Wale of a Good Time: Wales, 21-28+ days
Wale of a Good Time: Wales, 21-28+ days
This trip is designed to explore Wales. But what is Wales? And who are the Welsh?
King Charles’s eldest son, William, is the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of the United Kingdom so obviously Wales is a part of the United Kingdom. Yes, Wales is part of the United Kingdom, as are England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and yet Wales is much more than a “part” of anything. Wales has all the rich symbolism of a country, and of a people. Wales is about the size of New Jersey, and a bit smaller than Belgium but the Welsh walk tall with a proud history that is visibly felt by the tourist.
The Welsh sense of cultural and historical identity extends back into ancient memory, and beyond memory into myth. The Welsh have their own language, legends, heroes, and traditions, but travel on British passports. Even though the Welsh do not have a formal border they remain bordered by their past and it is into this rich past that you are about to enter.
Many years ago, when Deed and I first ventured into Wales we were immediately impressed by the beauty and richness of its landscape from the mountains of Snowdonia to the sparkling lakes to the castled coastline. Of course, all is filtered by one’s perspective. If you’re from Switzerland you may well scoff at Welsh mountains, or if you’re from Canada you might not even be aware of the lakes that the Welsh boast about in endless song.
Hold your judgement until you leave Wales. I think you'll be charmed by its magic soon after you arrive. Wales is special.
TIP! Before we get started, be sure to consult Deed’s Guidepost and the Essentials section, found in the menu bar at the top of this site.
Major points of interest in Wales
First, permit us to admit that we have a strong bias for the small Snowdonia village of Beddgelert. We think we could live there if it had a COOP, but more about that later.
HAY-ON-WYE is a town of bookstores. When we first arrived, I was not mentally prepared for the town and panicked and for that reason Hay is filled with memories of frustrating hours spent running from store to store without a plan. I left without buying anything. For the rest of the day, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I acted like a pouty spoiled child, and Deed had to give me a “time out” which usually brings me around but ---- enough said.
If you are a lover of secondhand books you need to approach Hay as Eisenhower approached the invasion of Normandy. Have a plan, have a target, and do not be distracted by cakes and doughnuts that the Welsh will place in your line of vision.
Hay also has a castle, a manor house, beautiful countryside and the Wye River, but I couldn’t care less. IT’S ALL ABOUT BOOKS!
2. Fishing and more fishing. Wales is an angler’s delight. The Welsh are famous for hosting fishing competitions to either view as a spectator or for the tourist to enter. You will need a license to fish which is readily purchased locally.
3. As you may know the Welsh are known worldwide for their music. It is the land of singers. Welsh pride in being Welsh is boundless. God bless them — they even love their language which seems to be a random combination of letters lacking rhyme or reason and intended only to confound the English.
TIP! We are firm believers that when you visit a foreign country you should always make some effort to learn the language of your host country. Wales is the exception. While visiting Wales you are hereby absolved from all responsibilities and duties of learning Welsh. The language is impossible to comprehend.
I may be wrong, but I think even the Welsh word for “yes” has 31 letters including 7 g’s and 5 l’s. So just smile and keep singing.
We were not in Wales for many days before realizing what we had heard about this small corner of the world was true — the Welsh can carry a tune. I don’t mean some of the Welsh can sing, and I don’t mean a majority of the Welsh can sing, but everyone in Wales sings, likes to sing, and likes to hear others sing. You could, I’m convinced, put together an award-winning choir from the clerks at the local grocery store. “The hills are alive with the sound of music” is not the story of Austria but of Wales. Singing is the soul of Wales and that comes from someone who has spent time in musical heaven.
Please check out the musical festivals that are held each year throughout the country. Go to visitwales.com
Some festivals to consider:
4. TENBY is a small, partially walled, medieval coastal town in Pembrokeshire. Its sheltered harbor offers protection from the storms of the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and links to miles of sandy beaches and the coastal path. Tenby (5,000) is a market town with pleasant shops, restaurants, and a train station. Tenby is easily connected to the M4.
Tenby is an excellent base town for an extended stay.
5. PORTMEIRION is a Disney-like made for show 20th century village constructed around an Italian-like piazza. It is the creation of Sir Clough William-Ellis and modeled on an Italian Mediterranean village of brightly colored historic houses and shops transported to Wales and placed in a new Welsh setting. Like Disneyland there is an entrance fee, places to stay, gardens, shops, restaurants, a spa, and lots of things to do. Many stay for 1-3 nights, but most visitors plan only a day trip.
TIP! Portmeirion pottery is world famous. The pottery we saw was inspired by Portmeirion’s flowering and herbal gardens and would make a memorable addition to anyone’s table.
6. TINTERN ABBEY is one example, although a very important one of the houses of faith that can be found across all of Europe. The Age of Faith (6th -15th centuries) in Wales, is in part illustrated by the buildings of spectacular abbeys, parish churches, convents and monasteries. It was within such walls that the communities of Wales nurtured the Welsh culture and rich traditions. It was also within those walls that they celebrated the joys of life and found solace in times of sorrow.
7. CONWY is a walled medieval market town on the sea and is situated in the northwestern part of Wales. The town has historically been guarded by Conwy Castle built by King Edward in the 13th century and has now been declared a UNESCO protected site. Conwy is certainly worth a 1-2-day stop on any trip to Wales because the town offers many attractions including the beach, gardens, hiking paths, and interesting centuries-old buildings.
TIP! Public parking for this popular castle stop is almost impossible so make certain your hotel will provide dedicated space for your car. Also, Conwy is accessible by train.
8. SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK is a national treasure of sky, mist, and waterfalls all linked to miles of paths to explore.
9. BEAUMARIS, LLANGOLLEN, AND MERTHYR MAWR would be three excellent long-term stay possibilities.
10. Narrowboats for hire. COME BACK! I’M SERIOUS. Along with another couple Deed and I rented a narrowboat for an experience of a lifetime that can only be described as piling fun on fun. Truly a dream trip.
What are the hazards? Basically none. You can’t get lost at sea. You can’t get hit by a storm. There are no navigational issues, and you poke along at about 4 miles an hour. And you just go straight, and you need no sailing experience. The narrowboats are similar to a Winnebago without wheels. But much more fun. At night we stopped at small villages to explore and enjoy a pub meal.
Check them out online!
Also, check the Chirck Aqueduct --- it’s amazing.
TIP! Remember --- One does not go to Wales to shop, unless you buy something useful like a fishing pole or boots. OOPS, Deed purchased two beautiful Welsh handmade sweaters.
11. BEDDGELERT (500+) is a very special village. In our lifetime of travels Beddgelert is in the top five --- if not higher. Yet Beddgelert was marked as a one-night stay but in that one night I saw all the possibilities of beauty and wonder that nature can promise. Beddgelert deserves an extended stay. We loved the river walk, and the many paths that led into the lush countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia.
When we return we will devote more time to Beddgelert and Snowdonia than we would to Paris, or London. That snickering sound was Deed. She likes Paris. There was a time when she could have been whacked for liking Paris over Beddgelert with a fishing pole. But those happy times sadly are gone. Deed is now the Whacker and I the Whackie.
Again, time to refocus.
More points of interest include:
Brecon Beacons
Gower Peninsula
Anglesey
Rhossili Bay and the Three Cliffs
Special interests
In preparation for your trip to Wales search for your own personal interests. Here are a few possible areas of interest:
Fishing
Photography
Museums
Hiking
Music
Craft fairs
Festivals
History
Biking
Weaving
Sports and contests
Trains
Fairs
Great Movies about Wales
Estimated Driving Times and Distances
From Heathrow to Tenby, Wales is about 280 miles and 6 hours. Tenby, of course, is only a suggested place to begin your adventures in Wales.
From Manchester International Airport to Llangollen, it is only 60 miles and 1 ½ hour drive.
TIP! If your first night was in the beautiful village of Llangollen then you might want to consider using Llangollen for an extended stay and explore the village and the Dee Valley. No, not my Deed!
TIP! If you can access Cardiff International Airport it is not only closer to your possible destinations, but the airport is user friendly, (i.e. smaller, with less traffic). The trouble with the Cardiff airport is it might be a little pricy and your ticket may have two or more stops. If your airport is Heathrow, not to worry. It simply means that your first day’s drive will have you on your way but not in Wales. Bath would be an excellent choice for a night or two to help you rest from the flight. Bath is special --- but very popular.
I suspect your airport will likely be Heathrow or Manchester.
Review our “We’re Glad You’re Here” entry, as well as Deed’s Guidepost and Essentials for detailed guidance on:
Counting Days and Budget
Packing
The Aging Process
Perspective and Pacing
Stress and Endurance
Car Rental in helping you prepare for your trip
Plan well, travel well, and savor the experience.