For a small country, Wales manages to cram quite a bit in. Were not just talking about our mountains, valleys and beaches. Whether youre after culture, exercise, adventure or peace and quiet, theyre all here.

The geological forces of the past shaped the sweeping coastlines and towering slate mountains of Wales, the physical shape of the place has in turn shaped the history of settlement in Wales. Archaeological sites date back to prehistory and as you travel between the bustling towns and the peaceful countryside, youll never be bored.

The language of Wales more properly called Cymraeg in preference to Welsh belongs to a branch of Celtic, an Indo-European language. The current population of Wales is just under three million.

Its often said that Wales is green because of the rain but its a mistake to think that Wales is a climatic wet blanket. Many parts of the country have average or below average rainfall it even boasts some of the sunniest spots in Britain.

Seven wonders of Wales include Pistyll Rhaedr and Wrexham Steeple, Snowdons Mountain, Overton Yew Trees, St Winifred Wells, Llangollen Bridge, Gresford Bells.

Pistyll Rhaedr is translated as the spring of the waterfall and is the highest in Wales. The justly famed falls, 19th Century author and traveller George Borrow remarked I never saw water falling so gracefully, so much like thin, beautiful threads as here.

Wrexham Steeple is the steeple of the famous rhyme, which can be seen for many miles as the tallest building in the town. However it turns out to be not a steeple at all but the 16th century tower of the Church of St. Giles. The impressive church may look familiar to many American visitors, for an exact replica is found on the grounds of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Snowdons Mountain is climbed by approximately half a million each year, on foot, in wheelchairs, on crutches, roller skates, on horseback, bicycle, piggy back and by men and women on stilts.

The yew tree, which begins again with new roots after the older tree has rotted away and therefore lasts for many centuries has a pre Christian tradition.

The St Winifred Wells itself, originally formed from a mountain spring, is housed below the town on the side of a steep hill in the shrine of St. Winifride, regarded as the finest surviving example of a medieval holy well in Britain.

For one week each July, the visitor might be excused for thinking he is in continental Europe at the Llangollen Bridge. Our destination, 14th century Llangollen Bridge is truly a wonder, not to be missed. One end to the other it will be crowded with dancers, singers, musicians and merrymakers from dozens of different nations, resplendent in their national costumes.

Gresford Bells are not only are the peal of bells of note, listed it is said for the purity of their tone, but the Church itself is remarkable for its size, its beauty, its interior monuments, and its yew filled churchyard.

Douglas Scott
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