Aberdovey

This morning we walked up to Castle Dolforen which is very close to Castell Forwyn. This castle was begun by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1273 and captured by the English in 1277. It was in ruins by 1398.

While the castle and the history were interesting the most amazing thing about our walk were the views. Wales is the most beautiful place I think I have ever seen.

Ten we set off for our trip up north. Fleur and Anthony led the way and we detoured to LLanidloes to see the medieval market hall. It is the only surviving timber-framed market hall in Wales. As recent tree-ring dating has proved, the present Hall was built at some time between 1612 and 1622. But some of the timbers used in its construction are older than the building, dating from the mid-16th century.

We just had to stop and take a picture of this beautiful old bridge. The sun was shimmering off the water.

We arrived at Aberdovey and this is where we are staying the night in the middle section of this beautiful old house. It is the Richards' holiday house and it has the most glorious views and gardens

We had lunch at a little cafe on the waterfront.

The streets reminded me a little of Doc Martin

After lunch Anthony took us for a drive around the area. It is so rugged with almost vertical hills in some places. Lots of sheep everywhere and many lambs.

We climbed up to Castell-y-Bere which was another old Welsh castle Wales. Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s, the stone castle was intended to maintain his authority over the local people and to defend the south-west part of the princedom of Gwynedd. In 1282 war with Edward I of England resulted in the death of Llywelyn's grandson, Llywelyn the Last, and Castell y Bere fell to English forces. Edward I expanded the castle further and established a small town beside it. In 1294 the Welsh leader Madoc ap Llywelyn mounted a major revolt and the castle was besieged and apparently burnt. Edward did not repair it and it became ruined.

After the castle we drove to see Mary Jones' house at Llanfihangel y Pennant. It was Mary Jone's barefoot walk 25 miles in 1800 that inspired the beginning of the Bible Society.

This was the end of a lovely day.