“All my fondest thinking is done while staring out a vehicle’s window into dramatic scenery.” -Old Sean
A First For Wales
After several days looping around England and Scotland, I’ve made my first foray into Wales.
I love the idea of Wales. It’s language has strongly influenced many of the legends and literature I’m enamored with. Most high-fantasy dragon-languages are based in the spiraling script of Welsh phonics.
Sadly, I’ve never had a reason to head to Wales. Usually, London is a much more common waypoint, and there aren’t many jobs or practical reasons to visit the Welsh countryside.
Which is a pity, truly. Wales is absolutely gorgeous.
Entering Holyhead
I initially took a train from Liverpool to Holyhead, cutting through some pretty countryside. The rolling green hills, grey, gradual cliffs and accenting clouds made for a stunning visual. I was initially supposed to finish some work during my train ride, but instead just gazed out the window the entire time.
Holyhead itself is a beautiful little town. The small buildings are pale and fitted together like perfect blocks. Since the city is so small, I had an easy time walking around despite carrying my luggage.
I grabbed a less-than-impressive meal at McDonalds before I started walking around, spending an hour on my phone reading about the city. Apparently, Holyhead got it’s name from the original occupying Romans, who called it Sacrum Promentarium. Directly translated, the name becomes “Holyhead”, possibly named for the nearby rounded mountain.
Wandering Holyhead
I would only be visiting Holyhead for a couple of hours. Without much time, I was careful to budget how far I could wander.
I started by heading into the downtown area. I first made sure to swing by the Roman fort, Caer Gybi. The fort lounges next to a portion of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
The Coastal Path is actually enormous; a 200 km route wandering the full circumference of the island. However, I didn’t have time to follow the path, though it would eventually lead out to the famed and scenic Goleudy Ynys Lawd South Stack Lighthouse.
Without nearly enough time for a proper hike, I instead walked alongside the Holyhead Harbor, eventually walking past the Admiralty Arch.
Onward to Ireland
Sadly, that was all the time I had visiting Holyhead. I would have preferred more time to enjoy the tiny cafés and restaurants in the city.
Afterwards, I wandered over to the Stena Line Ferry Terminal to head into Ireland.
Thankfully, ferry rides from the UK to Ireland are relaxing. There’s a lot of space, numerous restaurant features and nice lounge areas.
I was able to catch up on a considerable amount of work.
Anyway, soon I’ll be in Dublin. Since I have a fair number of ancestors who are Scotch-Irish and a major realm of study during University was Irish literature, I’m practically vibrating with excitement.
Aside from this being a part of my work-trip I lobbied heavily for, I’m being given several days off. As such, I’ll be able to visit some more obscure parts of Ireland, instead of just major tourist zones my company is interested in.
With this in mind, I’m off to the Emerald Isle.
Best regards and excellent trails,
Old Sean
Written July 5th
Want to read more about visiting Holyhead? Check out the Leftfade Trails Destination Info Page
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