THE CELTIC NATIONS Wales is one of the seven Celtic Nations, the others being Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall (UK), Britanny (France), the Isle of Man (UK) and Galicia (Spain). It is generally acknowledged that the Welsh People are direct descendants of the Brythonic (or British) Celtic race. Welsh is one of the oldest tongues in the world, and is still spoken as a first language by 80% of the population in the old northern county of Caernarfonshire (now in the county of Gwynedd).

Wales is known all over the world for the production of a number of natural products namely, coal (which was mined mainly in the South) and slate (Mid and North). Wales is also renowned for producing gold, copper, and silver. All of the Royal Family's Wedding Rings are made of Welsh Gold - unique in its pink colour.  As it is no longer mined Welsh Gold is very rare;  so much so that jewellers have to be licensed to sell it.  Some has been reserved for future Monarchs' Wedding Rings.

SNOWDONIA (Eryri, the place of the rising bird, or the mountains of snow) presents one of the most complex geological studies on Earth. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the area formed the bed of a long vanished sea. The Snowdonia Range is complimented to the west by the lesser known Rival Mountains that fall into the Irish Sea along the Llyn Peninsula.

ANGLESEY (The Mother Island) faces the mountains across the Menai Straits. It is peppered with surviving pre-historic sites. The landscape is gentler than the mainland, with its rich green countryside, beautiful beaches and secluded, rocky coves.

THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK Extends over 840 square miles (1351 sq km). With its beautiful coastline, rugged peaks, natural lakes, mountain rivers and spectacular waterfalls, the Park is a must for any visitor to the UK. Snowdon stands at 1,085 metres above sea level, the highest peak in Wales and England. The Mountain still represents a challenge to serious climbers. In the early 1950's, Sir John Hunt's successful Everest Expedition trained extensively on Snowdon's ascents. Less adventurous visitors may walk the 4.5 mile Llanberis Path to the Summit, or travel up and down on the World famous Snowdon Mountain Railway.

PORTMEIRION  Created by Welsh Architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.  This Italianate fantasy village within the mountains of North Wales is superb.

BETWS-Y-COED The bustling tourist village of Betws-y-Coed and nearby Swallow Falls, came to prominence as prime holiday destinations with the coming of the railway in Victorian times.

BEDDGELERT Another picturesque Snowdonia village, lies in a valley completely surrounded by mountains, the highest being Moel Herbog (850 metres). Beddgelert is famous for the charming legend of Gelert, the faithful hunting hound of Prince Llewelyn the Great of Gwynedd.

CARDIFF Capital of the Principality and a historic City on the move! Seat of the Welsh Assembly Government, housed in the impressive brand new Senedd Building. Modern Cardiff also boasts the Millennium Sports Stadium and the beautiful revitalized waterfront showpiecing the magnificent Millennium Arts Centre and unique clock tower. In the centre of the city stands Cardiff Castle, reinvented during the Victorian age by Lord Bute but based on a site going back to the time of the Roman occupation and the Norman invasion of the 11th century.

SWANSEA Birthplace of Dylan Thomas, Wales most famous literary genius and the 2nd City, by the Sea.

GOWER PENINSULA Britain's first designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 19-mile long Peninsula comprises some of Wales’ cleanest and most stunning beaches, including Rhossili, where you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the famous Worm’s Head. The Gower Peninsula is steeped in history. The area boasts many ancient sites, monuments,caves, castles and landmarks including Arthur’s Stone, Giants Grave (a burial chamber dating back to 3,500 BC) and Pennard Castle. The many caves in The Gower have been excavated over time, unearthing human and animal remains and artefacts dating back to the Stone Age.

BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK situated in mid-Wales, It contains some of the most spectacular and distinctive upland formations in southern Britain and covers an area of 1347 sq km (520 sq miles).

PEMBROKESHIRE NATIONAL PARK This is Britain's only truly coastal national park. It's a spectacular landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild inland hills, and a place of sanctuary for wildlife.

ST DAVID'S The smallest city in Britain and supposed burial place of St David, the only U.K patron saint to have been born in the country of their patronage.

CARDIGAN BAY In the counties of Ceredigion and Powys,are Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, the former the ancient home of Aberystwyth Castle and the University of Wales the latter the historic site of the Welsh parliament assembled by Owain Glyndwr, leader of the last great rebellion against the English in the 15th century.

CLIMATE Welsh weather can be as warm in the Summer as anywhere in the UK. However, as would be expected in a largely mountainous region, conditions can alter quickly and frequently throughout a 24-hour period, especially in the North. Therefore, visitors should come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. During the Winter months, the temperature can often be higher than other parts of the UK but, inevitably, snow will lie on the peaks and high ground.

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