Travelers to Wales will enjoy sandy beaches, picturesque mountains and cliffs, all part of the Celtic's country's rich countryside.
Visitors also come to the country to gaze upon the numerous castles found in the Welsh towns, remnants of the warfare existing over the centuries with England.
While in Wales you have the opportunity to take a ferry to nearby Ireland. Irish ferries run to Dublin Ireland from Holyhead. (The trip is a two hour round trip and there is a charge.) For more information visit their website located at Irish Ferries. Stena line runs to Dun Laoghaire (near Dublin). You may locate them on the web at Stenaline. They also originate at Holyhead and the round trip takes approximately one and one half hours. (There is a small charge.) Swansea Cork Ferries run from King's Dock, Swansea to Cork Ireland. (There is a charge.)
Cardiff in Wales was the scene during the late 1800s as the main shipping center of Welsh coal; and at its “hey day” it was the world's busiest port. Nowadays the vibrant capital of Wales is bursting forth with theaters and clubs as well as remnants of its history.
The ostentatious Cardiff Castle has been restored in mock-medieval fashion providing a different theme for each of its rooms. Ascend the steps of the Norman Keep to view a sweeping panorama of the town.
The National Museum and Gallery of Wales has a nice collection of Western European art.
Cardiff may be accessed from London by taking a bus from London's Victoria Station.
Wye Valley
The Wye Valley was once a place where one could escape the complexities of the world. Nowadays, the peace and tranquil loveliness of the valley has been disturbed, to some extent, by the continual tourist trade. Nevertheless, much of the region still remains an oasis from everyday affairs.
The Wye Valley is best accessed from the south at Chepstow.
Chepstow historically was strategically positioned at the river's mouth and the base of the English border which made it an important fortification and center of commerce during Norman times. Chepstow Castle was constructed by a comrade of William the Conqueror and is Britain's oldest stone castle and features amazing views of the Wye River. (Trains arrive at Station Road; busses stop above the town gate in front of the Somerfield Supermarket. Lodging may be secured at Lower Hardwick House located on Mt. Pleasant 300 yards up the hill from the bus station (or take Bus #69 to the hostel near Tintern.)
Traveling five miles north of Chepstow on A466 is the historically significant site of Tintern Abbey, a popular tourist site in the summer months.
Close by, paths lead to Offa's Dyke (forty-five minutes away) and the Devil's Pulpit (a one hour drive). One mile north of the abbey, the Old Station provides an information service. Once reaching Tintern, the YHA Youth Hostel located four miles northeast of the town occupies a 13th century castle complete with a dungeon.
Hereford and Hay-on-Wye
Hereford draws its own visitors with its cathedral of the 11th century and unique Mappa Mundi found within the historical church. The Mappa Mundi is a map of the world drawn on animal skin around the year 1290.
The tourist office located at One King Street directly in front of the cathedral is able to book places to stay for a small deposit. The T-junction at the end of Bodenham Road plays host to many of the town's less expensive bed and breakfasts. Another option is to try Holly Tree Bed and Breakfast located at 19-21 Barton Road.
Hay-on-Wye is now the world-renowned “Town of Books”, an antiquarian book collector's delight. The “Town of Books” provides visitors and browsers with forty secondhand and antiquarian book shops. Additionally, there is a ten day literary festival held in the latter portion of May.
Should you like to stay in the area, you will find the tourist information center located on Oxford Road books a place to stay for a small fee.
The Bear found on Bear Street provides a traditional room wherein to spend the night as well as take breakfast.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The park covers 519 square miles and is divided into four regions. The towns of Brecon and Abergavenny allow access to the park. (Trains run from London's Paddington Station to Abergavenny located on the park's southeast corner and Merthyr Tydfil (located) on the southern edge. The town of Brecon is on the north side of the park. The National Express bus #509 runs once a day to Brecon from London and Cardiff.
Brecon, just north of the mountains is the best place to make a base for hiking.
Three minutes from town, the Watton is full of Bed and Breakfast accommodations.
The Brecon Beacons, at the park's center are the perfect lure for hikers. Their slopes and pictorial peaks summon the nature enthusiast to explore the lush landscape.
Many paths within the park are unmarked; therefore, Landranger Ordinance Survey maps are necessary in order to get around within the park.
One hiking route begins at Llanfaes, a western suburb of Brecon, where hikers pass Llyn Cwm Lluch (pronounced HLIN Koom Hlooch), a 2,000 foot deep glacial pool.
Another trail begins by following Frwdgrech Road in Llanfaesm until reaching a fork in the road; take the middle branch after passing the first bridge: it is here the trail starts.
Travel to the Waterfall District where rivers surrounded by forest move through rapids, gorges and elaborate waterfalls near Ystradfelite, seven miles southwest of the Beacons. The YHA Ystradfelite is an excellent base camp. It is open April to the middle part of July and September through October, Friday through Tuesday. In mid-July to August they are open daily.
Follow the “marked” paths from Gwann Hepste and stand on the face of the cliff behind the magnificent Sgwdyr Elra waterfall. Venturing westward, close to Abercave, the Dan-yr-Ogog Show caves is an impressive site complete with enormous stalagmites.
In conclusion, visitors will enjoy visiting Wales whether involved in activities evolved around hiking or exploring the historic sites. Wales offers a wonder heritage and a rich countryside for natives and foreigners alike.
