Stone castles

Back in the 1200s the English kings were trying to control the folks of Wales so they built these huge stone fortresses.  Many of these are still standing and are great landmarks to explore.

We visited three castles today who’s names I don’t know how to pronounce as the Welsh language is a mystery to me. Caemarfon, Beaumaris, and Conway are the locations we visited. Each had turrets,  perimeter walls,  basements,  etc.  Each level usually required using the original circular stone stairs. Besides being dark and steep,  many of the stones were worn so the steps were uneven.

Personal responsibility is also expected hete.  Those stairs did not have railings, and when walking on top of the perimeter walls about 50 feet up the railings were pretty low and open.  The tops of the turrets which were at least 70 feet off the ground also had little protection.  And to make it more challenging the stone surfaces at the top which you walked on was often uneven.

We made it without injuring ourselves though my ankles are sore from walking on the worn stone surfaces.