Online Information for Backpackers about WALES!

To look at a map of the UK, Wales seems a small country. But visit the place once and you’ll never overlook it again! Everything seems in resurgence in this rolling, spacious country.

The Valleys which lead to Cardiff and Swansea on the south coast are teeming with people and song. The cities themselves are often drenched in all the colour and heraldry of festivals, having established themselves as hosts of international sport and music.

However, as with the rest of Britain, the real treat comes from the hidden lands away from the cities. Every county in Wales boasts spectacular countryside and you may find yourself entranced by the vistas, be it sweeping hillsides or green coasts, unable to leave each village you find. And the deeper you head North-West the more you’ll hear the beautiful sing-song of the Welsh language, flourishing still in this most charming of countries.

by Daniel Aspel

CARDIFF

Cardiff has everything you'd expect from a capital city, but in a surprisingly compact space. The city centre hosts a plethora of shops, cafés, museums and markets. You can also find the 2000-year-old Cardiff Castle smack bang in the city centre!

Peacocks roam the grounds and tours are available. Stepping into the modern day brings you to the Millennium Centre. Maybe see one of your favourite bands here or pick a top-class sporting event.

dr who up close exhibition

For fans of Sci-Fi, a trip to Wales has to include a visit to The Doctor Who Up Close Exhibition at the Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay.

Here you will find a celebration of the cult fantasy series, which was filmed in Cardiff. See the actual costumes worn by the stars. Get up close and personal with the Doctor’s very latest enemies, and encounter classic creatures such as the Cybermen and Daleks. If you’ve seen it on the show, you’ll probably find it here!

The Mail on Sunday, named the exhibition the number one attraction in Cardiff. With over 80,000 visitors a month it is obviously a worthy choice.

by Kate Single

heady heights

Yr Wyddfa, known to those of us in the east as ‘Snowdon’ is the highest peak in Wales and lies in the heart of the breathtaking Snowdon National Park.

It may stand at a humble 1,085m above sea level, but you’d be foolish to underestimate the beauty and challenges of this intricate little mountain. It can provide enough resistance that Sir Edmund Hilary trained here prior to his climb of Everest yet has paths so gentle that a railway track has been built to the summit.

Challenge seekers can attempt the Crib Goch route or approach from Y Lliwedd for a fierce scramble that shouldn’t be attempted in high winds; and pleasure seekers can follow the more civilised Llanberis or Watkin approaches.

In fact the mountain is so civilised that the surrounding pubs and hotels are but a few miles away from the baseÉ Iechyd da (Welsh for "cheers", for those not in the know)!

by Daniel Aspel

Did you know..?

There are more than 750,000 Welsh speakers in the world, some in countries as distant as New Zealand and Argentina.

don't miss:-

• Snowdonia National Park
• Brecon Beacons
• Gower Peninsular
• Pembrokeshire
• Coed-y-Brenin forest
• Aberystwyth
• Pembroke Castle
• Beaumaris Castle
• Centre for Alternative Technology

ancient traditions

Wales is a country of many great and diverse traditions but the Eisteddfod and the Noson Lawen really stand out. Both are still consistently celebrated today and real fun if you can manage to stumble across them.

Eisteddfod:

Most Welsh towns and villages conduct an annual Eisteddfod, so they’re easy to find. This is basically a competition ofliterary, musical, and vocal talents dating all the way back to 1176. A chair is awarded to the winner upon which he or she is ceremoniously crowned. Local winners go on to compete at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which takes place in Cardiff this year (2nd-9th August).

Noson Lawen:

Noson Lawen translates as ‘merry night’ and that’s basically just what it is. They were held to celebrate the successful harvesting of hay, which was essential for cattle and horse food throughout the winter. The celebrations took the form of much singing, dancing and recitals, all accompanied by the sound of a harp. Ale and cider are also part of the whole set-up! Modern Noson Lawen’s often have an MC to conduct proceedings and introduce the various performers. Much fun is had!

by Luke Bell