6 minute read
Treasures of Wales
From groundbreaking industrial landscapes that changed the world to mighty medieval castles built by Edward I in his military campaign against the Welsh princes, here is Dream Escape’s guide to Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales
Spread across Gwynedd, a county steeped in history and local lore, the extraordinary post-industrial landscape here dominated the world production of slate from 1780 to 1940. In fact, by the late 19th century, this area – known for ‘roofing the world’ –produced about a third of the globe’s output of roofing slates and architectural slabs.
There are six sites, which give a fascinating insight into the slate industry. This includes former mining villages, old railway lines, grand country houses (built by leading industrialists) and the former quarries themselves, which cut cascading terraces into the surrounding Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains.
The National Slate Museum is a brilliant first point of call. Occupying Victorian workshops, built for the vast Dinorwig Quarry looming above, the museum details the lives of the slate workers and their families – complete with live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques.
The spectacular Snowdonia Slate Trail is another great education. There are numerous hiking trails across fractured, jagged mountains and through steep, dark-stoned valleys, once home to worn-out quarry workers, communities and industries that are central to the history.
Those wishing to explore the landscape quicker can jump aboard a carriage of the 200-year-old Ffestiniog Railway (the oldest independent railway company in the world). The route once transported slate to the port in Porthmadog. Today, it’s a stunning rural journey through tranquil pastures. The Talyllyn Railway is another enthralling experience. It was built to serve the nearby Bryneglwys Slate Quarry, and it's possible to explore the quarry's remains and history along marked trails through the beautiful Nant Gwernol ravine.
Castles and Town Walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd
Edward I fought hard for Wales, with a series of major military campaigns. Despite staunch resistance from the Welsh, the King eventually conquered the country in 1283. During this longlasting invasion, the monarch built a quartet of castles – Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Beaumaris Castle – which are some of the finest, and best preserved, examples of medieval architecture in the UK today.
At Conwy Castle, set on the verdant banks of its namesake river, the fortress’s grand suites, servant passageways and on-site chapel await, while Harlech, atop a rocky outcrop, has outstanding views of the mountains of Eryri and vistas of the Irish Sea (which, long ago, lapped at the edges of the castle).
Twenty miles to the north sits Caernarfon, one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Climb the steep stairwell into Eagle Tower, the castle’s crowning glory, with its three great turrets and 18ft-feet-thick walls, where Edward II, the first Prince of Wales, was born.
Even further north lies Beaumaris, the last of the four castles to be built, yet never completed. However, it’s no less glorious – due, in part, to its stunning location on the Isle of Anglesey, with its stirring coastline, unspoilt golden beaches and wonderful wildlife.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
Spanning Wales and England, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal cannot fail to impress. Made up of 18km of scenic canal, the site takes in embankments, tunnels, viaducts and aqueducts in addition to original engineers’ houses and canal-side wharfs. Known as 'The Stream in the Sky', the world-famous Pontcysyllte
Aqueduct is described as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius. The work of leading Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford, this towering 307m-long, 39m-high structure, with an extraordinary 19 symmetrical metal arches, was completed in 1805. Since then, its innovative ensemble has inspired architects and engineers worldwide. The longest and the highest aqueduct in the UK, Pontcysyllte is a must-do for seasoned boaters, ready to master the challenging waterway. However, for those who prefer dry land, there are lovely paths either to cycle or walk –particularly the scenic stretch running between the towns of Llangollen and Chirk, close to the English border.
Llangollen and Chirk also both have spectacular castles. Chirk, a magnificent medieval fortress, built to keep the Welsh under English rule, is often overlooked. However, its credentials are quietly impressive – the overseeing architect was probably Master James of St George, who worked on many other castles, including Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech. Llangollen’s dramatically-sited Castell Dinas Brân is another medieval offering – yet, this time, set within the corner of an Iron Age hillfort and constructed by Gruffudd ap Madoc, ruler of northern Powys. It’s a climb to reach but the impressive panoramic views are worth it.
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
Iron and coal played a key part in the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Nowhere is this more evident than Blaenavon. Set on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this town in South Wales became a hub for coal mining and iron production. And much of the elements can still be seen today, with coal and ore mines, quarries, a primitive railway system, furnaces, workers' homes, and the social infrastructure of their community.
The most important site is Blaenavon’s old ironworks, with its ruined giant blast furnaces. There’s also the remarkable remains of the cast house and foundry plus the unique water balance tower that hoisted and lowered railway trucks using water-filled weights.
However, for the best taste of the miner life, head to the awardwinning Big Pit National Coal Museum, a working mine from 1880 to 1980. Visitors can descend 90m into the mine for a thrilling tour, led by a former miner, around the tunnels and coalfaces.
The surrounding landscape and townscape are equally significant. Extensive remains of quarries and mines still dot the hills around Blaenavon. Evidence of horse-drawn railways — and their tunnels and inclines — used to transport raw materials into the ironworks can also be spied, and fascinating walks have been created so visitors can soak up the extraordinary history.
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Michael Davies, Travel Design Manager
“The verdant river valleys, rugged mountains and striking coastline of North Wales are enhanced by three very different UNESCO World Heritage sites that represent the history of the area. My personal favourite is near the border with England; the graceful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is Thomas Telford’s magnificent achievement of the early Industrial Revolution, permitting canalboats to take mined coal across the valley.”
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