Naturally, A Little Bit More Wales!

During our time in Wales we absolutely loved its natural beauty and peacefulness.

With every turn of our motorcycle trek through the land of dragons, we came across restful calm and beauty. We explored Neolithic, Roman, and Medieval sites. It was lovely to walk on the beach, hike, ride the backroads and view the hills from a steam train. Even with all of this we naturally wanted a little bit more Wales!

Make sure to check out our recent post called ‘Why Wales’ and see our travel route, other colourful characters we met along the road and some castley bits!

Neolithic history

All over Atlantic Europe, from Spain to Ireland, you can find Neolithic burial chambers called ‘portal dolmens’. They are sites like this example, called Siambr Gladdu in Dyffryn.

Believed to have been built 6000 years ago, the smaller chamber was likely covered over by a large pile of stones. Later generations built the second larger tomb leaving the capstones visible. Cremated remains and other objects of importance were deposited through the openings, along with offerings to the ancestors. Visiting these memorials is a sobering reminder of our fleeting time on this earth but also a chance to connect with our ancestors legacy.

Roman history

I have taken an interest in Roman history in recent years and enjoy seeing historic sites when we are abroad. So naturally, we had to stop and spend the afternoon exploring the site.

The ‘Caerleon Roman Fortress’ ruins just off the M4 near Newport, Wales were a fantastic experience! There are baths, a barracks complex and small arena to see while you are there.

The interpretive centre is impressive with explanations of how the Romans lived along with artifacts showing their ingenuity. Truly a place to see if you pass by the south coast of Wales.

Steam train rides, whaaat?!?

That’s right Steam Trains! I know what you’re thinking……What is so natural about steam trains? Well…….nothing. They are completely man made but it’s the natural wonders you can see when you board one, and chug off into the hills of Snowdonia, that is a little more Wales. We loved this experience!

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways group offer historic steam train tours from the harbour station in Porthmadog, Wales. These incredible, lovingly reconditioned machines can transport you back in time. Ride the 200 year old narrow gauge track into the rural pastureland, forest and mountains of Snowdonia. It is full to the brim with stunning vistas. With every whistle blow you truly get a nostalgic sense of life in the days of steam train travel. Keep in mind we went in the off season and as such there was only limited service. Check their website here for times, services and pricing before heading out. Below is a videolink to our day on the rails. Hope you enjoy it!

Hiking and riding in the hills

Truly a hinterland paradise away from the throngs of people in the south and east of Britain, Wales really provides respite. Sam and I spent our time walking the beaches along the coast, hiking and picnicking at its inland becks and waterfalls, riding the back roads and generally just discovering the wild places as much as possible.

Flora and Fauna

It’s soooo important to take long walks in Wales. It is only when you slow down, taking the time to stop and breath, that you can capture the true feeling of Welsh country life.

We saw a lot of wildlife on the less travelled roads in Wales such as those in Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks. High above us the birds of prey effortlessly hunt, occasionally swooping down for a snack.

On the ocean breezes the gulls hang eyeing up chance meals. Song birds of every shape and size sing sweetly. We even came upon this herd of Ibex, a first for us both!

The Irish Sea

Sam and I like to spend many hours sitting by the seaside whenever possible. For us Wales has some of the most incredible and serene beaches we’ve experienced. This is a must for the ocean lovers out there!

Other stuff to do in Wales

Lamb watching anyone? Zip lines? Caving experiences? Rock climbing? Fishing? Cycling? Surfing? Wales has it all! Make sure you check out the official ‘Visit Wales’ site here to plan your trip. There are infinite possibilities so make the journey yours.

Motorcycling in Wales

Most importantly motorcycling in Wales is incredible. The busy country lanes of England were far away as we cruised these quiet back roads. There are a ton of websites dedicated to riding in the area. Be sure to check into the options and make a plan before you go unless you have no timeline! Then you can just wake up each day and pick a place to go.

Around each corner you will find a stunning vista of the sea, of a forest, of a valley, of a castle or the mountains. Wales seems more wild and serene then other parts of southern Britain. Lean into the curves and float through the countryside in search of some peace. You will love it, guaranteed.

Just like that our time is Wales was done……

Naturally, we recommend you experience as much of this great big world as you can. So, plan a Gap Year! You can find our packing lists here and our planning and preparation posts here to help you out. 😉 Get ahold of us by email, drop some comments on the post and let us know what you think. Sam and I love to hear from you.

Thanks once again for following along with our Mid-Life Gap Year! I hope you are seeing all the up to date highlights we have posted to Instagram and our Facebook page. You can find the links below to join in on our trip if you haven’t. Don’t forget to subscribe if you like what you are seeing and tell your friends about us too!

Take care and keep on travelling,

Dan&Sam

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