A TASTE OF WELSH WATER

Meandering rivers, coastal castles and mountain walks provide Susan Taylor with plenty to enjoy on a tour of North Wales

Wales is famously a land of castles - and not only those built of stone, which have stood the test of time for centuries, but also far more temporary constructions, made of sand and washed away by the rippling tide.

On a visit to its spectacularly beautiful north, I also discovered that this is a land of water (and railways, but that's a story for another day) - from the sea demolishing those sandy structures, to the moats surrounding the castles of stone, and from the gently meandering rivers to the wildly cascading waterfalls.

Caernarfon cobbles

We started our Welsh trip at the small, friendly Is-Helen Farm Caravan Park in Caernarfon, a convenient 20-minute walk from town via the Aber Swing Bridge (whose gates are locked at 11pm prompt, no exceptions) over the first of the several rivers that we encountered - the Seiont - which brings you right to the doors of one of those hugely impressive castles.

Despite the persistent rain (yes, I can confirm, Wales is definitely a land of water!), we were keen to get our first taste of Caernarfon, so we quickly settled on our pitch, donned waterproof gear and set off to explore.

A bustling market town with narrow cobbled streets, built around a beautiful natural harbour, Caernarfon also provides splendid views over the mighty Menai Strait.

Standing admiring this view, I could imagine the scene on a warm summer day, with seagulls wheeling overhead and children crabbing or enjoying an ice cream.

Today it was just damp! But nevertheless, we spent a happy afternoon wandering around the streets, shops and castle. One of Edward I's Iron Ring of fortifications (which have UNESCO World Heritage status), Caernarfon Castle was built some time around 1283. Its ideal location, overlooking land and sea, meant it was intended as a home for the Prince of Wales - Edward's son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here.