Everywhere you turn, Anglesey’s history is there, staring you in the face. The imposing nineteenth century Menai Suspension Bridge as you cross to the island off the northwest coast of Wales. The impressive, yet never-finished, thirteenth century Beaumaris Castle. The remains of Porth Wen Brickworks on the north of the island - also a reminder of Anglesey’s industrial history, as are the burnished mounds that make up the ‘Copper Kingdom’ above Amlwch - a reference to the place that was once home to the largest copper mine in the world.
Yet all of this evidence of Anglesey’s industrialisation through the ages somehow plays second fiddle to the rugged nature of the island. From Beaumaris you can see across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia, the higher ground dusted with snow at the time of our visit. Not here, though - in fact, while the rest of the UK is undergoing a cold snap, locals tell us that Anglesey often escapes the worst of the Welsh weather thanks to its location. Funny, because most of my memories of childhood holidays here are full of grey and rain. Happily, not so on this ‘Van tour of the island.
The wall-to-wall cloud I remember from my youth isseasons - the occasional downpour and some grey mornings, but also bright sunshine and a warm backdrop to a refreshing pint after a long walk, and even one early evening sat on a picnic blanket at a campsite, looking across to Snowdonia’s mountains, glass of pre-dinner fizz in hand.
