Wales – David Kotz

Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid), Wales

A quick loop hike surrounded by splendid scenery

It’s not often I have an opportunity for a mid-week ‘bonus’ hike, but on a day spent driving across Wales, from Conwy on the north coast to Cardiff on the south coast, it’s hard not to stop somewhere in the midst of that magnificent countryside and go for a hike. I selected a small mountain called Ysgyryd Fawr, better known as Skirrid, because the AllTrails description touts its spectacular panoramic scenery. Of course, as I pulled into the trailhead car park, rain started to fall and I found myself sitting in the car, wondering whether it was worth heading out. It was!

Hikers ascend Skirrid, a small mountain in south Wales.

Conwy, Wales

A weekend in and around the historic village of Conwy.

After my previous post, about an early morning hike over Mount Conwy on the north coast of Wales, we spent another two days exploring the delightful and historic medieval village of Conwy (“conn-wee”) — which King Edward I established in 1283 by constructing (in just four years!) a massive castle and a new city surrounded by a 1.3km fortified wall.

The 13th-century castle and fortified walls in Conwy, Wales.

The village is best known for Conwy Castle, completed in 1287 and still one of the most intact (and imposing!) of the 400+ castles in Wales.

Mount Conwy (Wales)

A six-mile loop outside of a thirteenth-century castle village.

We are spending the weekend in Wales, including a few nights in the charming village of Conwy (CONN-wee) on the north coast. Shortly after sunrise this morning, I left the center of this historic village to hike a six mile loop up and over Mynydd Y Dref (Conwy Mountain), the dominant hill overlooking the village. Spectacular!