Before I start talking about Welsh tarmac, I wanted to address something that has been circulating all media platforms lately. Unless you have been hiding in a tree, waiting for your squirrel friend to bring you acorns, you would know that many industries are struggling right now. To paint the picture, the automotive market has really hit rock bottom. In April 2020, around 4000 new cars were sold in the UK, compared to 160,000 that month last year… Numbers speak for themselves quite clearly, I also asked myself, what was the best-selling car then in April? Surprised or not, it is the Tesla Model 3 – 658 vehicles to be exact. There is a lot to discuss about this matter, let me know if you want me to do a separate post. Luckily, I am not after a new car so let’s get back to Wales.
On the way to Groeslon, I decided to take a stop at a village called Portmeirion. The story behind it is quite fascinating. It was designed by British architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and built between 1925 and 1975. He wanted to recreate the style of Italian villages. Skipping the history lesson, many people at the time were convinced he drew inspiration from Portofino in Italy, but he denied it despite his public appreciation of Portofino’s beauty. How British of him. As if by chance I had already visited Portofino… Portmeirion is currently owned by a charitable organization, so there is an admission to go in and explore, of course, but it is worth it. It felt quite surreal especially by the little detail that it was raining. So, you think you are in picturesque Italy for a split second, which is imminently ruined by the miserable weather. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend it if you find yourself in the area.
I should not neglect the fact that on the way to Portmeirion I drove through Snowdonia, which was thrilling, and I could not wait to see what the next day would bring. My overnight stay at an Airbnb in Groeslon was, well, deserved after 300 miles covered in that first day. The following day, I woke up early, it was freezing, the Megane sounded raspy, full tank of Shell’s finest and I was on the road. And I nearly missed an ancient sight, a petrol station, more like a couple of pumps and a car garage, from many moons ago. My mind still cannot quite comprehend how this was preserved for so long. Few photographs later, odd looks from the locals and I was off.
Snowdonia National Park is one of UK’s jewels, we all know that, but you never realise the vast landscape this place has to offer until you visit it. I am not a hiker, never been, prefer to press pedals and burn fuel, but I am sure there is so much more to discover once you walk up to the summit. Just to prove how unprepared I was for this place, everyone I met had hiking shoes, walking sticks, all geared up. Then, myself in trainers, jeans, and an orange loud car. I thought I will give the place some appreciation and walked up to a part of ‘Electric’ mountain, there is an electric power plant there before you start questioning. I ran out of breath, so it was great time to head back down and make my breakfast in the Megane’s boot, as you do.
I approached some more twisty roads in the area and soon after, headed south-east towards A5, which is one of the sides of Evo triangle route I mentioned in my last post. All I thought is, could I possibly move to live somewhere close to those roads?! The views are incredible as is the road surface, I don’t think I stopped for about an hour or two, I just wanted to fully experience the drive. Once again, the Renault proved to be the perfect asset for the job. My mind is trying to come to senses as to how this car takes a corner. I am aware there’s loads of newer, more modern hatchbacks that handle great but they are all cumbersome. Still an advocate of the theory that hot hatches were best from the 90s to early noughties, before manufactures had to follow stupid EU CO2 regulations with particulate filters and bumper designs to give pedestrians better chance of surviving, which makes all cars look like soaps.
This brings me to the end of yet another memorable trip.
Chao
PetrolAddiction 
The pictures are really great and the way you write makes me want to go there! Sounds very amazing.
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