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Behind the scenes at a free range Happy Eggs Co farm

August 19, 2016 by manjirichitnis 15 Comments

Happy Eggs – Behind the scenes at a free-range farm in rural England

Scrambled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached, in an omelette, in a frittata – whichever way you like your eggs, they are an unbeatable source of protein and unsurprisingly, a much-loved way to kick start the day with a power-packed breakfast. I have always loved eggs especially runny scrambled ones like the ones my Baba makes for breakfast. It was hard for me then, to say no to a tempting invitation by Happy Eggs to come visit their farm up in Tring.

Happy Eggs Farm Visit
Happy Eggs Florentine
Happy Egg Co

Travelling to Happy Eggs farm from London

Having read so much, about how Happy Eggs Co like to have their girls roam around freely, this was a chance for me to experience things firsthand. So on a perfectly fine summer afternoon, I set out from London to the Hertfordshire. Arriving from London on the day would have been a nightmare, so I decided to stay one night in the village nearby the farm.

After a rather nightmarish re-routing of my otherwise straightforward journey to Luton, I finally managed to get there only about two hours late, thanks to cancelled and delayed trains. Thankfully, after that bit, it was a just quick drive from Luton station into the picturesque countryside.

No better way to recharge my batteries than a quick getaway out of London city limits. After I checked into the Five Bells Vintage Inn, I met lovely Jane who writes at The Hedgecombers for a quick drink and dinner. It was absolutely fabulous catching up with her after months. Jane is just one of the many amazing bloggers I have met at FBC and over the years we all have become really good friends. While Jane went back to her cute camper van for the night, I settled in early to ensure I got to the farm on time.

120 acres of space at the Bulborne Happy Eggs Co. Farm

Bulborne Happy Egg Farm

Feeling Egg-tastic at the Happy Eggs farm at Bulborne

Breakfast at the B&B with Jane was a quick affair and I even got to ride with her to the farm in that camper van – Woohoo!!! – quite a treat for a city like me! We lost our way a bit and after driving around in circles for a bit we finally made our way to Bulborne farm. We were greeted by a big bunch of bloggers and the Happy Egg co team.

It was a good that we had an early breakfast then, as we missed the morning treats laid out for us. After a quick introduction we all donned fresh blue overalls and sipped into wellies – I have NEVER walked for so many hours in wellies before but it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Happy Hens at the Happy Eggs Farm

Happy Eggs Farm at Bulborne is an Organic farm spread across 120 acres of open,lush green space

Farmer JP of Bulborne farm is one of the many farmers who work with Noble Foods, the company that owns the Happy Egg brand. Bulborne Farm houses 14,000 girls as the hens are known or VIBS – very important birds in a space spread across 120 acres. This farm is a fully organic farm which means it is audited by bodies such as Organic Food Federation or Organic Farmers & Growers. This is in addition, to being certified and audited by the BEIC Lion Code.

Happy Hens at Happy Egg Co farms

All the Free Range, Barn and Organic farms that Noble Foods works with are also certified and audited by the RSPCA Freedom Food Scheme – a scheme to ensure hen welfare giving them not just wide open spaces to roam around freely but also to ensuring that they have access to dust-baths and specially designed activity kits, exactly like the one you see in my photo below.

Activity Kits for hens at Happy Eggs farm

Specially designed activity kit at Bulforne farm for Hen welfare

The focus on hen welfare and production of free-range eggs is given so much importance that they even sponsor research into work that how to create and maintain a stress free environment for the girls and keep them happy. After all Happy Hens produce Happy eggs!

Happy hens at Bulborne Farm - Happy Eggs

At the hen-house, ( no pun intended!) we saw the hens run outside to enjoy the sunshine, all the while, clucking away very happily. As we stood and took in what Farmer JP told us about a typical day in the life of an egg farmer, the hens roamed around freely around our group, not in the least perturbed by our presence.

Happy Hens at the Happy Eggs Farm

While one part of our group went inside the hen house to look at how it is designed and what facilities are provided to ensure the hens are healthy and happy and feel safe while laying eggs, we took turns holding these handsome birds. The naughty hen I held tried to peck at my hand and escaped from my hands before I could pose for a decent picture – naughty girl!

Happy Hens posing for our cameras - Happy Egg farm at Bulborne

Did you know that a hen lays an egg every 26 hours? Or that hens need dust to keep themselves clean and well-groomed? Hens are very intelligent beings and quite inquisitive by nature. To ensure that they get to satisfy their natural curiosity, each farm ensures that at least 20% of every open area must have trees planted on it.

Space aplenty and lots of trees and foliage at Happy Egg farm in Bulborne

Farmer JP explained that he understands the difference between a happy clucking and would know of his girls were unhappy instantly. One of the indicators as I already mentioned is that the hens are fearless around humans, also the hens at his farm have a very healthy and shiny set of feathers.

Happy Hens at the Happy Eggs Farm

Now that we have established that these eggs truly are free-range, how do we differentiate between the taste of eggs laid by happy hens versus caged hens? Farmer JP told us that the happy state of mind and healthy living conditions of his Happy hens results in tastier eggs. Also, fewer eggs with defects are found. These defects include a thin shell or wrinkled eggshell, which are indicators that the hens are under stress.

Jp explains why Happy Eggs are tastier because they are free range

Ergonomically designed housing for hens at Happy Eggs farm

As I walked into the e hen house, I steeled myself for an assault on my olfactory senses – what with all the pee and poo of hens, but honestly I was quite pleasantly surprised. There was dust flying around, thanks a bunch of excited hens who were jumping around in their dust-bath and cackling loudly as if exchanging some juicy gossip.

JP explained that the feeders, waste management system and egg collection areas are designed to ensure that hens are well-fed, their living space is kept clean, all this also designed to provide privacy for the hens when they want to lay eggs.

Inside a Happy Egg co farm hen house
Happy Hens enjoying a dust bath
Happy Hens have a gossip - cluck cluck!

On being quizzed about an article in the Daily Mail about hens being caged, we were informed that those hens were being treated for an illness and the article was factually incorrect. A claim that was backed by RSPCA. Sadly, as the article was not fact-based, it was followed by an apology later. Unfortunately, bad news spreads like a virus and this affects all the farmers who strive to maintain high standards. I speak from my personal experience of my visit to Bulborne farm which I can assure you, was very clean. To maintain the level of hygiene we witnessed on the day, I am positive that there is a lot of work hard involved backed by careful consideration towards hen welfare. Happy Egg farms at Bulborne contribute to research and have performed better than expected during all their audits, yes, even the ones that happen unannounced and when least expected.

Picking eggs at the Happy Eggs farm

We then picked some of the freshly laid eggs and had a look at the area where the eggs are stored before being shipped out. The stamping of the eggs is a manual process and the unique codes help identify exactly which farm they originate from. The eggs are graded by size and packed into the trademark cheery yellow cartons that are so easily recognisable on supermarket shelves.

Freshly picked Happy Eggs
Happy Eggs of various sizes
Freshly picked Happy Eggs

Famished after all that hard work we headed back to the base where a freshly prepared four course meal awaited. Chefs from Jackson & Rye restaurants in London cooked us a feast of smoked devilled eggs as canapes’ sprinkled with chives and a taste of delicious mayo, creamy avocados and spinach in Eggs Florentine.

Devilled Happy eggs
Happy Eggs Florentine

This was followed by a massive portion of the classic Mexican treat – Huevos Rancheros – loved the perfectly poached eggs on top oozing golden yolk and the fresh tomatoes and guacamole. Dessert was a Pecan tart which I wolfed down at lightening speed.

Huevos Rancheros with Happy Eggs
Huevos Rancheros with Happy Eggs
Pecan Tart at the Happy Eggs Farm

To truly understand the meaning of free range and how gold standards are achieved and maintained one must experience at close quarters how a Happy Egg farm is managed. By no means, an easy task, the passion that the whole team here has towards hen welfare is evident from the love they have for these birds.

Recipe inspiration from my kitchen

While I have you here, can I interest in you in some of my egg-tastic recipes? Have a gander and leave me a comment (or two) if you rustle up any of these dishes :

  • Indian Masala Egg Omlette
  • Egg curry – Anda curry – easy recipe for Uni students 
  • Turkish Poached Eggs – Cilbir
  • Eggs baked in pots with smoky chorizo and chives
  • Soft boiled eggs and asparagus soldiers – one of my Dad’s fav recipes
  • Vintage Frittata recipe

I was so egg-cited to meet some of my fellow food bloggers who came along for this farm visit. They were egg-cellent company! Alex Ryder writes at The Gingey Bites  Heidi Roberts blogs at Kitchen Talk and travels

Visiting Tring? Have a look at my review of the beautiful Five Bells Vintage Inn here.

Disclaimer:  With thanks to the Happy Eggs co for having me as a guest at Tring and Bulborne Free Range Happy Egg Co Farm. Many Thanks to Farmer JP and his team for a fabulous day out. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated monetarily for this post. 

Filed Under: Events, Food, London and rest of U.K, Travel Tagged With: A day out on the Happy Trail with Happy Eggs, Aylesbury, BEIC Lion Code, Bulborne farm, camper van, chickens, eggs Florentine, free range eggs, hen welfare, Hertfordshire, homepage-slider, Huevos Rancheros, Jackson & Rye restaurant, london, Noble Foods, Organic Farmers & Growers, Organic Food Federation, Pecan tart, smoked devilled eggs, Tring

Spiced Pink Gin Cocktail Recipe

June 13, 2015 by manjirichitnis 11 Comments

Refreshing and Delicious, easy Spiced Pink Gin cocktail recipe

Today is World Gin Day and a Saturday and it’s summer, can’t think of a better excuse to mix up some fabulously fragrant summer cocktails and share with a few friends! After all, can be anything more English than a fruity gin and tonic? Think Not!

So get your cocktail shakers ready for my crazy new cocktail which I have chosen to christen as the ‘Bombay Fever Pink Gin’.

This recipe is an offshoot of the iconic Pink Gin cocktail. Originating in Cuidad Bolivar – earlier known as Angostura, the capital of Venezuela’s Bolivar state, this cocktail rose to fame in England in the mid-19th century.

The cocktail is normally made with 4 parts of pink gin and a dash of the angostura bitters. Also a lime rind is added into to allow the oils to infuse into the drink. Served in a chilled highball glass with lots of ice and tonic water it makes for a refreshing and citrusy drink. I always avoid sweet tonic water as it defeats the purpose of adding the bitters. But to each his own and even sweet tonic water works.

I wanted to add a bit of extra spice (always works for me) into the recipe so I decided to crush some red peppercorns and slit a red chilli in the middle and hang it on the side, slowly adding its pungent heat into the drink.  Obviously, then the glass must be chilled and the gin should be poured over ice before adding the tonic water. I also decided to leave the bitters out instead of ”in”. This is again a very personal choice, but for my recipe to really balance out the many different flavour profiles, leaving the bitters out works really well. This will allow the fruity Rhubarb and warming ginger to marry well with the hint of pungent undertones from the pink peppercorns and the red chilli leaving a pleasant warming aftertaste on the palate. And finally, the traces of lime from the lemon rind and the bitters in the background elevate this drink to another level of awesomeness!

Easy and refreshing Pink Gin cocktail recipe

Edinburgh Gin’s Rhubarb and Ginger flavoured Liqueur is infused with rhubarb which gives the gin and the cocktail a delicate rose colour and an intense aroma.

This gin is made in the heart of Scotland, at the Edinburgh distillery, where they create gins infused with beautiful botanicals. This gin pairs well with tonic, soda or lemonade, and is also fabulous in cocktails, with Champagne or simply poured over ice.

Spiced Pink Gin Cocktail Recipe

Manjiri Chitnis
Rhubarb and Ginger infused Pink Gin cocktail with pretty pink peppercorns and a hint of chilli
4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Course Drinks
Servings 2 People

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Cocktail stirrer
  • Knife
  • Chopping Board

Ingredients
  

  • 60 ml Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and GingerLiqueur
  • 2 drops angostura bitters
  • 1 Red chilli split top to down and de-seeded
  • 1 small Lemon rind
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed pink peppercorns
  • Mint to garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Wash and wipe down your bestmartini glasses. Leave them to chill in the freezer ,the frostier the glass thebetter
  • Crush the red peppercorns andadd into the cocktail shaker
  • Add ice cubes into a glass and then add few drops of the angostura bittersinto athe glass and stir 4-5 times, then pour the bitters out. Use a stariner to ensure the flavoured ice-cubes don't fall out
  • Pour the gin onto the ice andadd the crushed peppercorns stir gently allowing the flavour from the bittersand the peppercorns to mix well with the gin
  • Add some lemon rind into the glass and muddle the drink using a stirrer
  • Top with tonic water
  • Remove the frosted Martini glasses from the freezer and strain the gin cocktail into the frosted Martini glasses
  • Rest one half of a split red chill on the side of each glass
  • Gently crush a fresh mint leaf and add into each cocktail glass
  • Sip slowly and enjoy the sunshine
Keyword Gin Cocktail

Mix-strain-repeat! It’s #WorldGinDay after all so kick any guilt away by thinking of the many gin lovers who are enjoying their favourite spirit too.

I must admit, I have a really good time reading all about the history, production and cocktail recipes with gin. Here are links to a few recipes and articles by some of my food blogger friends who appreciate  England’s national spirit as much as I do:

  • Helen’s Gin and Melon Slushie
  • Claire’s Raspberry Gin Trifle
  • Helen G’s Vegan Gin & Gooseberry Jelly
  • My recipe for Pomegranate Cocktail
  • My recipe for Festive Hot chocolate Vodka Martini with chilli cocktail

Curious to know how the World Gin Day came into being? Head to their website here, but be warned you might just get crazy gin cravings after!

To Purchase Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur head to stockist Amazon UK by clicking here

References:

  • Pink Gin Recipe
  • History of Pink Gin

*With thanks to Amazon U.K for sending me a sample of Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. 

Spiced Pink Gin Cocktail Recipe by Manjiri of www.travelsfortaste.com
Spiced Pink Gin Cocktail Recipe by Manjiri of www.travelsfortaste.com

Filed Under: Cocktails, Food, Recipe Index Tagged With: #worldginday, angostura bitters, Bombay Fever Pink Gin, Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur, homepage-slider, martini glass

Ragi Pancakes with blueberries (Finger Millet)

April 11, 2015 by manjirichitnis 22 Comments

Healthy Ragi Pancakes, Finger Millet Pancakes

I am obsessed with this healthy millet! I have been cooking a variety of dishes with Nachni (Marathi) / Ragi (Hindi) or Finger Millet as it is popularly known in the past few days. From savoury pancakes to porridge and using them in other recipes, I have been experimenting with them for a while now. I wanted to try using them as an alternative to regular pancakes so thought I would rustle up some sweet Ragi pancakes. But had to keep them healthy so opted for Soya Yoghurt instead of eggs which makes these vegan-friendly and then I added in oats so that makes them gluten-free too.

Nachni chya god polya

I really wanted to come up with some name for the Marathi alternative to this recipe and ‘Nachni chya god polya’ sounded like fun 😉

Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes / Ragi Pancakes

Light and puffy these are just perfect when you are craving pancakes but a healthier version is what you really want!

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

Ragi is known to have a whole host of health benefits:

  • Popular amongst diabetics due to it’s low GI
  • High is dietary fiber
  • Rich in calcium, iron and thiamine
  • It is an aid to healthy weight loss due to it’s very low fat content
  • It is a good source of GF protien
  • Popular as a baby food too

Nutritional value of finger millet per 100g

  • Protein 7.6g
  • Fat 1.5g
  • Carbohydrate 88g
  • Calcium 370mg
  • Vitamins – A: 0.48mg
  • Thiamine (B1): 0.33mg
  • Riboflavin (B2): 0.11mg
  • Niacin: (B3) 1.2mg
  • Fiber 3g

Beautiful fields of Ragi

800px-Millet_fields_in_Annapurna

Image Credit: Mikael Häggström

Why you should make these Ragi pancakes!

As if you need any excuses for making blueberry pancakes!!! But anyway, here are some major health benefits.

  • Low GI due to the finger millet flour so ideal for diabetics as it keeps blood sugar levels steady avoiding any sudden spikes and crashes.
  • Gluten-free
  • Ideal for vegans
  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg Free
  • Refined sugar-free as Natvia is a great sugar substitute
  • The oats ensure that this pancake keeps you fuller longer

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes/ Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes

Manjiri Chitnis
Healthy Ragi/ Finger millet recipe, low- GI, Vegan, Gluten -free, easy to follow, quick recipe
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Fusion Indian
Servings 1 person

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp heaped – Gluten-free Oats
  • 4 tbsp heaped Ragi flour / Finger Millet Flour
  • 3 tbsp Soya yoghurt – I used Alpro – it’s approved by the Vegan society
  • Handful Fresh Blueberries
  • As reqd Water
  • 4 tsp Natvia or any sweetener – adjust quantity as per taste
  • 1 tsp unsalted plant spread or low calorie cooking oil spray

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl add the oats and finger millet and then the yoghurt
  • Mix well and a thick mixture will form
  • Heat about 2 cups of water in a kettle and let it cool down a bit
  • Slowly pour into the mixture and set aside for about 5-7 minutes
  • Then mix well to form a batter ensuring that it is not runny but has a good consistency, then add the Natvia and stir well till it all dissolves, adjust as per taste
  • On a non-stick pan on medium heat melt one heaped tbsp unsalted butter or if your using the 1 cal sunflower oil spray then about 6 – 8 sprays are enough
  • Ladle enough of the batter in the centre of the pan enough for a mini pancake, do not spread it like a dosa as the batter will disintegrate
  • Cook on each side for about one minute with a lid
  • Use a wooden spatula to loosen the side done first and flip over carefully, the more the blueberries in each pancake that you ladle into the pan the more the water content as the heat will make the fruit pop and melt into gooey fruity goodness Don’t fret if the first few pancakes break especially where the fruit is at the edge
Keyword Ragi Pancakes
Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

My pancake stack collapsed just as I was about to photograph it – humfph! But it was a very satisfying, delicious, and healthy breakfast which even my husband loved – win-win! Woohoo 🙂

A word of caution though excessive consumption may lead to kidney trouble so don’t over do the consumption.

Fun-Fact about Ragi

Lastly a fun fact! Did you know that the grains are fermented to make a beer in some parts in Nepal? Cool or what?!

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

LEARN HOW TO MAKE INDIAN FOOD FROM SCRATCH WITH MY EASY TO FOLLOW RECIPES

  • Fresh dill and yellow moong daal recipe
  • Goda sheera/ sooji ka halwa/ Indian dessert
  • CKP Surmai curry
  • Pompfret fry
  • Konbichi khichadi – Prawn khichadi
  • Vaangayche Bharit/ Smoked stuffed Aubergine ( Eggplant/Brinjal) in a thick gravy/ Baingan ka bharta
  • Valache Birdhe – (वालाचे बिरडे) – MADE IN A TYPICAL C.K.P WAY
  • Kairi Panhe/ Aam ka panha – Raw mango summer drink
  • Cauliflower- vatana bhaji – cauliflower and green peas vegetarian side dish
  • Podhnichi khichadi
  • Akkha masoor aamti CKP style / Whole red lentils with skin curry recipe
  • Achari Mutton curry
  • Spicy Chicken curry
  • Egg curry
  • Kadhi – fusion of Punjabi and Gujrati kadhi recipes with vadi’s
  • Upma
  • Gujrati Kadhi
  • Shahi Khichadi
  • Sweetcorn and paneer bhaji/sabzi (vegetable side dish)
  • Tomato and coconut chutney
  • Steamed Idli batter
  • Masala egg omlette
  • Chicken tikka masala
  • Tikka masala curry paste
  • Tawa chicken Frankie roll
  • Chai concentrate
  • Grated carrot salad
  • Strawberry flavoured shrikhand

References:

  • Wiki
  • Supra Organics
  • Veg Weight Loss Diets

Filed Under: Food, Healthy, Indian, Quick and Easy, Recipe Index, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: 2015, aid to weight loss, dairy free, diabetic friendly recipes, dieters friend, dietersfriend, Eggless Blueberry pancakes, Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, food blog, food writer, foodie in London, GF blueberry pancakes, Gluten free vegan bluberry and finger millet pancakes recipe, Health benefits of finger millet, Health benefits of Nachni, Health benefits of Ragi, Healthy breakfast recipes, healthy eggless pancakes, Healthy vegan pancakes, homepage-slider, lifestyle blogger, Low fat recipe, Low GI recipe, Low Gylcemic Index flours, Manjiri Chitnis, Manjiri Kulkarni, Nachni chya god polya, Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes, refined sugar free, sliceoffme, spring, travel blogger, travel writer, travelsfortaste, weight loss friendly, weight loss recipes, Wonderful Gluten free vegan pancakes

A week in North Wales – my Travelogue Part 2 – South Stack Lighthouse and Cemaes Bay

January 5, 2015 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Exploring Ceames Bay

A travelogue is my way of documenting an online diary. Also, hopefully, a guide to future visitors to Wales to use this as a guide for their travels. So why not browse through Part 1 of my travelogue about Holyhead.

After a fabulous day spent walking and lazing on a sandy beach, we had an early start the next day, highly excited that we were off to see a lighthouse. Now for this excursion we booked a cab as that’s the only way to get there of you do not drive, or you could take bus no 22 from Summer Hill in Holyhead town to the RSPB South Stack Cliffs bird reserve housed inside the delightful Elin’s Tower.

An interesting memory from the day at beach before I tell you all about South stack – The previous evening (Day 2 – 28th July’13 -Sun) we went looking for a place to get some dinner and chanced upon a cute little Italian place on the tiny high street called Graces Bistro which is now closed, I’d imagine it would have had issues surviving because even when we went there, they were out of many things early in the evening and the wine was overpriced. I must admit though that the food was delicious – an Indian – Bangladeshi place called Saffron is now open in its place.

1-27th July-3rd Aug North Wales1

We also had an interesting time at a place called The Edinburgh Castle – The EddieBar, – which is just opposite the ferry line and was packed on Day 2 – Sunday – 28th July’13 – we had a very satisfying lunch of Spaghetti Bolognese and Burger and chips, the way the locals were there in great numbers and enjoying the roast I’d say we missed some brilliant Sunday Carvery…

This also reminds me that the day we reached Holyhead (Day 1 – 27th July’13 – Sat)  we found only one pub open close to LIDL near the railway station – The Boston Arms, very welcoming, we were served hot food and decent beer even late in the afternoon, nothing makes me happier than good fish-n-chips after a long train journey – wouldn’t you agree?

1-27th July-3rd Aug North Wales

Day 3: Major Sightseeing – South Stack Lighthouse – A 19th-century gem

4-IMG_3760 (Copy)

There is a 400-step stone stairway that leads to a suspension bridge over a dead drop that leads to the lighthouse. A mixture of fear and awe-filled me while walking this stairway – fear of being on a bridge that is the only support – a sturdy one – not to worry – that leads to this stunning 28 m structure across a chasm and awe for the aluminium bridge that was rebuilt and opened to people in 1997. In the early days an aerial hempen cable ropeway to bridge the deep chasm between the rock on which the lighthouse stands and the mainland –  a hempen cable which was 21 metres above sea level (!!!) was used along which a sliding basket was drawn which carried a passenger or stores- brrrr (shudder – shudder!) finally replaced by a sturdier iron suspension bridge in 1828 – this was replaced in 1983 but replaced by the new aluminium one for safety reasons.

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Built in 1808 to facilitate better navigation in the area of the surrounding waters. The lighthouse is now automated and remotely controlled and monitored from the Trinity House Operational Control Centre in Harwich, Essex.

5-IMG_3773 (Copy)

(In the photograph above, notice the white aluminium bridge like a closed cage)

We took a guided tour of the lighthouse, where we were given a peek into the history and fascinating facts were shared. We also climbed up a very narrow stairwell as far as visitors are allowed to go and I was the last to go down this one – praying hard – while giggling kids stood downstairs wondering why I was making such a fuss 😉

After a relaxed walk down 400 steps we strolled to Elin’s Tower which now doubles up as an RSPB information centre and an awesome place for bird watching – for several breeding seabirds, including puffins – we even spotted one – bobbing about on the water, what a treat it was spotting it with the help of the staff and their binoculars- loved it! And a great spot for amazing views of the lighthouse. It also has a cute tourist shop and cafe where we sat outside and ate some food. Much-needed sustenance I’d say – if you sit outside watch your food like a hawk or one of the many naughty birds is going to steal it before you can say the word hello!

2-IMG_3778 (Copy)

Its good to know that: Ellin’s Tower and the Visitor Centre are open all year, with viewpoint, are wheelchair and pushchair accessible and a network of footpaths provides access to the whole reserve.

1-North Wales Trip2

( In the top left-hand side of this collage – check out the wings of the seagull as it is flying away after robbing someone’s lunch – naughty bird!)

Hubster and I were really feeling adventurous so after the cab dropped us back at Holyhead we boarded bus no 61 to Cemaes Bay. I was really not sure if it was wise to do this considering the buses back are not very frequent after 6 pm and we were really cutting it very close.

But again we have done this thing before, not the journey I mean literally but yes hopping onto a bus going pretty much anywhere, it’s mad thrilling especially if it’s late evening – sometimes in various places we just wait for the bus to turn back and drop us off into town close to our place of stay for the night. But we have ALWAYS met very chatty and fun locals, including the bus drivers, have seen the most amazing spots like when we took a bus into the villagey part at Brighton, it was mad fun, we saw rolling hills and the setting sun and that part of Brighton which is away from the madness of peak touristy places – it is always fun and totally worth it! 🙂

The bus dropped us close to a lovely beach at Bull Bay, Amlwch Port, we walked along the quiet beach and drank in the stunning views…..few families swimming, walking along the fabulous beach and admiring the pretty little harbour in the distance.

1-2013-07-29 17.36.15 (Copy)
1-27th July-3rd Aug North Wales2

A long dreamy walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path later, as we made our way to the bus stop, located on a quiet street, all shops shut for the day, very quiet and with no sign of anyone about we chanced upon a fabulous cafe – Coffee Cups-  at the Cemaes Heritage Centre, run by a very friendly couple, who happened to have lived in Surrey at some pint, what fun, and while they made us a really quick cream tea, I went crazy with my camera taking pictures of the lovely cafe and well-maintained back garden. Both husband-wife duo -Carole and Roy Kearey – knew the area well and shared many tips with us, even offered us a ride back into Holyhead if the bus didn’t show up, that was so kind of them. But most importantly they saved me from a rather persistent BEE that insisted on joining in our little tea party – humph… we took cover indoors and managed to finish our Welsh tea, locally made cones, fresh jam and clotted cream with yummy strawberries – in peace.

1-North Wales Trip3

Did I mention I fell in love with the china they used too? 🙂

1-27th July-3rd Aug North Wales3

Safely back in Holyhead by the trusty bus service that arrived right on time, we spent the evening strolling around the Maritime Museum, watching the sunset and listening to the noisy seagulls…amazingly in that quiet setting their screams were part of the calm…

Of course dinner was fish and chips – fresh and delicious – most fun I had was saving my meal from the seagulls…

1-27th July-3rd Aug North Wales4

Stay with me as I take you to the beautiful Llanberis, home to the tallest peak in England and Wales – the majestic Snowdon.

References

  • Wiki
  • Anglesey Holidays
  • Anglesey Visitor
  • Wonderfully Wild Wales

**All hyperlinks in the post lead to information websites – check out bus routes before planning a journey. All information is correct to my knowledge but would advise anyone using this post as a guideline to please check for updated information.

Filed Under: Featured Travel Adventures, London and rest of U.K, Travel Tagged With: 19th century, Amlwch Port, Anglesey Coastal Path, Bull Bay, bus no 61 Holyhead to Cemaes Bay, Cemaes Bay, Cemaes Heritage Centre, Coffee Cups- at the Cemaes Heritage Centre, Essex, fish and chips, Globe Cafe, Graces Bistro, homepage-slider, Maritime Museum, puffins, RSPB South Stack Cliffs, seabirds, south stack cliffs, South Stack Lighthouse, The Boston Arms, The Edinburgh Castle, Trinity House Operational Control Centre in Harwich

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