Day #74 Bangor to Caernarfon

           Emerged from the 'Harbour Inn' a little later than is my habit (8.00am) to find a very light drizzle. Today's walking section will be shorter than usual and perhaps even more visually satisfying than most. Leaving Bangor along the main road to the west, I passed the university just as students were arriving. Could not help notice the high proportion of Chinese and other overseas students in the crowds.
         My route today took me along a course that followed the Menai Straights that separates mainland Wales from Anglesey. At Menai, I halted to observe and admire the famous suspension bridge constructed in 1826 by Thomas Telford, being one of the world's first suspension bridges. Still used as a major crossing point it, road traffic functions on the tidal flow principal, ie: south bound in the morning, north in the evening.
         Gradually the drizzle ceased, turning into a pleasant day, albeit with falling temperatures, not unwelcome for a road walker. Climbing and at last falling, the A487 road entered that gem called Caernarfon. The castle, right in the centre of town, is the site for crowning the Princes of Wales for 700 years. Caernarfon is a walled town, dominated by the massive castle, built by the English king Edward 1 in about 1250AD; as such, it has in the past been seen by some Welsh people, as a symbol of English domination.

         Noticeable in this part of wales is the use of the Welsh language in everyday life--not just the old, but by many, including children that I overheard in the town on the way home from school. There is an active program to protect Welsh--all street signage and government information are presented in both languages, Welsh first, plus Welsh language TV and radio stations. Certainly not an easy language for the untrained ear to comprehend.

17.3 kms. walked today per pedometer. Cumulative Kms. covered: 1750.6
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 4.5
Type of accommodation:  Tourist guest house.
Cost of bed & breakfast: pounds. 40.00 excl. breakfast.
Please go to Flickr.com (traveller6666) to view pics of the walk.

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