Tan Dinas walk in Betws-y-Coed - the photos

In my previous post, I included the video I shot of the Tan Dinas walk near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, made last week. Well, here are some of the photos I took on the walk as well. The walk itself is not long and is designed for people of all walking abilities.



Running water and waterfalls are regular sights on the Tan Dinas walk.







The walk takes you through pine woodland.



The walk includes a bridge over a stream which is more like a staircase. Nevertheless, it is easy going for people with walking difficulties.

Tan Dinas walk in Betws-y-Coed

I was in North Wales last week, one of my regular haunts. We took a trip down to Betws-y-Coed to wlak along the Tan Dinas path. This is promoted as an all-ability walk. It is reasonably short and if you like waterfalls and pine forests, you will like Tan Dinas.

Old Station Hotel, Llandudno Junction

This was another place I visited on Monday 25th October. The Old Station Hotel is opposite Llandudno Junction Station in North Wales. Nicknamed the "Killer" as it was used to kill time whilst waiting for the train to turn up, we went there for a meal rather than a drink.

If you are after something cheap and cheerful, this is the place for you. We went there as, in our group, there was a family with two young lads so family budgets were important. To get an idea of the costs, think about the fact that our meal of scampi, chips and mushy peas cost £7 for two of us.

Whilst the staff were really pleasant and chatted to us, the drawback was that we waited quite a while for our meal to arrive (over half an hour). And the dinner plates were left on the table when the others had their dessert.

But remember, this is a cheap and cheerful establishment so if you're travelling on a budget in North Wales and you are in Llandudno Junction, it's worth a visit.

Jamming at the Mountain View

I have just got back from another visit to North Wales so expect a few more updates on places to visit and things to do.

On Monday 25th October I paid the second of two visits on this trip to the Mountain View in Penmaenmawr. It is a pub in the heart of the village. It was visited by us on Monday because they have "jamming". Local musicians turn up to play guitars. You can bring your own or use one provided by the pub. Generally, they sit together as a group and play whatever takes their fancy. Alas, I'm no musician so I was there to listen.

It was a pity that there were so few people there. It was quite a pleasant way to spend an evening.

Cutty Sark pub, Greenwich

I visited the Cutty Sark pub in Greenwich last week. It's on the Thames waterfront in full view of the O2 arena. It's a few minutes walk from the centre of Greenwich along the Thames Walk, or for cyclists the Thames Route. Most people were enjoying their drinks on the pavement at the front of the building overlooking the Thames. Inside there are plenty of period pieces such as the fireplace. There has been significant modernisation including an internal wooden staircase but generally it is a pleasant pub. Useful to visit if you are out for a riverside walk. We got the train from London Bridge to Greenwich. It takes only a few minutes.

Things to do in the North East no 2 - The Gateshead Summer Flower Show

The Gateshead Summer Flower Show is held at the Central Nursery on Whickham Highway in Gateshead every year on the weekend at the end of July/start of August. It is a craft show as well as flower and vegetables show. Plenty of trade exhibits as well. I visited this year (as I do every year). The above video was actually shot 2 years ago but the photos below are from this year.

This is a good event to pencil into your diary well in advance.

(Crafts exhibition)


(Taking a leak)


(Say it with flowers)


(Eye wateringly large onions in the vegetable show)

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

My home town of Gateshead has been growing as a tourist destination because of new facilities such as the Sage music hall as well as older attractions such as the historic Gibside estate. One newish site to see is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. It spans the Tyne and is known as the blinking eye because of its shape and the way it opens like an eyelid. Throughout the summer, it is opened at midday each day.

The following shot was taken from the river boat called the Fortuna on 7th July 2010. I was in the right spot at the right time, almost in the centre of the Tyne with the bridge fully open.




This shot was taken over two years ago from the top of the "Get Carter" Gateshead multi-storey car park. This view will not exist for much longer. The car park is being demolished.