Departure

On the morning of our departure, after tidying up and packing, we said our good byes ahead of - for most of us - our return trek to the south. Some of us, however, had the possibility to stay on for a short time in Betws-y-Coed, which is a very convenient exploration centre, even if a tad touristy. For those without a car or the prospect of a car-lift to the south, Betws-y-Coed was thus a good choice.

Descending from the Panorama Path, this Alpine-like view of Moel Siabod unfolds.

Ffestiniog Railway

The famous Ffestiniog Railway has an interesting history. It was "founded" in 1832 to bring the slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the coast, for onward trans-shipment to different parts of the British Isles. It was worked by horses (empty wagons uphill) and gravity (laden slate wagons downhill with the horses riding in "dandy" wagons), until steam made its appearance in 1863. I had last visited the railway in 1970, when its re-connection to its original terminus at Blaenau Ffestiniog was still being worked on. This time I could make the convenient train journey from Betws-y-Coed up the scenic Conway Valley to reach the Ffestiniog Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The 1' 11½" gauge Ffestiniog Railway clings to the hillsides as it snakes its way - all 13½ miles - from Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the coast. I was lucky to get a seat - at no extra cost - in the Standard Class rear observation coach, and so enjoyed some splendid photographic opportunities.




Some steam locomotives on the Ffestiniog date back to 1863 and some of these machines are still operating today. However, from about 1879, the iconic double-ended steam-bogied Fairlie locomotives were introduced to maximise the available tractive effort within the Ffestiniog's constraints of track gauge, loading gauge and the sharp track curves. This view is of Fairlie "David Lloyd George" (of more recent vintage than 1879, in fact 1992, but looking like its distinguished ancestors) at Porthmadog station looking towards the Cob. The engine is preparing to take its train on the return trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog. As you probably know,
Prime Minister David Lloyd George was from this part of Wales.

To Llanrwst - Views, Lakes and Forest

This circular walk of nine miles and starting out from Betws-y-Coed, took in some of the attractive upland countryside to the north of Betws. Verdant views of the Conway Valley and also of the Snowdonia mountains, vied with attractive lakes and woodland that characterise this part of the world. A nice sunny walk - but not too hot!

This is Llyn y Parc, hidden in the picturesque uplands north of Betws-y-Coed and already in the Snowdonia National Park.




The walk takes in part of the Conway Valley ...




... more of which you see here.




A northwards view of yet more of the Conway Valley
- the grey Mare's Tail waterfall (difficult to photograph because of the summer foliage) is nearby, and Llanrwst is just a tad further over to the east.




Llyn Sarnau, near the Outdoor Pursuits' Centre, exudes that Scandinavian appearance.




Further along, near a well situated cottage, this distant view of the mountains of Snowdonia unfolds.
How about this when you open your bedroom window in the morning?!
It's now just two or three more miles into Betws-y-Coed.

More Panoramas & Vistas

On my last full day in Betws-y-Coed, an exploration of the picturesque hilly country to the south was on the plan. The seven mile walk showed this quite narrow part of the Conway Valley in all its leafy summer glory - with some nice views to match.

A few miles south of Betws-y-Coed the Conway Valley becomes very narrow and does a sharp turn to the west. This is the view above this point,
from the Panorama Path northwards up the Conway Valley.




Descending from the Panorama Path, this Alpine-like view of Moel Siabod unfolds.




This is an evening view over Betws-y-Coed, from one of the surrounding hills. To get to this view point, it was about a mile or so uphill from the "centre of town" and a good means of wearing off the effect of a tourist dinner.

Now It's Goodbye Betws-y-Coed

It was a midday departure from Betws-y-Coed, with enough time for a last look around before wheeling my case - sleeping bag and all - to the station. The suspension bridge and the old church of Saint Michael were on the agenda, both embellished by a final bout of good weather. It has been a successful and eventful few days, and a return visit to Snowdonia should definitely be on the cards.

This is one of Betws-y-Coed's "landmarks", the suspension bridge over the River Conway.




Closeby is the 14th century church of St. Michael, ...




... whose famous occupant is Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch
- perhaps 1200 to 1240, but certainly from a time when knights were bold (etc., etc.).