The displayed route from Flint to Aberystwyth via the major Edwardian castles is estimated at forty-five hours on foot. An army might take five or six days to cover the distance. Coastal locations offered sea supply and reduced dependence on organizing land transport. The discussion counts six major royal castles along the route, with other strongholds between them. Many inhabitants would rarely leave their own valley or see the king. A painted, maintained castle with its garrison therefore gave people a local impression of royal power.
Notable Point · 31:25-33:52
A coastal chain supplied by sea
The North Wales castles are treated as a mutually reinforcing coastal system whose sea supply and local visibility projected royal power across difficult terrain.