Hafod Eryri – Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre

 

We drove to the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and had booked our tickets with Snowdon Mountain Railway to go up to the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre.  The train journey up to 1085 meters.  We reached the little village at the foot of Snowdon, Llanberis in the heart of the National Park.  This was a great experience for our friends to experience an awe inspiring journey by a rack railway to the summit of Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales and England.

We reached Llanberis station very early and had enjoyed ourselves to see the workers busy working at the steam trains. As the first train will be leaving in 20 minutes  so all the workers were busy putting the coals into the train with the smoke curling into the misty morning.

Our train leave in next half hour and once all seated, the train begun the journey upwards to the clouds. Our first glimpse of the waterfall in Llanberis and when our train crested on the mountain. We had been surrounded by the beautiful views.

A beautiful landscape rich in alpine flowers and rare ferns caused by the retreating ice age and it was dotted with ruins. These ancient mountains thrust upwards by volcanic forces 450 million year ago, once towered 10,000 meters. The wind, rain and successive ice ages had sculpted them to their current form.

Unfortunately, we can’t see the two viaducts across the Afon Hwch River and the waterfall plunging into the gorge below due to mist covered around the mountains peaks.

The beautiful ruined Hebron Chapel and spectacular countryside before we finally reached one of the world great panoramas at the Summit of Snowdon. The visitors centre had a café where we had some hot soup and hot pastry to warm our bellies. Sadly, it rain heavily with strong wind  we couldn’t view the panoramas view of Eryri, Land of the Eagles.

The Summit trains operating from May to October only. We were happy we had reached the summit of Snowdon and will be back again soon, there are so many spectacular spots which I haven’t got a chance to see or trek.

 

 

 

 

Conwy Falls – Betws-y-Coed, Wales

Conwy Falls is a little harder to find than the other falls in the area.  It is easier to go Conwy Falls cafe, park in their car park and enter through the turnstile gates which cost £1.00 gbp for the entrance.

Stunning waterfall and scenery cafe serving homemade food, using local produce wherever possible. The £1 gains entry to the Conwy Falls and woodland walks.

Conwy Falls is one of the most popular and scenic waterfalls in Snowdonia. The falls are not located near the historic town of Conwy, as the name might suggest, but just east of Betws-y-Coed, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.

The falls are at the heart of over 9 acres of woodland at the junction of the Conwy and Machno rivers. Footpaths lead through  the woodland, part of which is listed as the site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

As we reached the waterfall around 5.00 p.m. there aren’t any visitors except ourselves and another couples who stayed at the nearby hotel as we were. It was amazing beautiful falls with jutted out formation rocks.  It was so peaceful and serene with beautiful woodland surrounding the falls. There are several trails to follow but we followed the short

trail to the waterfall due to the lateness of the day.

 

Utterly happy with this visit and thought to bring my friends here the next day, unfortunately they wanted to skip this falls and go straight to Snowdonia.

 

Hollyhead, Anglesey

We started our journey early in the morning to Hollyhead, Anglesey. When we reached there strong wind and rain beat us away from Holly head. We took our lunch at the shopping mall and did some shopping at the Tesco.  Once we had our lunch we drove around the town and the busy ferry port.

Unfortunately, the bad weather of grayish with misty clouds covered the surrounding landscape.  Our spirit wasn’t flatten by the bad weather, the scenic view from isle and the harbor were beautiful and enchanting.

After cruising around for an hour or two, we drove back to the National Park of Bala and enjoying the beautiful Welsh countryside scenic view.  We reached the hotel around 4.00 p.m. and cooked an early dinner so some of my friends can relax and have and early night.

Once we had finished our dinner, we decided to go out to explore Conwy  Fall which about 15 minutes drive from our hotel.  Our trip to Wales was meant to be free and easy due to my friend, he is 83 years old and we wanted him to relax end enjoy the Pretty  Welsh Country Scenic View. The fabulous Conwy Fall will be in my next post soon.

Wild flowers in Midland, England

Spring is here and couldn’t resit the nice weather, I went for an English Country walk. During my walk into the countryside where the farmhouses and detached houses dotted along the country lanes. Spotted some beautiful wild flowers planted in front of one of the detached houses, and I had been lying on the ground to took some photos of these beautiful flowers.

So engrossed with the flowers and didn’t know the owner of the house sat in her car waiting to see what I am up to.  I am lucky not been told off for not asking for permission to take photos of her flowers and kindly show her some of my photos from my camera to her.

I had encountered  with an old man from another house , who came out to see what I am up to with my camera around his neighbour’s house. On my way back home, I came upon row and row of cherry blossom and  had enjoyed a happy hour snapping my camera away.

 

Totally knackered but happy with what I had achieved today and will go out for another walk again soon.

Llanuwchllyn Station, Bala

Our journey to Wales –  I had booked our hotel rooms in the National Park of Bala.  On our way to the hotel, we came upon Llanuwchllyn Station.  The railway’s head quarter is located in the pretty Welsh village of Llanuwchllyn,  there are ample free car parking, refreshments,  small gift shop, toilets and picnic tables for locals families day outing, The storage and repair facilities can be found here.

On our way to the station, we met a lady enjoying herself, happily and lovingly painting  a portion section of the train. The serene and pretty Welsh country side surrounding the station.  We can get the train tickets from the cafe, drinks and foods also serve here.

Llanuwchllyn Station features an original Great Western Signal Box that is often open to visitors and provides an unique perspective on the station. All trains start and finish the journey at Llanuwchllyn and early visitors may be able to view the day’s engine being prepared prior to the departure of the first train of the day.

Each trip to Bala and back, the locomotive is serviced at the water tower at the western edge of the Llanuwchllyn station site, where this fascinating process can be viewed. The Bala Lake Railway  offers a delightful 9 mile – approx  1 hour , return journey along Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), through the beautiful and natural  Snowdonia National Park.

We didn’t want to go for the steam train rides and spent our times at this gorgeous and beautiful steam station. I had a happy hour of clicking my camera on the locals and their families enjoying the day outing at this station.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chasewater Country Park, Staffordshire

Our Singapore friends came to England to visit us and we planned to tour England and Europe for the 21 days when they were here. The first day was free and easy and we went to the Chasewater Country Park.

Chasewater Country Park in Staffordshire is perfect for a gentle stroll, bird watching, running, cycling or even a steam train ride. It is located between Burntwood, Brownhills and Norton Canes, in a picturesque countryside setting. It covers 360 hectares, including some 90 hectares of water.

The country park provides a home for many birds and animals, where the keen naturalist can find rare habitats to visit including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are excellent bird watching, walking and cycling opportunities.

In May 2011, Chasewater Country Park and its reservoir were transferred to Staffordshire County Countcil. The park have been totally changed since it was taken over by Staffordshire County, it became a park where the locals enjoyed the benefit of water sport organized by the County. Lot of locals come to the park to enjoy the day with their families and having picnic and enjoying the steam train rides every Sunday.

Unfortunately, due to all these activities in the park, the wild life such as rare birds and swans, ducklings been pushed over the edge. There are lesser wildlife around this park and hope the Staffordishire County will take step to protect the wildlife habitat so that the wildlife would immigrate to this reserve again.

GoodBye 2015

I think I have done quite well for my 2015, completed my 1st year university and had 2 exhibitions shows held in Birmingham. Been to several countries and gone on holidays with my relatives and best friends.  We have so much fun, adventure, sadness, laughter and sharing heartfelt thoughts.

My first time venture to Turkey and simply fall in love with this country. The heat of the sun is killing but the scenic view of the country had made a great impression in my memory. The friendly and kind  locals are so extraordinary amazing, I couldn’t wait to visit the country again so.

My first trip to Taiwan with my friends is beautiful and gorgeous. The second trip with my family and friends are so wonderful and fabulous. My brother-in-law’s Taiwan friends show us a different side of Taiwan which we haven’t seen before. With friendliness  and warm welcome, they  recommend us to all the famous local cuisine and places we have never seen or been before. This is an eye-opening experience for  us and every day with a full belly of good foods.

Hong Kong is my husband’s home town and he has been away from the  country about 38 years. His parents  are immigrated to England for 45 odd years but went back to Hong Kong when they retired. We have been to Hong Kong several times to visit them and also sight-seeing this beautiful city. Most of the people think Hong Kong is great for shopping but it also great for sight-seeing. There are lot  of beautiful nature in Hong Kong. Especially the islands and is a great place for trekking up to the mountains/hills within easy reach by bus or tram.

Singapore is my hometown but I have immigrated to England for 24 odd years. I have been back home a few times and there are some beautiful places in Singapore which tourists have not been venture to. One of my favorite place is Pasir Ris Park full of nature and wild life.

Went to Penang – Malaysia is a neighbouring country to Singapore. Enjoy ourselves so much,  have a rowdy and mad holiday.

My friends came to England to visit us, so we arranged a trip to England and Europe. First we visit Wales, Lake Districts and Scotland and drive to France, Belgium and Holland. We have a great and wonderful times touring round UK and Europe and here  to share some of the photos of these places.

Wales – The Bont

Lakes District – Windermere

Scotland -Edinburgh

Scotland – Culross West – Scottish Highland

France – Paris

Belgium -Brussels

Lastly Holland – Windmills Park

I think I have pretty much reflecting 2015 with my photos as documentation of what I am doing and also keeping a record for my own keepsake. I had lost both my parents-in-law in 2015 and become a  first time grandmother, in total  it is quite a great achievement for me and my husband. Our emotions are like yo-yo up and down but in the end happiness overcome all the lost and sadness. Hope 2016 will bring Peace to Earth and wish all my friends A Happy 2016 with “Peace & Love”.

 

 

 

 

Chain Bridge, Llangollen

Chain bridge  at Llangollen is open now. The bridge has been dismantled and restored, re-establishing a link between Llangollen Canal and railway line which was closed 30 years ago.

The bridge was supported from the river bed by six oak pillars. The bridge spans  the River Dee which itself runs parallel to the railway line on one side and Llangollen Canal on the other near its source, Horseshoe Falls.

The 3 bridges spans together at the Chain Bridge Hotel and Restaurant. There is a cafe bar for customers to sit on the deck to enjoy the beauty of River Dee.

About 1/2 mile away from the Chain bridge is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal, a world heritage Site. We can walk on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, there is a walking path and next to the walking path is the canal for the boats cruise along  River Dee. There is walking tracks for trekkers or walkers to walk around the Dee Valley.

At the end of the road, one toward Pontcysyllte and another toward The Bont, I simply love The Bont, a private fishing lake with amazing beautiful sight. We normally climb over the locked gate to to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake, it is illegal but the thrill of seeing The Bont again worth all the risk.

 

Side Pike, Langdale Pikes

Side Pike is one of the top 10 photography locations in the Lake District. We didn’t do it the proper way as all other trekkers do, by parking our car at the car park at the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

We drove all the way up hill to a private farmhouse and park our car at the side of the locked up barn, as we reckon our walk will take us about a hour or so. It is best to take some drinks and sandwich along for this trek.

Great Langdale is renowned for the majestic Langdale Pikes and every year there are about 1 million visitors visit this place. The views down the Langdale valley are stunning. A view of both valley and the famous Pikes are equally as stunning. Side Pike standing less than 400m and is not even high enough to be classed as a mountain, but it offering some great views. It is one of my favorite views in the Lake District.

Following the private farm house side gate leading to the valley, and follow the sign at the side stating National Trust Park, there is a footpath leading to the side Pike, or another way is to detour the river across the farmland up to the side Pike. The footpath will lead into a side track on the right going uphill, the grounds or the footpaths are uneven so be careful when walking up the hill.

The best views is head up to the top of the Side Pike, about 3/4 up to the summit, we can view the village of Langdale with Lakes, when reach to the top of the path turn left onto the knoll that overlooks the valley, the views from here are nearly as good. We walk up to the summit, and glad that we did it. The view on the top is amazing beautiful, we can see the mountains peaks stretching from one to another and another is side is the valley, it is a glorious sight to behold to. At the summit, prepare yourself for the strong wind, as we couldn’t stay here for too long due to the strong wind.

We return the same way as we walk up, as there is a different route to extend the walk to include Blea Tarn, but we didn’t go for it.

 

Glan Yr Afon Riverside Park, Llangollen

 

Glan yr Afon Riverside Park, Llangollen, North Wales, the riverside park is just next to the Llangollen Station. Lot of tourists will visit this town, it is the center of the footpath for trekking the River Dee and hills surrounded this beautiful town.

 

 

The main attraction  is the Llangollen station,  to take a ride on  the steam train which follow the River Dee to the area of outstanding nature beauty. Across the beautiful bridge to see  the fast water running under the bridge. There is a company who organized  canoeing in the fast ripple water. There are boats rides which are haul by the horses in the tradition ways on the canal for tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenic view around the River Dee.

There is a footpath from the Riverside  Mill Pub and follow this footpath, it will take you to riverside park. We plan our this trip to riverside in Autumn , around end of October, when the trees foliages have turned and change to different shade of red and yellow.

Busy taking photos of this gorgeous colorful  foliage reflection on the water, and been told by a few locals, they had spotted a stork on the rocks, so we can take a photo of the rare visitor.

We took some photos of the riverside and decided to join the locals going down to the river which covered with  special black rocks jutting upward of the water. The public are allow to access to these rocks and water if they are not worry to get wet. We walk across the rocks to view the amazing beautiful scenic view reflected on  still water.

Once we are satisfy we have enough photos of this place, we take a break to have a cup of tea with scones at the Riverside Mill Pub. I have never venture into this pub before. It look quite posh with deck for the customers to sit out and enjoy the scenic views of the river.  The view from the deck are amazing and the price of tea and scones are same price as the shops in the town.  The ice cream which I have is gorgeous and beautiful.

There is a old working mill inside the pub and you can walk around the old historical building to enjoy a traditional working mill and pub food. We stay for an hour at here and Chain Bridge will be our next stop. Look for my next post for the Chain Bridge in North Wales.