Wales, Summer 2025

7 castles, 7 days

80,614 steps

7878 RT flight miles ORD to LHR

500 train miles

50 travel hours

42 towers

1400 stairs

3 UNESCO sites - there are 4, I just couldn’t get to the last one

Caerphilly - largest of the Welch castles

Coch Castel (the Red Castle)

Cardiff Castle - spanned three architectural periods: Roman, Norman, and Victorian

Caernarfon Castle - the “birthplace” of Edward II; UNESCO

Conwy Castle - most preserved castle in Wales; UNESCO

Deganwy Castle - site of ruins that dates back to 6th century

Harlech Castle - most imposing; known for housing Margaret Anjou during the War of the Roses; UNESCO

Glandyfi Castle (bonus, as seen from the train) - only Regency Gothic style

My thoughts:

I loved the small towns of Wales, especially Northern Wales

Every time I thought I couldn’t take one more step, some how I did.

Harlech castle was amazing but that is all there is so I would only recommend a day trip. The absolute best shower and bed of all my stays

The Welsh language is very much alive especially in the rural areas. It is Celtic based and mixed with Roman influence in 43 AD

I would love to find ancestors here and visit again

Last but definitely not least - so glad I was able to spend a couple of days hanging out with Scott