Saturday 1 oct 2011, with Mages, Jin and Harpal, we went to Conwy to see Conwy Castle and the surrounding area. The four of us are really a mixture of races representing Malaysia though Harpal is really a British citizen - Malay, Chinese, India and Punjabi. Mages drove this time as she
is familiar with the road.
Both Mages and Harpal had prepared picnic baskets for all of us. After 2 hours drive we arrived at Conwy marina and spread out picnic mat to enjoy breakfast on the green grass by the road with Conwy castle as the background.
We chose not to enter the castle proper but went to the castle ground and walked on the castle wall which surrounded the town. I could imagine how the castle guards manned the castle by keeping enemies away. The castle was built as ordered by King Edward 1 of England in 1283. Being high up above the ground, they could see any marauding enemies from the sea as well as from land. The walking path on the wall is quite long, narrow, winding and up and down all the way. Seemed like we were walking on mini Great wall of China.
The whole wall surrounds the town with 8 big circular towers and 4 smaller ones. It's quite a test to weak knees. We were concerned over Mages' troubled knees but she seemed to be OK, resting every now and then.
The bird's eye view from the castle is so amazing which can reach as far as the eye could see because the day was clear and sunny. It's situated near Conwy river estuary which has turned to a marina with tourist boats aplenty.
Conwy surrounding taken from the castle wall.
The sea and the hills protected the castle from enemies during old days. This is one of the best preserved castle in North Wales. Now the town is bustling with tourists.
The colourful backyard of house owners near the castle, taken from castle wall.
Taken from castle wall walk overlooking a pretty garden of a Bed & Breakfast.
The four of us at Conwy castle wall with the marina as background.
After walking the castle wall we walked along Conwy Quay to see the marina, old buildings, restaurants and the main attraction - 'the Smallest House in Great Britain' which can accommodate only 4 people in a tight squeeze but to enter one has to pay a fee of 4 British pounds.
The Conwy marina taken fron castle wall.
The new town is also bustling with tourists with hotels, shops and restaurant. Jin stopped to shop and I went around to take photos.
The old Edwards building still standing in the town near the castle.
When everyone has finished we walked toward the car park but none of us remember whici one. So began the long walk looking for the car park. Finally after all feet were tired we found it, with a big sigh of relief.
But our visit didn't stop there. Mages drove us back towards Snowdonia to a town called Betsw-y-Coed. We didin't even know how to say the word which is in Welsh.
Another pretty town in north Wales with pretty scenery - Betws-y-Coed.
The calm river enjoyed by visitors during sunny days at Betsw-y-Coed.
Our day wasn't complete for Mages who has to stop at her friend's house to deliver muffins freshly baked by her the night before. We went home tired and happy. Thank you Mages for making our stay with you an enjoyable one.
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