Ynys Môn

January 11, 2009 Ronan

I am 1/16th Welsh. Perhaps this explains why even though I’ve never lived in Wales, I spend most of my UK holidays there. We just enjoyed a marvellous week in North Wales, on the island of Anglesey to be precise (whence the photo at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). It was freezing cold but the sun shone most of the week which meant for remarkable views of the mountains. Some pictures for all Cymruphiles out there:

Rebecca and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this week. Here we are — on the only rainy day — on the small tidal island of Llanddwyn.

Rebecca climbing Holyhead Mountain, Anglesey’s “county top.”

Wonderful view of the Snowdonia mountain range (click to zoom).

Looking over the Menai Straits which separate Anglesey from the mainland. I hiked the two mountains marked.

On the walls of Beaumaris Castle, one of several built by the English king Edward I to prevent the Welsh princes getting help from the sea.

The Menai Straits again.

From the slopes of Pen Yr Ole Wen looking over at Y Garn.

Carnedd Dafydd summit. Thankfully the rescue helicopter was not looking for me.

Rebecca at the bizarre Italianate village of Portmeirion.

Full album here.