Scottish Highlands and Kyle of Lochalsh-6 May

The two 1/2 hour train 100 km trip west of Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh ( Caol Loch Aillse-" strait of the foaming Loch" ) is one of the most scenic on the Scotrail Network. The best highlights are on the latter part where the mountains meet the sea. The village is at the entrance to Loch Alsh, opposite the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.

Looking over to Kyleakin on Isle of Skye.

The highland scenery is magical which is only caught  as a 'snippet' with a camera.

 The village is very picturesque and Kyle is a busy working Port.

Unloading wind turbine blades off a barge for transport on trucks.

The North Atlantic air route goes over the northwest highlands and is extremely busy.

And if you catch the train and alight at a intermediate station there is technology in place to ensure you alight from the right side of the train.

                                    Well worth the trip.

           THE WELSH HIGHLANDS AND STEAM!

A trip over the Snowdonia Highlands by steam train is an experience not to be missed. The steam line is operated by two entities , the Ffestiniog Railway, operating from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog and the Welsh Highland Railway operating from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Travelling one way on both takes you from one side of the Highlands to the other which is what we did. 

Llandudno Jct to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The approach to Porthmadog.

We had lunch at Porthmadog which had excellent facilities with bar and restaurant. While here, the train we arrived on prepared for it's return journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

After lunch we boarded for the leg to Caernarfon.

Not ours. we're in cattle class.

This was a great day out seeing some magnificent country. Travelling around the country primarily by train as we are can present its challenges. Without wanting to bore, I will outline the logistics of this trip as an example.
We caught the train from Conwy, where we were staying, at 1019 getting off at Llandudno Jct., the next stop, at 1021 for a 1025 departure to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We arrived at 1130 for a 1135 departure on the steam train, purchasing tickets before departure. Arrived at Porthmodog 1250 departing on the Welsh Highland train at 1410 arriving at Caernarfon 1620. Walked 15 min into town and jumped on a no. 5c bus to Bangor. Caught a 1715 train Bangor to Lladudno Jct, express through Conwy, arriving 1800 then 15 min walk back to Conwy and dinner at an Indian restaurant. We had a 'ball'.

                                        LLANDUDNO.

What is a Llandudno? Well, it is an amazing seaside holiday town in the north of Wales named after the Patron Saint Tudno.. The local area was settled centuries ago but the town was developed as a holiday town in the mid 1800's by Lord Mostyn who's family were huge estate owners and on who's land the town was built. Llandudno is unique in that the height of it's buildings cannot exceed the width of it's thoroughfares. This creates an expansiveness that is not found in the UK and is enhanced by it's amazing architecture. The towns pier, built in the 1870's, is the longest in Wales and has a 'Brighten' feel to it with it's cafes and amusements. 

Well, that's just a snippet of this little piece of Wales.

The initial attraction for choosing Conwy as a destination was for it's proximity to Castle Conwy and to the Snowdonia historical steam train. Little did we know that this 'neck of the woods' has so much more to offer. 
This blog will cover the village of Conwy, our 'digs', the town and it's castle, which is what we have fully experienced so far. The rest of our visit will follow.
A short history of Conwy is best described by the small billboard at the entrance to the visitor centre.

Our first priority was settling in at our B&B, the Glan Heulog and once again we were not disappointed.

Bedroom View.

 More room views.

Once settling in and taking the advice of our host on must do visits in the town we set off.

Great Pub!
And the town is a gem, unique not only by it's Castle but rare as being still enclosed by the Castle walls just as it was from it's earliest time.

Castles up the main st.

Notice the wall perimeter which surrounds the medieval town centre.

The town is typical but certainly not uninteresting

of the period and there is always a surprise around every corner.

A little more on the history was found within the walls of the Castle.

What is seen from within the walls is stunning enough. What is seen from the walls is breathtaking.

This post is bigger than my usual and lots of 'culling'

has taken place to keep it manageable but any less would not do it justice.

                                          Off 'Steam Training'.