Take a wintery walk through Wales’s history

Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.

It’s the beginning of a New Year and time to set resolutions for the 12 months ahead. The most common resolutions include getting fit and exercising more. Why not combine this with something different this year and learn about Wales’s history while exploring the great outdoors?

Take in the sea air along parts of the Wales Coast Path, soak up the culture at World Heritage Sites and connect with nature in National Parks. They are all part of Wales’s rich historical tapestry, and provide the perfect opportunity to explore some of the country’s grandest stately homes, captivating castles and enchanting abbeys.

We share our top heritage walks to exercise your body and your brain.

Caernarfon Castle

A brute of a fortress on the banks of the River Seiont, Caernarfon stands proud as what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. So much so, that the castle and its town walls were given World Heritage status in 1986. With its eerie passages and great open runs, no visit to Caernarfon Castle is complete without walking a circuit of the walls and climbing The Eagle Tower, with its three turrets.

Dolwyddelan Castle

Improving on nature’s handiwork is easier said than done but Dolwyddelan Castle blends beautifully with its craggy home in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The once magnificent keep now lies in ruins atop a rocky knoll surrounded by unique and spectacular landscape. Snowdonia is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and a trip to Dolwyddelan Castle is the perfect opportunity to take in its stunning mountain ranges, green valleys, gorges and waterfalls.

Beaumaris Castle

One of the most technically perfect castles in Britain, Beaumaris has classic proportions and perfect symmetry. Situated on the eastern side of The Isle of Anglesey, the location provides the perfect opportunity to explore picturesque beaches and world class geology dotted along the magnificent coastline. Climb to the top wall-walk for magnificent views of Snowdonia - the heartlands of the princes of Gwynedd.

Oxwich Castle

Gower is a marvel. Heritage buffs and beach bums alike love this beautiful peninsula. In years gone by, the wealthy built wherever the view suited. The Mansel family chose a lovely spot on a wooded headland above Oxwich Bay to build Oxwich Castle. Take full advantage of the panoramic sea views across the headland before exploring farmland, woodland and miles of coastal paths at your leisure.

Raglan Castle

Built for show rather than with battle in mind, Raglan Castle still held off Oliver Cromwell’s forces for 13 weeks during the Civil War. From the great tower to the great gatehouse, everything is impressive about Raglan Castle. Situated in the heart of Monmouthshire, there are a series of circular walks in the area boasting spectacular views of the castle and glimpses of the Black Mountains.

Tintern Abbey

Surrounded by an area of outstanding beauty, Tintern Abbey is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, despite the shell of this grand structure being open to the skies. Situated next to the River Wye, there are a number of footpaths to explore heading off in different directions from the abbey into Wales and England. If you’re feeling energetic, take a strenuous uphill walk to the ‘Devil’s Pulpit’ for a wonderful bird’s eye view of the abbey.

Find Out More

Find more about heritage and castles in Wales .

This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2013 at 10:40 am and is filed under Castles, Days Out, Guest Blog, Wales. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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