This is Paxton's Tower, a Neo-Gothic Folly which stands high above the Towy Valley and has fabulous views in every direction. It was built around 1805 by Sir Thomas Paxton, who lived at nearby Middleton Hall (burned down long ago in 1931) in memory of his friend Nelson. There were originally commemorations in English, Welsh and Latin but these are long gone.
Looking behind us from the Tower, you can see the wonderful dome of the Great Glass House, which is where we do our big two-day Antiques Fairs. It is the largest single-span glasshouse in the world. The yellow house to the right of it is Principality House, which housed the servants.
I can't call this a walk as such, as Tam and I just walked across one field from the car park, but the views are spectacular in every direction. Here this (which is also the header photo) is the view towards Dinefwr Castle near Llandeilo.
The next castle in the chain of command - Dryslwyn on its hilltop above the river Towy. Carmarthen was the end of the line to the East and Carreg Cennan 4th in line to the West. We are so glad they have re-opened the car park so that we can climb up there again. Covid restrictions were very . . . restricting.
Looking towards Black Mountain in the East.
The undulating Towy controls the lines of the fields and sometimes cuts across its loops when it is getting lazy and makes ox-bow lakes and new meanders. Finally I understand what I was taught in Geography at school!!
Panning Westwards from the steep slopes of Dryslwyn Castle and looking towards our valley in the distance. (Above and below).
The houses middle left are Nantgaredig's Station Road.
We are no longer on a 5 mile Lockdown here in Wales and are planning various walks and outings - where there aren't likely to be many other people as we are still Shielding. The list of Friends of Friendless Churches we want to visit will probably have to stay on hold as I am sure they won't be open but plenty of other places to go to - including the beach . . . but not on a hot sunny day!
Hooray for the end of your 5 mile restrictions - enjoy your planned walks
ReplyDeleteIt's such a relief, but then we are still limited on how far we travel by how long-distance our bladders are!!!
ReplyDeleteOur public loos open tomorrow. I have one of those radar keys which opens any disabled loo in the world apparently. I didnt try it during lock down. I am always scared of getting locked in! Fantastic views. Thanks for showing us.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are sorted for a loo-stop. Glad you enjoyed the views as we did.
DeleteWe had a small outing yesterday evening, just because we could! We went about 7.5 miles to one of favourite river spots, sat in the sun for a while and then went home. First time I've left home in 100+ days!!!
ReplyDeleteOooh you devils you! We have had to go into town for the Dr's for my husband and compost (for my garden - sent daughter in), but we've been nowhere we can't walk either. Looking forward to some sea air in time. I bet you loved your trip to your favourite spot on the river. Freedom!!
DeleteCertainly are great views up there
ReplyDeleteWe have some amazing views hereabouts Simon - my favourite ones are usually across to Black Mounain.
DeleteThose sharply meandering rivers are ancient. You live in a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate. I won't say lucky - as we chose to come here after I had visited a penpal back in 1971 and 1972. Carmarthenshire is such a beautiful county - fabulous sandy beaches too!
DeleteAgree with Simon. Lovely views. Glad you are finally able to take in a few more of them.
ReplyDeleteThere are wonderful views on just about every walk - only trouble is, views means hills!!!
DeleteAnother wonderful post with gorgeous pictures! So glad to hear that you are able to go further afield, I hope you are able to do so safely, whilst still shielding.
ReplyDelete