Reach your peak in Wales

Stunning landscapes
Wales is all about spectacular scenery - its three national parks account for an incredible 20% of its land area. Snowdonia National Park in the north (snowdonia.gov.wales), which was renamed Eryri National Park this year, is the biggest, at 823 square miles, followed by the Brecon Beacons in South Wales (now renamed Bannau Brycheiniog) and the Pembrokeshire Coast in the west.
The highest peak in Britain outside Scotland is Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon, which stands at 1,085m (3,560 feet). You can take the narrow-gauge mountain railway if you would rather have the views without the phews (visit snowdonia.info).

Wales also has four Unesco World Heritage Sites. In the south, Blaenavon Industrial Landscape includes historic buildings, mines and ironworks that were crucial to Britain’s early industrial development. The other sites are in the north: the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd; Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, and the newest addition, the Slate Landscape of NorthWest Wales. These quarries were the world’s leading slate producers in the 1800s, transforming the landscape.
For an unforgettable experience, why not take a boat trip across the 307m-long, 38m-high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Designed by Thomas Telford, it is the longest and highest in Britain and offers wonderful views (anglowelsh.co.uk).

Walk the walk
In 2012 Wales was the first country to open a continuous path around its entire coastline, and the Wales Coast Path now attracts hikers amd walkers from all over the world (walescoastpath.gov.uk). It runs from Queensferry, on the River Dee estuary in the north-east, all the way to Chepstow in Monmouthshire. You could walk the whole 870 miles if you had the time and legs for it, but it’s easier to pick one of its many spectacular sections.
The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the best. There are lots of short walks to take along its length, including around Tenby, and a wheelchairaccessible path to the Blue Lagoon near Abereiddy, a former quarry whose walls were breached by the sea.

For those who like a peaceful ramble, a new company, Quiet Walks (quietwalks.co.uk) offers guided tours for small groups in Carmarthenshire and surrounding areas of the south coast. They are aimed at people who want to experience nature without feeling overwhelmed by a large group.
Also in Carmarthenshire, foodies will love the three new Larder Trails. These self-guided routes take you to markets, cafés, vineyards and tasting experiences all over the county. The only instruction is to ‘pack an elasticated waist’. Visit discovercarmarthenshire.com.
For a guided tour on four wheels, Rabbie’s (rabbies.com) has launched new trips to Wales from Bristol, including a three-day Mountains and Coasts of South Wales tour. It will take you to Britain’s smallest city, St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Tenby, Carreg Cennen Castle, the Brecon Beacons and more.

Take the train
There is no better way to take in the lovely scenery of Wales than from onboard a steam train, and the company Great Little Trains of Wales manages 12 short routes throughout the country (greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk).
They include the Brecon Mountain Railway in the south, and the Ffestiniog Railway - the oldest surviving railway company in the world - in Snowdonia.
Another route, the Welsh Highland Railway, connects with the Ffestiniog line at Porthmadog.

Not far away is the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been summiting the mountain since 1896. The trains run from Llanberis, and the return jouney lasts about two-and-a-half hours, including half an hour at the top.
In Mid Wales the charming Vale of Rheidol Railway runs inland from Aberystwyth to the pretty village of Devils’s Bridge, with its famous bridges and waterfalls.

Pictures: Adobe Stock