LLANRWST
This ancient market town contains a church dating from the fifteenth century, when it replaced a much older one. It contains several interesting monuments and an elaborate screen. The beautiful Gwydir Chapel was designed by Inigo Jones; it dates from 1633, and contains five brasses of members of the Wynne family. The large stone coffin of Llewellyn the Great, son-in-law of King John, is preserved here, having been removed from Conway Abbey. The effigy in armour represents Howel Coetmore, who led a hundred Denbighshire men at Poitiers.
Gwydir Castle was built in 1555, and partly rebuilt in 1816. In the absence of the family (Lord Carrington is the owner) it is possible that the interesting interior may be seen. The park contains much natural beauty, one conspicuous feature being the lofty Falcon Rock behind the house. Llanrwst Bridge, built by Inigo Jones in 1636, is said to tremble if sudden pressure be placed on one of the parapets.
Two miles out of Llanrwst the village of Trefriew is seen across the river, a summer resort and inland watering-place. Presently the site of Maenan Abbey, which disappeared at the Reformation, is passed, before reaching Maenan House. The mountains lying between the Conway Valley and Nant Ffrancon now present a fine spectacle. Shortly after Tal-y-Cafn a dangerous hill is encountered, and from its summit the Roman station of Canovium, situated near Caerhun on the Carnarvonshire side, may be discerned. As the fishing at this part of the estuary is noted, some coracles may perhaps be seen. The road between Glan Conway and Llandudno reveals grand views of Conway Castle and Mountain, and all the varied scenery which makes the estuary so famous.
LLANDUDNO
The 'Biarritz of Britain' is not an inappropriate name for this favoured town, which possesses every advantage of splendid climate, beautiful scenery, and perfect bathing.
Great Orme's Head is generally the object of the first excursion. In the early morning it looks very imposing, with the exquisite effect of moving mist lying upon the placid waters of the bay at its base, and the summit of the great limestone mass reddened by the hues of the rising sun. It may be seen from the carriage-road which circles it, and affords splendid views of mountain and sea, probably unsurpassed in the kingdom; but the best way is to ascend to the summit by a well-marked road north of the town leading from Church Street, and to visit St. Tudno's Church, with its quaint entrance, 4½ feet in height, of rugged stones, and its general aspect of antiquity. The church is seen from Telegraph Point, which dominates the peninsula. A cromlech lies to the left of the road leading to it, and the remains of a stone circle are above the church. There is plenty of rough scrambling to be obtained.
The carriage-drive is best entered near the pier (motors one shilling toll; pedestrians one penny). The way rises and falls like the Corniche Road; red rocks alternate with white or grey limestone; at times the track is at a giddy height, and presently near the surface of the water. The view up the Menai Straits, with the coasts of Anglesey and Carnarvon nearing each other at the bridges, is very fine, but when the farthest point of the headland is reached, that which leads back to the town is no less beautiful, affording as it does one of the finest prospects of the noble outline of the Carnarvonshire Mountains.
The visitor should not fail to visit the Little Orme, where the sheer cliffs and grassy summit often offer a seclusion much appreciated after the boisterous exuberances of an August crowd. There are many coigns of vantage around Llandudno from which the appreciative traveller can gaze over mountain, sea, and strath, and also a number of interesting edifices that may be visited if sufficient time is allowed.
Unlike Aberystwyth, there is a considerable choice of hotels at Llandudno. The Queen's is recommended for its fine position on the front and for its general excellence.