Well, would you believe it? I had another free Monday so I was up nice and early and just like last week I found myself heading west, but today’s ride would take me into north wales and also onto the magical Isle of Anglesey.
My first stop of the day was a big one, over 2 hours and 115 miles away. Heading straight up the A5 passing Tamworth, Lichfield, Cannock, Telford, Oswestry and Llangollen when I eventually arrived at Cerrigydrudion and I turned off the A5 onto the B4501 and followed the signs for Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.
Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre
The B4501 is a great road, as are many of the roads around here, including the A543 which I often use to get back onto the A5 but I was here just for the views, the supply of fried pork and coffee.
Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre Breakfast
Next on my list was a run to Criccieth, so I headed back up the A5 until I turned left onto the excellent B4407 and B4391 into Ffestiniog.
Along the B4407 towards Ffestiniog
Once out of Ffestiniog it was just a short ride down into Criccieth as I needed a photo of my bike and the castle so after turning left and going across the railway tracks I came across the stunning view of Criccieth Beach so I had to make a quick stop to enjoy the view as well as picking up a souvenir pebble for my collection.
Criccieth Beach
After spending 5 mins enjoying the view and avoiding the temptation to go for a paddle I headed towards the castle that I could see in the distance to get my evidence photo.
Criccieth Castle
My second castle of the day was the beautiful Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, this was just a simple 30-minute ride along the A487 until I reached the Menai bridge where I crossed over into Anglesey and followed the A545 coast road into the very busy town of Beaumaris.
Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
Beaumaris Castle is obviously a very big attraction as it’s a simply stunning castle, due to the large carpark and number of people I could see walking around inside and if I had more time I would have had a look around not only the castle with its water-filled moat and symmetrical walls but also the town looked very nice too, unfortunately, time was getting on so I had to settle with a quick water break while admiring the outstanding views of the Menai Strait before heading back the way I had just come and onto the A5 and A55 to follow the coast to my next location, Flint Castle.
View of the Menai strait from Beaumaris, Anglesey
After a very boring 60 miles run along the A55, I found the turning I wanted that took me into the town of Flint where I easily found my last location of the day, Flit Castle.
Flint Castle
After my usual photos were taken and I had a quick walk around the site I decided it was time for a small celebration, as I turned off the main road I spotted a McDonalds so I backtracked a little and eventually found the way into the McDonalds carpark, recently a friend of mine had been going on and on about a Honeycomb Iced Frappé so I thought I would give one a try…
Cheeky McDonalds Belgian Chocolate Honeycomb Iced Frappé
After taking a big slurp I suddenly regretted this as I was assaulted by a major brain freeze!! I knew the drink was a cold one but I didn’t realise it was made up of crushed ice cubes, needless to say, I took my time enjoying my Frappé.
Once suitably refreshed, now it was simply the case of covering the the 98 miles to get home.
Route
