This new Bradt guidebook is the first solely dedicated to a specific
part of Wales, encompassing the country's southern third. Covering
Monmouthshire, Glamorgan, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Brecon
Beacons National Park, this guide provides in-depth coverage of a broad
range of attractions. Catering for walkers, heritage aficionados,
wildlife lovers, families, mountain bikers, foodies and city-lovers, it
furnishes all the practical information you need to plan and enjoy time
in South Wales. The region boasts 400 miles of coastline, along which
some of Britain's finest beaches nestle between comely resorts and
traditional fishing villages, including in the dramatic Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park. Inland, The Valleys encompass a former powerhouse
of the British coal-mining industry where abandoned collieries have
become thriving tourist attractions in a World Heritage landscape.
Alternatively, enjoy peace and quiet in the Brecon Beacons, one of few
British International Dark Sky Reserves, characterized by high peaks,
wild moorland and thrashing waterfalls. From here, mountains extend east
to the renowned book town of Hay-on-Wye. In South Wales, you can embrace
history, landscape and culture in quick succession. Hikers come from all
over to walk the Wales Coast Path, the first footpath worldwide to
extend the entire length of a country's coastline. Bike Park Wales in
Merthyr is Britain's leading mountain-bike center, while St David's
Peninsula offers thrilling coasteering and the Gower Peninsula exciting
surfing. The region's special wildlife ranges from puffins and deer on
offshore islands to porpoises and dolphins powering across sheltered
bays. Urbanites will love the Welsh capital of Cardiff, fast becoming
one of Britain's most dynamic cities, following exciting regeneration
crowned by the Millennium Centre. Wales is nicknamed the Land of the
Castles, with more fortifications per square mile than any European
country: South Wales boasts twenty where your imagination can run riot.
Unexpected treats gather here too: visit Europe's second-tallest sand
dune (The Big Dipper in Merthyr Mawr), the UK's smallest city (St
David's), or even vineyards and whiskey distilleries.
