Welshpool, Wrexham, Llandudno - Wales

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Powis Castle

Another warm and sunny day.  Today we travelled from the south shore of Wales to the north coast of Wales.  It was a long day but a good one.   In Welshpool we visited Powis Castle and Garden.  The castle is high a top of a hill and overlooks the country side. Since it is such a beautiful day we started with the gardens.  The gardens start at the top with terraces and are very formal then go into woodlands then back to formal gardens.  It is 450 feet down to the bottom garden. Going down was great coming up the last few stair cases were hard especially with 30 plus temperatures.  After the gardens we quickly toured the castle and I got told no photos as the castle is a national trust.   I have included  a photo of castle.

Off to Wrexman and Chirk Castle

Rhododendrons

Chirk Castle

Due to the twisted and curvy roads in Wales we arrive at the castle just when they were closing at 5 pm. Our tour guide ran to the entrance to get them to keep it open. We had a quick tour about 15 minutes.  We were able to tour the gardens until 6 pm.  This castle again starts with formal gardens.  Note the cedars that are all trimmed. It takes three gardeners days to prune them.  The woodlands were breath taking with many blooming Rhododendrons.  The white one really stood out this time of day. After the garden we continued to the hotel which took hours due to traffic and windy steep roads. Very rugged countryside.  Finally arrived at 8 pm just in time for supper.  Our hotel is across from the Irish sea.