Caernarfon to Porthmadog (September 6, 2025)

Our Welsh Highland Railway train trip took us to Caernarfon. 
The Railways run two types of locomotives. The Beyer Garrat made in Manchester and the Mikado NG15-134 made in Germany. They were both used in South African for fruit transportation. The Mikado was faster, more comfortable in the cab, and could put on high mileage. The Beyer Garratt on the other hand had two engines and are articulated to allow negotiation of tight curves. They are comprised of three main parts. A front engine with water tank and its own wheels and cylinders, a rear engine with a coal bunker and its own wheels and cylinders, and the centre section consisting of a large boiler, fire box and driving cab which pivots on each of the engines. With this layout a turn around area was not needed as the train can run from front and back.
In 2008, when we were cycling with our kids in Europe, we came around a bend in the path that opened up to a view of this castle. Caernarfon.
In the late 11th century, William the Conquerer ordered a Motte and Bailey Castle built at Caernarfon for his Norman invasion of Wales. Motte and Bailey are medival fortifications built with a mound in the middle (motte) surrounded by a courtyard (Bailey) and enclosed by a protective wall, fence or ditch. His invasion failed and Wales remained independent until 1283.
In 1283, when Edward I conquered Wales he built a series of castles including Harlech, Conwy and Caernarfon.
Edward built this series of castles to prevent future Welsh uprising.
Caernarfon was the most important stronghold in Wales. When the last Prince of Wales, Llewellyn ap Gruffudd, was killed in battle by Edward I, Edward invested his own son, Edward II as the "Prince of Wales".
In 1969, Queen Elizabeth named Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
Because we were only in Caernarfon for a few hours it wasn't worth the money to go into the castle. Ed and I had been inside before and we knew it wasn't enough time to do the castle justice but the gift shop did let us have a peak.
Caernarfon is also a walled city. In reality, Caernarfon was a British Colony. Edward I built a castle with a walled city, removed all Welsh people and populated it with English people thus it became a British Colony.
Zoom in. The last step from the wall is a doosie.
Hole in Wall Pub. A pub built into the city wall. Wes's choice for a beer. A delightful authentic little pub.
On the way back to Porthmadog. More walls up the hills and there are sheep way up there. Obviously no predators.
What can I say. Great traveling companions.
I just love big old trees.
These were my mom's favourites. We happened on a craft fair in Caernarfon and purchased these fresh made Welch cakes. Here's to you mom.



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