smallhobbit | Back in Wales

One of the reasons for me taking early retirement was so we could go away whenever we wanted. Not that that's happened a lot this year, but we did decide we'd have another few days in Wales before winter really set in. Unlike the sun we had last month, this time it rained quite a lot, but we still managed to enjoy our break.

This is Kidwelly Castle, not far from Llanelli. It was originally built in the early twelfth century when it was made of wood, but this was replaced by stone in the thirteenth century and it's that castle which can be seen now.

It's still an impressive castle - although no longer intact. It's still possible to go partway up some of the towers and look out.

The parish church which dates from roughly the same period as the castle.

The view, both looking down at the River Gwendraeth and looking up from beside the river.

To get to the top of one of the towers there were three flights of narrow winding steps with just a rope by the side to hold onto. I decided I'd go up, although did wonder about coming down again! It was okay, although coming down the top flight a couple of steps were in almost total darkness. However the view from the top was good. And then I turned round and waved to SM who was outside one of the other towers.