Commonly split into the three areas of North, Mid and South Wales.
Think of Wales and think of real castles, remote abbeys,and
glorious beaches, where spectacular mountain ranges provide an ever-changing
backdrop to hundreds of little villages. Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons
and the Black Mountains can provide such a diversity of natural features,
and an amazing kaleidoscope of vistas. For an indulgence of dramatic coastal
scenery, little can rival the 186 miles of Pembrokeshire Coast Path which
starts in Carmarthen Bay, takes in the magnificent St Brides Bay, and winds
its way up the west coast to Cardigan. But Wales can offer much more than
scenery. Once a country of coal-mines,
blast furnaces, iron and mineral works, where slag heaps and tall chimneys punctuated
the landscape, the remains of this industrial heritage has now been ingeniously
preserved for future generations. There is still much
evidence of a once important Roman community in the southern half of Wales,
the ruins of some notable medieval abbeys,
several wonderful Victorian piers, and many beautiful 17th/18th century
country mansions. Experience the thrill of the mountain railway climbing
to the top of Snowdon, go on an underground tour of a real coal mine, ride
a tramway through the deep slate caverns, marvel at Telford's great aqueduct
near Llangollen, or walk in the ancient footsteps of King Offa himself. |
