I visited new Welsh waterfront with 'mini-pier' to see how it checks out
It was one of those precious and rare days of glorious sunshine in our soggy summer so I headed down to the new waterfront at Old Colwyn. I well remember waves crashing onto Splash Point during storms gone by which seemed to threaten the coast road, railway line and indeed undermine the A55 itself.
So I was keen to see how the improvements - which are almost complete - look. I was very impressed with the formidable-looking boulders and pristine promenade which looked all the more impressive as the mercury edged tantalisingly towards 21C (70F).
But, most of all along this £18m seafront defence scheme funded by the Welsh Government, I was struck by the fishing platform that some have dubbed a 'mini-pier'. It was the first time I'd seen it close up.
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Once I'd got over the shock of all that metalwork used in the railings - there are handrails aplenty with no excuse for not having something to grab onto - I ventured onto the T-shaped structure and gazed out to sea.
It's a fine vantage point with Rhos-on-Sea to the west and the "rainbow" bridge near Llanddulas to the east. Chatting to a few people I quickly deduced that others are impressed too.
Henry, 33, of Manchester, had come down to Old Colwyn to fish on a friend's recommendation. He was trying his luck from the platform and hoped to catch mackerel and bass for tea.
The smiling angler told me he liked the bespoke fishing platform - although he had just arrived with the tide coming in and his angling optimism had not yet waned.
Nearby a couple were visiting from Hawarden. Andy Straiton and Mandy Edwards were pleased with the improvements including the rough, anti-slip surface and the artificial, concrete rock pools built into the new boulders. "Money well-spent, " was their verdict.
I have to agree, although it remains to be seen whether those boulders prove to be a defence against the potentially even more powerful successors to Storm Kathleen and Storm Lilian this winter.
Back on the prom, I noticed there were lots of walkers, joggers and cyclists exercising in the sunshine. Near the railway arches, there's an puncture repair station with a frame to hang your bike on and tools to remove your tyre.
Conwy always seems to want to encourage an outdoor lifestyle which is good for our mental and physical health and is to be commended.