• Day 19/20 – The Long Road Home

      11. Juni in Frankreich ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

      And just like that, our Wales adventure has come to an end.

      Today was dedicated to the long journey home—from the rugged landscapes of Wales back to Switzerland, crossing borders and time zones. We took the Eurotunnel train from Folkestone, the car once again swallowed by the undersea passage, and then drove through the length of France, the landscapes changing mile by mile as we retraced our steps homeward.

      As the kilometres ticked by, we found ourselves reflecting on what has been a truly unforgettable trip.

      - Almost 300,000 steps walked—our daily hikes, beach walks, and mountain trails have certainly kept us moving.
      - 4,000 kilometres driven—from scenic coastal roads to bumpy, narrow country lanes.
      - A tapestry of landscapes—we’ve seen it all:
      • Steep cliffs standing guard over crashing waves
      • Endless sandy beaches where Awen and Nessy ran free
      • Iconic lighthouses under sun and storm
      • Rolling hills and dramatic mountains of Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons
      • Lush waterfalls and mossy trails
      • Charming castles full of stories and echoes of the past

      Each stop had its own soul. From the windswept cliffs of Rhossili to the puffin colonies on Skomer Island, from quiet mornings by the marshes in Gower to dramatic sunsets at South Stack Lighthouse. We walked, we swam, we hiked, and we captured it all—through the lens and in memory.

      The dogs, too, had the time of their lives. Awen and Nessy explored beaches, sniffed through ancient ruins, braved the wind, lounged in cabins, and even got spoiled with dog ice cream and chicken menus. It’s hard to say who enjoyed the trip more.

      Now, back home, the backpacks are dusty, the memory cards full, and the dogs fast asleep.

      Additionally, some pictures, that didn't make it to the other pages.
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    • Day 18 – A Tale of Two Castles

      10. Juni in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      Today was castle day, and what a majestic day it turned out to be. We explored two very different but equally fascinating castles, giving us a deeper appreciation for Wales’ rich and dramatic history.

      In the morning, we visited Cyfarthfa Castle, a 19th-century mansion built by the Crawshay ironmasters on the edge of Merthyr Tydfil. While it may not be medieval, its Gothic Revival architecture and stately appearance are striking, and it’s surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, wild meadows, and peaceful woodlands. Awen and Nessy were in their element, happily trotting through the paths, ears perked and tails wagging. The park was peaceful, and the early sun lit the leaves with a golden glow—perfect for a morning stroll and a few photos.

      In the afternoon, we drove to the imposing Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and one of the most impressive examples of medieval military architecture in Britain. Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, its massive walls, sprawling moat, and leaning tower (yes, even more tilted than Pisa!) left us in awe. The scale is simply staggering. While dogs can’t go inside the inner buildings, we walked the outer grounds and along the moat, soaking in the views and enjoying the atmosphere.

      Each castle had its own unique charm—Cyfarthfa with its manicured serenity and industrial legacy, and Caerphilly with its rugged, battle-worn grandeur.

      After a full day of castle-hopping, we returned to our accommodation, where the dogs quickly fell asleep after all the garden and woodland exploring. For us, it was a chance to relax, look over the photos, and reflect on a day spent stepping through centuries of Welsh history.
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    • Day 17 – Waterfalls, Mud, and a Soak

      9. Juni in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

      Today we set off bright and early for one of the highlights of our time in the Brecon Beacons: the famous Four Waterfalls Walk starting from Cwm Porth. It turned out to be a day full of adventure, mud, and magnificent views.

      The circular hike is about 4 hours long, winding through dense woodland and along riverbanks, with the trail linking four of the region’s most iconic waterfalls:

      Sgwd Clun-Gwyn – the "Fall of the White Meadow," a wide and powerful cascade tumbling over layered rock.

      Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn – smaller but incredibly picturesque, nestled in a lush green ravine.

      Sgwd y Pannwr – the "Fall of the Fuller," flowing elegantly over a series of rocky steps.

      Sgwd yr Eira – the most dramatic of them all, and the only one you can walk behind! Reaching it meant conquering nearly 200 steep stone steps, which we definitely felt in our legs. But standing behind the curtain of falling water, watching it crash just in front of you, was truly magical.

      The trail was incredibly muddy and wet, turning parts of the hike into a slippery obstacle course. Thankfully, Awen and Nessy didn’t mind one bit—they took every opportunity to splash in the streams and pools, effectively giving themselves a bath along the way.

      After completing the loop, tired and muddy but happy, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved late lunch at a local pub. Comfort food and warm drinks hit the spot after a challenging hike.

      Back at our accommodation, the day ended on a perfectly relaxing note: a hot bath on the terrace, with views stretching across the green hills of the national park. Our legs were sore, our boots still drying, but the memories of today’s adventure made every step worth it.
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    • Day 16 – From North to South

      8. Juni in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

      Today was a classic travel day, transitioning from the rugged beauty of North Wales down to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park. While most of the day was spent on the road, we made sure to enjoy the journey along the way.

      Our main stop was at Porthmadog, a charming town known for its historic railway and beautiful coastline. We took full advantage of the beach just outside town, heading out for a long walk with Awen and Nessy. The wide, open stretch of sand gave them plenty of space to run, play, and splash in the water—the perfect way to tire them out before a long drive. Despite the grey skies, the sea air was refreshing and the scenery ever picturesque, with views stretching across the estuary.

      After our walk, we found a cozy local pub where we indulged in a classic Sunday roast—perfectly roasted meat, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy. Comfort food at its finest. The pub was welcoming and dog-friendly, which made it even better. Awen and Nessy lay contentedly at our feet, snoozing after their beach adventure.

      From there, we continued our drive into the Brecon Beacons, where we’ll be based for the next leg of our journey. Our new accommodation is nestled in a peaceful rural spot, surrounded by green hills and quiet sheep-dotted fields. After unpacking and settling in, we relaxed for the evening, looking forward to exploring more of the park starting tomorrow.
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    • Day 15 – A Dog’s Dream Day and Sunset

      7. Juni in Wales ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

      After many full days of hiking, photographing, and exploring, today offered a more relaxed pace—a chance to unwind a little and let the dogs enjoy the spotlight.

      We started the day with lunch at the Oystercatcher Restaurant, a fantastic dog-friendly place that really goes the extra mile for its four-legged guests. Awen and Nessy were thrilled to find their own dog menu, and they each got a full serving of fresh chicken breast—needless to say, it disappeared quickly. The food for us humans wasn’t too bad either: delicious, fresh, and enjoyed in the sunny outdoor seating area.

      After lunch, we made our way down to the nearby beach where the dogs could let loose. Chasing waves, digging in the sand, and sprinting across the shoreline, they were absolutely in their element. It’s always a joy to see how much happiness a bit of sand and sea can bring to them—and to us, too.

      In the afternoon, we visited a dog agility park, where Awen in particular had an amazing time. He flew through the obstacles with energy and excitement, clearly loving the challenge. Nessy preferred a gentler pace, trotting through a few hurdles before laying down in the grass to supervise.

      To close out the day, we headed to South Stack Lighthouse, perched dramatically on the cliffs of Holy Island. The evening light began to soften just as we arrived, painting the sky with gentle hues of gold, pink, and blue. As the sun dipped closer to the horizon, the lighthouse lit up in the warm glow, making for a stunning scene—and the perfect subject for the day’s final photographs.

      We lingered there as long as we could, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and letting the sea breeze carry the moment into memory.
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    • Day 14 – Part 2: A Very Long Name

      6. Juni in Wales ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

      In the afternoon, we changed the pace a bit with a visit to Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch—yes, the village with the longest place name in Europe (and second-longest in the world). Naturally, we had to stop at the train station for the classic photo under the famously long sign. It's a quirky, touristy moment, but a fun one!

      After that, we drove on to the eastern tip of Anglesey to visit our second lighthouse of the day: Penmon Point. The weather had turned dramatically by then—thick clouds and wind moved in, bringing dark skies and the smell of rain. But that moody light made the scene at Penmon incredibly atmospheric. The black-and-white lighthouse, standing resolute as waves crashed around it, looked even more striking against the coming storm. Puffin Island loomed in the distance, partially veiled in mist, adding a sense of wild isolation to the landscape.

      The rain eventually caught up to us, so we returned to our cabin, made a warm dinner, and listened to the wind rattle the windows—a perfect excuse to stay inside and revisit the photos from an eventful and diverse day.
      Weiterlesen

    • Day 14 – Part 1: Twr Mawr Lighthouse

      6. Juni in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

      Today began with sunshine and sea air as we set off for a long beach walk to Twr Mawr Lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island. It’s one of those places where everything feels right—wide open sands, the sound of the waves, the silhouette of Snowdonia in the distance, and the small, iconic white lighthouse standing alone at the edge of the land. The walk there is half the joy, winding through Newborough Forest, soft dunes, and onto the sweeping curve of the beach.

      Photographically, this was a dream. The morning light danced across the dunes and cast soft shadows that made for beautiful contrast and texture in the shots. The lighthouse itself, bathed in gentle sun and backed by dramatic clouds, was a scene I’d been wanting to capture for a long time—and it didn’t disappoint.

      After the walk and a full memory card, we returned to the beach where we rewarded ourselves (and the dogs!) with a refreshing dip in the sea. The water was cool but not too cold, and Awen and Nessy loved it—splashing, racing across the sand, and shaking off in every direction. It was one of those joyful, simple moments that remind us why we love these kinds of trips.
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    • Day 13 – Deserted Beaches and Dune Walks

      5. Juni in Wales ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

      Today’s journey took us from the rugged peaks of Llanberis to the wide, open shores of Newborough, with a series of coastal highlights in between.

      Our first stop was Traeth y Greigddu, better known as Black Rock Sands—a vast, seemingly endless beach where the sky and sea blur into the horizon. We walked for nearly two hours, barely seeing another soul. Awen and Nessy were in their element—running full speed, chasing invisible prey, splashing through the shallows, and rolling in the sand with pure, unfiltered joy. There’s something about these wide-open spaces that frees both dogs and humans alike.

      Next, we followed the scenic coastal road to Aberdaron, a peaceful little village tucked at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula. We found a small café with a view of the bay, where we enjoyed a well-earned coffee and a slice of pie while the sea breeze rolled in. This quiet moment in a sleepy town, with warm food and salt in the air, was one of those small joys that anchors a trip in memory.

      From there, we made the long drive back up north, crossing over to the island of Anglesey, where we’ll be staying the next two nights, nestled near the Newborough Nature Reserve.

      After settling into our new accommodation, we headed straight out for an evening walk through the dunes of Newborough. The light was soft, the air warm, and the landscape bathed in gold. We strolled along the winding sand paths and then onto the beach, where the views opened up toward Llanddwyn Island and the silhouettes of distant mountains framed the horizon.
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    • Day 12 – The Shot I Was Waiting For

      4. Juni in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

      Today was the kind of day every photographer dreams about—when vision, light, and landscape come together just right.

      Our day began with an early start to chase a photo I had long envisioned: Mount Tryfan, towering above the serene waters of Llyn Ogwen, framed by a lone tree, a cascading waterfall, and, if we were lucky, dramatic light. And we were lucky.

      As we arrived, clouds parted just enough to let shafts of golden morning light spill across the rocky face of Tryfan, while mists lingered in the valley. The waterfall shimmered, the lake lay still, and that single, wind-shaped tree added the perfect foreground element. Awen and Nessy were happy to sniff around while I got into the zone. This was one of those rare moments where the picture I had in my mind became real, and even better—straight out of the camera, no edits needed.

      Later, we began heading east and made a stop at the Point of Ayr Lighthouse, standing solitary and iconic at the edge of the Dee Estuary. The beach stretched out with a stark kind of beauty, and we wandered around in the breeze, the dogs chasing seagulls across the sands.

      Before calling it a day, we visited Conwy, a town steeped in medieval charm. We walked around the town walls, peeked at Conwy Castle, and enjoyed the bustling harbour. Then came a final treat: a refreshing swim at Conwy Morfa Beach. The tide was gentle, the light warm, and even the dogs took a dip, happy as ever.
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    • Day 11 – Penrhyn Castle & Aber Falls

      3. Juni in Wales ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

      Today didn’t quite go as originally planned. We had intended to head into the Snowdonian mountains, but our priorities shifted when we noticed Awen’s skin condition worsening. So, first thing in the morning, we visited a local vet to get him checked out. Thankfully, the vet was wonderful—gentle, thorough, and reassuring—and we left with some medication and a much more comfortable Awen.

      With our mountain hike on pause, we decided to take it easy and explore some gentler sights instead. Our first stop was a lovely botanical garden, where we meandered through lush greenery, quiet pathways, and colourful floral displays. It was just what we needed—a tranquil environment for us and the dogs to recover from a stressful morning.

      From there, we made our way to Penrhyn Castle, a striking neo-Norman mansion set against the dramatic backdrop of North Wales. While the dogs weren’t allowed inside, we took turns exploring the grand interiors—ornate woodwork, vast rooms, and plenty of history. The grounds, however, were open for all of us to enjoy, and Awen and Nessy got to stretch their legs among ancient trees and manicured lawns.

      Later in the day, we took a refreshing walk to Aber Falls, a spectacular 37-meter waterfall tucked into a green valley. The rain held off just long enough for us to enjoy the trail and admire the force of the falls as they thundered into the pool below.

      Before heading home, we made a final stop at a tiny local distillery, tucked away like a hidden gem in the hills. We couldn’t resist bringing a bottle of their small-batch whisky back to our cabin—a little liquid souvenir of an unexpectedly lovely day.

      Even though our plans changed, it turned into one of those quietly beautiful days that remind you to stay flexible on the road. Sometimes detours lead to the best discoveries.
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