EXCURSIONS IN NORTH WALES, INCLUDING ABERYSTWITH AND THE DEVIL'S BRIDGE, INTENDED AS A GUIDE TO TOURISTS. BY THE LATE REV. W BINGLEY. Third Edition, WITH CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS MADE DURING BY HIS SON W. R. BINGLEY, B. A. OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD. WITH A COMPLETE MAP BY J. AND C. WALKER. LONDON: LONGMAN, ORME, AND CO. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. In the summer of the year 1798 I was first induced, from the various accounts that had reached me respecting the grandeur of the mountain scenery of North Wales, to appropriate three months to a ramble through all its most interesting parts. I accordingly set out from Cambridge (where I was then resident) soon after the commencement of the long vacation, and proceeded, in the cross-country coaches, immediately to Chester. From Chester I leisurely skirted the north coast of Wales, along the great Irish road,* through St. Asaph and Conway, to Bangor. At Caernarvon I remained for a considerable time, Except only in going from the village of Northop to Flint, and thence to Holywell, in the whole not more than eight miles. making excursions in all directions among the mountains, and through the principal parts of the island of Anglesey. When I had examined all the places that I could learn were worth notice, I continued my route entirely round the country, visiting in my course Harlech, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Newtown, Montgomery, Welsh Pool, Oswestry, Wrexham, and Mold. From Mold I crossed over (towards the interior) to Ruthin, and proceeded through Llangollen, Corwen, and Bala, to Shrewsbury, whence, in the month of September, I returned to Cambridge. Not satisfied with this single journey, I returned into North Wales, in the year 1801, and resided there four months more; during June, July, August, and September. In this latter excursion my time was chiefly occupied in examining the counties of Caernarvon and Merioneth, and the island of Anglesey, visiting again, in these counties, all the places that I had before seen, ascending most of the principal mountains, and searching around for other new and interesting objects. Previously to my first journey, I had made several tours through nearly all the romantic parts |