Trefor Quarry
Trefor Quarry
Trefor Quarry
Why not start in Trefor? Trefor was built around the local granite quarry, and you are staying in a quarryman's cottage.
The Trefor granite quarry was opened in 1850. and owned by ‘The Welsh Granite Co. Ltd’. In 1911 the Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan quarries were joined with the Eifl ones to form the ‘Penmaenmawr and Welsh Granite Co. Ltd’.
In 1873 steam locomotives were introduced to work in the quarry and along the ½ mile long section from the foot of the quarry incline to the loading pier at Trefor Beach. Trefor quarry developed to be the world’s biggest granite quarry, and by 1931 had produced 1,157,000 tons of setts. The quarry finally closed in 1965 but the main structures all remain, and you can walk up to them and explore the area to this day.
"the Nant"
Trefor Quarry
Trefor Quarry
Nant Gwrtheyrn or “the Nant” as it is often called, is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre. It is a a fascinating place located in a former quarrying village just along the coast from Trefor but be aware the road to it will test those who suffer from vertigo in one short section!
There is a Heritage Centre which houses displays about the Welsh language and culture, as well as the history of the village which includes a period house. There is also a cafe and restaurant with great views over the sea and quality food, normally open from around 11-4pm.
Pilgrims Way
Criccieth Castle
Criccieth Castle
A long time ago pilgrims in their thousands were finding their way to Bardsey Island, drawn to the place where the sun sets over the watery horizon at the end of the world.
Today the North Wales Pilgrims Way has been waymarked from Holywell in Flintshire, running 135 miles along the northern Llyn coast. The route ends at Porth Meudwy, the original embarkation point for Bardsey from where you can still catch a boat for a day trip to the island.
Its also possible if you take a liking to Bardsey to book accomodation and stay there overnight. Worth checking before you make the trip as poor weather can cause boat trip cancellations.
Criccieth Castle
Criccieth Castle
Criccieth Castle
Criccieth is truly a castle to capture the imagination. Crowning its own rocky headland between two beaches it commands astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay. No wonder Turner felt moved to paint it.
By then it was a picturesque ruin – destroyed by one of Wales’s most powerful medieval princes, Owain Glyndŵr. But it was built by two of his illustrious predecessors. First Llywelyn the Great created the immense gatehouse flanked by D-shaped stone towers. Then his grandson, Llywelyn the Last, added the outer ward, curtain walls and two new towers.
Still this craggy fortress wasn’t enough to withstand the invasion of Edward I. The English king made a few improvements of his own, equipping the north tower with a stone-throwing machine to deter Welsh attacks. It was still in English hands in 1404 when the towers were burnt red by Owain Glyndŵr. Without a garrison to protect it, the town became entirely Welsh once more.
The beach is run by the Welsh government and you can visit their webpage for this castle by clicking the button below
Caernarfon Castle
Tre'r Ceiri Hillfort
Tre'r Ceiri Hillfort
Caernarfon is home to Wales’ most famous castle and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mighty Caernarfon Castle commands the lion’s share of attention, but the town’s narrow streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront also merit a visit.
The castle, built in the 13th century by Edward I as a royal palace and military fortress, was at the core of a medieval walled town. The Romans left their mark too – 1000 years earlier they constructed their fort of Segontium on the hill above and its foundations still exist today.
Tre'r Ceiri Hillfort
Tre'r Ceiri Hillfort
Tre'r Ceiri Hillfort
Tre'r Ceiri hillfort dominates the Llyn Peninsula from the easternmost summit of the three-peaks of Yr Eifl.
Looking down from a scree-strewn summit at a height of 485m O.D., Tre'r Ceiri is one of the best preserved Iron Age hillforts in Britain where round houses, gateways and ramparts can be seen in a remarkably intact condition. Inner and outer walls still stand up to 3.5m high in some places.
Park in the layby on the B1147 west of Llanaelhaearn. Its a steep walk up but well worth it. Generally pretty quiet but the views alone are worth the climb.