“with crimson and golden flames issuing from the lofty, dark walls. But when we beheld it in the morning, shining white, with the blue sky for its background, we could not decide at which hour it was most admirable; and again, whether by the light of a brilliant moon the mighty fortress, whose rents and defacements the favouring shade concealed, did not appear after all to the greatest advantage. * * *
“We were so delighted with the extreme beauty of the castle, and the quiet of this simple place, that we remained there ten days, in order to enjoy frequent strolls amongst the ruins, and visit some of the most interesting places near.”
We fully concur in the glowing encomiums which have been passed by the most intelligent tourists on the locality of Conway, which is doubtless one of the most attractive and interesting spots in the Principality.
From Conway, Mr. Bingley, the celebrated author, made an excursion round
Creiddin,
a commot or hundred of Caernarvonshire, situated upon the side of the river opposite to Conway, and forming a considerable promontory into the Irish Sea. After crossing the river, and proceeding along the shore for about half a mile, the first object of attraction is
Diganwy,
or Dinas Gonwy (or the Fort on the Conway), called by the common people, “Y Faer dre,” and by the English, Gannoc. The ruins of the ancient castle are situated on the summit of two small hills, near the shore. At a short distance is a circular watch-tower, said to have been built some time in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
Mr. Bingley next crossed the flat, and under the S.W. side of Llandudno rock, passed the shell of a large mansion, which some centuries ago was a palace belonging to the Bishop of Bangor; thence along the steep and slippery sides of the elevated down of Llandudno, for about two miles to the end of the promontory. Here the rocks are for the most part perpendicular, of amazing height. Many rare plants are found in this district.
About a mile from the N. E. side of the promontory is Llandudno church; and at a short distance is Eglwys Rhôs, celebrated as the last refuge of Maelgwyn Gwynedd, who fled hither to avoid the vâd velen (or yellow fever) which raged over a great part of Europe.