The Pedestrian's Guide through North Wales / A tour performed in 1837

by G. J. Bennett

THE MENAI BRIDGE.

The principal opening between the supporting pyramids is 560 feet in breadth, through which the vessels pass with all their canvass set, without the least danger of their masts touching the overhanging bridge. There are four stone arches upon the Anglesea side, and three upon the Carnaervon, which complete the road way, and have each a span of fifty feet. The length of the bridge is 800 feet, and its height is 100 feet above the surface of the Menai at high water. The weight of the bridge and its suspending chains, between the pyramids, is six hundred and thirty-nine tons, nineteen hundred and nine pounds; and that of the ironwork from one extremity of the chains to the other is estimated at 2130 tons, 1800 consisting of wrought, and three hundred and thirty of cast iron.

The first stone of this astonishing work was laid by W. A. Provis Esq., on the 10th August, 1820; and on the 20th April, 1825, the first main chain was thrown across the strait. This important step being completed, three of the workmen, in the height of their enthusiasm, ventured to walk along the chain from pyramid to pyramid; and a cobbler no less daring and enthusiastic, seated himself in the centre of the curve, and, while suspended at the fearful height, with sky above and the deep water of the strait gliding beneath him, drove the last sparable into one of those convenient comforts called clogs.

The view from the centre of the bridge beggars description. Waving woods, barren precipices, distant mountains, Bangor and Beaumauris, Penrhyn Castle, Paenman Mawr, the Great Orme’s Head, the ocean, and the strait, are objects that dazzle and astonish from the exquisite beauty of their natural arrangement.

My task is done. I have taken leave of my phrenological friend; the steam boat is dropping slowly to Garth point to take in passengers for Liverpool; and I must now quit this lovely land—never perhaps to see it more. But let me hope the sketches I have given of its various charms will induce others to take the path which I have pursued with so much pleasure. It leads through the most interesting portion of the country. For the artist, there is an inexhaustible store of beauty. The geologist and mineralogist will find the lore they thirst for, in almost every hill and valley, through which they pass. The smoke-dried citizen may have the London blacks blown from his garments by the healthful mountain breeze, and drink huge draughts of the pure air until he feels intoxicated with pleasure, while he is enabled to supply himself cheaply with a valuable stock of delightful recollections that will enable him, at any time, to raise a visionary paradise around him—to banish painful thoughts; for, in fine, pain must give place to pleasure, gloom to sunshine, blue devils to hilarity, and sickness to invigorating health, in the enchanting principality of North Wales.

APPENDIX.

SNOWDON

First received its name from the Saxons, and signifies a mountain covered with snow. It was held sacred by the Ancient Britons, who believed that those who slept upon it became inspired. The perpendicular height of the mountain is 1190 yards, and, as the state of the atmosphere hindered me from attempting the ascent, I have selected the accounts of the most celebrated tourists for the benefit of those who may be more fortunate than I was.

MR. PENNANT’S ASCENT.

“Ascend above Cwm Brwynog a very deep bottom. In the course of our ascent, saw on the left above the Cwm, Moel y Cynghorion, or the Hill of Council; pass through Bwlch Maes-y-cwm, and skirt the side of Snowdon, till we reach Bwlch Cwm Brwynog, where the ascent becomes very difficult on account of its vast steepness; people here usually quit their horses. We began a toilsome march, clambering among the rocks. On the left were the precipices over Brwynog with Llyn Du yr Arddwy at their foot; on our right, were those over the small lakes Llyn Glâs, Llyn y Naddroed, and Llyn Côch. The last is the highest on this side the mountain; and on whose margins, we were told that in fairy days, those diminutive gentry kept their revels.