Castles, tassels & the Horseshoe Pass
- monmouthwritersgro
- Mar 9, 2019
- 3 min read
No, I haven't lost the plot. I had a great weekend trip, full of inspiration for my work in progress and future projects. It was a positive change of scenery. A break from the monotony and stresses of everyday life. Something we all need from time to time.
I went with a friend I don't get to see often. We have an appreciation for history and decided to stop off at Chirk Castle on route to our destination. The castle dates back to the 13th century. It's a spectacular example that has withstood civil war and all the medieval turmoils most historic buildings of that age fail to endure intact.
Walking through its narrow passageways and climbing the worn, steep winding steps gave a real insight into what it was really like to live and work there. We even donned heavy and tight-fitting metal helmets whilst holding shields that were almost as big as us. How medieval knights moved after being weighted down by chainmail and all the other cumbersome armour I will never know. I even plucked courage to walk down the dark stairwell into the oppressive dungeon where the misery and cold, bleak conditions of its former occupants could be imagined even in the dim light provided by the soft lighting to benefit the modern-day visitor.
I've visited other castles before, but Chirk is a fantastic example. You can read or watch programmes about them, but nothing else compares to experiencing things first hand. Seeing the small and unexpected details, such as the wyverns in the plasterwork and the faint lines of a diamond design on the heavy studded doors are all things that along with the feelings evoked during our visit, will inspire my future writing.
Another experience from the trip that will stay with me was not a pleasant one. Leaving Chirk Castle behind, we drove through the historic and pretty town of Llangollen. The road began to wind upwards and the sat nav decided to detour from the main road onto a small and winding lane. Pretty and scenic at first until we found ourselves driving along a mountain pass with steep drops and no barriers along the roadside. I hate heights. Walking would have been a dream. I could have stayed away from the edge and appreciated the view. I'm sure it was spectacular, but the panic as my knuckles turned white from fiercely gripping onto the steering wheel overtook me. It was a relief to leave what we found out later to be named the infamous Horseshoe Pass.
The finale of the trip was our stay at Ruthin Castle. In the 1960's it was renovated into a hotel. Peacocks strut the grounds amongst the ruins that surround the main castle and a friendly ginger cat greets everyone as they venture past the imposing marble lions that guard the steps to the castle entrance.
After a lovely meal, drinks in hand, we retreated to the lounge. We had the room to ourselves and sat next to the fire. My friend is also a writer, so between us, there is no shortage of imagination, but it took some thoughtful discussion to work out the actual function of the tassels that were strangely attached to the sofas we were sat on. Ideas ranging from 'Fifty Shades of Grey' to Murder at Ruthin Castle sprang to mind!
Thankfully after a few drinks and an eventful day we had an uneventful good nights sleep, despite finding out the hotel had been featured on the TV series Most Haunted and our room was situated not far from where they experienced the most paranormal activity.
The trip may have been a short one but it was truly memorable. I could have sat at home and researched medieval life and googled photos for inspiration, but nothing comes close to exploring the buildings that have survived, especially with a good friend. Writing is a solitary thing, but it can provide an excellent excuse to explore and experience the world around us. Experiences that evoke your senses and spark the imagination, sometimes in ways you don't expect.
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