The handbook Vol 2 by Menai Holidays

Photo. Neil Mark Thomas

VOLUME

My love of North Wales never tires!

I am going to share special spots that stand out to us when we have been away and return to North Wales. You can look out for them on your way here. From the A55 - the view from the top of Rhuallt Hill with far reaching views of Snowdon and across Denbighshire, as you approach Conwy, spectacular and dramatic views of the mountains, crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge and admiring the amazing workmanship of its builder, Thomas Telford, looking right down the straits towards Beaumaris and left towards the Britannia Bridge. All of the A5 is spectacular, a journey to enjoy and savour. Our highlights are the Vale of Llangollen, the view approaching Betws Y Coed down the Lledr Valley, the Ogwen Valley as it opens up with the lake on one side, Tryfan on the other and then the final bends down to Bethesda looking across to the old A5. The A470, again spectacular all the way, climbing up out of Corris to see the panorama of North Wales at the top of the climb is quite breathtaking - you have to stop and soak it up. These landscapes in this ever changing world remain unchanged. The view driving down the Lleyn Peninsula is unique, the North is rugged with pretty deep coves nestling below the road whilst the South has sweeping ocean views. The journey to Harlech takes you back in time. Harlech Castle standing proud and looking across to Criccieth Castle, the Glaslyn Estuary and the mountains tumbling down to the sea. It is not uncommon to hear during our day’s work: “stop look at the view”, “did you see the light on the sea on your way to work?”, “look at the moon rising”, “did you see the stars last night?”, “we went for fish and chips to watch the sunset”, “the Northern Lights may be seen tonight so we are going to look”. This is why people come and visit North Wales. In this day of speed and technology and no time to stand and stare - we can and do and you can and we hope you do! The Handbook is full of interesting things, chosen carefully by the Menai Holiday Cottages’ team, stories of interesting people, places to go, things to do, ideas, great photography and information that we want to share to make your visit as memorable as possible - so you can enjoy it as we do!

CONTENT

EMBRACING THE COASTLINE

20 Photo. Neil Mark Thomas

What has helped shape our hills?

A detailed guide to three spectacular walks.

COASTAL INTERIORS

It was 70 years ago that the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the outline of the original Land Rover in the sand of this beautiful bay on Angleseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east coast.

Recipes from great Welsh restaurants

LOCAL ART

A look at the North Wa l e s a r t s c e n e

TH EH AND B OOK NW

08 10 16 20 26 28 32 34 36 40 42 46 48 54 56 58 63 68 70 74 78 82 86 88 116 122

IN THE KNOW Tips for the seasons

A LANDSCAPE DEFINED Creating a masterpiece

DIVE IN

A look at North Wales’ art scene

ON THE CREST

Enbracing the coastline

TITBITS AND TIBBLES

Our top 10 food and drink events

COASTAL COLLECTIONS The fruits of the sea

READY ABOUT

A brief history of sailing

A WEEKEND IN SNOWDONIA A family enjoy a weekend away

LINE IN THE SAND

Anglesey, Landrovers birth place

DO YOU LIKE DRAGINS?

Inspiring thoughts from a childrens auther

STANDING PROUD

The standing stones of North Wales

HOW TO BUILD A SAND SCULPTURE Techniqes and ideas for your next sandy project

WALK THIS WAY Three beautiful walks

ALL ABOARD

Not so new way of exploring North Wales

#THEHANDBOOKNW

Your photos capured on a smart phone

GORGEOUS GARDENS The Festival of Gardens

ARTS AND CRAFT

Four artists let us into their studios

THE PLACE TO MEET AND EAT The Outbuildings, Anglesey

A HEAVENLY PLACE FOR CYCLISTS Tips from the best

A YEAR AHEAD What’s on?

IN OR OUT

Eating in North Wales

IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE Inspiration for your homes

AN EXPERIENCE ABOVE ANYTHING ELSE A ride on The Mountain Railway

PROPERTY LISTINGS A closer look at what we offer

BARNS, BUILDERS AND BEAUTIFUL VIEWS Thoughts from a holiday cottage owner

FINAL THOUGHT

Living the dream in North Wales

CONTRIBUTORS Judith ‘Bun’ Matthews

Owner of Menai Holiday Cottages. Bun hopes to share all she loves about living and working in North Wales in this second edition of The Handbook

William Matthews

General Manager of Menai Holiday Cottages’ team who lives on Anglesey. When not at work, he is found on or in the water, up a mountain or on his bike.

Sarah Lloyd - Editor

Head of Marketing at Menai Holiday Cottages. Whether it be at home on their Anglesey dairy farm or exploring the mountains and coastline with her family, Sarah makes the most of the great outdoors.

Henrietta Eyre - Advertising

Henrie loves the holistic lifestyle that living in North Wales allows from surfing with the children to practising yoga during her lunch hour.

Jonty Storey

Art director, illustrator and photographer. Jonty fronts design agency Cardigan Creative, is an RNLI crew member and surfer, based by the sea in Llanbedrog. Much like the first, we have loved creating the second edition of The Handbook. Our huge thanks go to all those who have given their time to bring it to fruition: Elen ap Robert, Steffan Thomas, Marion Rose, Sian Sykes, Ben Todd, Llywelyn Williams, Sophie Glanville, Tak Kershaw, Alistair Brown, James Darling, Neil Mark Thomas, Bob Berry, Andrew Collier, Phil Boyd, Eilir Adventure Photography, Tony Russell, Jamie Wardley, Robert Williams, Rebecca Hookes, Caroline Bateson, Sam Farnsworth, Michael and Susannah Brooke, Nicole Pridmore, Jen Horn and George Ullrich.

The Handbook #thehandbooknw

www.menaiholidays.co.uk 01248 430258 info@menaiholidays.co.uk Written and printed in Wales Cover design by Fred Van Deelen arty2.com

In The Know Porth Neigwl, new to the Cwrw Llyn range

ON THE ALE TRAIL….

North Wales is home to a thriving community of brewers. One such brewery is Cwrw Llyn, started by a group of 12 locals who, not unsurprisingly, came up with the idea in the pub. Cwrw Llyn’s first beer was brewed in 2011 in a converted cow shed. The business now runs from a purpose-built brewery and shop in Nefyn, where they can produce up to 50 firkins at a time. Like champagne bottles, barrels come in different sizes each with an interesting name of it’s own - a firkin is a quarter of the size of a full barrel, and holds 9 imperial gallons….or of more interest to the beer drinker, 72 pints. Visitors can also have a tour of the facilities, learn about the process and have the all important tasting session. Cwrw Llyn’s annual beer festival takes place on 29th July.

www.cwrwllyn.cymru THE BIRDS OF WALES

Connecting people with the birds and specialist habitats of Wales and Anglesey, this exhibition of fine and applied art will be held at Oriel Ynys Môn, Anglesey’s centre for art and history. Artists and makers from across Wales will exhibit together with a range of events being supported by the Heritage Lottery including talks, artist-led masterclasses and family activity days. The exhibition will include oil, watercolour, print, feather art, felt work, ceramics and much more.There will also be a special-feature exhibit from the Tunnicliffe collection. Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe OBE RA was one of the UK’s leading wildlife artists who spent the majority of his artistic years on Anglesey. The Tunnicliffe archive collection, held by Oriel Ynys Môn, includes many of his exquisite measured drawings, referred to by Tunnicliffe as ‘feather maps’. A carefully chosen selection will be on display until February 2018 with ‘behind the scenes’ tours also available.

16 September - 5 November 2017 www.birdsofwales.org

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD

This celebration of Wales’ culture and language lands in a different place in August each year. This year Anglesey has the honour of being host and welcoming the 150,000 plus expected visitors to the event. The origins of the Eisteddfod can be traced back to the 12th century, and was traditionally an opportunity for participants to perform and show their skills in dance, song, literature and music. It has evolved into a vibrant week-long festival, still focused on the many competitions, but also including hundreds of trade stands and stalls, events and activities for the whole family. Whether you are a Welshspeaker or not, this event showcases outstanding Welsh Culture at it’s best.

5-12 August 2017 www.eisteddfod.wales

….OR THE WOODLAND TRAIL

Our magnificent and varied landscape provides the perfect backdrop for a legion of sporting events throughout the year. Committing on the dotted line is a great way to set a goal, whether this is a significant first, a personal best or an annual event that keeps you focussed and fit. The Betws y Coed Trail Challenge could be your goal. It was started in 2013 as a fundraising event for the village. The race takes place in the forests above this pretty, alpine like, Snowdonian village with 5k and 10k routes, and canicross races over both distances. Going from strength to strength, last year’s event had 500 entrants, with even more expected in 2017. Always held on the same weekend as Remembrance Sunday, Help for Heroes has been the charity partner since the beginning.

Lligwy Beach Cafe

11 November 2017 www.trailbetws.com LIFTING THE LIONS

Since the Britannia Bridge was opened in 1850, a pride of four-metre tall limestone lions, carved by the same sculptor who worked on Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, has guarded both ends. Since the late 1970’s, when the roadway was added above the railway line, these tremendous statues have been hidden from view. A campaign is now gathering steam to have two of the lions raised to the height of the dual carriageway so they can be admired by anyone arriving on the Island by car.

LIFE’S A BEACH

www.raisethelions.co.uk Great family fun at the National Eisteddfod

Especially if you have stopped off at this particular one on Anglesey’s east coast. Not only does Lligwy Beach have a beautiful arc of golden sand, safe waters for those that want to take the plunge and a car park that is just steps away, it also has a great little beachside cafe. Cheryl Brassey took over from her dad a few years ago, along with the help of son Sion and daughter Sophie (“who have basically grown up on the beach”) as well as husband Jim. “We are all complete beach bums at heart and love the sea, spotting wildlife, kayaking, walking the coastal path and climbing. North Wales is our passion, and we feel so lucky to live here”. In addition to the beachside staple, the bacon bap (locally sourced of course), what you might be more surprised to find on the menu are weekend specials such as Moroccan lamb tagine, sweet potato and cashew curry or a rustic fish stew. The drinks menu is equally surprising - cup of tea, real ale or a prosecco & gin cocktail? “We like to think we are a beach cafe with a twist”. Keep an eye out for their ‘Summer of Food and Music’ events too...yet another great excuse to head to the beach.

Facebook.com/LligwyBeachCafe

Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography

A Landscape Defined It’s easy to sit back and soak up the vistas of North Wales without giving a second thought on how they were created, or, for that matter, maintained. The magnificent landscapes we gaze over, walk through and work in, all have their tale to tell - here is Snowdonia’s.

The Ice Age Ice Ages have been a ‘common’ feature of the British Isles and Northern Europe, with 40 having been identified by geologists. The Migneint/Arenig ice sheet covering Snowdonia during the last Ice Age was at it’s greatest around 18,000 years ago. Just under a mile deep, only the tallest peaks would have been visible. As ice flowed from this sheet, its outlet glaciers cut great breaches into the land, creating some of Snowdonia’s most powerful scenery - the pass between the Glyderau and the Carneddau, Pen y Pass and the entrance to the Nantlle Valley. The declining years of the Ice Age defined the landscape further; temperatures continued to rise until 12,000 years ago with cwm glaciers pouring out of hollows high up in the mountains, deepening the work of the earlier glacial breaches.

Key ice age features to look out for: Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris

- The village of Llanberis now sits on the shores of popular Llyn Padarn, one of two neighbouring glacial lakes. They were in fact once one lake before becoming separated by sediment (an alluvial fan to use the correct term) from the Afon Hwch.

Cwm Idwal - One of the most studied glacial sites in Snowdonia. A short walk up to the lake lying at the bottom of this Cwm rewards you with spectacular scenery - a hanging valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Snowdonia. Its fascinating geological features drew the famous nineteenth-century naturalist, Charles Darwin to the area.

Another relic of the ice age is the Snowdon Lily, only found on a few inaccessible sites, Cwm Idwal being one of them. The total Welsh population is thought to number fewer than 100 bulbs.

Cwm: Another word for a cirque; a bowl-shaped, steepwalled mountain basin carved by glaciation, often containing a small round lake. Crib Goch - Keen walkers will be familiar with this ridge, which forms part of the Snowdon Horseshoe. Meaning ‘Red Ridge’ it is one of the most spectacular examples of an arête in the country. A narrow, serrated ridge between two glaciated slopes, and in this instance, with falls of over 300m on either side. A scramble along it is not for the feinthearted or ill-prepared.

Snowdon - Fittingly for the highest mountain in England and Wales, it offers walkers the opportunity to admire some of the best glacial scenery in the British Isles. This pyramidal peak was created by three surrounding glaciers.To see the true pyramid shape, look at it from the south, looking at Glaslyn to the summit. Cromlech Boulders - Climbers, or in fact correctly known as “Boulderers”, can often be seen clinging to the massive fallen blocks of rock in the Llanberis Pass. The boulders, just south of the road bridge, Pont y Cromlech, edge out onto the road in places. They are in fact lumps of Volcanic Breccia, originally created by a massive volcanic eruption which occurred below sea level (which the area once was). During the Ice Age these boulders were moved by the ice flow, and eventually deposited in their current resting place once the ice had melted. Maes Caradoc

- A fine example of Roches Moutonnée (also known as sheep backs) can be found in the Ogwen Valley. Created when rocky outcrops are more resistant than the surrounding bedrock. Ice moves around the outcrop, eroding the top leaving a smooth outcrop with a jagged underside.

12 Going Underground - Llechwedd Slate Caverns The Slate Industry The story of slate is at the very heart of Snowdonia. Although it was first lifted from the mountains in Roman times, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that Welsh slate production entered its golden-age. Demand for slate exploded and the industry dominated Snowdonia for the next 150 years, changing the North Wales landscape forever. There were four major quarrying areas - Bethesda, Llanberis, Nantlle and Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the seams contain some of the highest quality slate in the world. The industrial revolution and a growing population saw Welsh slate being used across Britain, mainland Europe and North America. Mines were opened, or massively expanded to keep up with the growth in demand and at their peak, the Dinorwig and Penrhyn quarries were the two largest slate mines in the world, each employing over 3,000 people. Narrow-gauge railways were built to transport the slate to the new ports at Porthmadog and Porth Penrhyn for export. By the late 19th century, the presence of the slate quarries was noticeable and the environmental impact of this quickly growing industry soon became enormous. Open quarries were growing in size on the mountain-sides as the piles of waste slate began to dominate the valleys. New towns and villages were created to house the ever-increasing number of workers; at its height, over 17,000 men were producing 485,000 tonnes of slate a year. Many of the network of paths created to link the small villages and hamlets to the quarries, schools and chapels and the surrounding countryside are still in use today. As well as spectacular views, the slate paths provide a glimpse into the life and work of the quarrymen with walks through slate tips, quarry buildings, quarrymen’s barracks, and railways.

Enjoy stunning views with the new overground Quarry Explorer Tour. www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk

No visitor to Blaenau Ffestiniog, a small town in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, can escape its slate mining past. The piles of waste slate still dominate the hillsides above ‘the town that roofed the world’. A trip to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns lets modern-day visitors tour over the slate-covered hillsides and open caverns or head 500 feet underground via the steepest cable railway in Britain to learn about miners’ lives. The mine was opened by John Whitehead Greaves in 1846 who was convinced there was a huge amount of slate to be found at Llechwedd. In 1849 he discovered the Merioneth Old Vein. His slate won a prize medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and orders flowed in, including a contract to supply Kensington Palace. Slate was extracted from the mine, brought to the surface, split (a process that is still done by hand today) and then dressed - trimmed to size. It would then be packed into wagons and taken down to the harbour in Porthmadog, where it would be loaded onto small Liverpool-bound schooners before being shipped off around the world. However for every one part of slate exported nine parts were wasted and this literal waste land has become an adventurous attraction. At it’s peak, there were 19 working mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog. At Llechwedd alone there are 250 chambers, 16 working levels and 25 miles of tunnel connecting them. www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk Hard at work splitting slate in 1850’s

Old and new, a selection of artefacts from Llechwedd Slate Caverns

As with much of the UK, the varied methods of farming over the centuries have helped to shape Snowdonia’s landscape. Fields, boundaries and farm buildings have all been created with pastures and hillsides kept clear by grazing livestock or the growing of crops. This pattern continues today. Many of the stone walls were built around 200 years ago, with some on higher ground as old as 600 years.

Photo. Snowdonia National Park Authority

Farming

Some of those who have farmed the land have left other legacies. Thomas Firbank was one of the area’s more famous members of the farming fraternity. Born in Canada to a Welsh mother and English father, Thomas came to Wales following his father’s early death. At the age of just 21 he bought Dyffryn Mymbyr - a 2,400 acre sheep farm at Capel Curig in 1933 and painstakingly learnt, along with his Surrey-born actress wife (more of which later) how to be a farmer. Thomas was a keen mountain walker. In 1938, along with two friends, he completed the Welsh 3000’s (14 peaks over 3,000 feet high) in a record time of 8 hours 20 minutes, shaving over 2 hours off the previous record-holder’s time. The route covered is over 24 miles with a total ascent and descent of 18,000 feet.

Esme Firbank at home in Snowdonia

In 1940 he wrote what was to become an international bestseller, ‘I Bought a Mountain’ - a fascinating account of his arrival on a hill farm in Snowdonia, with no farming experience, and how he succeeded against the odds to win the respect of his neighbours and to make the farm prosper. During the II World War, Firbank enlisted in the Coldstream Guards and was seconded to the newly formed Airborne Forces. He fought in North Africa, Italy and Arnhem and was awarded the Military Cross.

Photo. Phil Boyd

Cwm Idwal in the Glyderau range of mountains in northern Snowdonia

Esme helping out on the farm

Firbank separated from his wife, Esme during the war. He left the farm to her in 1947, enabling her to stay there with her new partner. Esme herself was an indomitable character. On the same day Firbank set out to complete the Welsh 3000s, she had set off earlier in a separate party with their shepherd Thomas and established a new women’s record of 9hrs 25 mins.

Photo. Snowdonia Society

Esme diversified into conservation, having become very aware of the pressure on this special part of Wales. With her second husband, Peter Kirby, she later founded the Snowdonia Society in 1947 with the aim of enhancing and protecting the area. The Society celebrates it’s 50th anniversary this year and still campaigns and works to protect the area, as well as arranging events for people to come and enjoy & learn about Snowdonia.

www.museum.wales/slate www.festrail.co.uk www.snowdonia-society.org.uk

One feature of the National Park that she, along with her friends, is particularly remembered for saving is the Cromlech boulders. These relics of the Ice Age were prevented from destruction by the Highways Authority, who wanted to blow them up in order to widen the road up to Pen y Pass.

“Underground theatre at its very best. No one emerges from Llechwedd’s Deep Mine Tour without feeling profoundly moved by the experience.” 10% discount on tickets for Deep Mine Tour book online and insert MINE3 in promotional box

Further info & to book:

www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk BLAENAU FFESTINIOG, SNOWDONIA LL41 3NB

The dramatic landscapes of North Wales have nurtured and attracted artists for hundreds of years. The discovery that the Welsh were descendants of the ancient Celts caused great excitement in the eighteenth-century, with intellectuals from across the British Isles becoming enthralled by the Welsh language, literature and druidic past. The National Eisteddfod as we know it today was created, helping to shape Wales’ cultural identity. Thankfully for us, the landscape is still as breathtaking today as it was then, and the arts continue to create excitement, in ways that our eighteenth-century forebearers could scarcely have believed. “The arts scene is very much a part of the experience of coming to North Wales” says Elen ap Robert, Artistic Director of Pontio, Bangor. “The arts are a huge part of tourism, and our programme of events is as much of interest to locals as it is to visitors.” North Wales’ newest arts and innovation centre provides a link between the University and local community and includes a 200-seat digital cinema, the Bryn Terfel Theatre and an eclectic yearround entertainments programme. “Extreme arts are a big thing for us. The great height and rigging in our theatre means that we attract contemporary circus and aerial performers from around the world. Any mountaineer will appreciate the counterweighting, or to the layman, just be mesmerised by the spectacle. Our cinema, with over 15 screenings a week, live music and monthly theatre productions for children all provide another artistic alternative to the great outdoors”. What have you seen as the most significant changes to the North Wales art scene? “Social media has been one of the biggest changes, not only in terms of communicating to our audiences, but also the speed with which we get reactions to our programme choices and productions. Live screenings

have also been a great development - being able to sit in your local arts centre watching Madame Butterfly live from the Royal Opera House - fantastic! Festival No 6 at Portmeirion is another great newcomer - combining great talent with a fabulous location”. A mere hop along the coast is another great arts centre, Galeri in Caernarfon. Having outgrown its current building, work is now underway to build a new, two screen cinema extension. Steffan Thomas, Galeri’s Marketing Director explains “The extension will mean we can develop our programme of live events, schedule a wider range of films and free up the theatre for more live shows”. Galeri as a company is unique. Now 25 years old, it was at the forefront of regenerating Caernarfon during the 1990s, purchasing derelict buildings, renovating and leasing them out. In 2000 this evolved to introduce an arts project culminating in what is now Galeri which opened in 2005. “Over the next couple of years, we will be working on developing Caernarfon’s Cei Llechi (Slate Quay). This project will create 17 workshops on the site; all for companies who make things, whether it be food, drink or jewellery. We will be managing the site once this is open which, if all goes to plan, will be in 2020.” “We’re finding that there are more and more artists setting-up and basing themselves in North Wales. There are pop-up galleries and exhibitions taking place and of course the digital world now allows an artist to take on commissions from anywhere in the world”. Why North Wales? “It offers an artist everything they need - the landscape, the inspiration, the setting and the network. You only have to look at events such as Anglesey Open Studios and Helfa Gelf Art Trail to see how many artists are based here - and that’s just scratching the surface”. The breadth of what’s on offer is enormous - from meeting local artists in their studios, watching performances in historic open air settings or diving into the varied programmes of events at one of the arts centres. Here are some of the highlights:

Arts Centres GALE R I

Caernarfon’s art centre is continuing to flourish. The new 2 screen cinema is due to open in summer 2018. A great addition to its on-going programme of theatre events and exhibitions. www.galericaernarfon.com PON T I O

An imposing addition to the city. Cinema and theatre combine with innovation and learning at Bangor University’s arts and innovation centre. www.pontio.co.uk UC H EL DR E CEN T R E

A community arts centre in what was originally the chapel of the former convent that once stood on the site. Performances, live screenings and concerts in the 200-seat theatre. www.ucheldre.org

Festivals & Events FEST I V A L N O 6 - 7-10 September 2017 A bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture in the fabulous Italiante setting of Portmeirion. www.festivalnumber6.com GOR J Y S SECR ET S - 16 September 2017 A ‘festival in a day’ in the grounds of a country manor house in the Conwy Valley showcasing singer songwriters. www.gorjys.com PER F O RM I N G A RT S W E E K S - 21 October - 5 November 2017 A rich mixture of professional and amateur concerts and events, an exhibition called SeaThought and the third Anglesey Film Festival, SeeMôr. www.angleseyartsforum.org

Enjoying a moment at Gorjys Secrets Festival

ANG L ESEY

L AMF F - March 2018

The three-day Llanberis Mountain Film Festival has a daily programme of films and lectures along with fringe activities. www.llamff.co.uk

O PE N S TU D IO S

Anglesey Arts Forum The Forum promotes the arts on Anglesey year round, culminating in a fortnight of Open Studios at Easter when over 50 artists and galleries throw open their doors to the public. www.angleseyartsforum.org HE L F A G E L F / AR T TR AIL

Artists and craftspeople from Gwynedd, Conwy, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham open their studios every weekend in September. Another great opportunity to peek behind the scenes of this normally hidden world. www.helfagelf.co.uk

Dy ganolfan di ar gyfer... Your venue for... Theatr Ffilm Cerddoriaeth Comedi Celf Sgyrsiau Dawns Llenyddiaeth Gweithdai Cyrsiau Bwyd Diod

Theatre Film Music Comedy Art Talks Dance Literature Workshops Courses Food Drink

A SU R F L ESSON T H RO U G H H I S L O C A L Y O U TH C LUB ON T H E L L Y N P E N I N S U L A S T A RTE D LLYW EL Y N W I L L I A M S ’ L O V E O F T H E W A T E R . LOCA L SU R F CO M P E T I T I O N S C O N T I N U E D TO WH ET H I S A PPET I T E U N T I L A L I F E -C H A N G ING AC CI DEN T ST O PPE D H I M I N H I S T RA C K S .

As Ben Clifford, Wales’ Adaptive Surfing Team Manager and Director of SurfabilityUK explains: “Generally, where the International Olympic Committee make a change, the International Paralympic Committee follow. It is unlikely that Adaptive Surfing will make it to Tokyo, but we hope it will feature at the 2024 Paralympics.”

Llywelyn was hit by a car when skateboarding home one day. A list of devastating injuries resulted in three months in hospital, and the amputation of his right leg.

“Through his dedication and drive, Llywelyn has now reached a skill level where he can compete on a world stage. We are looking forward to developing a full team for a return visit to California for the 2017 ISA World Championships.”

As soon as he was able, Llywelyn wanted to get back in the water. Friends carried him down the steps at Porth Ceiriad for his first time, pulling him into the waves on a bodyboard, lying on his stomach. Just 10 minutes was enough to exhaust him. The effects of being back in the water were enormous - not only did the support and buoyancy of the cooling water provide relief from day-to-day pain, it also lifted his spirits and made him feel alive once more. Before his accident, Llywelyn had helped out at Abersoch Watersports. Owner and friend, Phil Woods, soon arranged for a custom wetsuit from O’Neill and made a foam shortboard for him. Steadily Llywelyn built up his strength and his time in the water. “Water has played a major part in my recovery. I try not to get down about my leg, but if I do, I just head out on the water.” Thanks to the support of SurfabilityUK, Llywelyn jetted off to California in December to compete in the International Surfing Association’s World Adaptive Surfing Championships. The competition was only in it’s second year, but attracted 77 surfers from 22 countries. He was the first and only person to represent Wales, and did Team Wales proud. Llywelyn competed in the AS-2 standing or kneeling division, for people who have single or double amputations that are above the knee and can surf independently. He got through to the semi-finals, beating the world champion Mark Stewart along the way and came 5th in the world for his division. The World Championships have been set up partly to prove that there is an elite level of adaptive surfers worldwide. After confirmation that surfing will be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the bid for surfing to become a Paralympic event is getting close.

SurfabilityUK has been working with staff at Surf Snowdonia to help develop equipment and courses for adaptive surfing, including a seated tandem board. They are hoping to offer inclusive surfing sessions shortly.

www.surfersponge.com www.surfabilityukcic.org

F O R MANY AD VE NTU R O U S TYPE S , IS L ANDS ARE THE R E TO BE CIR CU MNAVIG ATE D . ANGLESEY IS NO D IF F E R E NT. S E A KAYAKE R S , S AILORS AND PO W E R BO AT E NTHU S IAS TS HAVE ALL D O NE IT. BU T U NTIL L AS T YE AR , NO -O NE HAD ATTE MPTE D IT O N A S TAND U P PAD D L E BOARD (S U P).

In August 2016, Sian Sykes who lives on Anglesey set off to do just that. After 15 years of a high-pressure 18-hour-a-day career in the city working for a creative media agency, Sian began to realise there was more to life. She found it harder and harder to return to London after weekend visits to her family home on Anglesey. So she slammed on the breaks and decided to change course.

After working towards a host of qualifications - from mountain leader to first aid, Sian originally planned to work as a mountain leader and walking guide. However, when a friend introduced her to paddleboarding, she was hooked and changed the angle of her business : “I love the combination of adventure, exploring nature and being close to the water that paddleboarding gives you. It is so versatile - you can easily carry the inflatable boards on your back and go to remote lakes in the mountains, or use them for surfing, touring, racing and even yoga”. With her qualifications in place, Sian headed home to Anglesey. “The business has blossomed into something really beautiful”. Psyched Paddleboarding offers a variety of SUP experiences - from basic tuition to micro adventures and safety courses. All set against the backdrop of stunning coastline or remote mountain lakes. It’s the extra touches that really take a Psyched adventure to the next level - towelling robes for those lakeside changes, steaming mugs of Pukka tea to warm your hands on and Sian’s fun and informative teaching style. It’s a very personal business - guests are buying into Sian’s philosophy as well as her SUP skills. “Guests always leave as friends”. So why tackle Anglesey’s 125-miles of coastline? “I wanted a challenge, to do something that hadn’t been done before and to see if I could physically do it. Lots of people have kayaked around Anglesey, but no-one had ever circumnavigated it on a paddleboard”. It was also an opportunity to raise money for two causes very close to her heart - the North Wales Wildlife Trust, and Surfers against Sewage. Sian is the charity’s Anglesey representative and is passionate about the environment and creating cleaner waters around the UK. “The waters around anglesey bring lots of challenges - wind, tidal races, rounding the stacks, choppy water etc.Thorough planning was vital. The trick is to use the tides to your advantage and have good support in place.”

Sian originally planned to travel clockwise around the Island, tackling the challenging tidal races round South Stack first. A surprise force 7-8 wind meant that Sian had to revise her plans, and to jump around the Island a bit. “The plan definitely had to be fluid! On the day I went from Beaumaris, I rounded Penmon Point to go straight into strong head winds. After 45 minutes of paddling flat out and making little or no progress, I had to stop for the day. I consoled myself with a quick beach clean and an ice cream in Beaumaris”. “The hardest day was from Holyhead to Newborough - 8 hours paddling 44 kilometres.” Lunch with the seals at Rhoscolyn and watching porpoise darting through the tidal races helped distract her from aching muscles. Having carefully avoided the incoming ferries, Sian paddled into Holyhead harbour completing the circumnavigation in five days. “I was hoping to complete it in three, but the strong winds put paid to that!”

www.psychedpaddleboarding.com

B EN T O DD HA S T U RN E D H I S H O B B Y I NTO A W E E K L O NG E VE NT A T T R A CT I N G C O M P E T I T O RS F RO M A RO U ND THE W O R L D TO THE SEA SI DE V I L L A G E O F RH O S N E I G R.

From a dinghy-racing background (Ben was in the Olympic development squad for Laser racing), he moved onto kitesurfing. With the Irish Sea channelling the air flow, Rhosneigr is the windiest kitesurfing location in England and Wales, so Ben was in the ideal place to take up the sport. When he started going along to kitesurfing events round the country, he thought he could probably do something better himself and the Rhosneigr Park Jam was born: “I started doing a few low-key events about eight years ago, ran it for a few years, then had a break”. Last year, Ben saw an opportunity to put Rhosneigr on the map by applying to have his event included in the Kite Park League a championship that encompasses the major kite park contests around the world. “At many of the events I went to, people paid a lot of money and didn’t get an awful lot in return - they just weren’t geared up for creating an event for spectators, which was the challenge for me to get right”.

So what is park style riding? “It’s where we use rails, ramps and other structures in the water so that competitors can express style and skill, much like skateboarders or BMX riders in a skate park”. Ben’s aim was to bring the best kitesurfers and wakeboarders together to ride in an expo of park style riding, then celebrating their achievements at a festival weekend with live music, great food, camping and an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the world’s top riders. The first Rhosneigr Park Jam was held in September 2016 with some of the top kitesurfers in the world coming from as far afield as South Africa, the USA and Australia for this week-long event. “I chose September as it often has the best weather. The water temperatures are good and the wind is at its most consistent, building up as we head into the Autumn”. Ben also builds the ramps himself, which are sited in the main bay for the competition.

25 “I spend as much time as possible on the water. Ultimately, I’d love to create an inland wake park somewhere on the Island, so when the wind isn’t up, there is somewhere for people to go. It would secure Anglesey’s position as a destination for the wakeboarding and kitesurfing community.”

Rhosneigr Park Jam 2017 Kite Surf Event 30th September - 8th October. Festival 6th, 7th & 8th October www.rhosneigrparkjam.com

Ben is hoping that it will feature in the Kite Park League again this year.“With the first year under my belt, there will be a more structured programme during the week next time which will make it even more appealing to spectators, with the showcase being the festival-style party at the weekend - music, street food, a zipline for wakeboarding over obstacles and so on”. Tickets for the weekend are limited to 350, so those wanting to secure their place can’t hang around. “I have had some great feedback from the local community this is a great event, pulling in people at the end of the summer to the village. It’s the only place you can watch live park style kitesurfing competitions no more than 50 yards away.” When not planning the next Park Jam, Ben works at Funsport, the surf shop that sits just a few steps up the beach from where the competition is held - teaching kitesurfing, windsurfing and SUP to visitors and locals year round.

TITBITS & TIPPLES Our Top 10 Food & Drink Events

BEA U M A R I S A RT I S A N M A RK E T

ME NAI S E AF O O D S L AM

A bustling artisan market held on Castle Square - easily found opposite the Castle. A great place to taste, try, shop, or pick up a few presents….and while away a Saturday or Sunday.

‘Cockles and mussels alive alive oh…’ Dive into a selection of seafood at this one-day event in Menai Bridge.

Various weekends from early April - late August 2017

Facebook: Beaumaris Artisan Market G W L EDD CO N W Y F E A S T

27th - 29th October 2017

The Feast takes over the whole of this medieval town for the weekend. From seafood restaurants on the quayside, stallholders lining the streets, kitchen theatre, farm animals and edible gardens planted around the town. And that’s just the food….music, arts and crafts all have their place as well. conwyfeast.co.uk C O N W Y F A R M E RS M A RK E T

Last Wednesday of each month - 9am-1pm A handful of stallholders, including local meat, vegetables, cakes and cheeses gather once a month at the RSPB Conwy nature reserve, just off junction 18 of the A55. BEA U M A R I S F O O D F E S T I V A L

2nd - 3rd September 2017

Another stunning location, just a stone’s throw from the town’s 12th century castle with views across the Menai Straits to the mountains beyond.The Green will be bursting with marquees and gazebos with local produce and international street food, live music from the grandstand and demonstrations from local chefs. beaumarisfoodfestival.co.uk C O N W Y H O N EY F A I R

13th September 2017

Founded over 700 years ago by Edward I’s Royal Charter, the Conwy Honey Fair is truly one of the oldest food fairs in Britain. An opportunity to meet beekeepers and honey producers from around the country within the walls of this handsome market town. conwybeekeepers.org.uk/fairs-festivals/conwy-seed-fair-andhoney-fair-dates

19 August 2017

bestofanglesey.com PO R TME IR IO N F O O D & CR AF T F E S TIVAL

1-3 December 2017

This three-day festive event hosts over 120 artisan stalls, cooking demonstrations, craft workshops and Santa’s train. Welsh choirs and live bands provide the entertainment, all set amongst this Italiante village on the edge of Cardigan Bay. Don’t forget to bring your boots - there are 70 acres of woodland to explore, with woodland trails and coastal walks. The perfect antidote to any over-indulgence! portmeirion-village.com BE S T O F ANG L E S E Y F O O D S L AMS

Various dates from June - October

A pop-up market that tours the area - from Criccieth to Llandudno and lots inbetween, showcasing some of Anglesey’s great street food and produce. Add in some local beers, perhaps a cocktail or two and good music. bestofanglesey.com W E L S H HIG HL AND R E AL AL E F E S TIVAL

18th - 20th May 2018

Sit back, sup some ale and soak up the views. A winning combination of real ale and steam trains, with an eclectic mix of music and some great food thrown in for good measure. The weekend-long Welsh Highland Railway Society’s Real Ale Festival is now in it’s 13th year. rail-ale.com CAE R NAR F O N F O O D F E S TIVAL

12th May 2018

A new arrival on the food front, the festival welcomed an amazing 10,000 visitors in its first year. We are looking forward to it’s second, which promises more stalls and events all with the magnificent backdrop of Caernarfon Castle.. gwylfwydcaernarfon.cymru

Coastal Collections A beach walk can harvest all sorts of treasures. As well as the old favourites, here are a few that are a little different, along with suggestions of what to do with your hoard.

A few quick tips before we begin: The perfect time to head to the beach is at low tide. If the sea hasn’t washed-up enough to capture your imagination, try wading in a short distance, and peer below the shallow water - this can often be an area that others have yet to search. Winter can be just as rewarding, if not more so; stormy seas can reveal more interesting treasures than calm summer waters - just wait for the waves to calm down first. The beauty of beach combing is that every day is different. In fact, you could return twice in 24 hours, and still find new things – try not to ‘over-comb’ the same area. It is a good idea to check shells to make sure that you’re not taking someone’s “home” - there may be a creature still living in it - unless you’re planning to eat it! Always be respectful to nature and the environment, wear shoes there are lots of sharp things and the odd biting or stinging animal - and most importantly, take a bag or bucket to carry your finds in....

Cuttlebones W HAT: Cuttlefish, despite their name, are molluscs. They

have unique internal ‘shells’ known as ‘cuttlebones’, and it’s these that we find washed-up around the shore. A cuttlebone is porous - with the pores providing buoyancy. Each one has a distinct shape, size, texture, and pattern of ridges.

W HE N & W HE R E : Cuttlefish have short life cycles, most with a 2-year life span. Typically, they spend the winter in deep water, but move into the shallows to breed during spring and summer, with the adults dying soon after – so, this is a good time to look out for them. Being so light, they turn-up just about anywhere. INS PIR ATIO N: Jewellers and silversmiths traditionally

used them as moulds for casting small objects. However, many of us know them better as the tough material given to caged birds, and even reptiles, as a source of calcium. If using them to feed pets, soak them in clean water for about an hour then wash them thoroughly in warm water, several times.

Mermaid’s (or Fisherman’s) Purses W HAT: The empty egg case of fish such as skates, and certain species of sharks - including dogfish. Once the fish have hatched the empty cases are discarded and, because they’re so light, often end up drifting ashore.The tendrils on their corners are to assist with anchorage – and snagging. W HE N & W HE R E : Dogfish are prolific breeders, laying 2 eggs every 5/6 days during the breeding season; between November and July. The young hatch after 5-11 months, meaning purses can be found throughout the year. Most commonly found in rocky coves, or on beaches that have larger tide-lines, especially those with lots of seaweed, where they often get snagged. INS PIR ATIO N: Why not use them to decorate your

Sophie and her husband moved to Rhoscolyn, fulltime, 5 years ago. Before that she had been a visitor all her life. Having travelled widely, Sophie still says her favourite place is Rhoscolyn. Sophie also looks after Rhoscolyn Life - a great source of information on everything and anything to do with the village and surrounding area. www.rhoscolynlife.co.uk.

home? They make a lovely arrangement when added to a piece of seaweed, then displayed in a bathroom! Leave them outside for a while to dry out first.

Driftwood/Drift-lumber WHA T : Wood that’s been washed onto the shore. It’s a

form of marine debris or ‘tidewrack’. As it floats about it can provide shelter and food for sea-creatures, and when it washes ashore it can offer shelter to birds, plants, and other species or become the foundation for sand dunes. There’s a subset of driftwood known as ‘drift-lumber’, which includes the remains of man-made wooden objects - things that have been washed into the sea during storms, discarded from shore, lost cargo from ships (jetsam), or the remains of shipwrecks (flotsam). Erosion and wave action usually make it difficult to work out the origin of a particular piece of drift-lumber - but sometimes it’s possible.

WHEN & W H ER E: It can be found throughout the year,

but you’ll find lots more after big storms.The best places to gather it is in secluded, rocky coves – where it ‘drifts’ in and can get trapped for months, becoming smoothed-out as it’s repeatedly rolled and bounced off cliffs and boulders.

IN SPIR A T I O N : Driftwood can be used in all sorts of arts and crafts projects. Glue it to mirror frames, or make simple shapes, and cover them with it. Simply displaying it in a bowl or jug can look fabulous – plus, it looks great in a seasidethemed garden. Only ever take the smooth, clean pieces - and always leave some for the coastal creatures who eat it, or who live underneath. For best results, dry your wood before starting.

Samphire W HAT: A salty vegetable from the sea, Marsh Samphire is related

to the beet family. Its vibrant green stalks look similar to baby stems of asparagus. In fact, once known as the ‘poor man’s asparagus’ it has grown in popularity in recent years.

W HE N & W HE R E : Some of the best Samphire in the UK is found around the North Wales coast. It is at its best between June and September, and free to pick, you may need shoes or boots as it is found on muddy, sandy flats of estuaries, salt marshes and tidal inlets. Search for a carpet of bright green, almost like a mown lawn from a distance. Pinch or snip off the tops of the younger stems being careful not to uproot the plants.

INS PIR ATIO N: Wash your harvest thoroughly under running water, removing any tough stems. Enjoy raw or blanched in a summer salad, or my preferred choice, steam or boil briefly as you would asparagus, and serve with butter and black pepper - a great accompaniment to fresh fish or roasted Salt Marsh Lamb…. Delicious!

Sea-glass WHA T : You’ll notice that many pieces have a frosted

texture. After many years of exposure to salt water, glass (which is created by melting together silica, soda ash and limestone) can begin to leach the soda and lime, leaving tiny pits on the surface. As they escape, then react with other elements, small crystals are formed in the pits, giving this cloudy appearance. The amount of frosting is a good indicator of age, and it’s also a useful way to tell artificial sea glass from genuine pieces - as the effect is almost impossible to copy.

WHEN & W H ER E: Found all year round, but some areas

boast a richer bounty than others. Sheltered, rocky bays are your best bet. The original glass (from which it originates), is battered and broken by waves smashing it against rocks, plus constant tossing and tumbling over stones and shingle, eventually smooth the glass into the pebble-like, translucent, jewel-coloured treasures we love. Clear, blue and green sea glass is the most common, but red, orange and yellow are the really rare finds.

IN SPI R A T I O N : It can be used in all sort of projects such

as jewellery making, decorating picture frames and mirrors, in mosaics, and can even be used for tiling with. Or just fill a nice jar with sea-glass, it makes memorable, pretty reminder of your holiday and the seaside. If you want to try jewellery making you will need a good quality drill (with a diamondtipped bit), to make holes in your sea-glass - A glue-gun is a good idea too.

Razor Shells WHA T : Razor shells (also known as razor fish, razor clams - and common, or pod, razor-fish) are an edible shellfish, found around the UK coast. They’re so called because they look like old-fashioned cut throat razors. WHEN & W H ER E: The razor shell lives on sandy beaches,

using its powerful foot to dig to a safe depth, with its presence revealed by a keyhole-shaped hole in the sand. They grow the most during the summer months, when the weather’s warmer, and food is plentiful. The shells can turn up anywhere along the shore, but sandy beaches are better.

IN SPI R A T I O N : Although a bit of a faff to collect fresh (it

involves pouring salt or brine down their ‘burrows’) they do make a tasty treat. Steam them in their shells, with wine, garlic and herbs as you would mussels. Glue the shells to the outside of a jam-jar or glass candle-holder, then wrap with brown string, ribbon, or twine - and, voilà! Pop a candle or tea light in, and you have your very own coastal candelabra. A glue gun is the quickest and easiest way to get them to stay in place, so as not have to press each shell down until the glue dries.

Mussels WH A T : The common/blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) is an edible, filter-feeding mollusc found all around the UK’s coasts, sea-lochs, and coastal estuaries. WH EN & W H ER E: You’re sure to see them close to the foreshore, attached to rocks, or even man-made structures such as piers. Mussels are also farmed in the intertidal waters of the Menai Strait; between Anglesey and mainland Wales – where they occur naturally too. Folklore suggests they should only be collected in months with an ‘R’ in them, thus avoiding high summer and warmer waters. The best moment to harvest live mussels is during a low spring tide, when more rocks than usual become exposed. A spring tide has nothing to do with the season, but refers to the tide ‘springing forth’ during a new and full moon. Spring tides happen twice each lunar month year round.

You’ll find loads of empty shells on the beaches throughout the year, but those between Moelfre and Lligwy are awash with them. INS PI R A T I O N : There are all sorts of delicious recipes that revolve around mussels, including, paella and Thai curry – but a super one to fall back on is a Welsh-take on ‘Moules Marinière’– looks impressive, but so simple to make; basically consisting of mussels in cider and cream, with leeks, garlic and parsley. Baked Mussel Mornay is scrummy too – and a real winter-warmer. Just remember - any mussels that don’t close when tapped before cooking, or any that don’t open after cooking must be discarded.

As for the shells, why not make a seaside-themed wreath with them. Wonderful at Christmas, but can be a pretty adornment to your home-decor throughout the year. Use a base to attach them to, or thread them onto wire. The shells you find on the shore tend only to need a quick rinse, but leaving ‘fresher’ shells (i.e. those left after a meal) outside for a few days usually rids them of any ‘residue’, as well as the ‘seaside’ smell.

Cockles W HAT: Cockles have been a traditional British seaside

snack for years.They were also sold outside pubs by vendors who, in the absence of scales, used pint glasses to measure them – and they’ve been sold by the pint ever since.

W HE R E & W HE N: Cockles live in sandy, sheltered beaches; the inland-sea between Anglesey and Holy Island, Red Wharf Bay and Aber Menai are great spots to find beds of them. They’re collected by raking, or digging them from the sands at low tide. The empty shells, which are heartshaped when viewed from the end, can be found along most shores, but especially in the places they inhabit. INS PIR ATIO N: As with mussels, steam them in alcohol,

or any base liquid of your choice, then add herbs and spices to flavour.They can be tossed into salads, pasta, couscous or noodles, as well as paella and risotto dishes. Don’t be afraid to add them to meat dishes either, they’re very versatile! As for the shells, a simple idea is to fill a glass jar full of them. When placed next to other jars, filled with different shells, the effect can be super – and add a lovely sea-side touch to any sideboard or shelf. The shells often get a hole made in them naturally, which is useful for threading.

READY ABOUT

A short history of classic boat racing in the UK and Anglesey If you told me classic boat racing in the UK all stemmed from the wealthy elite betting on their own commercial fishing boats racing each other at the turn of the 19th century, I probably would think that was nonsense. Well it is not nonsense - this is exactly how it all began. I met up with Tak Kershaw who sails a Fife One Design in Beaumaris and has spent his whole life at sea, from sailing the Whitbread Round the World Race with Ben Ainslie’s father, to working on the Queen Elizabeth II and he tells me how it all began! ‘These commercial fishing boats, had crews of 30, huge 300 ft masts, so not for the faint hearted. It is alleged one of these fishing boats, was lent to the Bulkeley family of Beaumaris, and then returned to it’s owner, Edward VII, Prince Of Wales. In the second half of the 19th century the middle class had more leisure time on their hands and enjoyed competitive sailing. They started in basic wooden sailing canoes and it wasn’t long before the sailors were developing their own racing boats, creating different classes. The size of the boats thankfully were much smaller than the original fishing boats, ranging from 5 to 15 meters.The sailors would buy new boats each year, hoping to improve their times and outcompete friends and rivals. Just like any emerging sport there were no set rules at the outset - length, width, sail size, crew were all flexible. But this changed in the 1870’s when an agreed format and set of rules came into play. It became unsustainable to keep designing new boats each year so it was decided that one boat needed to suffice and hey presto, the One Design arrived. A design that could race in many different classes.

There are still four classes racing on the Island. The Fife One Design, the Menai Strait One Design, the Half Rater and the Squib. All different in shape and design, but they all race under the one design handicap. Changes can still be made to a boat that may make it perform better, but it is down to the sailing club whether or not these changes can be carried out across the fleet. Tak said “There were 15 Fife’s commissioned in 1933 with an extra 22 added to the fleet from the 1970’s. All but two are still in existence here today; one burnt and one is on Lake Geneva; the rest of the fleet can still be seen sailing on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.” Things have come a long way from the 1830’s; long gone are the days of the wealthy elite betting on their own fishing boats. Sailing on the Island is still hugely popular; the active villages home to these wonderful Classic boats are Beaumaris, Holyhead and Trearddur Bay. If you would like to try your hand at sailing it is very easy to get involved. The Royal Anglesey Yacht club has racing throughout the summer and taster days.The Menai Strait Regatta is the first two weeks of August. This brings people from all across the UK to race in many different classes. It’s well worth getting to the start line.

For news, races and results head over to

www.royalangleseyyc.org.uk

One family, one cottage and some Autumn weather. makings for a weekend.

holiday glorious All the perfect

Iwan and Emma Marshall, and their three children, Lottie, Will and Griff are no strangers to North Wales. In fact they live here. We invited them to take a holiday in their own back yard to see how much fun they could have on an Autumn weekend in Snowdonia. As it turns out, lots.

In just 48 hours they had ticked off mountain walks, kayaking on Llyn Padarn, a visit to the Slate Museum, an explore of the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle and plenty of time for board games by the fire at Llwyn Bedw, their mountain-side home for the weekend.

For inspiration for your Snowdonia weekend go to www.menaiholidays.co.uk Can you do more in 48 hours? Share your pictures with us using

THEHANDBOOKNW

If you have read page 46, you may have been inspired to be a bit more adventurous with sand art on your next trip to the beach, but perhaps not something on this scale. This was the 1km image that Land Rover drew on Red Wharf Bay in 2015 as part of a year celebrating the iconic Land Rover Defender. SO WHY RED WHARF BAY? Because that’s where it all began...well, for Land Rover that is. It was 70 years ago that the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the outline of the original Land Rover in the sand of this beautiful bay on Anglesey’s east coast. Maurice had drawn the shape of a new vehicle he was proposing to show his brother Spencer, Rover’s managing director. The family had land near Newborough, and Maurice wanted a vehicle that could drive equally well both on the land and on the road. From this forward-thinking sketch, the ‘Land Rover’ was born. Maurice oversaw all of the engineering work, to bring it to production, and ultimately its launch at the Amsterdam Motor Show in April 1948. Land Rover PR Manager, Kim Palmer said: “It’s incredible to think that the inspiration for what is now a global business selling vehicles to over 170 countries world-wide was a simple drawing in the sand . The company has stayed true to that initial vision and constantly innovated over the past 70 years”

minutes to call in the helicopter to get the aerial shots before the water was lapping over the drawing”. A drone wasn’t able to get enough altitude to capture the enormous image across the sand, and even the helicopter was flying at its limit. “We were in radio contact with the camera crew in the helicopter - it was great to hear that it had worked! You can never really tell from the ground with large drawings if you have got it right.” Getting the drivers, vehicles, film crew and helicopter all lined up was quite a challenge on it’s own, without the vagaries of the weather to deal with. “We had one contingency day, but still, that only gave us two days to do it in. As far as I am aware, it is still the biggest sand drawing in the UK, and the biggest tidal sand drawing in the world too.”

SAND IN YOUR EYE

BEHIND THE SCENES So how exactly do you start planning a giant piece of temporary artwork - in fact the largest sand drawing ever to have been attempted in the UK? This is where Jamie Wardley and his team at Sand in Your Eye came in. “As most of these things do, it started with a phone call. Land Rover had this idea for a 1km sand drawing and asked if I could do it. Although at the time I wasn’t really sure how, I said yes”. “It’s all hypotheses until the day. You do as much preparation as possible beforehand, but ultimately you only truly know you can do it when you have done it”. The first obstacle was the choice of beach. Firstly, like most beaches, Red Wharf Bay is tidal, giving Jamie and his team a 5 hour window to complete the drawing...after all, tide and time wait for no man. Secondly, the channels and streams that criss cross the bay made the surface uneven to work on. Good job they had some Land Rovers to help them out. A fleet of six were assembled, each towing a 12-foot harrow to draw the unmistakable outline in the sand. The vehicles spanned the generations - including a Series I, II and III, a Ninety from the 1980s, a Defender 90 Hard Top and Defender 110 Station Wagon. The Series II once belonged to the Wilks family and was driven on the day by cousins Stephen and Nick Wilks, the sons of Maurice and Spencer. “The film produced by Land Rover makes it all look so chilled out - it wasn’t!”. As soon as the tide was out Jamie and his team ran around on foot to mark out the drawing, creating a ‘runway’ for the vehicles. A team of drivers from Land Rover Experience then joined the Wilks’ cousins and set to work. The continuous 4.52km line was completed with just minutes to spare before the tide edged forward. “The sea was coming in by the time we finished - it was just metres away from the wheels. We had

On holiday at 19, a chance meeting with a sand sculptor in Norway first opened Jamie’s eyes to the world of working with sand: “My life changed from there”. Soon he was travelling around Europe, first carving sand, then ice. Progressing to beach drawings and sand art. After competing round the world, Jamie started Sand in Your Eye in 2003 taking on commissions and creative projects as well as running workshops. Jamie is continually innovating, producing pieces of art that are simply extraordinary - a dip into his portfolio results in an hour easily spent in awe. Collaborations with Aardman, the makers of Wallace and Gromit producing animated sand drawings lead onto a series of seven beautiful ice sculptures of children that were sited around the UK before Christmas to highlight the plight of homeless people.

SHIFTING SANDS But isn’t the lack of permanence in what he does hard to bear? “Sculptures need to live a bit, but it’s kind of ok, but with sand drawings, I don’t mind that the tide takes them away. Somewhere like Red Wharf Bay is such a beautiful landscape, you can’t improve upon it. I would be upset to leave a drawing there, I’m happy that my work doesn’t leave a long impression where it’s created”.

WWW.LANDROVER.CO.UK

Do you like dragons? FAIRY TALE LANDSCAPES Marion Rose studied English Literature at Bangor University and walked in the hills of Snowdonia, before starting a career in publishing. Her work lay in London, but reluctant to leave North Wales, she bought Marian Farm on Anglesey. She married in a church in the middle of a field, at Llanfihangel Din Sylwy. Marion has written a number of children’s books including Ssh! The moon is sleeping; Georgie and the dragon; The Christmas tree fairy and Hippo isn’t happy. She is a founding member of Islington Writers for Children and also writes a blog about lesser-known places where she has travelled. Her most recent journey was to Mohali in north India, where she is the trustee of a small school for slum kids. She fundraises as much as she can. Do you like dragons? I do. I don’t know why. They just pop up in my stories without being invited. I spent some time in North Wales as a student before I even started writing for children. My feeling is, that it’s this landscape with its distant purply mountains, ancient castles and misty forests that conjures up dragons. And it’s not just dragons that this landscape inspires. Take the area around this house. Out at sea you can see an island called Puffin Island, where seals and, yes, puffins live. Who wouldn’t think that a story could jump out from there? Near it there’s a black and white stripy lighthouse, just the sort a child might draw. And on the other side of the hill to us, there actually is a secret castle. When I first came here, Castell Aberlleiniog was hidden away under decades of thistles and thorns just like a fairy tale. Now, you can follow the winding paths and climb up onto its battlements and imagine princes and pirates… But, I’m meandering. I’m meant to be writing about one of my picture books. I’m tempted to choose Cassie and the kiss soldier, as I’m so pleased it was translated into Welsh. But I think I have to settle on Georgie and the dragon, as it twines through the time we have spent here like the Old Man’s Beard that grows everywhere. I wrote it when my son was about seven, and we had already spent many hours rock-pooling, sliding down dunes (tut!), and scrambling about on cliffs.The character of Georgie grew from mucking about outdoors with Jack and friends. Georgie is a roughand-tumble kid who’s also very kind. When he finds a baby dragon who’s fallen from his mountain nest, he agrees to help him get home even though he’s pretty scared of what he might find there. And so, Georgie and Galahad set off…

Whenever I read this book with kids in schools, that’s the moment when everyone relaxes into the story. Who does not love to set off on an adventure? It’s this feeling that being at Marian Farm gives me. The story somehow grew out of these old stones, the paths that lead promisingly away, the glimpses of water and mountain, and the smell of woodsmoke from the stove. When I first bought this house, it was obviously old, and nearly derelict. I tried to find out more about it. In the council records I found out that land rent was paid for Marian Farm by a woman called Elizabeth Jones as long ago as 1786.Then, one day, wandering through the local churchyard, I found her grave. It gave me a shiver. But I love that sense of longago stories reaching forward and hovering in the air around us. She must have walked these same paths. Sat at ‘our’ fire. She certainly would have used the old farm well – which is fed by an underground spring and is very close by, still. You might find it if you look. Amazingly, Marian Farm has now belonged to us for nearly thirty years. Our son is grown so we don’t go rockpooling any more. Instead, we hike the hills and the coast, seeking out hidden valleys, unpeopled ridges and glinting bays. Sometimes, pushing uphill through cool dark woods, a particular phrase from Georgie and the dragon chunters through my mind: ‘…they climbed on and up until all at once they came out of the trees and into the sunlight’. I loved that feeling when I wrote it, and I love it still. To be out there in glorious countryside, exploring and discovering, pushing a little beyond your comfort zone, striding out towards the sun. To me, that’s a perfect, picture-book day! www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Marion-Rose2 www.scrapbooktraveller.wordpress.com www.buzzaboutbooks.com

Marian Farm is available to let through Menai Holiday Cottages and sleeps 6.

Four and a half thousand years ago – around the time of the building of Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramids of Egypt – a new metalworking technology made its way to North Wales from continental Europe. People had learned how to blend copper and tin to make sharp bronze tools and weapons. With this discovery came changes to the ways of life here. The first farmers of the New Stone Age had moved enormous boulders (‘megaliths’) to build communal burial chambers such as Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey, but now their Bronze Age descendants began to bury their dead in small single graves. The stoneworking knowledge of the ancestors was not forgotten. The ancient skills went into the fashioning of tall pillars of rock which, after slotting into pits dug in the ground, could be hauled upright. Many standing stones still remain in place. As you travel along the country lanes you may spot one in a field. Nearly fifty can be seen on Anglesey, although twenty others (now lost) had been recorded a hundred years ago. Even more form part of the Gwynedd landscape. Cattle use them now as rubbing posts, but what was their significance to the people who erected them? We can speculate, but we will never fully understand. This enduring mystery is of course all part of their attraction.

Archaeologists can offer suggestions that might explain their purpose, but there is insufficient evidence to confidently declare them as facts. Excavation has shown that some standing stones are at the sites of burials, but many more are not. Perhaps they had a ceremonial significance? Maybe they commemorated events or territorial agreements? When the standing stones are arranged in groups, was this to align them with the movements of the sun? Did they mark paths and tracks? When the theories of amateur antiquarians are not supported by empirical proof, archaeologists are naturally sceptical. In 1723 Henry Rowlands associated Anglesey’s ancient stones with the ceremonies of the Druid priests, which we know were from the later Iron Age. In 1927 another Anglesey man suggested that the island’s stones could be charted on ‘ley-lines’, which he interpreted as the routes of early tracks and others believed to be the pathways of mystical energy. But just try this: walk up to a standing stone and place your hand flat upon it. Close your eyes and consider that – four thousand years ago – another hand was touching the very same surface. Yes, four thousand years ago.

Two ancient Anglesey sites in CADW’s care. Bryn Celli Ddu [SH507702], a Stone Age burial chamber from the time before the Bronze Age. Above: Din Lligwy Hut Group [SH496862], a Celtic settlement during the Roman occupation of North Wales.

Castell Biwmares Beaumaris Castle The standing stones of north-west Wales are often hidden in the countryside, but most are marked on Ordnance Survey maps. In Gwynedd, three miles south of Harlech, the two Llanbedr Stones [OS map reference SH583270], one of them pointed, may indicate the start of an important Bronze Age trackway that led inland.The Llech Idris Stone [SH731311] is another marker along that route. Legend tells that the Glasfryn Stone [SH403425] on the Lleyn is a woman turned to stone as punishment for not replacing the cover of a well. Folklore such as this is associated with many other ancient sites. Worth visting on Anglesey is the pair of 3-metre standing stones at Penrhos-feilw [SH227809] off the Trearddur Bay to South Stack road. The tall, wide Soar Stone [SH319863], beside the A5025 close to Llanfaethlu, is also impressive, and south of Cemaes a footpath leads to a unique group of three stones, the enigmatic Llanfechell Triangle [SH364916]. Near Brynsiencyn the huge Bryn Gwyn Stones [SH462669], perhaps once part of a stone circle, stand either side of a field gate.

Castell Caernarfon Caernarfon Castle

Gogledd Cymru North Wales

Castell Harlech Harlech Castle

Dewch i wybod mwy am Gestyll a Muriau Trefi’r Brenin Edward yng Ngwynedd ar eich taith. Discover The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd on your trip.

For good introductions to the history of the region, Storiel (the new museum in Bangor) and Oriel Ynys Môn (the Anglesey museum at Llangefni) offer free admission and informative displays. ROBERT WILLIAMS has compiled museum and gallery exhibitions throughout Wales. His award-winning guide to Anglesey, now in its third edition, has the island’s motto as its title: Môn Mam Cymru (‘Anglesey, Mother of Wales’). On sale at Oriel Ynys Môn, or post free from www.llyfrau-magma.co.uk

Castell Conwy Conwy Castle

llyw.cymru/cadw gov.wales/cadw

How to Build a Sand Sculpture Sandcastles are the things that trips to the beach are made of. But if you have yet to master the perfect turret or want to push the sandy boundaries (and, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, impress your children and other beachgoers) then you might want to read this before your next seaside adventure.

BACK TO BASICS

BUILDING

One of the reasons sandcastles are so popular is that the list of items needed to create one is short and simple:

Start with a big mound of sand. For best results, build up the pile gradually - add about 15 cms of sand, pack it down firmly with your fists or feet, then pour water on top. A sandcastle-bucketful should do. Repeat until you have got it to the height you want. The bigger the better we think.

SAND.... but it has to be wet. Adding water to sand creates

‘bridges’ that connect the grains of sand to each other. Damp sand sticks together so you can shape it. Packing wet sand down forces excess water out, creating even shorter bridges and a more solid clump. The more solid the mound, the more detailed your shaping and carving can be. If you are starting with dry sand, you need one part water to one part sand.

WATER. Vital. See above. And the good thing is, you

can’t overdo it as gravity will always pull away the excess. However, if you are using a bucket to form your castle, the water can’t drain away. If the sand is too wet, it will be virtually impossible to remove your castle from the bucket intact. Drainage holes in your bucket are a good idea…. but not so good for when re-purposing it for rock pooling, water carrying etc. Decisions, decisions. Remember - the more you pound the sand, the stronger those ‘bridges’ will be, and the better defined your masterpiece.

EQUIPMENT. As a minimum, you just need your hands, but

You can then start shaping and carving and smoothing. If it is hot, breezy and taking time, don’t forget to add more water as the sand will dry.

TOP TIPS FOR CARVING Always start from the top and work down, so your waste sand isn’t spoiling your work below. Also, if you knock it with your foot, it doesn’t matter. Use smooth strokes, don’t try and ‘saw’. Gently does it. Once you have carved the sand away it isn’t easy to put it back!

WHY NOT TRY….A SANDCASTLE VOLCANO

a few simple tools will elevate a simple motte & bailey to Caernarfon-esque magnificence.

Build a volcano-shaped mound about a metre high - see building method above to be sure it is solid.

A BUCKET (or two)

Make two tunnels in the mound. One going in from the bottom horizontally and one from the top. Continue until the two meet.

A SHOVEL - preferably lightweight for ease of carrying. TOOLS - for smoothing and shaping. You don’t need to buy anything. Old kitchen utensils, children’s cutlery and other household odds & ends will do the job. All or some of the following will help:

SMALL PALETTE KNIFE with a cranked handle (as

Feel free to decorate the top at this point. Gather some dry kindling, fill the base of your volcano & light. Adult supervision required - please don’t leave the fire unattended, and check that open fires are allowed on the beach you are on before starting!

regularly seen on GBBO or in the hand of Nigella) - good for shaping

OLD KITCHEN OR PLASTIC CHILDREN’S KNIFE - for carving.

Something with a thin STRAIGHT BLADE - paint scrapers are good.

A SOFT BRUSH, such as an old paint brush - to smooth surfaces.

SHORT LENGTH OF THIN HOSE OR DRINKING STRAW - to blow loose sand from detailed carving. SHELLS, SEAWEED, DRIFTWOOD, PEBBLES - for the finishing touches (all of which can be found whilst scouring your chosen beach).

SANDY SNAPS We would love to see your creations. Simply share your picture with us using #thehandbooknw - and at the end of the year our panel of sandy-toed judges will pick their favourite. The winner will receive a voucher for an ice cream parlour of their choice.

In North Wales we are blessed with the most fantastic range of walks for all abilities, from toddler-friendly strolls to challenging mountain scrambles. So many of you told us how much you enjoyed the walks in last year’s edition of The Handbook, here are three more for you to try.

Coastal Nature Walk ABERFFRAW, ANGLESEY

DURATION: 2 hour TYPE: An easy, mostly level, nature-filled walk along Anglesey’s

coastline perfect for children of all ages - although you will need a backpack rather than a pram for babies. DISTANCE: 4.35km (2.7 miles) PARKING: Limited free roadside parking at start of walk please ensure gateways aren’t blocked. GRID REF: SH 340 682 Descend the rough slipway onto the beach. If the tide is low, you can make a detour to explore the fantastic little church in the sea, St Cwyfan’s. Walk to the left of the beach to continue around the headland, it is very rocky! Follow the grassy footpath around the headland on the Anglesey Coastal Footpath, enjoying lovely views across to the mountains of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. Next to a long, narrow gully in the cliffs is an old winch. Once a rich area for fishing, this winch was used to bring up the catches. Just beyond this is a beautiful cove with clear blue-green water - stop for a paddle & keep an eye out for seals.

You will shortly arrive at the point of the headland, Braichlwyd, with extensive rocks stretching out into the sea - a great spot for watching an array of seabirds. Look out for cormorants, shags, white gannets and oystercatchers. Turning left from this point, the footpath becomes enclosed by wind-pruned blackthorn hedges. Catch your first glimpse of the buttery yellow sand of Aberffraw beach. Follow the Anglesey Coastal Footpath signs along this exhilarating stretch of coast. Each time you round a corner, Aberffraw beach is a bit closer and more mountain views (of Snowdon and the Carneddau) are becoming visible.

Walk written for The Handbook by www.angleseywildlifewalks.com

At high tide, the next bit can involve some clambering over rocks. Follow the waymarker onto and across the beach, at mid point you can see where the original path has collapsed along with an old corrugated iron shed. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low tide you can walk along the beach, if the water is up and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to paddle there is a short clamber for a few minutes over these rocks. Beyond the rocks is a lovely sheltered beach, perfect for rock-pooling and beach combing. A good picnic-spot too. Alternatively you can wait until the next headland with its spectacular beach views.

Walk through the wooden gate, (the path is signposted) cross the next lovely beach, and up onto the grassy headland. It is worth taking a detour to the right, to the edge of the grassy area to enjoy the fabulous view of Aberffraw beach. Back-track to rejoin the path you left. When the path splits, take the grassy path to your left marked with a post and yellow arrow. Walk through the metal gate and carry straight on up the track until you join the narrow road.Turn left here to return to your car.

Classic Mountain Walk with Panoramic Views

MOEL EILIO FROM LLANBERIS, SNOWDONIA DURATION: 5 hours TYPE: A challenging circular walk, requiring some

navigational confidence, especially in poor weather. Always carry a map and a compass when walking in the mountains, and know how to use them. DISTANCE: 9.8km (6 miles) PARKING: Small area of off-road parking. GRID REF: SH 567 595 Head steeply uphill on the unmetalled track passing through a gate (ladder stile) with a stone wall on your left. Keep heading up the track (for 380m) as it climbs to the left until the track passes through a second gate. SH 562 597, stone wall on your right.

Once through the gate leave the security of the track and strike up onto the open hillside on a fainter path leading, after 500m, to the rounded ridge at SH 558 595. Once you’ve gained the rounded ridge you will join a major, worn footpath. Take a south turn onto it. If you’re descending then you’ve gone wrong. It’s now uphill all the way to Moel Eilio summit - the path is wide and well worn. After several false summits (points that you are sure must be the top but once there the hill keeps climbing above) you arrive at the summit of Moel Eilio. SH 555 577. If visibility allows this is a fun place to hone your map reading skills by identifying the peaks and towns visible all around. Heading slightly East of South set off downhill (for the first time) and along the beautiful grassy ridge. Keep close to the crest of the ridge and you cannot go too far astray, but the crags to the East are too steep for a stumble! The views are unforgettable; down towards Llanberis, up towards Snowdon and on the other side the dramatic Nantlle ridge.

The ridge undulates, bringing you up to Foel Gron (SH 563 565) down again to a superb grassy col (or Bwlch in Welsh) and eventually, finally up again to Foel Goch (SH 570 563). There are a number of fences and ladder stiles to negotiate along the ridge line. From Foel Goch a steep grassy slope takes you down to join a main bridleway at Bwlch (col) Maesgwm SH 572 558. You will see the wall running down the hill to cross the rocky path. This is the top of Telegraph Valley and marks your furthest point from the start. The return route, however is much faster. Take the bridleway heading North, downhill towards Llanberis. It is 4km back to the starting point. This path will eventually turn into a track that takes you all the way back to the starting point. As you walk down the valley see if you can spot the remaining concrete footings for the now missing telegraph poles that give the valley its colloquial name.

After 1.6km at SH 578 573 pass through a gate as the track continues to level out. SH 577 580 The cottage here is fully functioning and inhabited. Keep going along the main track ignoring all tempting deviations to the right or left. Pass over a wide concrete bridge at Bwlch. After 1.8 km of easy track walking at SH 572 590 climb over the ladder stile and not through the metal gate and down the metalled road. After climbing into the field look out for the healthy looking cattle that often call this hillside home. Keep meandering around the side of the hill. At SH 568 593 a micro-hydro power scheme has been installed, the intake is located under the bridge, can you see it? From this last bridge it is only 100 meters back to the parking. On a hot summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day there are good spots to dip overheated feet into the cooling stream.

Short But Rewarding

THE SUMMIT OF GARN FADRYN, LLYN PENINSULA DURATION: 1 1/2 hours DISTANCE: 4.8km (3 miles) TYPE: A family-friendly circular walk with some steep sections taking in

two Iron Age forts and the summit of the ‘little mountain’, Garn Fadryn. The views you are rewarded with make the effort more than worthwhile. Sturdy shoes or walking boots needed. GRID REF: SH 278345 START & FINISH: At the old chapel in the village of Garnfadryn, nearest postcode - LL53 8TG PARKING: Free parking by the chapel. Take the lane that leaves the road with the chapel on your left. After about 200 yards, take the footpath that continues straight on along a farm track, rather than following the lane to the right. The path narrows and continues for about 70 yards. Go through a wooden kissing gate and take the path right onto the lower slopes. The path follows the line of a dry stone wall for about 300 yards and begins to climb steadily. The path veers to the left and begins to change from low cut grass to stone steps as the gradient increases. You will see the remains of an Iron age hillfort at this point. A detour off the circular route to the trig point (a marker used for surveying) at the summit is a great choice. Follow the cairns through the centre of the fort remains. There is a clear rocky path up the western ridge to the top. Weather permitting, there are 360 degree views to the tip of the “Dragon’s Tail” of the Llyn Peninsula, across the Irish Sea to the Wicklow mountains, Cardigan Bay to the south and a view of Snowdon. Follow the same route back down, and just before the final bend take the path to the left across the stile in the wall. Cross the open grassland towards another kissing gate and then bear left just before it, along a path which joins another. Continue along the path to cross a waymarked stone stile to the left of the gate in the wall. Climb over the nearby ladder stile. Follow the line of the fence after turning slightly right and head across exposed pasture land and through a gap in an old dry stone wall. Carry on across the field to the wall ahead and a low boundary. Continue up alongside the wall and then take the steep slope down to cross the ladder stile. Bear right across the field with the wall ahead and follow the wall to the left.

Illustrations by Fred Van Deelen arty2.com

For more walks and adventures head over to www.menaiholidays.co.uk

Continue over the field to the next stile. Here you encounter Coed Garn Fadryn on your left. Follow the line of the wall that borders the forest. At the post on the wall, cross the stile into the adjoining field. Go over the stile nearby and follow the wall across two bracken covered fields keeping the forest to your left. When you reach the corner, pass the nearby ruin and join the green track.You will pass a cottage, here you rejoin the road. Continue over a junction to take you back to the Old Chapel, where you started the walk.

Welsh Highland Railway through Aberglasyln Pass

ALL ABOARD A ‘not so new’ way to explore North Wales Exploring the stunning North Wales coast and countryside without your car and using public transport instead, perhaps isn’t something you’ve considered. But with the arrival of a new guide book and website launched recently by the Great Little Trains of Wales together with Arriva Trains Wales, perhaps it’s time to think again. This ‘Bradshaw’ style guide, similar to the book used by Michael Portillo in his delightful TV series, helps you plan your travel and activities with interesting titbits of info along the way. You will find features on each of the Great Little Trains, and some of the big scenic railways of Wales; plus some travellers’ tales to whet your appetite; including BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert, Paul Atterbury, who took a few days out to explore some of the delights of Snowdonia by train. Travelling on a Great Little Train through the astoundingly spectacular scenery of North Wales is a unique experience, and one that has just been made even better: “This isn’t just a guide to some great railways,” says Clare Britton, the Chair of North Wales Tourism. “It also pulls together

Arriva Trains along the North Wales Coast

the nearby visitor attractions, places to eat, walking routes and interesting bits of history and local info along the way. Whether you want to hop on a train and go out for lunch, enjoy a day trip, or plan a few days away this is the book!”

Here is a quick round up of those little railways: The Llanberis Lake Railway starts from beside the slate museum at Llanberis and runs along the side of Lake Padarn through the country park. The journey takes around an hour and there are plenty of things to do in the locality. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a trip of a lifetime right up to the summit of Wales’ highest peak. The railway has been taking visitors to the summit since 1896 and its steam locomotives are specially designed for the climb. You do need to book in advance as seats are limited on each journey. The Welsh Highland Railway steams coast to coast between Caernarfon and Porthmadog, crossing the slopes of Snowdon. This 50 mile round trip is a full day out with time to explore, though shorter trips and single journeys are available.

Ffestiniog Railway over the cob at Porthmadog

The historic Ffestiniog Railway climbs from Porthmadog along the picturesque Vale of Ffestiniog to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog surrounded by the rugged scenery and remains of the slate industry. The railway is home to the legendary ‘push me pull you’ Double Fairlie locomotive designed to pull the huge slate trains of the late 1800’s. The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a great line for young families with a hands on museum and miniature railway. It is conveniently situated right beside the Cambrian Coast line station and has a welcoming shop and café on site. The Bala Lake Railway follows the track of an old standard gauge line along the shores of the lake. It’s main station in the village of Llanuwchllyn is a beautifully preserved example of a country halt from the old railway. The Fairbourne Railway may be small but it has a unique story and has been taking passengers to the Barmouth ferry in various guises for 100 years. Do a joint ferry and rail trip for a great day out. The Talyllyn Railway is where Thomas the Tank Engine began. Steaming from Tywyn up to Nant Gwernol, there are delightful halts with forest walks and waterfalls nearby.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway will take you from it’s base in Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge station high up in the hills from where you can explore legendary places such as Jacobs Ladder or the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfalls. The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is nearer the Welsh Border, running between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion and built to serve the agricultural community through which it runs. Don’t miss this lovely area, plan to extend your stay in Wales to fit it in. The Brecon Mountain Railway sits alone, much further south but it is a wonderful day out and has some stunning scenery as it rises from Merthyr Tydfil up into the Brecon Beacons National Park. Add to these, some of Arriva Trains Wales’ Community Rail lines along with some excellent rail and bus rover tickets and you are on your way. We look forward to welcoming you aboard…

www.bigtrainlittletrain.com

‘Big Train meets Little Train’ has been funded by an award from the Department for Transport from its Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation Competition.

T H E H A N D B OOK N W

North Wales captured through a smart phone. If you would like one of your images to feature in the magazine then make sure you hashtag us.

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Rollinghills

Secretbeach Morningmist Menai Bridge

Uwchmynydd, Llyn Peninsula

Sharingamoment

Pluckingupcourage

Rockpooling

Newborough, Anglesey

Harlech Castle

With such spectacular scenery at every turn, adrenalinefuelled activities, historic castles and mountain lakes, sandy beaches and rocky coves dotted along a glittering coastline, it’s easy to see how another wonderful feature of North Wales has perhaps been in the shadows - its collection of world-class gardens. It was on his return to North Wales in 2013 that garden writer and broadcaster Tony Russell, renowned as one of Britain’s leading experts on trees and shrubs, came up with the idea of a Festival of Gardens to firmly place the gardens in the limelight. “I felt there was a real opportunity to shout about how great these gardens are, and definitely worth a visit to North Wales in their own right. The warmth of the gulf stream makes North Wales the ideal place for plants collected from around the world not only to grow, but to flourish.” “In North Wales there are gardens representing more than 500 years of history, mountain gardens, coastal gardens, organic gardens, spring gardens, summer gardens, autumn gardens, gardens bearing influences from countries as far away as Japan, New Zealand and Chile and gardens containing plants rarely seen elsewhere in the British Isles. There are well-known and much-loved gardens such as Bodnant and Powis Castle, exciting new emerging gardens at Plas Cadnant on Anglesey and lesser known gems such as Aber Artro near Harlech and Nanhoron on the Llyn Peninsula.”

The Festival of Gardens With the help of North Wales Tourism, the first Festival was held in 2016 - 9 days of events, involving 20 gardens, behind the scenes tours, talks and exhibitions. “It was such a success that we extended it to a 15 day event for 2017, including more gardens and even more events, with Chair of BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time and BBC weatherman Peter Gibbs officially opening the event”.

“The dates are always chosen to follow on directly from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to coincide with the Spring bank holiday and the late-spring flowering displays. Visitors to the gardens during the Festival can expect fantastic displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, tulips and flowering cherries, making this one of the very best times of year to visit.” Tony recently returned to North Wales, having started his career in plants and gardens here; he had a position with the Forestry Commission in Snowdonia in 1978 which lead on to his studies in forestry and horticulture. A few years later, Tony spent 14 years as Head Forester at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire until his departure in 2003. With his contribution, it became the third most visited garden in the UK (after Kew Gardens, and the RHS Garden, Wisley). Tony is now widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading authorities on trees and shrubs and regularly presents TV and radio programmes, writes for several magazines and newspapers and has published almost 20 books. From his home on the flanks of Moelwyn Bach, just a stone’s throw from the Italiante village of Portmeirion, Tony is continuing to develop the Festival: ‘We are already putting plans in place for the 2018 Festival which we hope will include even more gardens and an exciting programme of events and activities’.

The Festival of Gardens 2017

27th May - 11th June

2018

26th May - 10th June www.gardenstovisit.net/about-the-festival-of-gardens

Festival Highlights

Bodnant Garden

Among the many gardens taking part in this year’s festival, here are Tony’s top tips on those in North West Wales: The Gardens at Aber Artro Hall Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PA

“Not one, but ten gardens to explore. A series of ten garden ‘rooms’, including a fabulous walled kitchen garden, terraced borders and riverside walk. The gardens are only open to pre-booked group guided tours, so get your friends together and plan a date.” www.gardensaberartro.co.uk

Bodnant Garden

Tal-y-Cafn, near Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5RE “A year-round garden, one of the finest in the country. In a stunning setting in the Conwy Valley, with a magnificent collection of Camelias, Magnolias and Rhodedendrons - one can quite easily spend a day here.” www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

Conwy Valley Maze

Cony Valley Maze, Dolgarrog, Conwy, LL32 8JX “Britain’s largest maze will bring out the child in everyone. 2,500 yew trees over 2 acres with individual secret gardens to be discovered. A showcase of diverse statuary and sculpture.” www.big-maze.co.uk

Crug Farm Plants

Griffith’s Crossing, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1TU “A honey-pot for adventurous gardeners. Plant-hunters Bleddyn and Sue Wynne-Jones’ small woodland garden leads into their nursery - an unrivalled and exotic collection of plants collected from around the world.” www.crug-farm.co.uk

Gwydir Castle

Llanrwst, Conwy, LL26 0PN “The 10 acres of Grade I listed gardens surrounding this historic house have been restored by the current owners - famous for its ancient yews and the Cedars of Lebanon, planted to commemorate the wedding of King Charles I in 1625. A step back in time.” www.gwydircastle.co.uk

Plas Tan y Bwlch

61 Plas Tan y Bwlch

Snowdonia National Park Centre, Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3YU

Nanhoron

“Formal terraces and a water garden give way to informal woodland trails - find exotic trees and shrubs from around the world in this Victorian garden with views across the valley.” www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/study-centre

Nanhoron

Plas yn Rhiw

“Open by appointment only, it is a real treat to explore these gardens which have been in the same family for 700 years. The high points for me are the woodland walk in spring and the 19th century kitchen garden.” www.nanhoronestate.co.uk

“Soak up the impressive views across Cardigan Bay from this restored garden. Old English roses and herbaceous perennials are bursting from the borders in summer, and the orchard full of native Welsh varieties, including the Bardsey apple is a ‘must visit’ in Autumn.” www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-yn-rhiw

Pwllheli, Lleyn Peninsula LL53 8DL

Penrhyn Castle

Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4HT “The meticulous walled garden is just one of the many features of Penrhyn’s gardens. Walter Speed’s 19th-century vision for one of Britain’s top three gardens of the time can really be appreciated by visitors to this day.” www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle

Plas Brondanw

Rhiw, Pwllheli, Lleyn Peninsula, LL53 8AB

Portmeirion

Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6ER “A visit to this Italianate village designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, just minutes from my home, is magical at anytime of the year. A formal garden in the village gives way to a 70 acre wooded headland known as the Gwyllt ‘Wild’ Garden.” www.portmeirion-village.com

Llanfrothen, Gwynedd, LL48 6SW “Another of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ masterpieces, although less well known than Portmeirion. Strong architectural features of stone walls and avenues of yew draw your eye to the surrounding mountain peaks.” www.plasbrondanw.com

Plas Cadnant

Cadnant Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5NH “A beautifully restored picturesque garden - all the more magical for its hidden location. Providing interest throughout the seasons - from the formal walled garden to wonderful woodland complete with red squirrels. Great tea room too.” www.plascadnant.co.uk

Plas Newydd

Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, lL61 6DQ “The gardens of this National Trust property really do have the most majestic of settings - on the banks of the Menai Straits with views across to the mountains. The Italianate garden, Australasian arboretum and rhododendrons mean that many visitors come for the gardens alone.” www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-andgardens

Plas Cadnant

A lifes t yle b ou t i qu e se lli n g c lo t h i n g , de c o r a t i on s, c a rd s , i n t e r i o r s & j ewe lle r y. Offering qu a l i t y p rodu c t s, f ro m f a i r t r a de t o Brit ish made.

Bijou x re st a u ran t /ca fe in t h e h e a rt of Moel fre w i th p ict u re squ e wa lle d g ard e n , se rvin g u p del i ci ous h ome cooke d food & a me n u t h at ch an g es w i th the se ason s.

F i nd u s i n B e n lle c h L L 74 8 T L

F in d u s in Moe lfre L L 72 8H L . Te l 0 1 2 48 41038 6

JANET BELL Before moving from Cheshire to Anglesey, Janet spent many childhood holidays playing on the beaches of North Wales. Janet’s home is now Beaumaris where she enjoys wonderful views of the sea from her door, the perfect location for finding inspiration for her bright and cheerful paintings. From iconic Anglesey locations to coastal villages on the Llyn, Janet’s colourful work is created from sketches and photographs taken in situ. Back in the studio, she recreates the images on canvas, hoping to capture the emotions she felt at the time. Janet works in acrylic paint on canvas, then continues with watercolour pencils and pastels. In 2017 Janet celebrates 10 years of living on, and painting, Anglesey. Her work can be found exclusively in Janet Bell Gallery on Wall Street,Beaumaris. She has now also opened Janet Bell Home on Castle Street, a new homewares shop stocking wonderful items inspired by the mixture of Janet’s Scandinavian heritage and her life by the sea in North Wales. www.janetbellgallery.com

RHODRI OWEN Although the three generations before him were carpenters, and having inherited his father’s tools and workshop, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Rhodri learnt the craft from the internationally-acclaimed woodworker Peter Sellers. Rhodri works mainly with oak - predominantly re-claimed beams from old farmhouses along the Conwy Valley, many of which are hundreds of years old. He cut his teeth making simple pieces of Shakerstyle furniture and now creates his own designs - dining tables for the heart of your home, cupboards, kitchen stools and low coffee tables. He is honoured to have been awarded “one of the most privileged commissions in Wales” - Rhodri has designed and made the Bardic Chair for the 2017 National Eisteddfod, held on Anglesey. www.calongron.com

CATRIN WILLIAMS From a childhood on a mountain farm near Bala, Catrin completed an Art Foundation course at Bangor University before gaining a BA Honours in Fine Art at Cardiff. Catrin moved to Pwllheli when she married in 1996. Her work reflects much of her Welsh upbringing - from the farm and countryside of the Welsh hills, to the music, clothing and traditions. Catrin cites one of Wales’ leading landscape artists, Peter Prendergast as one of her major influences and is rightly proud that Sir Kyffin Williams described her as ‘the best abstract artist in Wales’. Alongside exhibitions and projects throughout the country, Catrin also runs workshops at schools helping children of all ages create their own masterpieces. Welsh art Specialist, Martin Tinney has been representing Catrin for the last 5 years, via his galleries in Cardiff and Menai Bridge: “It has been a privilege to show my work at the Oriel Tegfryn in Menai Bridge, and Martin helps to raise the profile of Welsh Art taking it to London and beyond to a much wider audience. There is a growing enthusiasm and interest in art in North Wales, with the understanding that art is something that empowers a community”. Catrin was elected to the Royal Cambrian Academy in 2001, and most recently to The Kyffin Williams Trust. www.catrinwilliams.co.uk

ALLAN REDFERN The mountains and coastline that Allan can see from the windows of his Anglesey home are the inspiration for this Rochdale-born artist’s work. After retiring from a career in teaching, latterly as a senior lecturer in history at what is now the Manchester Metropolitan University, Allan moved to Anglesey where he has been able to devote himself to his lifelong interest, even completing a Fine Art Degree at Bangor University. The North Wales’ landscape, combined with the natural light and dramatic climatic conditions are the basis for much of his work - all within an eight mile radius of his home. A long-standing participant in the Anglesey Arts Forum and with a number of solo exhibitions to his name, Allan’s use of water-based oils and a palette knife capture the spectacular North Wales scenery. www.allan.redfern.me

TH EH AND B OO KN W

We’re celebrating ten years of opening the first Janet Bell Gallery in Beaumaris Last year, we moved Janet Bell Gallery to a new location in town where you can see our biggest ever range of Janet’s Anglesey prints, cards and collection of gifts.

A reflection of Janet’s Danish upbringing The old gallery has been renamed to Janet Bell Home and includes a mixture of the best Scandi-inspired homewares and interiors as well as a different range of Janet’s prints in a cool Nordic colour palette. ? @ M

WWW.JANETBELLGALLERY.COM

10% OFF

FOR MENAI HOLIDAYS TREATS CARD HOLDERS

2 Wall Street Beaumaris Isle of Anglesey LL58 8BS

01248 811050 15 Castle Street Beaumaris Isle of Anglesey LL58 8AP

01248 810043

The Place to Meet & Eat THE OUTBUILDINGS Wayne Roberts from Anglesey and Ciaran Martin from across the water in Dublin are passionate about good, fresh local food and people enjoying time to meet and eat. The Outbuildings is in the most glorious setting, what better place to do just that... Open five days a week serving a small interesting lunch menu sourced from local farmers, fishermen and suppliers on Anglesey and the Lleyn.

AFTERNOON TEAS The setting here is perfect for afternoon tea. Beautifully made tiny sandwiches, glorious cakes, scones with thick whipped cream and fruit jams - served with pots of tea or even a glass of bubbly.

SLEEP AND EAT AT THE OUTBUILDINGS For many years The Outbuildings has been run as a relaxing and special place to stay, offering peace and tranquility together with delicious carefully cooked breakfast. Four individual double rooms with fun names, The Pink Spotty Jug, a twin or king size with ensuite walk in shower, The Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Room - a double room with walk in shower, The fourposter Button Room with ensuite bathroom and shower over and The Granary Steps again with ensuite bathroom with a shower over the bath.

EVENTS AT THE OUTBUILDINGS The converted barn set in spacious gardens with fantastic mountain and rural views, makes The Outbuildings a great location for private events and small weddings. Special birthdays, private dinner parties, afternoon teas, business meetings, lunches or dinners. . Millie and her chefs are here to meet you, discuss exactly what you want and host and prepare your event.

Delicious food in relaxed & pretty surroundings

open for morning coffee, afternoon tea and lunch. A small, beautifully prepared menu served in pretty surroundings, just a few minutes drive from Llanddwyn island. Morning Coffee · Afternoon teA · Dining · BeD & BreAkfAst · events

Llangaffo, Anglesey LL60 6nH 01248 430132 · theoutbuildings.co.uk Follow the ‘pink spotty jug’ signs from the A4080 near Brynsiencyn

WELCOME TO NORTH WALES

WHATEVER YOUR SKILL LEVEL, HOWEVER HUNGRY YOU ARE FOR ADVENTURE, NORTH WALES HAS A CYCLING CHALLENGE ESPECIALLY FOR YOU. For families and the more leisurely cyclists among you a myriad of dedicated cycle routes lie in wait. These accessible paths wind through a variety of landscapes with perfect picnic points at every turn, from slate mines (Lôn Las Ogwen) to breathtaking coastlines (Lôn Las Menai), and you can even race against steam trains! (Lôn Las Eifion). For the road bike enthusiasts steer clear of the hustle and bustle of the main roads and enjoy the beauty and tranquility as you follow your nose through the picturesque countryside (Anglesey, especially the Penmon area is stunning). If you prefer more of a challenge then head for the mountains, the spectacular views are guaranteed to be worth the effort (Snowdonia obviously has a lot to offer but consider also the Clwydian Range and the Llyn Peninsula). If you prefer to descend from the mountain tops in a more dramatic fashion you’ll be spoilt for choice. With dozens of mountain bike trails to test your dexterity and nerve you’ll be sure to return to North Wales for your holidays for years to come! The places I mention above are the tip of the iceberg. Having lived here for over thirty years, and spent most of my time on two wheels I’m still discovering amazing rides, views that take my breath away and the number one priority… cafes with fantastic coffee and cake! Over the years a keen interest in mountain biking turned into a love of road biking, spending hours every day exploring, training for races, learning my craft. In the early days things were very different, I could go out for a whole days ride without seeing another cyclist. Then all of a sudden things changed, mountain bike trails were being developed in the area and proved amazingly popular and I started to see a few more lycra clad people out on the roads. At this point I decided to take the plunge and open a bike shop in Bangor and teamed up with Mat Prichard to create Evolution Bikes. Over the last ten years the growth in popularity of cycling in the area has meant that the shop has gone from strength to strength. Having moved premises twice to accommodate the ever increasing amount of stock to meet customer demand, we are now located on the outskirts of Bangor. It has been (and still is!) a huge challenge to keep up with trends that are constantly changing, but we are fortunate to have talented and experienced members of staff who are able to advise our customers on all aspects of cycling, from children’s bikes to motion capture bike fits, from supplying and servicing the latest electric bikes to choosing the right equipment and specialist clothing. We are cyclists who sell bikes, fix bikes, love talking about bikes and would be very happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Enjoy your cycling in North Wales and call in to see us!

EVOLUTION-BIKES.CO.UK

FAMILY FRIENDLY RIDE Newborough Forest, Newborough. LL61 6SG Newborough forest is the perfect place for a family day out, offering the opportunity to combine an energetic cycle or walk in the forest with a relaxing time on the stunning Llanddwyn beach. Don’t forget to stock up with provisions for a picnic or take advantage of the BBQ area for an outdoor feast, or if you rather somebody else prepares lunch while you enjoy a kick about on the sand, visit the “Caban Llanddwyn” for a tasty bacon bap, burger or pasta pot.

Bikequest Nature Trail (5 miles/8km) Start : Beach Car Park Time : 2/3 hours Bike trail grade – Forest road and similar. A gentle, unchallenging ride of around two to three hours through this idyllic forested corner of Anglesey. With tall trees offering shelter from any winds the trail can be enjoyed even when the weather isn’t at it’s best. To transform your ride into a journey of discovery pick up a Family Activities Pack from the dispenser in the car park. Then follow the great crested newt and search for the 14 information panels along the trail to answer the questions in the nature challenge.

Corsica Trail (6.2 miles/10km) Start : Beach Car Park. Time : 2/3 hours. Bike Trail Grade : Mostly on stoned forest roads. A fantastic way to explore Newborough forest. The trail follows the first half of the Bikequest Nature Challenge through towering pines and wet willow woods with excellent views of the estuary. While you wind your way through the towering trees make sure you notice the ponds teeming with wildlife, unusual rocks and wildflowers. The route takes you deep into the forest, to lose yourself in a magical and mysterious place. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or some people say that the “tylwyth teg” love to play here!

MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE The Gwydir Mawr (Marin) Trail (16 Miles/25 Km) Start : Saw Bench Car Park, Gwydir Forest, Betws y Coed. LL27 0LX Time : 2-4 Hours Bike Trail Grade : Red (Suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road mountain biking skills) The Gwydir Mawr Trail is one of Wales’ originals. It treats riders to epic views of some of Snowdonia’s greatest landmarks with fantastic views of the Carneddau, Moel Siabod and Snowdon. It’s these views that make the trail like no other in the UK. From rugged mountain landscapes to lakeside views it has it all! Most of the climbs are on forest roads and tracks giving you plenty of time to take in the stunning surroundings and prepare yourself for the descents. The singletrack descents vary from tight, technical and rocky, to open, flowing sections, weaving through dark forest and along thrilling exposed ridgelines. Look out for the skull and crossbones “Top of the grade” warning signs, you might want to take a look at these features before you take the plunge!

FAVOURITE SECTIONS…. Gareth Jones (Co-Owner)

The Dragon’s Tail is my favourite section of singletrack trail. This fast, flowing trail follows an exposed rugged ridge line and has spectacular views of Snowdonia as you are weaving your way down… It’s got a real sting in its tail!

Mat Prichard (Co-Owner)

The Gwydir Mawr Trail has remained largely unchanged for the last 14 years but the the new 2km singletrack “Dwsin Drwg” or”Dirty Dozen” is my favourite section with fast flowing singletrack and a technical switchback climb! The name of the section says it all!

Gwydion Roberts (Retail Manager and Bike-Fit Technician)

My favourite section is the Final Descent; one last blast before your back at the car park. The Final Descent is split into 3 main segments, the first of which will see you flow your way through the trees and cross a fire road. Then it drops into a more rocky section. Once through this you’ll find yourself upon a newly sculpted section of deep berms and if you’re brave enough, jumps (which are easily avoided)! Two down, one segment left, a fire road sprint back into the trees! With one last push you roll to some mini step downs and some more flowing corners. One big berm to the right and you’re on the final straight. Keep the brakes open, let the speed increase, and hold on tight. Pump your way through some rollers and pedal for the finish of the trail. The Final Descent is around 2.5km where even the fastest of times will see well over 5 minutes of effort! Make sure you leave enough in the tank for this final blast!

ROAD BIKE ROUTE The Snowdon Loop - 30 miles (climbing 800m) Start : Electric Mountain Centre, Llanberis. LL55 4UR Time 2 - 4 Hours. This classic road ride takes you into the heart of Snowdonia traversing round the slopes of Wales’ highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa. With breath taking views of epic mountain landscapes, winding roads and challenging climbs it’s our favourite ride here at Evolution Bikes. Starting out from the car park turn right onto the A4086 following the road out of Llanberis, skirting Llyn Padarn on your right hand side. After 3.6 miles take the first left hand turning as you enter Llanrug onto Ffordd Bryngwyn. Continuing along this road a short sharp climb takes you up to Ceunant with views of Caernarfon Castle and Anglesey to the right. Be careful on the descent down into Waunfawr, and at the 6.2 mile mark turn left at the T junction onto the A4085. This undulating route follows the Welsh Highland Railway and takes you past Llyn Cwellyn, through Rhyd Ddu and then at the 15 mile mark drops you down into Beddgelert. Be careful on this fast open descent and take care to slow down as you enter the village to avoid pedestrians. Riding through Beddgelert bear left in the village centre onto the A498. Winding your way out of Beddgelert through the wooded foothills of Snowdon you pass the Sygun Copper Mines and Llyn Dinas. At this point we usually take the opportunity to stop for some refreshments. At the 18 mile mark Caffi Gwynant is a welcome respite. Now Its time to spin those legs up again for the business end of the ride! Leaving Nant Gwynant,Yr Wyddfa looms on your left hand side. As you pass Llyn Gwynant you will begin a 4.0 mile climb that seems rather daunting, but after an initial ramp the gradient becomes more comfortable and you can spin the legs and take in the views of the valley below, marvelling at the rugged landscape which surrounds you. You can see why films such as King Arthur, Tomb Raider and James Bond have all featured this special part of the world! At the 23 mile point much of the climbing is over, but its time for one last push. Turn left at the famous Pen y Gwryd Hotel onto the A4086. As you climb up you are greeted by breath taking views down the valley back towards Llyn Gwynant and across to Snowdon. Cresting the climb at an altitude of 359m you are rewarded with a 2.5 mile descent down Pen y Pass into Nant Peris at the 27 mile point. As you spin back into Llanberis you pass the famous Llanberis Slate quarries and Snowdon Mountain Railway. Turning off the A4086 and back into the car park it’s time for well deserved coffee and cake. We hope you enjoy this ride as much as we do! For all your cycling needs… Evolution Bikes, Cyttir Lane (Behind Tesco, Bangor), LL57 4DA

THE YEAR

ETAPE ERYRI

One of the UK’s best cycling events, it takes in the spectacular views and of course climbs of Snowdonia. www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

Events and activities for all abound in the region throughout the year. Here are our top picks in the coming months.

17 - 25

MAY

Celebrating its 30th year the festival is always a huge hit, with food stalls, music concerts and many more events, take a look: www.cricciethfestival.co.uk

20 – 21

SLATEMAN TRIATHLON

CRICCIETH FESTIVAL

24 & 25

Featuring the usual swimming, cycling and running but in spectacular surroundings - starting from Llanberis this event is always exciting whether you are a participant or spectator. www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

TOURNAMENT AT CONWY

27 - 4 June

28 - 2July

This event is set to be legendary! See knights, nobles, archers, musicians, jugglers, jesters and more all descend on the walled medieval town of Conwy. www.thetournament.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF GARDENS

GWYL GREGYNOG FESTIVAL, HARLECH

In its second year, this event once again aims to celebrates the amazing collection of world-class gardens across North Wales. www.gardensnorthwales.co.uk

The festival’s programme of events aims to reflect the ‘richness of artistic life in 1917 Harlech’. www.gwylgregynogfestival.org/harlech

27 - 29

JULY

CONWY PIRATE WEEKEND

Join in all the fun at this free event set on Conwy quayside. To see all the swashbucklin’ events at www.conwypirates.co.uk

JUNE 3

ABERSOCH 10K

The Henri Lloyd Abersoch 10K is a favourite among runners of all abilities, taking place in and around the popular seaside resort of Abersoch. If you don’t fancy taking part the atmosphere among spectators is just as exciting! www.abersochtriplecrown.com/abersoch-10k

ROCK ARDUDWY

This live music event takes place in Harlech and sees live music, music workshops, kids zone, stalls and even a mini Beer and Cider Festival create a fantastic celebration. www.rockardudwy.co.uk/rock-ardudwy

THE THREE CASTLES TROPHY

A new event for this year, that will begin and end in Llandudno, and will see classic cars from 1921 to 1985 enjoy some of the best driving roads North Wales has to offer! www.three-castles.co.uk/2017-trophy

9 - 11

ALL WALES BOAT SHOW 2017

In its fifth year the show is held at the Conwy Quays Marina and will be home to exciting exhibitions, show events and also hands-on activities. www.allwalesboatshow.com

1st

THE NORTH WALES SHOW

A great summer show with fun for all the family in the form of exhibits, a variety of trade stalls, the livestock competitions and fun dog show! www.caernarfonshow.com

14 - 16

ELECTRIC WAVES MUSIC AND SURF FESTIVAL

A family-friendly festival weekend on the shores of the inland surf lagoon. Packed full of music, fun, comedy and food. www.surfsnowdonia.com Surf Snowdonia home to the new Electric Wave Festival

15 - 16

THE ANGLESEY AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Held at the Mona Showground on the Island and with animals, food, crafts, a fairground and more, it’s fun for all the family! www.angleseyshow.org.uk

20 - 26

ANGLESEY MARINE WEEK The Sparks Drummers entertain the crowds at Festival No. 6

INTERNATIONAL SNOWDON RACE

This 10 mile race will have you racing from Padarn Park in Llanberis up to Snowdon summit and back down again…..or spectating from the sidelines! www.snowdonrace.co.uk/races/2017

21 - 23

SESIWN FAWR DOLGELLAU

This popular historical folk music festival is celebrating it’s 25th year. Held in the market square in Dolgellau, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family. Check out the latest line up and book tickets on-line. www.sesiwnfawr.cymru

From dolphin spotting, coastal wildlife walks, guided snorkelling and boat trips - a week full of events to help us enjoy our seas and what lies within them. www.naturebites.co.uk/anglesey-marine-week

SEPTEMBER 2

MAN VS MOUNTAIN

A test of physical endurance. It’s a race from sea level to Snowdon’s summit, with punishing obstacles thrown in for good measure. Sound like fun? Read more about this legendary mountain adventure race here: www.ratrace.com/manvsmountain

7 - 10

FESTIVAL NO 6

AUGUST

This year marks the festival’s fifth year and it just grows and grows in popularity - a music festival like no other. www.festivalnumber6.com

4 - 12

Excitingly this year Anglesey will host this superb event! It’s a festival celebrating Welsh literature, music and performance. See pg 8 for more details or visit: www.eisteddfod.wales

This extreme triathlon begins in Lake Padarn, Llanberis, and includes cycling amongst stunning Snowdonia scenery and then running up and down Snowdon - sound easy enough? www.brutalevents.co.uk

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD

11 - 13

SNOWDONIA OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

A fantastic mix of outdoor activities and music set in the Snowdonia National Park. A great opportunity to try new experiences - from open water swimming to trail running complete with a great festival atmosphere. www.snowdonia-outdoorfestival.co.uk

THE BRUTAL

16 & 17

SANDMAN TRIATHLON

The last in the series of the Always Aim High ‘Adventure Triathlon Series’ - the Sandman takes place at the beautiful Newborough Forest on Anglesey. www.alwaysaimhighevents. com/anglesey-sandman-triathlon/sandman-triathlon-home/

This is a legendary sailing race which has been a part of Anglesey’s event calendar annually since 1966. Events run throughout the weekend, it is a non-stop circumnavigation of the island. www.roundangleseyrace.com

A trail half-marathon race which follows the route of the railway from Tanygrisiau to Porthmadog. To add to the fun of the event a ‘Family and Friends’ train runs alongside to cheer on the competitors! www.trailffest.co.uk

ROUND ANGLESEY RACE

TRAILFEST

OCTOBER

DECEMBER

27, 28 & 31

2/3, 9/10 & 16/17

Get set for some spooky fun on the Welsh Highland Railway this Halloween! www.festrail.co.uk/content/publish/specialevents

This majestic National Trust property on the shores of the Menai Strait will be traditionally decorated as the family once would have done, along with fun family games to be played. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-andgardens

WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS’ HALLOWEEN TRAINS

A PLAS NEWYDD FAMILY CHRISTMAS

NOVEMBER

9 - 23

THE VICTORIAN SANTA TRAINS

COED Y BRENIN TRAIL DUATHLON

This event comprises of a trail run, followed by a mountain bike course and then finishes with another trail run. It is set within the wonderful Coed y Brenin Forest Park - it’s a race in stunning surroundings. www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

For more events and all the goings on go to www.menaiholidays.co.uk/explore-whats-on

BEAUMARIS VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

This magical event will get you in the mood for Christmas, with a fayre, crafts, food stalls, carols and of course Santa’s grotto. www.facebook.com/BeaumarisVictorianChristmas

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What could be more magical? Vintage steam trains chugging through beautiful countryside with Santa and his team of elves on board delivering presents. Oh, and a mince pie and glass of sherry for the grown-ups. www.festrail.co.uk

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Anglesey is a very special place. Immerse yourself in the amazing and magical marine environment. #b4cd3c

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Call 0333 1234 303 Email bookings@ribride.co.uk

EXPLORER

ADVENTURE www.ribride.co.uk

www.themarineclub.com/rya-training

From Easter to September three trips run from Holyhead Marina: the Skerries, Gogarth and Ynys Badrig, a new trip for 2017. A large number of Puffins nest on the Skerries from April to July.

All year round you can enjoy adventure in the shelter of the Menai Strait on one of our scheduled trips. These trips are available online to book now.

Come on a training course in the sheltered yet challenging tidal waters of the Menai Strait, taught by locally experienced, qualified and highly skilled instructors.

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GROUPS

groups.ribride.co.uk/friends-family/ Charter a whole boat and come with us on a special bespoke friends and family tour. It allows you flexibility; you can choose the start time, destination and itinerary.

I’ve come to a place where I’m not lost only found, A calm gently blows through the hills all around The tide of the sea breathing back and forth, Take a compass and find me the arrow points north There’s a quiet here, a stillness flowing up through my feet, Pebbles bounce on the shore, come take a seat The crunch of the branches over roots of the trees, By the crisp burnt pastels that shines off the leaves Surrounded by colours of rainbows that pop, Take it all in, be still and just stop The view from my window a painting once more, Feeling more wild and restored than before Up on the hills a stone house you’ll see, Watching clouds hug the mountains that’s where I’ll be.

BY EMILY HURDISS

{EAT}

From our favourite places to eat in North Wales, three recipes you can try out at home or in your holiday cottage

Pan Fried Scallops With A Soba Noodle, Courgette And Pomegranate Salad EATING IN NORTH WALES

Ingredients

Coconut Kitchen

Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula From humble beginnings over 10 years ago as a take away ‘food truck’, The Coconut Kitchen’s philosophy has remained the same - to serve quality, fresh, authentic food using the local produce and seafood they have on their doorstep. All the dishes served in the harbour-side restaurant are inspired by Thailand and other parts of Asia. Voted ‘Best Oriental Restaurant in Wales’ at the Food Awards Wales in 2015 and 2016, it has been so popular with visitors and locals alike, they launched a range of curry pastes and sauces so customers can re-create the Head Chef’s authentic Thai dishes at home. 01758 712 250 thecoconutkitchen.co.uk/restaurant

100-120 grams of buckwheat soba noodles (If you can’t find these, fine egg noodles will also work) 1/3 bottle of CK. Miso, Sesame & Lemon dressing 8 king scallops (coated with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper) 1 medium sized carrot 1 Courgette 1 inch of peeled fresh ginger ½ red apple 1 small shallot (For all the 5 above ingredients cut about 2 inches long and then cut into a very fine julienne) 8 leaves of baby gem lettuce, washed in cold water and drained 4 dessert spoons of Pomegranate seeds Small hand of coriander leaves 2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to garnish 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (optional)

Serves two

Method

Prepare the vegetables and fruit as described above. Bring large pot of water to boil, add noodles and follow the package instructions to cook.When cooked, rinse with cold water, drain and put into a large mixing bowl . Add all the julienne vegetables to the same bowl with 6 dessert spoons of The Coconut Kitchen Miso dressing and gently toss them together. Arrange 4 baby gem leaves on each serving plate and place the mixed noodles and vegetables in the middle of each plate. Heat a frying pan on a medium to high heat and when the pan is hot add the scallops and sear for 30-40 seconds, turn over and sear for another 15-20 seconds, depending on the size of the scallops. Then arrange the scallops on the plate between the lettuce leaves. Drizzle the scallops and salad with more dressing and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, pomegranate seeds and coriander and the dried chilli flakes if required. Note: if you want to create a vegetarian version of this dish then replace the scallops with boiled eggs cut into halves. Or for a vegan dish pan fried tofu also works really well.

Method Lamb

Roughly chop the vegetables for the mirepoix add the oil to coat then roast for approx. 20 mins on 220Ë&#x161;c until roasted to a good colour. Braise the lamb in water with the roasted mirepoix, thyme, rosemary, sage & garlic for approx 2 hours.When lamb is cooked, remove from the water and leave to cool, reduce cooking liquer until a rich dark colour, allow to cool and refrigerate overnight. Next day add the red wine and redcurrant jelly to a pan bring to the boil and reduce to half. Remove the cooking liquer from the fridge and take off the layer of fat (the stock should be jellied) Put the cooking liquer and reduced red wine in a pan and simmer gently, season to taste.

Crushed potatoes

The Black Lion Inn

Llanfaethlu, Anglesey This cosy, beautifully renovated 18th century country pub lets locally sourced ingredients shine. In addition to the slow roasted lamb featured here, signature dishes include Menai Mussels in a creamy garlic butter sauce, black pudding bon bons, pea puree and local bacon and Bara Brith bread and butter pudding. 01407 730 718 blacklionanglesey.com

Braised Shoulder Of Anglesey Lamb, Crushed Potatoes, Mint Oil And Home Grown Vegetables Ingredients Mirepoix

2 carrots, 1 onion, 2 celery sticks, 1 leek, small bunch of thyme, rosemary, sage

Lamb

1 shoulder lamb, boned and rolled 200ml red wine 2 ltr good quality Lamb stock 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 bulb garlic 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly

Crushed potatoes

600g Anglesey New potatoes 125g salted Welsh butter 1 small bunch chopped parsley & chives Salt & pepper 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Mint oil

Large bunch mint (100g) 100ml Vegetable oil 30 g icing Sugar

Serves four to six

Bring a pan of water to the boil, add salt. Boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes until well cooked then drain. Place on baking tray add the oil. Roast for approx. 10 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile chop the parsley and chives. Melt the butter in a pan. Remove potatoes from the oven, gently crush, add parsley, chives & butter. Season to taste. Mould into preferred shape (baking ring). Place on an oiled tray ready to heat prior to serving.

Mint oil

Bring a saucepan of water to boil and blanch the mint for 2-3 minutes. Rapidly cool in ice cold water to keep the colour. Blitz mint and sugar using a hand blender or food processor, gradually add vegetable oil and season to taste. Pass through a fine chinoix or muslin cloth.

Assemble the dish

Cut the lamb in to 4 -6 individual portions, place on an oven proof tray, add a little water and cover with foil and cook for 25 minutes. Place the potatoes in the oven for the same time. Place the lamb on a warm plate, Bring the lamb sauce to the boil. Blanch vegetables until al dente in salted water (approx 6 minutes). Blanch spinach for 20-30 seconds, squeeze excess water from the spinach, season. Place spinach in centre of plate. Place roast lamb on top, place a spoonful of sauce on top of the lamb. Place the crushed potatoes on top of the lamb. Place the vegetable on top of the lamb. Drizzle mint oil around the plate.

Castle Cottage

Harlech, Snowdonia One of the oldest buildings in Harlech is home to this super five star restaurant. Castle Cottage has won numerous awards over the years and continues to champion the finest Welsh produce. Owners Glyn and Jacqueline Roberts pride themselves on making classic dishes with a modern twist in this 16th century setting. A must visit for fine dining in Snowdonia. 01766 780 479 castlecottageharlech.co.uk

Cardigan Bay Seabass With Linguine, Asparagus And Pine Nuts Ingredients

I x 1kg seabass - filleted, de-scaled and pin boned Pasta dough or a packet of good quality linguine 1 x bunch of Wye valley asparagus 10 grams pine nuts Welsh butter Extra virgin olive oil Lemon Seasoning

Linguine

400 g good-quality Tipo 00 flour, plus extra for dusting. 75 g fine semolina. 12 large free-range eggs. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

Serves four

Method

Make sure your seabass is super fresh if buying whole (bright eyes and firm flesh). Your fishmonger can do the hard work for you if you ask then nicely; they will fillet it for you. With your two fillets, cut them in half and gently score the skin with 4 light incisions on the skin side (this will help the skin to go crispy when cooked - double check there are no bones and all scales are removed from the skin. Prepare the linguine using a pasta machine and process through the cutting mechanism. Combine all ingredients and knead for 5 mins, rest then put through the rollers reducing the size each time, before putting through the cutting roller.

EATING IN NORTH WALES

To cook pasta, place in boiling salted water for 2-3 mins, drain and dress with olive oil and keep warm. Toast the pine nuts under a hot grill or fry in a dry frying pan until golden and toasted. Remove the bottom 1 inch of each asparagus spear and the peel the bottom 3rd of the spear using a peeler; blanch in salted boiling water for 2minutes, refresh in cold water, place on tray with a knob of butter & seasoning, ready to grill for 1 minute to reheat. Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. The fillets can be grilled under a hot grill (for about 5-7 mins depending on the thickness, if very thick you can pop in a hot oven for 3 mins). Just before serving pop a knob of butter on the skin and grill for 1 min, being careful not to burn the skin. To serve, place a portion of hot linguine on plate ( you can fold in some pesto if you like), sprinkle on pine nuts, add grilled asparagus spears and place on the crispy skinned fillet, serve with a wedge of lemon for a delicious, healthy, taste of Cardigan Bay fish!

{EAT} If these have whet your appetite, here are some more hand picked restaurants to enjoy.

Anglesey THE MI DL A N D

THE BL ACK BO Y INN

An instant success when it opened. The chic understated decor of this wine and tapas bar have breathed new life into this beautiful former bank. The variety on the menu leaves you spoilt for choice with spanish hints such as Jamon Iberico and Patatas Bravas, Welsh flavours, seafood and “garden” options. Their Cask Marque Awarded bar serves a selection of fine ales an ever growing collection of gins - oh and cocktails of the day!

It’s reputation precedes it. The 15th century Black Boy Inn sits within the walls of this medieval town and has won Bronze awards for the ‘Best food in Wales’. Old world charm bursting with period features, crackling fires and great value pub food.

Beaumaris

01248 810 429 facebook.com/TheMidlandBeaumaris THE O U T B U I L DI N G S

Llangaffo

Tucked away down quiet country lanes with spectacular mountain views serving light lunches, afternoon teas and dinner in luxurious surroundings with superb service. 01248 430 132 theoutbuildings.co.uk THE B L A CK SEA L

Trearddur Bay

One of Anglesey’s newest dining experiences, this contemporary restaurant and bar sits on the water’s edge. Delicious selection of ‘small plates’, akin to tapas, modern British cuisine and traditional pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Try the extensive gin and cocktail menu too. 01407 860 008 theblackseal.co.uk

Snowdonia

Caernarfon

01286 673 604 black-boy-inn.com/dining

Llyn THE MO O R ING S BIS TR O

Borth y Gest

Once you tear your eyes away from the view across the bay (you’ll see!), you can enjoy a small, freshly prepared inventive bistro menu with french tones using the best of local Welsh produce. The afternoon tea is a delight and all their delicious dishes can be enjoyed either sitting inside or out on the heated terrace. 01766 513500 mooringsbistroborthygest.com PO ACHE R S R E S TAU R ANT

Criccieth

This small, family owned business has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike for over 20 years. Traditional and international dishes feature on the menu of this family-friendly restaurant well-known for its great value and generous portions. 01766 522 512 poachersrestaurant.co.uk

THE B A N K

Barmouth

Newly opened to great reviews. The Bank brings a contemporary venue to Barmouth serving an inventive menu of locally sourced ingredients. Born from Megan and Ryan’s long held passion to open their own restaurant they are open for dinner between 6 and 9pm and Sunday lunch.There is no children’s menu and booking is advisable. 01341 281400 thebankrestaurantbarmouth.co.uk

Enjoying an evening at The Outbuildings.

These three great independent, local businesses are on hand to help give your interiors a fresh look - from contemporary homeware and fabulous fabrics to a full makeover for your home or holiday cottage.

Passionate about interiors and creating spaces for contemporary living. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re refreshing a room or transforming your house, holiday home or business Space Like This can create just the right look for you. See their portfolio online or visit their homewares shop in Menai Bridge, which stocks a huge range of fabrics for bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings. www.spacelikethis.co.uk Menai Bridge, Anglesey

Myfanwy and Tom Gloster are the duo behind this Porthmadog lifestyle shop. Tom designs and makes the ceramics collection in his studio above the shop, running ceramic workshops throughout the year, whilst Myfanwy buys the carefully curated collection of beautiful homewares for the shop. Oh, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget Arthur, their miniature dachshund - another great reason to visit! www.glosters.co.uk Porthmadog

Dee Bentham has been running Cae Du Designs in the historic town of Harlech for 25 years. A treasure trove of fabulous fabrics and throws at tempting prices - all seconds, clearance or overstocks, as well as a wide range of fabric books to choose from. Dee offers a full design and making-up service, with her work having been commissioned throughout the UK and even Europe. www.caedudesigns.co.uk Harlech

The final climb

An Experience above Everything Else However you reach the summit, you never quite know what you’re going to find at the top of Wales’ highest mountain. The towering peaks of most countries are remote places reached only by relatively small numbers of determined walkers, or even climbers. But thanks to enterprising (and tourism-savvy) Victorians, Snowdon can be ascended by the United Kingdom’s only public rack and pinion railway. Opened in 1896, the original Swiss steam locomotives still carry visitors to the summit along the 4.7 miles of track winding its way up from Llanberis. So you’re as likely to meet a hardy local who has ‘jogged’ up for lunch (no, some really do) as you are tourists from around the globe who have just stepped off the train. Katherine Jenkins OBE, Sir Bryn Terfel CBE and Sir David Brailsford CBE have all visited in recent years, and each have had a Diesel carriage named in their honour. At 1085m, Snowdon dominates the landscape of the Snowdonia National Park. From the first views of the waterfall plunging into the gorge below at the start of the journey, to the breath-taking sights over the sheer edge of Rocky Valley, every moment is memorable. On a clear day, the final few steps up to the cairn reward you with heart-stopping panoramic views.

Hafod Eryri – Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre

Five things you might not have known about Snowdon & the Snowdon Mountain Railway

1. Victorians living in Llanberis never had to buy new hats. The railway carriages used to be open to the elements, with gusts of wind regularly removing the passengers’ hats. So common was this, the valley into which they blew became known as Cwm Hetiau (Valley of the Hats). 2. Before the railway opened, the only other way to get to the top other than walking, was by donkey-ride.

3. You can post letters and cards from the top of Snowdon, from the summit post box, the highest in Wales and England. 4. On a clear day - in addition to the panorama of mountain tops that you would expect, you can even get a glimpse of Ireland, Scotland, England and the Isle of Man. 5. It’s been calculated that No. 2 locomotive, ENID, has covered Heritage Steam Experience on the “Snowdon Lily”

a distance equal to four journeys to the moon and back since entering service in 1896.

a little bit about us

In the simplest of terms, we are a holiday cottage letting agency. In reality, we are so much more...

The Menai team

We’re a small & passionate team...

who live in & love North Wales.

We’re happy to offer some friendly (and expert) advice on all sorts...

beaches to visit

places to eat

& walks to walk!

We have everything from historic houses to modern apartments and something for every occasion, be it a wonderful wedding or a relaxing getaway.

With five offices in Brynsiencyn, Menai Bridge, Criccieth, Harlech & trearddur Bay... From small beginnings...

hello!

we now have a great selection of over 350 properties.

and we only choose properties that we’d stay in ourselves! parties Weddings

Finally, we can go the extra mile and provide you with some extra help to make your holiday that bit more special!

families couples groups and many more

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our properties at a glance

The following pages give you a snapshot of our ever-growing portfolio. For full details of all our properties please visit us on-line or give us a call. menaiholidays.co.uk +44 (0)1248 430258

property accepts pets

Barn owl

Beudy penrhos

Benllech, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

Boathouse cadnant gate

Bwthyn Bach

Bwthyn llysifon

menai Bridge, anglesey

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

Benllech, anglesey

cabbage patch

chauntry crow’s nest

clynnog cottage

rhoscolyn, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

cornmill – cornmill courtyard

cornmill – the old cornmill

harlech 1 – Branwen

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

harlech, snoWdonia

properties sleeping 2

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

harlech 2 – Bendigeidfrann

harlech 3 – efnisien

harlech 4 – gwern

harlech, snoWdonia

harlech 5 – matholwch

hen gilfach stable

little hawthorn

harlech, snoWdonia

church Bay, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

little house

llo Bach Bach

llys y Bugail

llandecWyn, snoWdonia

llangernyW, conWy Valley

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

marine terrace – moelwyn mawr

pant y crintach

plas Bach

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

carreglefn, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

plas madoc lodge

plas tirion

the pigsty

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

elim, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

ty hydref

ty’n y coed cabin

tyn towyn – Bwthyn carreg

Beaumaris, anglesey

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

trearddur Bay, anglesey

tyn towyn – Bwthyn haf

tyn towyn – ty gwyrdd golau

tyn towyn – ty melyn

trearddur Bay, anglesey

y stabl criccieth, lleyn peninsula

properties sleeping 3

cyndal Bach

garreg Wen Bach

rhoscolyn, anglesey

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

three gates llangoed, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 4

Bennar – y stabal dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

rhytty Bach ty croes, anglesey

1 maes herbert llaneilian, anglesey

14 rose hill

18 tai newydd

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

3 the coach house – penthouse apartment

31 castle Bakery

aber Wharf

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

amelie cottage

Barras cottage

Bed on the edge

Beaumaris, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Bennar – y Bwthyn

Betws inn – the grooms Quarters

Blue cottage

29 castle Bakery criccieth, lleyn peninsula

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

Beaumaris, anglesey

BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

Bro dawel

Bryn ffynnon

Brynkir tower

Beaumaris, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

Menai Holiday Cottages

Bwthyn llechen

Bwthyn serw

Bwthyn tyn y coed

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

BrangWran, anglesey

cae mawr

cae person

ceris lodge

Bodorgan, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

Bangor, snoWdonia

coach house

corn farm cottage

cosy Barn

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

llaneilian, anglesey

llangaffo, anglesey

cwm glas Bach

cysgod y capel

dairy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Borthwen

nant peris, snoWdonia

Benllech, anglesey

church Bay, anglesey

disgwylfa

dolwaen

driftwood

moelfre, anglesey

maentWrog, snoWdonia

Benllech, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

estuary cottage

farm cottage

glan dwr Bach

moelfre, anglesey

cemaes Bay, anglesey

glyn garth, anglesey

glanrafon lodge

hen stabl

hilltop 2

moelfre, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

caergeiliog, anglesey

Kite cottage

llain Wen

llan cottage

malltraeth, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

eglWysBach, snoWdonia

llo Bach

maes y cregin

marine terrace â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pen y garn

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

moelfre, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

min y don

moel y don

pantlleni

Bangor, snoWdonia

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

nant gWynant, snoWdonia

Menai Holiday Cottages

partridge cottage

pedlarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pack

penrhos cottage

menai Bridge, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

penthouse cadnant moorings

plas mor

rallt goch Bach

menai Bridge, anglesey

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

sandy toes

sea pebbles

skerries

trearddur Bay, anglesey

church Bay, anglesey

teal cottage

the ark

menai Bridge, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

the Bay

the cottage

the crows nest

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llangaffo, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

tan twr farm cottage neWBorough, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

trefor newydd

trehafod

ty glyn

menai Bridge, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

ty hir

ty’n coed cottage

tyddyn ddeugoed

llangoed, anglesey

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

llanrug, snoWdonia

tyn towyn – the stables

tyn towyn – ty glas

tyn towyn – ty glas golau

trearddur Bay, anglesey

tyn towyn – ty oren

tyn y mynydd

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Bull Bay, anglesey

Vine tree Barn

Vista marina – penthouse

Windygates

y Berllan

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

rhosneigr, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

pentre BerW, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

y Beudy

y Bwthyn

ysbryd y mynydd

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

south stacK, anglesey

15 rosehill

17 Victoria terrace

Beaumaris, anglesey

nantlle, snoWdonia

aber

Breeze

Bron y foel Bach

moelfre, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

Bryn dedwydd

Buck cottage

cartrefle’r enfys

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

pentraeth, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

foel stable cottage

garden cottage – ty’r ardd

glasfryn

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

llanddona, anglesey

properties sleeping 5

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

hen felin

little Bakehouse

llys Bach â&#x20AC;&#x201C; y ffor

Bodedern, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

lon las

mor edrin

morfa lodge

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

pen pont

seashells

silva

Benllech, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

tegfryn cottage

the old dairy

ty capel rhoscolyn

marianglas, anglesey

llanddona, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

ty coch

ty coch maentwrog

ty marian

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

maentWrog, snoWdonia

marianglas, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

tyn towyn – ty coch

tyn towyn – ty gwyrdd

tyn towyn – ty piws

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Wernas

White sails

caernarfon, snoWdonia

y felinheli, snoWdonia

1 y Bonc

2 coastguard cottages

3 Vista marina

rhosneigr, anglesey

penmon, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

12 Victoria terrace

awel mon

Bay cottage

nantlle, snoWdonia

marianglas, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

Betws inn (group) BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

Borth arian

Briton’s hill

rhoscolyn, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 6

Bronallt

Bryn deryn

Bwlch y ffos

y felinheli, snoWdonia

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

llangoed, anglesey

Bwthyn y mor

camlan

can y gwynt

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

capel seion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; coron

capel tabernacl

captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest

aBerffraW, anglesey

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

cartref twyni

cennin

charter cottage

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

moelfre, anglesey

chauntry house

coed Bolyn lodge

craig y don

Beaumaris, anglesey

Bethel, snoWdonia

Bull Bay, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

dinas noddfa

druid house

flip flops

nant gWynant, snoWdonia

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

garnedd llwyd

glan y mor

grug y mynydd

llanfair, snoWdonia

rhosneigr, anglesey

llanfair, snoWdonia

gwel y mor

gwelfor

gwynfa

moelfre, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

marianglas, anglesey

hafod, llangoed

hendre

hilltop 1

llangoed, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

caergeiliog, anglesey

isfryn

lark stokes

lavender cottage

pentraeth, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

limefield, morfa nefyn

llys mawr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; y ffor

machlud ynys

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

y felinheli, snoWdonia

marian farm

marinus

menai cottage

llangoed, anglesey

Bull Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

mermaid cottage

min y craig

mon a menai

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

morfin

morningside

mountain View

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

Benllech, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

mulberry cottage

oyster cottage

paradwys

menai Bridge, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

Menai Holiday Cottages

pen y Bont

penrallt

pentir

caernarfon, snoWdonia

llanfairpWll, anglesey

penmon, anglesey

pentreheulyn

perth hwfa

plas esgob

carreglefn, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

plas madog isa

plas uchaf

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

rhoscolyn, anglesey

point lynas lighthouse east Keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage llaneilian, anglesey

railway cottage

rhianfa cottage

harlech, snoWdonia

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhos Wen

rhyd y Bont Bach

ronwyn

llanfair, snoWdonia

rhoscolyn, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

point lynas lighthouse West Keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage llaneilian, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

sail loft

saron

seiriol View

y felinheli, snoWdonia

cWmystradllyn, snoWdonia

moelfre, anglesey

st agnes

stabl

strait View

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

pencaeneWydd, llyn peninsula

y felinheli, snoWdonia

swn y gwynt

tai ffolt

tai glo

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

tan twr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chellow cottage

the old Barn

the old lifeboat house

neWBorough, anglesey

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

penmon, anglesey

the old Water mill

towyn lodge

trefwri

neWBorough, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

ty Bryn

ty capel Bryntwrog

ty felin

morfa nefyn, llyn peninsula

BryntWnog, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

ty ni

ty ynys

tyddyn seri

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

tymynydd cottage

yr hen fanc

ysgol Jones Bach

rhoscolyn, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

anglesey house

angorfa

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

arkoo

Big house

Boathouse & mooring

rhosneigr, anglesey

llandecWyn, snoWdonia

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

properties sleeping 7

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Bronallt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; aberffraw

Bryn y mor, Borth y gest

capel Bach

aBerffraW, anglesey

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

BryntWnog, anglesey

church cottage

fron fawr

gorse hill

Beaumaris, anglesey

nefyn, lleyn peninsula

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

haul a gwynt

hen dy goits

melin y coed

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

Bodorgan, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

pen y Bont Bach

perthi

pentraeth, anglesey

morfa nefyn, llyn peninsula

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

taliesin

tegfryn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rhosneigr

ty siam

rhosneigr, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

Menai Holiday Cottages

y Bwthyn llangybi criccieth, llyn peninsula

properties sleeping 8

1 pen y parc Beaumaris, anglesey

2 the Quay

annedd Wen

Bath cottage

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

Bennar – llys Bennar

Bennar – ysgubor

Bodhyfryd

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

Bron castell

Bryn mel garden house

cae gallt

harlech, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

cae llyn

cae’r dyni

capel seion – cribinau

rhoscolyn, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

aBerffraW, anglesey

+44 (0)1248 430258 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

capel seion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cwyfan

cefn isaf

cerrig

aBerffraW, anglesey

porthmadog, lleyn peninsula

rhoscolyn, anglesey

cowrie cottage

curragho

dolwaenydd

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

druidsmoor

dunes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rhosneigr

ffynnon Wen

trearddur Bay, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

llanBeris, snoWdonia

glan dwr

glan traeth

glasfor

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

goleufryn

hafod

limpets lodge

glanrafon, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Menai Holiday Cottages

lligwy Beach cottage

llwyn Bedw

maelgwyn

lligWy, anglesey

nant peris, snoWdonia

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

min y mor

morawelon

old Barns

llanfairpWll, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

pentre BerW, anglesey

pebbles

penrhos llanfachraeth

penrhyn farm

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llanfachraeth, anglesey

lligWy, anglesey

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plas cefn mawr

sandy house

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

the old mill

the sycamores

ty arwen

menai Bridge, anglesey

porthdafach, anglesey

lligWy, anglesey

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ty llwyd

ty nant

tyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n cae

trearddur Bay, anglesey

south stacK, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

tyn lon

Warren farmhouse

Waterside

moelfre, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

West View

Western heights

rhosneigr, anglesey

llanfaethlu, anglesey

Bryn golau

Bryn tegid

chapel house

neWBorough, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

min y mor trearddur Bay

tyddyn morthwyl

Vaenor

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, lleyn peninsula

rhosneigr, anglesey

properties sleeping 9

Menai Holiday Cottages

properties sleeping 10

Beach house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dryll y gro church Bay, anglesey

4 the Quay

aelfor

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

Betws inn & the grooms Quarters (group)

Bryn dale trearddur Bay, anglesey

BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

Bryn eira stables

Bryn mor

glyn afon

llanfairpWll, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

gorphwysfa

harlech apartments

cemaes Bay, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

church Bay, anglesey

manadwyn

pant yr hyman

penmynydd

menai Bridge, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

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(group)

hen gilfach

plas

tan twr farmhouse

ty glan y mor

rhoscolyn, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

llanfaethlu, anglesey

Warrenside rhosneigr, anglesey

properties sleeping 11

derwas aBergele, snoWdonia

pencraig

pengolwg

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

capel ogwen

clynnog house

dragonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s den

Bangor, snoWdonia

neWBorough, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

dyffryn

felin

hillside

pWllheli, lleyn peninsula

llanfairpWll, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

properties sleeping 12

Menai Holiday Cottages

islwyn

pen lon

rockside

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

the gables

the hideaway

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

nant y gorlan

ynys castell

denBigh, snoWdonia

Wern Barn (group) menai Bridge, anglesey

tan y coed

Bennar (group) dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

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tyn towyn (group) trearddur Bay, anglesey

properties sleeping 13+

caeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r Borth moelfre, anglesey

plas cottages (group) rhoscolyn, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

Barns, Builders & Beautiful Views Confessions of a Holiday Cottage Owner

When embarking on anything for the first time, it’s always helpful to hear stories of those who have trodden that path, and more importantly, found the best route. With two thriving holiday cottages under their belts, and a third ready for guests this year, Michael and Susannah Brooke have learnt a lot along the way. “In the simplest of terms, make your property as nice as possible and fill it for as many days as possible!” Susannah inherited Bron y Foel, a 400 acre farm blessed with majestic sea views between the coastal towns of Porthmadog and Criccieth. The farm formed part of the estate built up by her ancestors after their discovery of slate at nearby Llechwedd. The site of the main house dates back to the 10th century and was home to the impressively named ‘Hywel the Axe’ in the 1300s. Susannah and Michael, a London-based architect with a passion for preserving local history, have spent the last 30 years improving the farm and developing the buildings. “We feel a responsibility to conserve and preserve, but also need to create an income in order to do so”. Their first barn conversion, Bron y Foel Bach was completed in 2002. Initial thoughts of a bunkhouse soon gave way to the creation of a two bedroom family cottage. Cefn Isaf followed in 2007, a second, larger barn with four bedrooms. Michael has a loathing of corridors which is evident in both conversions - sociable open plan spaces take centre stage. Last year, Michael and Susannah turned their attentions to another building on the farm - a handsome stone-built house with more of those seaviews. It had last been refurbished in the 1960s; time to put lessons learnt from their previous projects into practice.

“Ty Mawr is the first house we have developed, as opposed to a barn, so it was much easier to start with.” “A large inglenook fireplace and bread oven had been hidden away, as well as beamed ceilings and a fantastic slate floor. Hidden in the walls to the side of the bread oven were amongst other things, a wooden clog, old shoes, a horse harness and even half a horse’s jaw.” Michael thinks that the items were hidden around the 1860s - a common practice to either aid fertility, bring good luck or ward off witches. “The floor was made from enormous pieces of slate from Llechwedd - which have now been lifted and relaid over underfloor heating”.

LESSONS LEARNT

So, three holiday cottages later…..what are the key lessons they have learnt? “Realising that guests either want better or different to what they have at home, but you must never compromise on home comforts. At Ty Mawr, we are also being sure to focus on what guests come here for - the walking, beaches and great outdoors. So you can come in at the back of the cottage to a large, and dog-friendly utility room and boot room”. “Again, the downstairs will be open plan, but divided into distinct areas so everyone is together but can have their own space.” When it comes to furnishing, the Brooke’s mix high street staples (easily replaced if broken) with antique finds. “We have an enormous antiques and collectors fair near us at Ardingly - a huge event spread over three days. We went with furnishing Ty Mawr clearly in our mind and within two hours had amassed three chests of drawers, two chairs, five lamps, a table and some large rugs…..and with just our Volvo estate to get it all home in! With three tiers of furniture strapped to the roof and lampshades on our knees we headed for home!”.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the simplest of terms, make your property as nice as possible and fill it for as many days as possible!â&#x20AC;?

The sofas have come from another of their tenants who has set up a business buying and refurbishing settees, and fabrics come from Cae Du Designs down the road in Harlech: “It’s great to support local businesses wherever we can - from buying fabric to furniture”. “With flooring, we would always go for the best quality you can afford or find. We have used reclaimed 19th century floor tiles in some rooms. We accept dogs in all of our properties, so you really do need to choose flooring with care.” “The key is, when it is all put together, to make it untraceable, so people don’t feel like they have seen your house before. A bit of Ikea is fine, but mix it up”. One of their daughters, also an architect, has an Art degree. She has been commissioned to paint a large panel of art for the dining room. In the other two properties, Susannah’s sister, ceramacist Bronwyn Williams-Ellis CRA had designed tiles the family’s creativity flows through the houses making them stand out. Guests to Ty Mawr won’t be dazzled by the latest technology though. “People come here for the views, the peace and quiet, and the great outdoors. Of course we have WiFi and television but we want to keep things simple - guests who come here don’t want to spend the first hour figuring out how to work the television or coffee machine”. The holiday cottage industry maintains and creates jobs year round throughout rural communities. Over the years, Michael and Susannah have built up a trusted team of local builders and tradespeople, not forgetting of course the economic benefit of guests coming to the area. Michael and Susannah have clearly found a winning formula. Many guests return time and again, some have been coming for years.

LETTING

“For us, having a local agency was key. We wanted to work with people who knew our properties and the area. Bun, [Judith Matthews, owner of Menai Holiday Cottages] has built the agency up fantastically and we enjoy being part of a growing business - a great organisation with a great mix of houses and friendly people on the phone. The people in the office have local knowledge, as well as knowing the cottages and their locations. Ultimately, this attracts great guests.”

BRON Y FOEL BACH (SLEEPS 4), CEFN ISAF (SLEEPS 6) & TY MAWR (SLEEPS 6) - FOR FULL DETAILS OF EACH GO TO WWW.MENAIHOLIDAYS.CO.UK

With a wealth of other channels open to owners, have they ever been tempted to let their cottages elsewhere? “Of course we have looked, but no. The likes of Airbnb create too many short term stays, even in peak weeks and we don’t have time to respond to all the enquiries, answer the various questions from each guest and so on. In our view, the financials and time required just don’t make sense”.

let your holiday cottage Thinking of letting your holiday cottage? Want to create income from the weeks you don’t use?

Family run business

In-house maintenance team

Local agency with regional offices in Anglesey, Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula great personal service – speak to someone who knows you & your house...

emergency phone for oWners & guests, aVailaBle 24/7

loCal knowledge We know the area inside out

Competitive rates of commission

No restrictions on owner usage (after all it’s your cottage!)

Complimentary in-house photography service (video and drone available too)

Market knowledge We know what our customers want

In-house maintenance team available

Full managemenT avaIlable – please ask

e-mail us for a copy of our owner’s guide, or call for an initial chat or to arrange a viewing info@menaiholidays.co.uk / +44 (0)1248 430258 28

Menai Holiday Cottages

TH E H A N D B OOKN W “...the most idyllic place to relax. It’s a hidden gem for those who come from a busy city. The cottage itself is clean, luxurious and had the finishing touches of a five star hotel.” “Round up your very best friends, pack your walking boots and a few cases of good wine, book a stay....and never look back!” “...our third stay in as many years & we look forward to returning again in the very near future!” “North Wales and Menai Holiday Cottages should be prescribed by doctors - good for the soul!”

Photo. Neil Mark Thomas

It seems strange, but listening to the radio earlier this year, the shipping forecast came on at 1200 and I looked out of the window imagining all the fishermen and sailors passing us by. Those calming words that we all know so well gave me a strange indescribable feeling, a feeling many of you will appreciate. Whilst the steady voice was putting me at ease, I was sat in the car with heaters on and wind whistling around me weighing up if I really wanted to jump into my wetsuit to go for a wintery kitesurf in Rhosneigr.The voice of reason worked. In a matter of minutes I was in my wetsuit and off into the Irish sea. I lasted an hour before trying to jump too high and getting a right wallop to my face. I was more than content as I knew the Surf Cafe would be open for a warm hot chocolate to bring some colour back to my face. There has been a big drive for the Year of Adventure and North Wales has absolutely every box ticked for this, but what I’ve found even more amazing is the amount of places that have kept their doors open year round. We are becoming a ‘365 days a year’ destination and we are starting to wake up to it. Gone are the days of excuses of bad weather and places being closed. Hospitality has moved on and welcomed the short breaks. People have started to realise that it can actually be a damn sight better in the quieter months - whole beaches to yourself and the most incredible outdoor scenery to breathe in and enjoy. The only problem for little old me is I have to share the water with a few more kiters, all far braver than I. Actually, do you know what, that’s a good thing. More people out and about enjoying a winter weekend, great for the local economy and for North Wales as a whole. Thank you shipping forecast. Over and out.