RIKOLA Travel blog
The travel journals of a middle age couple
Sygun sits in a row of stone cottages on the 200-acre Craflwyn estate, a perfect place for a walking holiday. The cottages were once the hall’s stable block, and have been reimagined as cosy accommodation for rest and relaxation at the end of a day exploring. You’ll be surrounded by a landscape of rivers, lakes, wild heath and wooded valleys, steeped in myth and legend.Sygun’s small, open-plan living space has everything you need for a simple and comfortable stay.
Size & Geography: Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom, located in southwest Great Britain. It has a total area of 20,779 square kilometers (8,023 sq mi). Wales is bordered by England to the east, the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea to the west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.XX
Population: As of 2020, the estimated population of Wales is approximately 3.2 million people, with a population density of about 81 people per square kilometer (210 people per square mile).
Wales has a rich and varied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mesolithic era. The Romans invaded Wales in the 1st century AD, and the country was later conquered by the Normans in the 11th century. Wales became part of the Kingdom of England in the 13th century, but it maintained a degree of autonomy and cultural identity. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Wales experienced significant industrial growth, particularly in the coal mining and ironworking industries. Today, Wales is a devolved nation within the United Kingdom, with its own government and a strong sense of national identity.
A Day trip to Anglesey - Island Explorations: Puffin Island Wildlife and the Grandeur of Beaumaris
Hopping across the water to Anglesey always promises a change of pace, and a coastal boat trip is arguably the best way to experience its rich marine surroundings.
Setting off on the boat trip round Puffin Island, we quickly discovered it wasn’t quite puffin season. Even without the colorful little seabirds making their seasonal appearance, the island and its waters were teeming with life.
As we drifted along the rugged coastline, we were treated to fantastic sightings of:
Oystercatchers darting along the water’s edge
Shags and cormorants drying their wings against the rocks
Seagulls wheeling gracefully overhead
A delightful bonus: several sleeping seals bobbing or resting peacefully near the shoreline
It is a beautifully small, rugged island that packs an incredible punch for wildlife lovers, making the boat trip well worth the effort.
Back on dry land, we squeezed in a very quick visit to Beaumaris Castle.
A Quick History of Beaumaris: Begun in 1295 by King Edward I during his campaign to dominate North Wales, Beaumaris was designed by the brilliant military architect Master James of St George. Conceived as the ultimate concentric castle—featuring a near-perfect symmetrical “walls-within-walls” defense system—it was intended to be the crown jewel of Edward’s “iron ring” of fortresses. However, soaring costs and mounting conflicts in Scotland meant funds dried up in the 1330s, leaving it forever unfinished. Despite never reaching its planned height, its ingenious symmetry and architectural brilliance earned it a well-deserved status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Navigating the historic stone steps called for a bit of extra alertness—especially since someone managed to trip up the stairs mid-visit! Fortunately, quick reflexes and absolute priority meant the gadgetaria was saved from a catastrophic meeting with medieval flagstones
Conquering the Heights: The Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan Hike
Sometimes the best adventures are waiting right on your doorstep. If you are looking for a route that tests your stamina, rewards you with jaw-dropping Welsh scenery, and ends with the ultimate comfort food, look no further than the Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan circular walk.
Clocking in at a tough 7 miles of proper up-and-down mountain terrain, this walk is no gentle stroll—it is a leg-burning, heart-pumping expedition that delivers on every single front.
The trail wastes no time in getting down to business. Leaving the flatter ground behind, the path immediately begins its ascent into the rugged landscape. Every step upward brings a wider view of the dramatic valleys below, reminding you just how wild and untamed this part of Wales truly is.
As we navigated the rocky tracks, the route led us past a fascinating piece of local industrial heritage: an old disused copper mill. Standing silently against the backdrop of the mountains, it’s a striking reminder of the area’s rich mining past, slowly being reclaimed by the moss, ferns, and restless weather of Snowdonia.
From the mill ruins, the path winds its way alongside a beautiful, rushing stream. There is something undeniably therapeutic about the sound of clear mountain water tumbling over stones, accompanying you step-for-step as you navigate the varying terrain.
Further along the route, the trail weaves past the famous statue and site connected to Bedd y Ci (The Grave of the Hound).
The Legend of Bedd y Ci: Steeped in Welsh folklore, the story tells of Llywelyn the Great’s faithful hound, Gelert (though local tradition also preserves variations tied to faithful hounds of the region). Legend has it that the prince returned from a hunt to find his baby’s cradle overturned and the dog’s muzzle covered in blood. Believing the hound had attacked his son, a grief-stricken Llywelyn thrust his sword into Gelert. Moments later, he discovered the child safe and sound, alongside the body of a massive wolf that the brave hound had killed to protect the baby. Overwhelmed with remorse, Llywelyn buried the dog here, giving the surrounding area its historic resonance.
After navigating the steep ridges, descending into lush valley floors, and pushing through the final miles of the 7-mile circuit, our legs were definitely feeling the effort. Mountain walking demands respect—and this route certainly earned ours.
By the time we finally rolled back to the cottage, we were completely spent.
Fortunately, we had planned ahead. With a table already booked at the local village favorite, Bisto Hebgog, we didn’t have to lift a finger for dinner. Sitting down to a proper, hearty roast dinner was nothing short of heavenly after a day on the fopes.
Stuffed, completely whacked, and utterly satisfied, it was safe to say another unforgettable Welsh adventure was in the books.
Conquering Snowdon: Day 6 of Our Epic Trek
Day 6 brought our biggest challenge yet: climbing Snowdon via the Llanberis Path. Despite 9 miles of stunning scenery, steep inclines, freezing winds, and dodgy knees, we pushed through the clouds to reach the summit.
Standing tall at 1,085 meters, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in Wales and England. How hard could it be, right? For Day 6 of our adventure, we decided to tackle it via the Llanberis Path. While it is widely considered the easiest route, it’s also a serious endurance test at 4.5 miles up and 4.5 miles back down.
The journey started pleasantly enough. The weather was warm and inviting at the bottom, offering gorgeous, sweeping views of the Welsh countryside. But as every good trekker knows, mountains love to change their minds.
Once we pushed past the halfway point into the second section, the trail grew significantly steeper. Entering the cloud cover brought an abrupt shift in atmosphere: the temperature plummeted, and biting icy winds picked up. Brrrr!
Just when we thought the summit was within our grasp, the final push stretched out into what felt like a grueling, never-ending 20-minute uphill battle. But despite the burning calves and frozen fingers, we did it! Standing at the peak was an incredible rush and a massive sense of achievement.
Of course, getting to the top is only half the battle. The journey back down brought its own set of mechanical challenges. Gravity might help on the descent, but loose ground kept Cola on unsteady footing, while Rooster’s dodgy knees loudly protested every single step of the way.
Tomorrow is definitely going to be interesting. With aching bones, sore muscles, and a heavy downpour forecasted, our itinerary is looking delightfully simple: a well-deserved chill-out and recovery day!
