WalesThings to Know

There are dramatic and awesome long hikes you can do in Wales, and some of them will have you walking atop mountains with sea views for long stretches of time. A popular one is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Hikers can walk part of or the whole 300 kilometre trail over several days.

You could start in the village of St. Dogmaels with stunning views of Cardigan Bay and sup at the Ferry Inn, then tent or stay at the inn. The next day hike 17 kilometres from Newport to Abercastle, stay at a B&B and dine at a 240 year old pub, the Ship Inn, for delicious traditional pub fare. On day 3, look over the cliffs and walk on the beaches of St. David’s Peninsula. The wafts of wild herbs and flowers and expansive views will give you endorphins for days.

Wales is one of three countries to have a dragon on its flag. The others are Bhutan and Malta. Its national Day is St. David’s Day on March 1, and its main languages are Welsh and English. Daffodils and leeks are national symbols in Wales.

The harp, triple harp, crwth (bowed string), and pibgorn (wooden hornpipe) are centuries old Welsh musical instruments. Traditional and modern Welsh musicians sing mournful songs of longing for home, tragic events, mining disasters, and tales of lost love and there are lots of joyful dance tunes and jigs too. The famous song ‘Men of Harlech’ celebrates the defense of Harlech Castle during the War of the Roses.

National Eisteddfod, a huge festival occurs every year in Llangollen, central Wales, celebrating music and poetry. Singers and musicians of the world converge to celebrate together in what is the biggest of many annual music, literature and performance festivals across the nation.