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A holiday guide to South Wales


Rivers such as the Wye helped shape the landscape of historic Wales, creating beautiful valleys as they flowed from the mountains.

Boasting some of Britain’s finest fishing, these rivers are now even easier for walkers and cyclists to discover through new walks and trails – such as the record-breaking Severn Way.

The breathtaking River Wye flows through stunning scenery on its journey from the slopes of Plynlimon through the Welsh Marches. Tourists flock to the Wye to explore its historic sites, to tackle the Wye Valley Walk or simply to stand at Symonds Yat and rejoice in the magnificent borderland panorama.

The grace and majesty of Tintern Abbey is magnified by its sublime setting in the valley of the Wye. Today, the shell of the great building stands open to the elements, a series of Gothic archways reaching for the skies. Don’t forget to wander from the ruins to explore the beautiful wooded landscape which inspired Wordsworth’s poem, ‘Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey.’

A short drive away, the commanding bulk of Chepstow Castle perches atop limestone cliffs overlooking the River Wye, and further north, the Norman ruins of Monmouth Castle stand guard over Monmouth town. Once you’ve had your fill of medieval citadels, explore the book town of Hay-on-Wye with its winding streets, pretty houses and plethora of second-hand bookshops.

And the River Wye is not the only beautiful river in Wales. The River Towy flows through Carmarthen - the land of Arthurian Legend - and past the dramatic remains of Carreg Cennin Castle; the Teifi, Queen of game-fishing rivers, tumbles down the rugged Cambrian mountains to Cenarth Falls and the River Tawe takes canoeists on a scenic journey through the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Holidaymakers have been proving their appreciation for the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal for decades. Take advantage of the lightly locked route and enjoy a relaxing voyage through quiet countryside from the Brecon Beacons to Cwmbran. Or, combine cruising with cuisine on a restaurant boat from Brecon’s beautifully refurbished canal basin.

Last updated: 16/07/2009