I went out for an evening stroll through the foxglove-filled Pen-y-coed woodlands. I climbed up to the top of the hill overlooking Llangollen to explore the dramatic Castell Dinas Bran ruins.
It was a Sunday afternoon, the weather was perfect, and as I stepped off the bus the place was positively bustling. It was just a two minute walk and then I was at LLANGOLLEN HOSTEL. I quickly checked in and then went to buy something for supper from the garage across the road. Once sorted I then headed to the Bull Inn on the high street to watch the remaining sets of the Wimbledon men’s singles final. A great atmosphere had built up in there by the time that Andy Murray eventually got round to sealing his victory.
Back in the hostel I had a speedy bite to eat but was soon out again for an evening stroll through the foxglove-filled Pen-y-coed woodlands. That still wasn’t enough though, so I climbed up to the top of the hill overlooking Llangollen to explore the dramatic Castell Dinas Bran ruins. It was a lovely evening so I waited until well after the sun had gone down before returning to Llangollen for the night.
Monday dawned fair again and I was up with the lark to catch an early bus from Llangollen to Glyndyfrdwy. All set for a full day’s walking, I was glad to be making tracks already because it was shaping up to be another scorcher. A long, peaceful lane climbed steadily to the open moorland. After that it was mile after mile with not another soul in sight, and dry conditions underfoot led me up to my main objective, Cadair Berwyn. Unfortunately I had to turn back at this point, but if I’d have continued an hour further I would have reached the highest waterfall in Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr. Well worth a visit if you have a chance when you are staying around Llangollen!
I started my long descent to Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog now and did my good deed for the day, rescuing a sheep trapped in a swamp on Mynydd Tarw. Llanarmon really was a beautiful little village. I would have loved to have stopped for a pint at The Hand inn, but it was still a long return hike to Llangollen. I was back at Llangollen hostel by late evening, just in time to see Beth, who had been on duty, and fill her in on some of my days events.
Tuesday, I passed the morning by with a round of the local Horseshoe Pass hills, but made sure that I was back down in plenty of time to witness the annual International Musical Eisteddfod Parade of Nations through the centre of town. This was without a doubt the highlight of my three day visit and I have a little video clip uploaded to youtube to give a taster of what it was like to be there.
Many thanks to Arlo and Beth for hosting me at their splendid hostel and for their warm Welsh welcome at Llangollen Hostel (Croeso Cynnes Cymreig). I look forward to investigating more of the bunkhouses and hostels around Llangollen.
