Day 3 - On to England and Wales
The Royal Scotsman turned south and headed back through Edinburgh, where we picked up the morning newspapers, and on down the west coast to Chester. Stepping out into superb sunshine, we were met by the Town Crier, who got the day off to a rousing start. We visited the cathedral, where the choir sang especially for us, and enjoyed tea in the cloister gardens.
Back on the train we had an early supper before arriving at Gwydir Castle (actually a hugely atmospheric Tudor courtyard house that could be straight out of Lorna Doone). Several guests remarked that discovering the amazing stories behind its restoration (much of its unique interior panelling had been bought by Randolph Hearst and shipped to the USA, from where it was brought back) and strolling in its superb gardens at dusk were among the week's highlights.
Day 4 - Fantasy and the Ffestiniog Railway
The morning was spent visiting the Welsh fantasy village of Portmeirion, a dazzling confection of buildings overlooking the sea. This was followed by a journey on the Ffestiniog Railway - a railway buff's delight. The train enthusiasts among our party were thrilled to travel in carriages pulled by a unique Fairlie double-engined steam locomotive with chimneys at both ends. Our final stop of the day was the impressive medieval fortress of Conwy Castle. Everyone then relaxed into a quiet evening 'at home on the train' as we travelled back into England and through the Herefordshire countryside, making the most of the late evening light.
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Chester
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