Back in Wales

[smallhobbit]

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.

 
 

Comments

[angelofthenorth]

*waves hello from Carmarthen*

[smallhobbit]

We had thought of going to Carmarthen, but in the end didn't have time. After Kidwelly we went to Burry Port to look at the Bristol Channel and then back to where we were staying as it was almost dark (and still wet!).

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Great castle and great photos. Perfect setting for many a murder.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Miss Marple's next coach trip?

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yes, I think so. And possibly Cadfael's adventure, too. I could see it working in many eras.

[ride_4ever]

I've always particularly wanted to visit Portmeirion in Wales because of The Prisoner fandom, but haven't gotten to Wales at all yet. Thank you for sharing these wonderful Welsh pictures.

(And what's your definition of "early retirement"?)

[pensnest]

Wales is *awesome* for castles! Admittedly the history involved probably wasn't as awesome for the Welsh who were being lorded over, but it makes for some great ruins.

[smallhobbit]

Cadfael would feel very at home here.

[smallhobbit]

Oh definitely. The Welsh had their moments too.

[smallhobbit]

Wales is a lovely place to visit - there's so much to see.

Eighteen months before current UK retirement age of 66.

[ride_4ever]

In the States, "early retirement" is considered to be retirement by age 62.

[margaret_r]

The climb up the tower was worth it! That's a great view. Lovely photos too.

One of the things I love about UK is the castles and I actually prefer the partly ruined ones, they seem to have more of a sense of history somehow.

[smallhobbit]

Indeed. And once I had started I wasn't going to stop.

The ruined castles certainly give great opportunities to imagine what they were like at their best.

[adafrog]

Pretty. Thanks for sharing.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked the photos.

[howsmyenglish]

The pictures are lovely! It's so great that travel - at least some, in some parts - is again possible!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. It is indeed :)

[rusty_armour]

I absolutely love your photos of Kidwelly Castle! They're beautiful! I think the grey, rainy weather worked in a way. It makes everything seem more atmospheric. In any case, it looks like a great place to visit, even if the castle is no longer intact.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. I'm delighted you think the grey weather adds to the atmosphere :)