Llangollen and Castel Dinas Bran(Alan aka Backpacker)

[Pat]

Posting for Alan...

Llangollen, N. Wales

Llangollen in Wales was visited I was not leading this one.  Leader decided in fact they all decided the castle on the hill would be given a miss.  Young Lady was struggling badly on this walk.  

Four of them had decided on a change of groups normally they walk with the Warrington group today it was our turn.  One of her friends had a thick polar necked jumper on thick coat and leather gloves.  For me the gloves told me she was not experienced at walking.  Leather gloves would last two seconds in heavy rain then you are wearing wet water logged gloves.  And if it is freezing your are wearing ice cubes.  

Alan the leader decided to rest I informed him I had to visit the bathroom.  I walked on ahead a voice told me I was going the wrong way it was a Lady who had walked with the group for many a year.  He is not going that way he is going over there she shouted.  Excuse me please I have walked on ahead to use the bathroom or whatever you want to call it.  Comfort stop is usually favourite.

At times I do enjoy walking on my own.  This was a time.

What a beautiful day the sun was shining a slight wind I looked back at the castle and thought I am doing my own thing.  I told the four who were at the back to tell Alan the leader I was going to do my own thing I am going to spend the day taking photos.

I head for the castle on the hill long time since I have gone so high with leading these C walks lately my fitness levels have dropped.  Panting behind me It was a young girl out running with her friend who was down below.  To say she was beat would be a understatement.


I figured she had decided to see if she could get to the top without resting.  For a minute I thought a paramedic would be needed.  

Told her train don't strain never mind the no pain no gain what these experts on tv throw at you.  You will do yourself a mischief.

Finally I reached the top.  And then I thought why have I come up here??  It was hurricane weather on the top the full force of the wind was driving down the valley with nothing to stop it.  Sorry I am wrong I am there to stop it.  

One guy behind me what a photo it would make he had his arms out as though he was free falling.  He was nearly level with the ground such was force of the wind.  Taking photos no chance!! I was hanging on for dear life!!

Then a blue hat came rushing by it landed in the remains of the fortifications.  I could see it had blown of the head of a young girl with the party on the remains of the castle above.  I grabbed the hat which at times I was convinced had a mind of its own.  And the mind was saying chase me chase me.

Arriving further onto the castle remains the young girl spotted her hat and I was the hero of the hour.  Who was it that said everybody could be famous for fiteen minutes??  Today was my turn.

One guy came to me with his camera and started to speak.  All Greek to me I thought.  Then a young Lady came forward and asked if I spoke English.  

Many words followed and I stood their with four cameras around my neck.  I told them a good spot for a photo.  Then I thought good spot when the sun is shining is it good today.  To late they had gone to the spot.  Many clicks and the photos were taken.

Do you have a e mail address she asked.  She told me they were from Barcelona on holiday.  I thing Anglo Spanish relations improved that day.  Way I see it we are all ambassadors for our country.

Now how do I get down I thought to myself.  That's another fine mess you have gotten me into. Much digging in with my stick and I was in fairly sheltered ground.  Hands were frozen but it qs to take more photos of the valley in front.

I decided  a visit to the old abbey would be next.  Walked through the town and picked up the road to the old abbey.  Spotted a familiar face it was the Lady I was talking to at the bus stop this morning.  It is her first time out and the way she was talking probably her last.  Told me some guy had told her off for walking to fast he identified himself as a walks leader.  No need to ask who that was I thought to myself!  Leader?? he lead a group over dangerous stepping stones at Hathersage two fell in middle stone was missing.  I avoided it and so did the other Alan.  But not him!!

You try to encourage people to come out walking then they meet him.

I met Ron and Pam had a chat then it was time to go.  Spotted a footpath on the left hand side  thought I think I will explore load of guys practising eskimo rolls in the freezing river.  They were heading into these rapids then just vanishing.  I was cold just watching.  One guy came towards me laughing shouting the water is freezing.  Took a few photos then it was time for the abbey.  

Not happy with the abbey photos the sky was really blank.

Then it was back to town and home again.  Found out later two of the new ones had to be escorted back half way through the walk.

ARCH







CASTEL DINAS ON HORIZON







CASTEL DINAS

[Pat]

Alan, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing photos of one of my old haunts.  I've been up to Crow Castle or Castel Dinas  Bran so often.  What a lovely view of Llangollen village and the River Dee from the top.  My first time was in 1962 and Bassett's Licorice Allsorts kept me going on that walk.  I thought I'd die climbing to the top!

Another time was in 1970 and I have a lovely photo of my six year old in that arch!  He's now 40!

We also visited Valle Crucis Abbey each time we climbed this very steep hill.

Here's a website to tell more of this ancient castle.


Crow Castle

[Janet]

That first photo nearly took my breath away!  WOW.  May I have permission to paint it, Alan?

[Backpacker1uk]

Janet

Of course you have permission to paint it.  I do hope you will send me a copy for my living room wall.

Best wishes Alan

[Etta Sue]

I agree!  That first one took my breath also and I am not an artist one bit!!!!

[Pat]

Posting for Alan...

Three more from the Llangollen area


Kayak
(on the River Dee, Alan?)








Cold and Wet Work







Spanish Tourists


[/b]

[JudyB]

WOW  All I can say is what a recall of  memories!

[Janet]

I am out of superlatives to describe all of these photos!  I love them!

[Pat]

I am out of superlatives to describe all of these photos!  I love them!

I agree, Janet!  I think that we should be seeing many more.

How about it, Alan?

That one of the Crow Castle on the distant hill is so interesting to me...  I walked up that roadway from the village.  Wow!