North Wales
A brilliant week in North Wales celebrating all kinds of things from birthdays to engagements. The holiday destination of my childhood, it's always great to return with memories of hill climbs with my late dad, and arguments with my sister at the back of the car which always felt like a journey that required an overnight stay. Not that I've grown up much since, the four and half hour drive seems to flash by while I lament the changing perception of time. A week in Wales is never exclusively about birding but it's hard to ignore what this part of the UK offers - a range of rare breeders against a mountainous backdrop resting against a foreground of lush mature woodland. Conwy was our base for the week, a really impressive town with an eclectic mix of locals gave the place an interesting vibe and provided plenty of amusing moments. The castle lies imperious on the edge of town, and the quay is great place to sit and watch the this small corner of the world pass by. A day...