After a hectic schedule for the majority of this trip things have quietened down a bit as we near home and it was a similar story today. Having visited Llandudno pier the previous evening, and done all the touristy stuff on our last visit here in 2014, there was no need to hang around and so after checking out of our hotel we headed straight for pier number 52, Bangor.
It was a beautiful Summer's day as we left Llandudno and we were treated to some spectacular views as we made our way along the coast. I've never been to Bangor before and had no idea what to expect from the pier other than it has a nice tea shop on the right hand side as you enter. I knew this because the owner Ian Jones had very kindly tweeted me to invite us for a brew when we visited the pier.
Brenda the satnav ordered us (she's awfully bossy) down what looked like a back road leading to nowhere. I should have known better than to doubt her as the tiny lane led straight to the pier. And what an incredible site it is as you lay eyes on the pier for the first time.
Two turrets stand guard at the entrance with a lovely iron gate between them. From the road it looks like the pier stretches all the way to the Isle of Anglesey but it does it fact stop short to allow the boats to pass down the river (those clever Victorians thought of everything). We were told that it's not unheard of to see people wheeling their suitcases down the pier expecting to cross the river. And then see them 2 minutes later wheeling them back! If you do want to cross the Menai Straights best use the very practical Thomas Telford built Menai Bridge further up stream, or bring your swimming trunks!
A very polite girl took our £1.20 (a very cheap 50p per adult and 20p per child) and we were on the pier. First port of call was to see Ian in his little turreted Snack and Tackle café bar. We got our cup of tea, a can of pop and Dylan had his favourite ice-cream of the trip. We also got loads of facts and figures from our host who seemed to know everything there is to know about Bangor and it's pier. He also knew quite a bit about Anglesey and pointed out Roger Moore's old penthouse apartment across the river. Sort of bloke you'd want on your pub quiz team.
We finished our drinks and had a stroll to the end of the pier. which was crammed with crabbers, to take our selfie at the end. Walking back we popped in to say our goodbyes to Ian, thank him for his hospitality and generosity and wish him all the best for the remainder of the Season. We've met some wonderful people on this trip and he was one of the very best.
Exiting the pier we took our selfie and headed for the car.
Next stop Anglesey.
It's only a short drive to cross the river, you can actually see both the Menai Bridge and Beaumaris Pier from the end of Bangor Pier, and we arrived at our destination after about 15 minutes.
After the delights of Bangor it was always going to be difficult for Beamaris Pier to match it. It couldn't but we can't take anything away from the pier as it had it's own unique charm. A little shop at the front, a short pier with a half planked boardwalk and a landing pontoon at the end. It was very nice, seemed busy enough and had an incredibly beautiful backdrop of sea and mountains.
We got our selfies, had a walk around the town centre, admired the castle and then set off once more.
Next stop was Porthmadog where our last hotel is. We checked in and as the day was still fairly young headed for the town centre. A kickabout in the park with Dylan, a game of tennis and a very nice meal in the local Indian Restaurant meant that once again we had put to bed another excellent day.
I shall miss this round the coast travelling lark when we get home tomorrow.....
Miles travelled so far: 2275 Piers visited: 53
It was a beautiful Summer's day as we left Llandudno and we were treated to some spectacular views as we made our way along the coast. I've never been to Bangor before and had no idea what to expect from the pier other than it has a nice tea shop on the right hand side as you enter. I knew this because the owner Ian Jones had very kindly tweeted me to invite us for a brew when we visited the pier.
Brenda the satnav ordered us (she's awfully bossy) down what looked like a back road leading to nowhere. I should have known better than to doubt her as the tiny lane led straight to the pier. And what an incredible site it is as you lay eyes on the pier for the first time.
Two turrets stand guard at the entrance with a lovely iron gate between them. From the road it looks like the pier stretches all the way to the Isle of Anglesey but it does it fact stop short to allow the boats to pass down the river (those clever Victorians thought of everything). We were told that it's not unheard of to see people wheeling their suitcases down the pier expecting to cross the river. And then see them 2 minutes later wheeling them back! If you do want to cross the Menai Straights best use the very practical Thomas Telford built Menai Bridge further up stream, or bring your swimming trunks!
A very polite girl took our £1.20 (a very cheap 50p per adult and 20p per child) and we were on the pier. First port of call was to see Ian in his little turreted Snack and Tackle café bar. We got our cup of tea, a can of pop and Dylan had his favourite ice-cream of the trip. We also got loads of facts and figures from our host who seemed to know everything there is to know about Bangor and it's pier. He also knew quite a bit about Anglesey and pointed out Roger Moore's old penthouse apartment across the river. Sort of bloke you'd want on your pub quiz team.
We finished our drinks and had a stroll to the end of the pier. which was crammed with crabbers, to take our selfie at the end. Walking back we popped in to say our goodbyes to Ian, thank him for his hospitality and generosity and wish him all the best for the remainder of the Season. We've met some wonderful people on this trip and he was one of the very best.
Ian from the Snack and Tackle (with Dylan)
Exiting the pier we took our selfie and headed for the car.
#52 Bangor
Next stop Anglesey.
It's only a short drive to cross the river, you can actually see both the Menai Bridge and Beaumaris Pier from the end of Bangor Pier, and we arrived at our destination after about 15 minutes.
After the delights of Bangor it was always going to be difficult for Beamaris Pier to match it. It couldn't but we can't take anything away from the pier as it had it's own unique charm. A little shop at the front, a short pier with a half planked boardwalk and a landing pontoon at the end. It was very nice, seemed busy enough and had an incredibly beautiful backdrop of sea and mountains.
#53 Beaumaris (Isle of Anglesey)
We got our selfies, had a walk around the town centre, admired the castle and then set off once more.
Next stop was Porthmadog where our last hotel is. We checked in and as the day was still fairly young headed for the town centre. A kickabout in the park with Dylan, a game of tennis and a very nice meal in the local Indian Restaurant meant that once again we had put to bed another excellent day.
I shall miss this round the coast travelling lark when we get home tomorrow.....
Miles travelled so far: 2275 Piers visited: 53
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