Chester Cathedral

Today we enjoyed a "cathedral heights" experience of Chester Cathedral. A witty and knowledgeable guide led us, in a small group, up the 216 steps in the tower, giving an excellent commentary as we climbed. We walked along galleries to look down on the nave and the beautiful west window. We saw the mechanism of the faceless clock that chimes like Big Ben's clock each quarter, and we enjoyed fantastic views from the top, across the city and beyond. It was so clear that we could even see Liverpool Cathedral, a blue-grey shape on the distant horizon. There were two particularly beautiful ceilings - this one, where the stone arches cross - and another that was rediscovered after cleaning soot off its surface (formed from years of candle smoke) - see my Extra.

I could have blipped a dozen more pictures today; so hard to choose! Afterwards, our friends led us around further city sights, including a walk around the old city wall. At last, it was time to head off; from sublime Chester, we've now arrived in the less than sublime Caernarvon: a depressingly shabby, seemingly impoverished and uncared-for looking place. The views of Anglesey across the Menai Straits and a lovely sky offered the only beauty. Even there, the presence of a shopping trolley seemed to sum up my first impression. (Two more Extras!)