North Wales Adventure

Today, we docked in Holyhead, the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey off the northwestern tip of Wales. After tendering to the pier, we joined Elaine and the rest of our group on a private tour of North Wales with BusyBus. It was nice to spread out in the minibus, instead of a smaller van.

Arriving in Holyhead

We Really Need To Learn To Take Selfies

We crossed the island of Anglesey and made our way to the Mainland, known as North Wales.

The town of Caernarfon was our first stop, and my first impression was the commanding presence of Caernarfon Castle, which dominates the walled old town. Begun in 1283, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and a Royal Palace. The castle is impressive, with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements, and color-banded masonry. Although part of the castle is undergoing restoration, we were able to tour the interior.

The Exterior Walls of Caernarfon Castle Are Massive

Inside the Castle Walls

"Off With His Head," Say I - Our Companions Agree

Most of the Walls and Towers Enclosing the Old Town Have Survived

I was most looking forward to the next part of our tour – a drive through Snowdonia National Park, an experience for which BusyBus has won awards. Snowdonia is Britain’s second-largest national park, and Mount Snowdon is taller than any other mountain in Wales or England.

BusyBus promised to use carefully selected routes to take us off the beaten track and to viewpoints of wonder. After passing countless scenic landscapes of tranquil pastures, rugged hillsides, glacial valleys, and mountain lakes, I would have to agree that the company delivered. The scenery was spectacular, but I’m so disappointed with the quality of the photographs I was able to take through the bus windows. I’m still going to include them to remember this magnificent place.

Dramatic Mountain Lakes

Rugged Hillsides and Sheep

Is That Our Road?

Gorgeous Valleys

Everything Is So Green

An Amazing Landscape

We emerged from picturesque natural scenery to a picturesque town when we stopped in Betws-y-Coed. Surrounded by wooded hills, located along a lovely stretch of the River Conwy, and graced with handsome stone buildings, the town is a delight, and it was nice to be able to explore a bit. The old stone bridge is especially lovely.

Betws-y-Coed Stone Bridge

Scenes in Betws-y-Coed

If I thought our earlier drive through Snowdonia National Park was gorgeous, I was totally blown away when we stopped at the Ogwen Valley for another walk around. I’ve seen many beautiful valleys over the years, but this one ranks near the top. Just breathtaking!

The Breathtaking Ogwen Valley

The Ogwen Valley Is Framed by Rugged Hillsides

LLyn Ogwen

The Ogwen Valley Keeps Providing Gorgeous Landscapes

On the way back to our ship, we stopped at the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, one of North Wales’s favorite photo ops. This town has one of the longest names in the world, so everyone had to pose in front of its famous railway station. And, no, I can’t pronounce the name!

An Extra-Long Sign Was Required to Fit the Name