“Wild Wales”

Just spent a few days walking in “Wild Wales”. Ok, the North Wales coast isn’t that wild anymore. Even though a Friday night out in Rhyl can be pretty hairy at times! Whilst visiting Ruthin for a family meal I noticed the plaque to George Borrow on the pub “Wynnstay Arms” commemorating his stay in 1854. George was probably the first “tourist” to Wales. His book “Wild Wales” published in 1862 is credited with popularising Wales as a holiday resort. I have got a copy at home. However, it is also noticeable to me for two other things. Firstly, his descriptions of the absolute grinding poverty in Wales during this period. I was born exactly 100 years after it was published; so much has changed in a relatively short period of time.

The second notable fact is it records how fond this first English tourist was of beer (ale) and drinking generally while on “holiday” in Wales. Which takes me back again to Rhyl on a Friday night. Some things don’t change.

Picture top left is of Conwy Mountain and left of my sister’s chocolate labrador Jazz, who lives to walk in the hills, usually in search of sheep to bark at and puddles or lakes to jump into; the muddier and smellier the better.