In the 18th and 19th centuries when the English wanted adventure they could ship to the far shores of the Empire or they could go nextdoor to Wales . The land to the west was only the size of Massachusetts, but it had mysterious forests, a spectacular coastline and Britain's highest mountains. Best of all it was a great place to walk. It still is.
Footpaths radiate from every town, and public ways cross farmland and estates.
National Parkland covers much of the countryside. The advocacy of naturalists and acts of government protection have meant threatened species such as the red kite, Snowdon lily and bottlenose dolphins are coming back while hikers and climbers face stiff penalties if they litter, pluck or deface. Charles, Prince of Wales , makes an official visit to Wales every summer kicking off a conference on behalf of environmental causes. In Pembrokeshire, Britain's only coastal National Park , a 299 kilometer National Trail Coastal Path winds by golden beaches and seaside holiday villages, but also tops sheer cliffs and smugglers coves. You can join an expedition to visit seabird and Atlantic grey seal sanctuaries on offshore islands named for 9th century Viking invaders.