Croeso
I Gymru…Welcome to Wales
Wales
is an ancient land, the origins of its people and
language go back civilizations--some believe even
before the pyramids were built in Egypt 7000 years
ago. The Welsh language has been in daily use for
centuries and although it is widely spoken and used,
don't worry, everyone speaks English. It's a land
of nature and legend, with stunning natural and unspoiled
scenery from mountains and valleys to forests and
parks, and if you are interested in walking, cycling,
watersports or just looking for a breath of fresh
air, Wales is the place for you.
In
an area just 170 miles long and 60 miles wide--about
the size of Massachusetts--there are three main regions:
North Wales, Mid Wales and South and West
Wales. It's easy to get to from the international
airports just across the border in England: Manchester
to the north, Birmingham
to Mid Wales or London
to South Wales (London is just two hours east). Take
a tour or travel independently by train--there's
a whole network preserved--by bus
or rental
car. Do you have Celtic
Connections? Find out how to trace your Welsh
ancestors before you go. There are plenty of places
to stay, from self-catering cottages, to cozy
farmhouses, guesthouses and B&Bs, to grand country
manor houses, castles and modern city-center hotels.
Take time to explore Wales...
North
Wales
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International
Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen
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North
Wales is dominated by the rugged Snowdonia
mountain range; Mount Snowdon is the highest point
in Wales, higher than anywhere in England, and a trip
to this part of Wales is not complete without a ride
on the narrow gauge railway up the summit. The countryside
flows east from the mountains to forest and open moorland,
gentle hills and wooded valleys, dotted with lovely
old market towns: Llangollen, in its picturesque
setting on the banks of the River Dee, is home to
steams trains and the annual International Musical
Eisteddfod. Held each July for more than 50 years,
it is a celebration of the Welsh "hwyl"
(spirit)--the love of music, dance and song--and the
male voice choirs of Wales are renowned the world
over. There are stunning gardens at Bodnant
and at Plas Newydd, on the Isle of Angelsey.
Legend has it that the wizard Merlin sleeps on Bardsey
Island, and at Portmeirion, discover the whimsical
Italianite village of "The Prisoner" fame.
Don't miss the walled city of Conwy or the
spectacular castles of Caernarfon, Beaumaris
and Harlech. Just a few of more than 400 castles
throughout the whole of Wales!
Mid
Wales
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Gower
Pennisula
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Mid
Wales is an area of rolling hills, remote uplands,
unspoiled mountain roads, cool forest lakeland and
long sweeping bays, from the coast in the west to
the border towns of the east. Cardigan Bay
stretches along more than 75 miles of coastline,
with much of it designated Heritage Coast. It's
dotted with small coastal fishing villages and resorts,
the university town of Aberystwyth with its
traditional Georgian-style harbor and cliffside
railway, and the sailing resort at New Quay, both
rich in sea-faring history. More seals and seabirds
frequent this area, than people. Watch out for bottlenose
dolphins playing in the bay, too! There are spectacular
waterfalls at Devil's Bridge and magical forests
and lakeland along the Elan Valley. In the
heart of Mid Wales, the elegant Victorian spa town
of Llandrindod Wells and nearby Builth
Wells, host the annual Royal Welsh Show,
a festival of agricultural excellence and a great
place to show off the prize-winning Welsh cattle
and sheep. For something completely different, the
tiny town of Llanwrtyd Wells holds the annual
World Bog Snorkelling championships! In Welshpool,
there's the magnificent medieval Powis Castle
with its glorious terraced gardens, and Hay on
Wye is the second-hand book capital of the world,
which hosts an annual world-famous literature festival.
South
and West Wales
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St
David's Cathedral
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From
coasts to mountains, South and West Wales offer a
diverse range of scenery and attractions. Enjoy the
quiet wooded valleys of the Welsh Borderlands in the
Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk, or visit
the medieval Abbey at Tintern. You can walk,
hike or ride through the Brecon Beacons'
National Park, with its spectacular mountains.
Cardiff, the capital city is lively and exciting.
It is the home of the new National Assembly for Wales,
and beneath its magnificent castle and Victorian architecture,
youŠll find modern shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes,
world-class entertainment, concert halls and arenas--the
new Millennium Stadium is home to the great Welsh
sporting tradition, rugby. Celebrate Wales' industrial
heritage and travel down a real coal mine at the Big
Pit, or travel along the coast, with its beautiful
sandy bays to the seaside resort town of Porthcawl
and the soaring cliffs of the Gower Peninsula.
Swansea is Wales' second city and the birthplace
of Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet whose life and works
are celebrated at the Dylan Thomas Center and in the
annual Dylan Thomas Festival.
The
recently opened National Botanic Garden of Wales,
with its spectacular glass houses is near Carmarthen,
as is Caerleon, which is reported to be King
ArthurŠs Camelot--the Roman Amphitheater his "Round
Table". Travel along the King Arthur Trail
to discover more. Walk or cycle the trails along the
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an area
of outstanding beauty and abundant wildlife, from
the magnificent Pembroke Castle, to the impressive
and ancient St David's cathedral at the far western
tip. Ferries
to Southern Ireland leave from the fishing ports at
Fishguard and Pembroke.
Looking
for crafts? You'll find great woolen sweaters (with
so many sheep, you had to guess!), Celtic jewelry
and handmade crafts, and tasty local delicacies like
Welsh cakes, Welsh rarebits, Laverbread and locally
brewed ales and homemade cheeses. Whether you go to
a pub, a rugby match, a male voice choir rehearsal
or an Eisteddfod Festival, the Welsh love of life
will shine through. Iechyd da! (Cheers!)
