Harlech and Criccieth castles

We headed north this morning to see some of the action in North Wales.

First, we stopped in the town of Barmouth, where we thought it might rain.  Barmouth boasts a sandy beach that would fit Australian standards, but the day needed to be hotter to be more appealing as a place to come and swim.  After having coffee in a cafe, it fined up a little, and we pressed on.

We arrived at Harlech Castle, constructed in the late 13th century by King Edward I to defend his rule over the rebellious Welsh.

When we visited last year, there was a rubbishy old temporary bridge leading into the castle.  In the meantime, this nice new one has been built for the admission of tourists.

Inside Harlech Castle...

Carolyn, Neil and Jean outside the main wall.

Atop one of the walk walls.  There are great views from here to Snowdonia National Park.

The main residence inside Harlech Castle

This was the Great Hall.

After Harlech, we drove on to Criccieth where another castle ruin sits at the top of a hill.  Another King Edward I innovation, the castle was meant to suppress the Welsh.  In the long, long term, though, Èdward I's medieval construction of castles is an asset.  It helps bring in the tourists! 

The town of Criccieth from Criccieth Castle.

This is Neil, biting into a piece of British culture - the iconic pork pie!  He took a bit of convincing, though, that the pork pie is eaten cold.