north Wales, with a change of train and back to London

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LINKS

www.visitwales.com - Wales tourist board

www.northwales.co.uk - guide to north Wales

www.gonorthwales.co.uk -

www.snowdonrailway.co.uk - take a train up Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain

www.snowdon.com - more info on Snowdon

www.visitmidwales.co.uk - guide to mid Wales

www.tourism.powys.gov.uk - another site focussed on mid Wales

www.southernwales.com - guide to south Wales

www.walestourism.com

www.visitbritain.com - Britain's official tourism website

www.britainexpress.com

www.thetrainline.com - train information across Britain

www.traveline.cymru - Wales public transport journey planner

www.nationalexpress.com - National Express coaches cover Britain

I am not responsible for the content of external websites.