As the weather turns colder and the leaves fall, many of us begin to plan our spring holidays and think of the days when everything will be bright and blooming again. If the thoughts of adventure, nature, a unique culture and history, good food and warm people make you want to book a trip- why not think Wales?
A tiny country surrounded by it’s better-known neighbors, England, Scotland, and Ireland, Wales is a part of the United Kingdom but has a heritage and language all it’s own. Fear not, non-Welsh speakers- almost all of the Welsh speak English, many as a first language (though you can hear the distinct language spoken often and all signs in the country are multilingual).
Bordered by England on the east, it is surrounded by water to it’s north, west, and southern boarders by the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea. The country is so proud of it’s coastline that it became the first country in the world to create a coastal path that covers the entire country. The Wales Coast Path began in 2012, and has been attracting nature lovers and hikers to the country since. If you love the beach, Wales is a must-visit, being the number two ranked coastal destination in the world. (National Geographic, 2011)
If it’s the coast you love, one of the most amazing sights is just a quick drive from Swansea- the Gower Peninsula. With it’s amazing views, scenery that is hard to match, and even some interesting bird sightings, this is one spot that should be on everyone’s “must see” list. Take a stroll all the way out to “The Worms Head”, named for it’s resemblance to a sleeping dragon. Along the way, marvel at the striking limestone cliffs, lush greenery, wildflowers, and historical ruins on the path, as well as the Rhossili beach below. For a very tiny area, there is a lot to see. If you are able, do take the walk down the steep hill down to the beach (wear appropriate shoes, this is not a path for flip flops or heels) and you will get an amazing alternate view- up at the cliffs. You can also see the remains of the Helvetia, shipwrecked in 1887 on the sands and visible during low tide. This spot has been designated as an “Area of Outstanding Beauty” since 1949, the first place in the UK to win such an honor, and once you are there you will understand why.
If you have not gotten enough communing with nature, why not try your hand at riding a horse? No matter if you are an experienced hand, novice, or child, there is a horse or pony with your name on it. Roughly an hour and a half from the Gower Peninsula (or slightly longer then one hour from Cardiff, 2 hours from London) in South Wales you can find the beautiful Brecon Beacons. Once you have arrived, there are quite a few stables to choose from depending on your skill set and how long you would like to ride (full day, half day, and even several day trips). The scenery is lovely, and your experienced guide will show you the best the area has to offer. If you choose, you can also get horse or pony riding lessons, a treat for adults or children alike. Visit http://www.horseridingbreconbeacons.com to find the tour for you.
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