Conwy, Wales Coast Path

With great anticipation, I crossed the bridge over the River Conwy, where the National Trust's Telford Suspension Bridge is situated parallel. This gothic-style 1800s bridge was designed by the renowned Scottish civil engineer and architect Thomas Telford. He was a pioneer in the early development of infrastructure and transportation systems during the Industrial Revolution, having been at the forefront of many projects such as the Caledonian Canal in Scotland, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Port Penrhyn in Wales while improving and expanding Britain's road network.

The suspension bridge led directly into the formidable medieval fortress, Conwy Castle. Standing guard over the River Conwy and the seaside town of the same name, the castle watched over this important river route that led into the heart of Wales. Built by King Edward I on his quest to conquer the last of the Welsh territories, the Kingdom of Gwynedd, the castle is one of a long chain of fortifications. Edward strategically erected nine castles around Gwynedd, encircling the northwest of Wales and establishing control. This collection of castles earned the nickname "Ring of Iron". 

Conwy Castle is an impressive fortress featuring eight huge towers with arrow slits for defense and a thick curtain wall connected to a one-mile (1.6km) town wall that is still remarkably well-preserved. On the upper exterior walls near the battlements are the remains of drop boxes (formally known as machicolations) where stones or other materials would be dropped on attackers. The main gate was via a drawbridge but is now long gone. With its near-oblong shape, the narrow ends of the castle had barbicans added for extra defense. Inside, the Great Hall used by the king for entertainment was supplemented with various other spaces that helped the castle function, from a cellar and kitchen to stables and blacksmith to a royal residence, chapels and, for the unlucky, a prison tower.

An interesting feature of Conwy Castle is the absence of a central keep that usually contained the royal apartments. The reason is a change in layout design focused on defense strategies, where strong walls and layered defenses became a priority after factoring in the rugged terrain, as opposed to a single central stronghold. This allowed for better protection and control of the surrounding area. 

As the centuries passed, Conwy was besieged in the 15th century, when Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr rose against English rule, wanting to reassert Welsh independence. Another two centuries later, the castle was entangled in the English Civil War, where it was held by Royalist forces and besieged by Parliamentarian troops. Following the war, the castle was partially slighted, stripped of its iron and lead, turning it into a ruin. Neglect set in until the 19th century, when restoration efforts were initiated to preserve its history. 

Today, the castle maintains its vigil over the river's banks. The medieval setting harmoniously coexists with the presence of roads and railways. In 1986, Conwy Castle and three other "Ring of Iron" castles were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.