Welsh Country

Welsh Country Introduction Welsh country captivates with dramatic landscapes encompassing three national parks five Areas Outstanding Natural Beauty rugged coastlines ancient mountains lush valleys rolling farmlands defining Celtic nations natural identity. Snowdonia Eryri Pembrokeshire Coast Brecon Beacons national parks alongside Gower Llŷn Clwydian Range Dee Valley Anglesey AONBs showcase 20 percent protected landscapes attracting 10 million annual visitors hiking wildlife coastal paths mountain summits.

All about Welsh Country

Welsh country geography features upland interior 47 percent Snowdonia highest peaks Yr Wyddfa 1085m Cambrian Mountains Brecon Beacons rounded moorlands girdled coastal plateaus 870 miles varied shoreline limestone cliffs golden beaches hidden coves expansive estuaries. North Wales Snowdonia Eryri dramatic mountains extensive coastal scenery Llyn Peninsula Anglesey islands 47 percent National Park coverage mid Wales Powys largest county 5076 km² sparsely populated rolling uplands hay meadows south Wales valleys Gower Peninsula UNESCO Biosphere creating diverse rural tapestry.

National Parks

Snowdonia Eryri National Park nine mountain ranges Wales 15 highest peaks glacial cirques cliffs lakes bogs waterfalls Snowdon summit 1085m Carneddau Glyderau Moelwynion Rhinogydd Cadair Idris geologically diverse early geology science development. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park 870 km² coastal beauty golden beaches dramatic cliffs sea stacks hidden coves wildlife puffins dolphins whales surfing kayaking coastal path defining maritime heritage. Brecon Beacons National Park sandstone plateaus old red sandstone cliffs caves waterfalls reservoirs dark skies stargazing outdoor pursuits defining southern uplands.

Areas Outstanding Natural Beauty

Gower Peninsula first AONB 1956 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve golden beaches cliffs dunes caves surfing kayaking coastal path wildlife rich defining southwest Wales beauty. Llŷn Peninsula conical mountains plunge sea windswept coasts clawdd hedgebanks narrow lanes Bardsey Island pilgrimage site remote coastal scenery. Clwydian Range Dee Valley heather moorlands ancient hillforts castles rivers valleys Offas Dyke walking trails wildlife rich northern landscapes.

Coastal Lowlands

Welsh coastal plains north coastal plain Anglesey Llyn Peninsula Cardigan Bay Pembrokeshire southern Carmarthenshire Gower Peninsula Vale Glamorgan golden sandy beaches dramatic cliffs hidden coves expansive estuaries Conwy Glaslyn Dwyryd Mawddach Dyfi Menai Strait dunes morfa extensive beaches saltmarshes supporting crucial wildlife habitats maritime heritage defining rural coastal identities.

Upland Rural Heartland

Cambrian Mountains northeast southwest rounded undulating moorland rough tussocky grassland Brecon Beacons Black Mountains Y Mynyddoedd Duon Black Mountain Y Mynydd Du border Carmarthenshire Powys pastoral farmland stone walls clawdd stone-faced hedgebanks small field sizes ffridd upland fringes major afforested areas Dyfi Coed-y-Brenin Gwydir Beddgelert defining rural tranquility biodiversity hotspots.

Welsh Country Summary

Welsh country landscapes three national parks five AONBs dramatic mountains rugged coastlines lush valleys rolling farmlands defining Celtic natural heritage Snowdonia Pembrokeshire Brecon Beacons Gower Llŷn Clwydian Anglesey showcase 20 percent protected areas hiking wildlife coastal paths mountain summits. Diverse geography uplands lowlands coastal plains rural heartland create unforgettable tapestry attracting millions celebrating nations timeless natural beauty outdoor traditions across generations.