The Castle cruise

Conwy - Beaumaris anchorage: 14nm / Port Dinorwic: 24nm
Port Dinorwic - Caernarfon: 4 nm
Caernarfon - Hafan Pwllheli: 51 nm
Caernarfon - Aberystwyth: 32 nm

The north-west of Wales in Gwynned boasts no less than four impressive medieval Norman Castles designated by UNESCO as 'World Heritage Site's' for their significant historical and cultural importance.The castles at Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech were built under the reign of King Edward I. Start your Castle Cruise from either Conwy on the north coast or from the south at Porthmadog. For those making longer voyages, perhaps an en-route call to Caernarfon via the Menai Strait, or even a round Anglesey adventure calling at Holyhead marina. Note that a Traffic Separation Zone spans the harbour entrance and off The Skerries. There are so many cruising options, places to see and marinas to make your visit enjoyable.This area offers scenic coastal beauty and inland there is a wealth of activities and amenities to explore in the depths of the mountains of Snowdonia.

Conwy
Conwy has a choice if two marinas to visit, one at Deganwy Quay, facing Conwy Castle and town.The marina has excellent facilities and is entered via an automatic tidal gate allowing unrestricted access into the estuary. If the entrance to the marina is closed, holding pontoons are located at the seaward northern end of the Conwy Harbour pontoons. Equally the marina opposite at Conwy has all the attendant facilities and is accessed by an automatic barrier flap gate during half tide and high water and the provision of a waiting pontoon if required. The magnificent castle is beside no fewer than three neighbouring bridges crossing the River Conwy, including Robert Stephenson's splendid railway bridge, in the town centre is another must see attraction, the 'Plas Mawr' or Great Hall.

Beaumaris
Further west are two castles on both shores of the Menai Strait approaches, Beaumaris on Anglesey and Penrhyn near Bangor.Anchorage off Beaumaris is possible in the pool near the B10 bouy.There are private moorings laid off closer to the town, although used by prior consent with the crew remaining onboard.The yacht clubs may also facilitate visitor moorings. Proceeding down the strait the natural beauty woodland lined shore and landmarks makes this a fascinating passage.

Port Dinorwic
Between the Menai Bridge and the double-tiered Britannia Bridges are strong tidal stream currents known as The Swellies. Do not be deterred as this stretch is perfectly safe to transit for yachts arriving at or just before HW, for other times consult navigational guides. Midway on the strait is Port Dinorwic/ Y-Felinheli marina, this attractive former slate harbour has total shelter, set in a small ravine with the town above. Entry to the basins (tidal basin requires ground-taking craft) is through the lock gates, opens 2 hours before and 4 hours after HW, outside there is a waiting pontoon.

Caernarfon
Nearing the southern end of the strait is the 'Royal Town' of Caernarfon, which like Conwy has an impressive castle and town walls. Over the centuries chieftains, princes and kings have left their historical footprint. Caernarfon Castle was where the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince Wales took place in 1969. Outside the walled quarter of the town with its warren of colourful streets and restaurants is Victoria Dock, where the marina is conveniently located.The small dock is equipped with the standard range of facilities.The remaining castles of the cruise at Criccieth and Harlech Castles are also part of the Llyn Peninsula Cruise.