Day 37
One way street
A wonderful downhill start and we were nearly off our beloved Anglesey but first we went to look for the stone lions on the bridge Derrick had told us about yesterday. We soon realised we were at the wrong bridge! Still another reason to return another time. The four lions guarded the entrances to the Britannia Bridge, created by the sculpture John Thomas in 1850, however fire in 1972 caused so much damage that rebuilding has hidden the lions from view.
Instead of an easy start along a flat coastal road it was back to the hills, wonderful riding and thank goodness all rideable. I think we are getting fitter! When we finally descended to the coast, we had to cross over busy roads and a railway line. A series of bridges, designed with the cyclist in mind got us safely over, brilliant. Big shout out to the local Councillor who pushed for these!
Next we arrived at Conwy Castle, so dramatic, but set amongst a very busy tourist area, so we headed onto the Conwy Suspension Bridge, at the entrance to the castle. The bridge, built in 1822-1826, is one of the world’s first road suspension bridges. It was quieter here, and we could admire the castle whilst standing on Thomas Telford’s drawbridge like bridge.
We had decided to ride around a piece of rock at the tip of Conwy, the Great Orme. My Garmin had a strop and we ended going the wrong way as it is a one way road. So after climbing nearly to the top, we cycled back down and rode it the correct way round. I rate this ride as one of my best routes ever! We really wanted to linger and explore the Orme some more. The world's largest prehistoric copper mine is sited at the top, the flora and fauna is amazing, the walking trails a wonderful challenge, so at some point we will be back.
After a well earned ice cream, we headed to our campsite. Komoot had thrown in an orange hill, so steep we have to push! Still we had stunning views and a well-deserved rest at the top.
