Wales
The coast of Wales is characterized by expansive beaches and cliffs. The Cambrian Mountains run through almost all of Wales. Otherwise the hilly landscapes are covered by meadows and moors. The highest mountain is Snowdon at 1,085 meters.
There are also three national parks in Wales. Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro).
Hundreds of red kites flock to the feeding stations in spring every year. Countless puffins and other sea birds can be seen on the islands. A highlight of the spring season. In summer the dolphins and porpoises come near the coast and in autumn the cute seal pups come. Before winter sets in, flocks of wild birds nest in the forests of Wales to hibernate. Visit rctoysadvice for United Kingdom Travel Guide.
Northern Ireland
The landscape of Northern Ireland is undulating and borders in the southeast on the country’s only low mountain range, the Morne Mountains. The Slieve Donard with 849 meters is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. Approximately in the middle of Northern Ireland is Lough Neagh, the largest inland lake in the British Isles, with an area of 388 km².
In Northern Ireland, you don’t need to go on a safari to see wildlife. A walk in nature is enough. Birds such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons make impressive circles. Local deer, badgers and foxes are at home here. At and in the sea are teeming with crabs, shrimps, puffins and dolphins, for example.
Snowdonia National Park
It is located in North Wales and is a popular tourist destination due to its breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges. The area covers an area of 2,170 square kilometers. The region owes its name to Snowdon, the highest point in Wales at 1,085 meters.
From Manchester Airport, the Snowdonia area is approximately 2.5 hours from Motorway 56 and the A55. A good starting point for exploring the national park is the coastal town of Caernarfon, whose cityscape is dominated by CaernarfonCastle, one of the most powerful castles in Great Britain.
The popular excursion area extends to Llanfairfechan. Llanberis is the destination of the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the only British rack railway. The route is 7.5 kilometers long and leads to the summit of Snowdon.
The Snowdon comprises six mountain ridges with deeply cut valleys. It can also be reached on a variety of hiking trails. The most popular hiking route starts at the Llanberis Pass and follows an old mine path. You hike the “blue lake” and the “blue pass”.
The ascent from the picturesque village of Beddgelert is highly recommended. Beddgelert is one of the loveliest towns in Wales. A two-hour hike leads to the Moel Hebog, which offers wonderful views of the Welsh west coast.
On the southern flank of Snowdon, a hike takes you through the idyllic Glaslyn Valley to Llyn Gwynant, a picturesque lake. Betws-y-Coed, another tourist center of the Snowdonia National Park, is located in the middle of the Gwyryr Forest. The attraction of the place is the Waterloo Bridge with the picturesque Fairy Glen Gorge.
A paradise for nature lovers and plant lovers is Bodnant Garden, on the North Welsh coast. Every year in October, the Snowdonia National Park is the focus of sporting interest.
Pembrokeshire Coast
The coast in southwest Wales is very wild and steep cliffs and small, hidden coves alternate with fishing villages. Pembrokeshire Coast is between Cardigan and Afon Tywi.
You can hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path very well here, but this is only something for experienced hikers. The path is very steep and rocky. For experienced cyclists, the coastal road along the water is a real experience and every effort (gradients between 16 and 25%) is rewarded with beautiful views.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecons are a range of hills and form the border between South Wales and the sparsely populated rest of the country. It is about 750 meters high and has many reservoirs. There is little traffic on the road and there are signposted forest roads that are open to cycling.
Cardiff
The government buildings are located in Alexandra Garden. The City Hall, which is guarded by a dragon on top of the dome, is worth seeing. You can see more red dragons on the lampposts in this part of the city. Nearby is the large Bute Park with Cardiff Castle.
A detour to Cardiff Bay, a bay that is separated from the sea by a dam, is also recommended. In the bay you can see a wooden church built in the Morwegian style.
