Aberystwyth (Wales)

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Situated at the mouth of both the Rheidol and Ystwyth valleys, Aberystwyth inhabits the sparsely populated west coast of Wales. Steam trains travel along the Vale of Rheidol transporting people along rugged terrain form Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge. Travel further inland and you can find the Plumlumon Hills which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Aberystwyth is an established tourist resort situated upon a spectacular coastline making it an ideal base to explore the unspoilt countryside and many of Wales' cultural institutions. Home to a lively university and the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth stands alone as the largest town on the west coast of Wales. Aberystwyth is also consistantly recorded as one of the sunniest places in the United Kingdom making it an ideal place to spend some time on the beach.

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Population: 2.958.600
Languages: English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic
Currency: British pound
Currency code: GBP
Local Times:
U.K. - Wales - Cardiff

Country Dialling Code: +44
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Wales is a mountainous country. Around one quarter of the land is above 305m (1,000ft) and in the north the peak of Snowdon rises to 1,085m (3,560ft), the highest point in England and Wales. Wales' 732-mile coastline is a varied one, consisting of bays, beaches, peninsulas and cliffs. The largest bay - Cardigan Bay - gives the west-facing Welsh coastline its distinctive 'horseshoe' shape. The largest island, connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges, is Anglesey in the north.

North Wales is a holiday area which attracts lovers of coast and countryside in equal measure. It is a varied region, with long stretches of sands, craggy mountains, towering headlands and deep valleys. Snowdon, the highest peak in Britain south of the Scottish
Highlands, dominates a rocky mass of mountains which acts as a magnet to climbers and walkers.

To the east, in contrast, is a much gentler landscape of heather moorlands, green vales and the rounded hills of Wales's border country. Predominantly rural in character, this thinly populated central region is the most peaceful and least explored part of Wales. As such, it attracts connoisseurs of the countryside - those who enjoy walking across silent hills, or discovering characterful old market towns, or spotting the rare Red Kite in the skies.

The Mid Wales coast, shaped by the great arc of Cardigan Bay, also has a timeless, tranquil quality. Mountains and farmlands roll down to the sea along a coastline dotted with outstandingly beautiful estuaries, quiet beaches and small resorts.

West Wales attracts many visitors. Pembrokeshire in the far west, home of Britain's only coastal national park, is justly famous for its spectacular seashores, while Carmarthenshire offers the dual appeal of restful landscapes and the long, sandy beaches of Carmarthen Bay.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs around the western tip of Wales from Amroth (near Tenby) in the south to St Dogmael's (near Cardigan) in the north, a distance of around 180 miles. Most visitors stay in or around the resorts of Tenby, with its picturesque Georgian harbour and beautiful beaches, and neighbouring Saundersfoot, a popular sailing centre.

South Wales, although the most populous part of Wales, also contains large areas of unspoilt countryside and coastline. The capital city of Cardiff is located here, along with Swansea, Wales's second city. Yet next door to Swansea is the beautiful Gower Peninsula, while close to Cardiff are the mountains of the Brecon Beacons, the lovely Wye Valley and Vale of Usk, and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.