Day 1: Castle, pier and hidden gem: Bangor to Ynys Seiriol

I'm writing this to the sound of thousands of seabirds calling from the nearby cliffs of Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), and every now and then the doleful moans of the seals drift over from the rocks.

We've anchored in the lee of the island and whilst Bob and Gavin chat up topside, John is cooking supper and I've a few minutes to reflect on the day.

After family farewells and a hectic hour ferrying provisions to Capercaille, we cast off from the mooring, unfurled the Genoa to 'cut a fine jib' for Richard the cameraman, who was positioned at the end of the pier.

John Whitley (Skipper), me, Bob Smith and Gavin Foulks

As soon as we were under sail, John cut the engine and we picked up speed, heading for our first sail-past property, Penrhyn Castle. Excited conversation lulled and stopped, leaving just the satisfying slap of waves and flap of canvas.  After a while, a smile spread across John's face and he muttered, "I can't believe that we've actually started."  It's been a busy few weeks for us all.

Heading onto Capercaille with the last of the provisions

Gavin waves as we motor past Bangor pier

But we'd only gone about half a mile when we suddenly lurched to a halt.  Our course to get a view of the castle was taking us over the sandbanks of Traeth Lafan and we realised that with barely a mile behind us, we'd actually run aground.  John reassured us that we'd just 'kissed the sand' and that we were on a rising tide.  Sure enough, a few minutes later we were buoyant again and phoning Sarah at Penrhyn Castle to get a photo of us.

Sails Around Wales yacht hoves into view, with Pen y Gogarth, the Great Orme, in the background

Back in the deep water channel, we headed for Ynys Seiriol, then past the familiar lighthouse and onwards to our second NT coastal property, Fedw Fawr, on the limestone of Anglesey's east coast. Bob dropped anchor and we went ashore with the dinghy.  It seemed appropriate that this most overlooked of the Trust's coastal places was our first visit. In my experience, the harder to find the place is, the more wonderful it is once you get there.  And Fedw Fawr is one of the best examples of this principle.

Bob ready to drop anchor, with White Beach, Fedw Fawr ahead.

Bob and John with Capercaille at anchor

So with the sound of seabirds and seals drifting over from the cliffs of Ynys Seiriol, and the far off Orme glowing in the evening sun, we round off the beginning of our adventure with a hearty meal.

Go to Day 2