Wales
Wales is part of the Celtic fringe of Europe. Together with Brittany, Galicia, Ireland, Cornwall, Scotland and the Isle of Man, Wales has a rich and distinctive history and culture and has been described and one of the oldest countries in the world. Evidence of human habitation has been found to stretch back nearly 200,000 years.
In the past Wales has been associated with shipping, coal mining, steel production, rugby, singing and sheep but these clichés do not truly reflect Wales today. The heavy industries are now largely gone and the air and our rivers are cleaner.
Wales has its own language, which is spoken by a minority of the population. Although you might hear Welsh being spoken in Cardiff the language is strongest in the north of the country.
Wales is a small and proud country with beautiful coastal and mountain scenery. There has been much investment and development over the past 30 years however Wales has kept much rich architectural heritage . The arts and sport are well represented in the life of the nation and the popular Welsh attributes of eloquence, warmth and imagination are still very evident.
Places to visit
Why not use your college holidays to explore some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.
Wales has 3 National Parks, the closes to Cardiff being the Brecon Beacons which is approximately 50 miles (88km) from Cardiff and accessible by public transport. If you like walking or cycling, you may like to follow part or all of the Taff Trail, a multi purpose route running between Cardiff and the market town of Brecon along the river Taff. Once you arrive in the Beacons, you can explore that the park has to offer including towns and villages, castles, churches and of course the mountains.
The Gower Peninsula is also approximately 50 km from Cardiff and was one of the first areas in the UK to be designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. At the gateway to the peninsula is Swansea, Wales second city with its shops, museums and Maritime Quarter. Just down the road is the Mumbles, home to Catherine Zeta-Jones, followed but the Gower which holds some spectacular beaches and .
Pembrokeshire is located in the far south west of the country and boasts some beautiful beaches and quaint seaside towns such as Tenby.
Go walking along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, part the National Park or maybe discover a new sport like coasteering, surfing or kayaking. The deep coastal waters around Pembrokeshire make it a wild life hotspot so keep and eye out for passing seals and dolphins.
Further afield is the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, home to Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain which is 1,085m at its summit. Prepare yourself for some spectacular scenery and some serious walking. If all that walking seems like too much hard work - you can take the train to the top during the summer months.
For more information please visit:-
