17th June – Thurs – Conwy to Caernarfon
An early 06.00 start to make the 26 miles to Caernarfon. It is a bit less straight forward than usual, as we have to pick up a buoy near Bangor Pier and wait for exactly the right time to pass under the Menai Bridge via the infamous Swellies (turbulent water, if approached at anything other than slack water). The Menai Strait is the body of water between Anglesey and Mainland Wales.
We had overcast skies and a chilly wind first thing.
We sailed around the back of Puffin Island. Spoiler alert……there are no puffins!!!!!
Apparently the rats won that inter species battle. Plenty of Guillemots and Cormorants though.
We passed Beaumaris Castle and picked up a buoy opposite the Gazelle Hotel, near the end of Bangor Pier.
The sandbank demonstrates the need for care in this area.
Back at the helm.
View of Bangor Pier and Snowdonia from our buoy mooring.
Our lunch stop lasted from 10.30 to 14.00. Time to negotiate the Swellies. Like most things they are much less scary than legend proclaims when the weather is good and the Captain has timed it to perfection. Two hours before High Water Liverpool.
So we followed the buoys and headed for the central span of the Menai Bridge.
The next marker in the pilot books is the Bungalow.
Then to the Boat House.
Pass the Swellie buoy to Starboard.
Line up the Transit Points under the Britannia Bridge.
Until we are abeam (next to) the Pyramid marker on the Port side.
Passing under the middle of the left hand arch of the Britannia Bridge.
Aiming towards Lord Nelson’s Statue until you reach the middle of the river. And relax.
Disclaimer - These pictures are not for navigation purposes and full planning should take place prior to passing through the Menai Straits.
We meandered past Port Dinorwic.
Arriving at Caernarfon at 16.00. 26 miles in 10 hours, with a lunch stop. Good first trip to blow off the Covid Cobwebs.
18th June – Friday
In search of an evening meal we walked around and chose the historic Black Boy Inn at random. No booking required, queue and go. Good pub grub followed. In what was a larger pub on the inside than it was on the outside, we were seated randomly next to two guys on a golfing trip. One turned out to be Steve Roberts, a work colleague we hadn’t seen for a good 15 years. Another sliding doors moment. Who next?
20th June – Sunday
Fathers Day lunch at the Old Court House, recommended by a local sailor. Complete with live music from a Piano player. First live music for a very long time. Then a lovely walk south along the coastal path.
21st June – Monday
Walked to the Segontium. Ruins of a Roman Fort. Last occupied by 1,000 troops in 400 AD.
Sadly the accompanying museum was closed, but there is a good timeline of the town upstairs in the tourist information centre, near the castle.
A large settlement built to protect Anglesey and its precious crops.
The swing bridge at the Slate Quay to enter the town harbour, as opposed to the Marina where we were moored.
Town square statue of Caernarfon's longest standing MP, 55 years, and Prime Minister David Lloyd George. Not all residents are so reverential.
Caernarfon Castle. We have visited inside the castle a few years ago. It is currently undergoing extensive renovation work, so we thought we would leave it until the work is finished.
We enjoyed six days in Caernarfon.
Sailors Info
Caernarfon Marina is a great stop over and place to spend a few days. The town has a Morrisons and Asda supermarkets. Everything is walkable. There are coastal paths North and South.
Lots of good restaurants, pubs and bars. Mr Fu’s was another good recommendation.
There is a chandlers on the harbourside near the footbridge.
The facilities are located on the South side of the marina. They are unisex and quite new, but are sadly let down by the poor standard of cleaning. More mop sloshing than scrubbing.
The harbourmaster was very accommodating and we really enjoyed our stay. Free wifi and electricity included.
Next stop Milford Haven…..overnight!!!!
Oohh, Milford Haven!Can't wait to read thst one. I remember it like it was yesterday, not seven years ago. Puty we're not there to share a beer and a catch up.
ReplyDeleteGlad your on the move and ennoying the blog as always.