Anglesey

We drove up to Anglesey taking the long route via Llangollen.  We stopped for a delicious lunch at The Corn Mill - an 18th century corn mill beside the swiftly flowing Dee, with gorgeous views on to the river.

LL20 8PN http://www.cornmill-llangollen.co.uk/

Thursday
We woke to great excitement as my phone was ringing - Emmie had left Hayley's and was on her way.

Waiting for Emmie.
Alun, Gemma and Emmie arrived at lunchtime and, after lunch at the Golf Club, Alun went for a little sleep because he had been flying the previous night..So Gemma, Phil, Emmie in her Bugaboo, and I walked into Beaumaris to see the picturebook castle built by King Edward with it's coastal views to the mountains of Snowdonia.  We then bought some Welsh cakes for afternoon tea.  Suitably refreshed Alun and I then took Emmie for a swim in the pool at Henylls.

Friday
Drove to Portmeirion via Beddgebert through the picturesque Pass of Aberglaslyn (A4085).
Portmeirion is something of an architectural wonderland - Moorish arches, Italianate domes, Palladian-style cottages, an 18th century Bath House colonnade, fountains, heroic statues and beautiful gardens.  Emmie
seemed to enjoy it and many people also stopped to admire Emmie in her strawberry hat.  She blended in perfectly.

 Enjoyed Welsh fillet beef in the evening.

Saturday
We made our way to Penmon, parking at the priory, and walking the mile or so to the pebble beach.  Penmon is a special place - it has an atmosphere about it that is difficult to put into words.  The sight of Puffin Island crouching in the sea temptingly within reach and the sound of the lighthouse bell as it drops it's deep and heavy chimes into the air.

We left Penmon behind and intended to drive by way of the 'top table' to Red Wharf Bay but we got lost in the narrow lanes.  However, we did see Will in his yellow helicopter as he flew very low over us - at least we thought it was Will.  After a slight detour we found Red Wharf Bay and had a lovely lunch at The Ship Inn
LL75 8RJ http://www.shipinnredwharfbay.co.uk/ with it's vast sea and sand views.
On the way home we stopped at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
Welsh Mountain Rack of Lamb tonight plus Double Chocolate Tiramisu.  Gemma wanted the recipe:-
So simple to make.
4 chocolate muffins, thickly sliced
100ml strong coffee, cooled
100ml Tia Maria
2 x 250g tubs mascarpone cheese
200ml single cream
Chocolate flake

Place the muffin slices in the base of a 1 litre deep dish.  Drizzle over strong coffee and Tia Maria.
Beat single cream into the mascarpone.  Spoon over the soaked sponge and level the surface.
Scatter over  chocolate flake and chill for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Per serving cals.  Don't ask!

Sunday
On Sunday, unfortunately, Alun, Gemma and Emmie had to leave.  Very quiet.  Watched the Rugby World Cup - not so quiet.  Then Grand Prix.  Lovely lunch at Henylls, Harry's, restaurant.

Monday
Very windy day, remnants of a hurricane.  Drove to Bodnant Gardens but it was closed because of 45 mph winds.  Instead, we visited Conwy.  The town's setting is idyllic with it's bustling quay dangling it's toes in the gorgeous Conwy Estuary, framed by the brooding mountains of Snowdonia.  It's a place of rare magic and atmosphere.  Conwy's castle dominates the town.

This ancient city still has it's complete medieval walls and we had a pleasant, if windy, stroll along the ramparts.

 There are three remarkable bridges crossing the river, including the Conwy Suspension Bridge, designed and built by Thomas Telford in 1826.

  We walked along the quay passed the smallest house in Britain, a mere 6 feet wide and 10 feet high.

Also visited Aberconwy House, 14th centruy merchant's house within the walled town.  An excellent couple in charge delighted in telling us Conwy's complete history!
We then drove about 2 miles through some very pretty scenery to The Groes Inn LL32 8TN http://www.groesinn.com/ and stopped for another delicious lunch.  The Groes Inn was the first licensed house in Wales (1573) and is splendidly old-fashioned, with rambling bars, nooks and crannies and low beams and doorways.  Lovely mountain views from the conservatory.

Tuesday
Visited Plas Newydd.  Home of the Marquess of Anglesey.
Wonderful painting by Rex Whistler.  If you visit study Neptune's wet footmarks in the large painting.  They follow you around the room, as does the small rowing boat.  Brilliant.

Wednesday

Our cottage in Anglesey:-

We drank in the sight of the valleys and mountains and thought how lucky we were to know such a place as we made our way home.