Forts & Castles of North Wales

Today we will leave Portmeirion to explore the upland Tomen-y-Mur (Welsh motte castle) gaining insights into how Normans constructed their early castles, and how the Welsh adopted this practice. This is located in the ruins of a Roman fort. While stationed here legionaries were required to practice constructing temporary marching camps and the ditches of these rectangular works criss-cross the nearby fields. A group has rebuilt a section of Roman wall which we can ascend and examine. We will then take a scenic journey to the striking Castell-y-Bere the refuge of the last independent ruler of Wales. After Edward I had killed the last native prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, his brother Dafydd found refuge here but was soon captured and later executed. From here we will return northwards reaching the imposing Norman Harlech Castle set atop a commanding sea-crag. This mighty fortress affords stunning views over the Irish Sea. Returning to Portmeirion there will be time to explore the wonders of the Italianate village where our hotel is situated.

Hotel: Portmeirion

Our coach will take us high into the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), through the former slate-mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and it’s imposing quarries. The other side of the pass will take us to the atmospheric crag-top Dolwyddelan Castle, one of the fortifications of the powerful princes of Gwynedd. We can ascend its rebuilt tower. The castle is thought to have been built by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth in the early 13^th century, but was refortified by Edward the first following his conquest of Wales. Proceeding to picturesque town of Llanrwst to see the sarcophagus of Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, the great castle-builder, then afterwards we travel down the scenic Conwy valley to the coast and be guided around Conwy Castle. This was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399, and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401. UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of ‘the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe’, and it is classed as a World Heritage site. We will walk the impressive town walls and there will be time to visit the medieval town before we journey back through the mountains of Eryri.

Hotel: Portmeirion

An early start today with a walk up Dinas Emrys stronghold. The first part is gentle stroll through woodland, but there is then a final steep ascent to the summit. Here we will explore its relationship with the Merlin legend and the origin of the Welsh dragon. The 9^th century Welsh work, Historia Brittonum, relates the story of the Brittonic king Vortigern and his confrontation with the wonder-child Ambrosius (Emrys), who explains that slumbering dragons are defeating his daily attempts to build a fortress in Snowdonia. The later medieval tale Cyfranc Lludd a Llefelys notes Dinas Emrys as the site of the two fighting dragons, one representing the Britons and the other the Saxons. Geoffrey of Monmouth, in the 12^th century, recast this story bringing ‘Merlin’ into it and thus the Arthurian ‘legend’ is born. This rocky hill affords spectacular views of the Glaslyn lake and the massif of Snowdon. We will then travel upwards through craggy mountains to lakeside Dolbadarn, a native Welsh castle, with its well-preserved round tower and beautiful views. This also is probably one of the castles of Llywelyn Fawr (the great). From here we will descend towards the sea and explore the ruins of Roman Segontium and its small museum. The afternoon will be spent in the imposing Caernarfon Castle, the masterpiece of Edward I’s colonial venture. There will be time to visit this quaint town, with its statue of the prime-minister David Lloyd George before we take another scenic route back to our hotel.

Hotel: Portmeirion

Enjoy scenic hilltop Cricieth Castle which overlooks the sea. Walk to summit of Tre’r Ceiri Iron-Age hillfort – one of the best-preserved in Britain. Views over the Llŷn peninsula are spectacular. Travel to an early but mysterious probably Norman castle of Aberlleiniog. On to sturdy Beaumaris Castle, outstanding example of a concentric construction. Visit charming town, and sarcophagus of Joan, wife of Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and daughter of King John. Return to Portmeirion.

Hotel: Portmeirion

We travel back to Chester where our tour ends.