Anglesey, Wales

Cottage: Tregynrig Bach

Our week long holiday on the Anglesey shores marked a new journey as a family.  Clare and I have been slowly marking off countries of the world but now we have a new addition to our globe trotting family.  We would love to instill the passion of travel and seeing the world into our daughter (Baby I), but thought we should take tiny steps to start with and leave the passports at home.

As we crossed the Menai Bridge into the quaint and laid back settings of the island we thought a stop off to stretch our legs was in order.  Our first destination was Llanfairpwlgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwilliantysiligogogoch, the longest town name in the UK and somewhere I will never be able to pronounce.  A quick chat with some Americans whilst Clare was doing a little shopping with Baby I and realised that our 2 hour journey paled into insignificance compared to the adventure that these intrepid Anglican Aficionado's had endured. They had just come from Scotland (Edinburgh), doing a whistle stop tour of Wales and then off to Ireland for a few days before returning and heading down to the Big Smoke to fly back to the Land of Hope and Glory. Baby I was happy for the break, but not so impressed with the town name, it was time to go and meet Grandad and Grandma..

Our second leg stretch was the coastal town of Beaumaris, pretty much every town in Anglesey is a coastal town, but Beaumaris is one of the larger and a good meeting point.  It was feeding time for all and when Baby I needs food, she needs food!  My policy has always been that whilst on holiday I eat as the locals eat and enjoy my time.  We are generally a healthy family but we work hard for our holidays and I do not like to restrict myself from delicacies....that saying, a few minutes later I was stuck in the longest queue in Wales at a local chippy (well, the fish was freshly caught!).

Clare was reminded of crab fishing off the pier whist on holiday with her grandparents, memories of dropping bacon into the sea waiting for the nip of a crawling critter.  These are always places of great memories and although a little tear came to her eye, she was happy to make new memories with Baby I and her adventures.

We finally arrived, early evening, at our abode for the next week.  A cosy cottage just outside of Cemaes Bay.  Tregynrig Bach.  As we entered the cottage the warm, friendly, yet lived in feel was great.  Nothing too grand that you would feel awkward to touch anything, but homely.  A sign above the log burning fireplace said Croeso, Welsh for welcome, and that was how we felt.

After a hearty chicken dinner, bath for baby I and our inaugural game of Nomination Whist, it was time for us to call this day to a close

Up early to watch the sunrise, both Baby I and myself crept around the house until the other residents arose.  Clare was feeling a little worst for wear (not relating to alcohol, but actually ill) so opted to sleep it off whilst I went to collect provisions for the week with my little helper.  The nearest large supermarket was around 20 miles away in Holyhead, so I thought I would make the most of it. Chewie had gone for a walk with Grandad, Grandma and their dog Pippa, so I had no pup to worry about. Unfortunately, Holyhead did not have much to offer in terms of sights, but we stopped off for dinner and a little amble round the retail park before returning to the fold.

Again, an ample feast, bath for Baby I and Nomination Whist ensued.

We headed over to the South Stacks area near Holyhead on Monday, firstly to a RSPB national park with scenic coastal walks. We opted for the South Stack walk originally, but with Baby I in her harness, when the terrain got a little rocky we decide to alter our route.  Tranquil, relaxing and lovely weather made our time here just what was needed.  Clare was a big fan of the South Stack area and fully intended to return, unfortunately, our time in Anglesey did not bring us back this way again.


We decided to drive across to South Stack Lighthouse and with high cliffs, RSPB bird watching centre, sheep hanging on for dear life and some adrenaline junkies abseiling.  The wind was a little blustery here, and although the sun shone, little Baby I's ears were getting cold.  She needed a hat, and not the summer hat we had brought with us.



The fresh air, sea breeze and long walk carrying Baby I had zapped our energy so it was time to return to the cottage for an ample feast, bath time and Whist, but not before one of the most impressive games of Jenga.  As each plank was removed and replaced the tower refused to fall.  Baby I was soon being passed around from parent to parent, grandparent to grandparent, no one wanted to be the one who toppled this Babelic Tower. The game went on for a good hour with toilet breaks called for to help with the tension and anxiety that was occurring.

Tuesday we headed towards Menai to see the bridge connecting to the Main Land.  There was not much to offer in regards to solice catering for dogs and babies so we decided to head to Beaumaris for lunch, this was after Baby I was fed on the car park, as I mentioned, when that girl wants food, she needs food! Clare fed her some green gloop whilst I acted as a chair.  Not the most glamorous of settings, but needs must. Over in Beaumaris, we found the nearest cafe with outside seating and I tucked into a little bara brith (when in Wales).  We then headed over to Puffin Island (or at least the view of the island), with the white stone shore and fresh air, Chewie was loving chasing each stone as if it was his favourite.  Our little puppy Chewie was beginning to suffer from all this excitement and really needed to sleep.  It must be time for an ample feast, a bath and some form of card game.

The next day, we made plans to go inland to start with, so headed to The Dingle (Nant Y Pandy).  A Woodland walk where the Red Squirrels roam free, unfortunately too freely as we didn't see any. They were probably scared off by the roaring sounds of flyby's from the local RAF base.  Tornado's were performing low level flights of the area, whooshing and swooping over our heads. Chewie was our focus today as he needed a little freedom and escape from Baby I's torment.  Clare chose the 1.5 mile route towards the reservoir and then headed back along the boardwalk towards the little village that sat on the perimetre.  When we returned to the car park, our little puppy had truly had enough.  Whilst Clare fed Baby I, he slept peacefully in one of the empty bays of the car park!

After lunch we headed to Rhosneiger on the opposite side of the island based on recommendations from a couple we met.  There was nothing much extra to see here, so we crossed the island once more to head towards home.

Whilst in Llanfair... Clare had bought a postcard of the island and very crudely it depicted a monolithic structure called "Ty Newydd".  Filled full of excitement and intrigue hoping for a Stonehenge replica we scoured the land with our very untrustworthy map.  Moments later I saw the sign, "Ancient Monument" and pulled the car over into a safe lay by.  After trekking through mounds of cow pats I arrived and was deeply let down.  A pile of bricks, nothing more, nothing less, and it hardly looked ancient.

The day earlier I had been for a run and stumbled across a little church built in 440AD hanging on a cliff edge.  Being only minutes away from our abode, I took the family for a little visit.  A stunning little hideaway was only made more surreal by a school of dolphins swimming by below in the sea solely for us to see.

After an eventful day it was time to return to our council but unfortunately our back door key failed to work and with the grandparents out at Red Wharf Bay we decided that an impromptu picnic was in order.  The crisp, drink and a block of bara brith were opened.  Thankfully we were only homeless for about an hour and were soon back in the warmth of our abode partaking in an ample feast, bath and a little game of cards. Nomination Whist anyone?

The morning after we decided to take in the local town of Cemaes Bay and then venture towards Holyhead again, possibly for the South Stacks walk taking in a couple of the bay's enroute.  Stopping at Church Bay we suddenly found ourselves stuck on a dirt track road having to turn round and head back to civilisation. Stopping off for lunch at a local cafe, we planned our next location.  Using Clare's trusty postcard map we decided to head towards Moelfre for a little dip in the Irish Sea.

Once Baby I had splashed her toes in the refreshing waves, I tempted Chewie to do the same.  I think the initial shock was something he could not contemplate as he had never been swimming before and especially in such frosty water, but moment later he was back in loving every minute. Clare had heard that there was a coastal walk towards a RNLI centre just up the road, so we thought an investigation would be worthwhile.  With Baby I just learning her new skill of waving, the residents were blessed with royal waves as we made our way up the path. Only a few minutes later we were making our way back to the main road and more waves for the locals.

We headed back to Tregynrig Bach early in the evening ready for another full night, what had we got planned? Bath, Feast and Whist?

Our final full day and it seemed that the weather gods knew it.  The winds had picked up and the temperature had dropped.  Our first port of call was Red Wharf Bay, but with Baby I struggling to breath in the hurricane head winds and Chewie being used as a kite, it was suggested to head to a more built up area for solace.  Again, the regular feel of Beaumaris called and we sat on the main square feeding dogs, baby and ourselves.  Finally we returned to Moelfre for another splash in the sea for Chewie and Pippa.  With intentions of packing and preparing for our journey home in the morning we decided to call it in early and head back to the cottage.  A final ample feast, deciding game of cards and big bath for Baby I.

With a week of walks, fresh air, tranquil surrounds, family days out and warm nights in, it was definitely what our little family needed.  Both our lives are chaotic at the moment looking after Baby I and even though we would not change a single thing, during the week we very rarely get to actually spend time together.  Normally one of us is either entertaining Baby or making tea or just recovering from a hectic day.  Our family week brought us all together and focused the time solely on us.


On the way home we decided to break the journey up and call in to see Granny Sue and Grandad Kev over in North Wales at their weekend retreat.  I think they would have been pretty upset if we hadn't called by with Baby I.  With a treat of Scouse and more toys than she could ever wish for, Baby I was tired out and ready for home.

Baby I truly loved her time away with new foods, dance lessons every night from Grandad, and obviously time with Mummy, Daddy and Chewie Dog.  We are now fully ready to test out her passport and take her to see the world

Sliema, Malta

Sliema, Malta February 2016

Whilst looking for countries to run my marathon in, Clare found the Malta Marathon was around the date I was looking, reasonable temperature and a decent location to spend a week holiday as well…and we found it for a great price.  Booked and ready to go, there was pretty much nothing stopping us from going.  Then we had some great news, Clare was pregnant, and was due the day of the Marathon.

Malta was put on the back burner but not cancelled.  Our past history with pregnancy had been tumultuous at best, but as the months went by things were looking more promising to our family being blessed.  On the 17^th February 2016, Isabella was born.

Knowing how much training I had put in for this and the fact that I wanted to tick the marathon box complete and move on from the ridiculous distance, Clare pushed me to the airport.  I was off, without my family to spend a week in Sliema.

For the full details of the marathon please see my blog relating to that, this is about the holiday itself and what we did around the big day.

I had read that the temperature was going to be around 14 degrees, but the country had seen a unprecedented lack of rain and increasing heat, we were not complaining.  Checking into the basic but perfectly situated Carlton Hotel, I settled in for the night.

 Located in Balluta Bay, the Carlton Hotel was nothing too fancy, but exactly where we wanted to be.  Sea front views, ideal transport options and close to the start/finish line for the big run.  One of the first things I noticed was the amount of runners plodding up and down the coast.  The pavement was covered in healthy people!

Heading into Sliema around the coast we headed to check out the start/finish line so I knew where I would be heading in the early hours of the morning, grabbing a bite to eat on the way back and then into St Julians bay in the evening for a recommended meal at The Band Club.  Each district in Malta has a Band Club which organises local events and is a general meeting place for town folks, it had been recommended to us by local legend Big Eddie, a dear family friend who moved out to the small island a couple of years ago…but more on him later.

Sunday was Marathon day and was pretty much taken up by a 26.2 mile run meeting great people and struggling in the heat.  You can read more on this on my marathon posts, but rest assured once we had finished the run I quaffed a pint of Guinness in the Black Gold bar (again recommended by Big Eddie) and went back to the hotel to freshen up.  The showers at the Carlton hotel were incredible in the morning, however, in the afternoon the water pressure and temperature is something questionable.  This was not what I wanted after feeling as terrible as a did, but a cold trickle was all that could be mustered and endured.  Feeling a little under the weather, I ventured towards St Julians again (which because of all the Bays looping in and out, is a fair walk) where I met run friend John and his wonderful Mrs.  They live near one of our favourite destinations, Gadgrith, and I would love to meet up with them when we venture back oop North, even if John is a lot quicker than me with his run legs he is always up for a jaunt.  That night, still struggling from the fete tackled in the morning I ate my body weight in burger.  Known as the Double Big Daddy Burger, I sat looking at the behemoth burger unsure of how to tackle it.  My brain was not at full capacity so I just pushed it over and use a knife and fork…

The next morning we had decided to take in some of the sights and head to Valetta.   This fabulous city is on the crest of a hill and once you are in the centre, everything is up and down.  My legs were not having a great time but I struggled on.  I was not too happy though when my dad got lost on the outskirts of the city and we walked the full circumference.  A little sense of humour failure.  Valetta followed the same style that was evident throughout Malta, it is a lovely place but not yet finished.  I would love to own a scaffolding or crane hire company in Malta, it would be an absolute gold mine.  The main cathedral is recommended by Trip Advisor as one of the main points to see, but we struggled to take in its grandeur behind the steel tubes that adorned it.

We ate at another Big Eddie recommended restaurant that evening, and possibly the largest steak I had ever seen.  My folks had the ribs which struggled to fit on a serving plate.  These recommendations were far exceeding expectations.  Andrew’s Bar was the host restaurant for the Italian Big Brother housemates, but apparently they had caused a few too many arguments last season so will not be welcome back last time.  They are definitely missing on out some quality food there!

Tuesday saw us heading to the start line of the Malta Marathon, Mdina, the silent city.  Situated on the top of Malta there is a 360 view of the island.  An absolutely stunning place with far less scaffolding than elsewhere.  We ate in the neighbouring town of Rabat, rushed back to Mdina for a whistle stop tour before catching the hourly bus back to St Julians.  We had planned to stay longer, but with a meal booked at the Band Club we were pressed for time and needed to get back and freshen up.  A great meal with Eddie and Debs, and their half marathon running friends Karle and Vicki, but I was really struggling with legs and energy.

Wednesday my legs were feeling a little better, so I joined Vicki and Karle for a run around the bays.  I say run, it was definitely a quick hobble, but it was still great to be back out there.  Running around the bays seemed so much easier than the views I have at home, it seemed so much more refreshing.  I had opted for a nice relaxing day and let my folks venture off on their own.  The days of circumnavigating the country had taken its toll and I was happy to chill in the bay.  We opted for an Italian meal to close out the night at Sardinella.

On our final day, and I met up with John for a final run of the holiday.  Again, looping the bays but this time at a quicker pace.  Not by my choice, but with the intention of keeping up with a  far better runner than myself.

Big Eddie opted to be our tour guide with a difference for the afternoon whilst his wonderful wife Debs was working he took us on magical mystery tour of the little island.  There is a saying on the island that everywhere is 15 minutes away.  We pretty much covered the south of Malta with ease and venturing only minutes away from our starting point.  Our first port of call was …. Were we met a fantastic character that was f-ing and jeffing to my parents within minutes whilst explaining her experience of the UK (especially the Liverpool area).  This story was fantastic, and listening to it with a Maltese twist only made it more entertaining.  We sat down for a little drink and was adorned with tasty nibbles from our flowery language host.

Another 15 minute drive took us to …., a fantastic, quaint, laid-back, tourist free zone.  Stunning marina views and tranquil surroundings.  Again, the host of the bar we entered knew our tour guide as it seems so does everyone in Malta, he is big character that cannot hide in the background.  Chatting about the Maltese way, we whittled away the afternoon with a beer and a sandwich. 

That evening we were treated to dinner with Eddie and Debbie at their sea view apartment, chatting about future plans, family and adventures that Eddie had been on, this was a fantastic close to an enjoyable break. 

As enjoyable as the holiday was, full of adventure, new friends and challenges, I knew where I had to be.  Two people were looking forward to my return, two princesses needed me to come back and take on the greatest role in life.