Cycling & Biking in Wales
As
soon as you cycle across the border from England into Wales it
becomes obvious you are in a different country. That such a small
country should have more than its fair share of National Parks and
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is unusual. Couple that with its
own language, unspoilt traffic-free roads, and Celtic culture, and
Wales reveals itself as perfect for cycle-touring.
Where else would you find mountains, pre-historic remains, wide river valleys, open moorlands, quirky small towns, and great surfing beaches all within cycling distance?
Wales really does have some of the best cycling areas - the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and the Llŷn peninsula, Anglesey, the Gower peninsula, and the Radnor Hills etc etc.
Wales
is bilingual, though everyone speaks English. Welsh is the first
language of about 30% of the population. Most place names and road
signs are now in Welsh and English. For instance the Welsh for the
town of Brecon is Aberhonddu (pro: aber-hon-thee, meaning mouth of
the River Honddu), so you will see both names on the road sign,
Aberhonddu and Brecon. Warning signs are also bilingual, with the
Welsh usually first. The Welsh for SLOW is ARAF
- you will see both words written on the road. See Understanding
Welsh Place Names and for a bit of fun look over your shoulder
at Badly-Translated Welsh Road Signs.
Enjoy your cycling holiday in Wales...
