Aberystwyth–Porthmadog
In September 2014, a fortnight before I started my PhD in Aberystwyth. I organised a return journey to North Wales.
The journey would cover 3 out of the 4 UNESCO World Heritage listed castles built during the reign of Edward the I (1272–1307): Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech. I traveled north by rail from Aberystwyth to Conwy via the Cambrian Coast line to Porthmadog, the Highland Railway to Caernarfon, and a short bus to Conwy via Bangor. Then, I would return exactly way I came, stopping in Harlech, before arriving back in Aberystwyth.
At time, I was acutely aware that I might not have another chance to explore North Wales, which turned out to be the case. These 6 photos cover first part of the journey from Aberystwyth to Porthmadog.
North Beach in Blue
The Department of International Politics in Sunshine
Coastal Signpost
Empty Street Busy Cat
Blue Door Waiting Passenger
Porthmadog Harbour Under Clouds
Porthmadog–Caernarfon–Conwy
In the second part my journey across North Wales, I traveled by steam train on the Highland Railway across Snowdonia from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, with a day trip by bus to Conwy.
Riding the Highland Railway through Snowdonia
The castles of North Wales were designed by Savoy architect/engineer James of St George. They are examples of wider societal processes, most notably the militarisation and colonisation of Wales. The fortifications helped secure the expanded dominance of feudal English society over North Wales. Around 600 years later, Caernarfon and Conwy castles were painted by JMW Turner, at a time when the Romantic movement sought to reinterpret feudal ruins as the embodiment of individualised virtues.
View of the Outer Bailey Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle Walls
High Towers of Conwy Castle
A Pigeon Lair of Conwy Castle
Conwy Towers Facing East to Llandudno Junction
Out the three castles I visited, Conwy, with its closeness to Llandudno Junction and corresponding rail connections to Manchester and Birmingham had by far the most overseas tourists. The picture above captures a red shirted tourist at the top of the tower on the left looking at viewscreen of their camera. Also note the three people at the bottom of the photo.
Harlech–Aberystwyth
Harlech was the final stop of my journey across North Wales, which finished where it started in Aberystwyth.
Harlech Castle feels imposing, that was its purpose: to impose English control over this remote corner of Wales. The psychological impression was interdependent with sociological functions. It demonstrates how Wales was interconnected with the wider feudal societies of continental Europe via the Savoyard designs of James of St George and the work of Savoy craftsman. I enjoyed walking around Harlech with its views of the Llŷn Peninsula. The remoteness means that you almost have the castle to yourself. Like Caernarfon and Conwy, it was also painted by JMW Turner.
Sublime Sunrise Over Castle & Crane
Imposing Wall and Tower
Looking Up
Note the four lion banner of Owain Glyndŵr flown above the gatehouse in the 3 photos below.
The Gatehouse
Gatehouse Entry/Exit
Station Sign & Castle
Sunset From Penglais Hill