Legends of a Green Land

We begin this journey through Welsh history in Caerleon, located at the lower end of the beautiful Usk Valley. Find the ancient Roman Military Fortress of Isca established in 74AD, referred to in ancient texts as the Court of the legendary King Arthur and his Camelot. Meander north along the river Usk to the rolling black mountains, where the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain dominates the skyline watching out over the stunning Wye Valley. Head deep into the Brecon Beacons National Park and its ancient landscape of high mountain grasslands and heather plateaus. Explore its many peaks and its impressive northern rim scalloped with glacier-worn hollows, shimmering lakes, rushing streams and spectacular waterfalls. Find remains of prehistoric stone circles and burial chambers, Iron Age hillforts and Roman camps. Peer into Llyn y Fan Fach, a remote lake in the Black Mountain range with has its very own Lady of the Lake legend.

Pembrokeshire was described as a land of mystery and enchantment by the anonymous author of The Mabinogion, an 11th century collection of folktales. Its breath-taking seascapes along its world renowned coastline and rugged Preseli Hills are truly inspiring. Trek an ancient 8 mile track along the top of these hills covered with prehistoric sites, and be rewarded with panoramic views across Pembrokeshire and the coastline. Climb the magical mountain of Carningli ‘the rocky summit of the angels’. Take a boat to enchanting Caldey, a holy island where Cistercian monks continue the Celtic tradition which began in the 6th Century. Make a wish at St Govan’s Head and find out about the mysterious figure of Saint Govan, whose tiny 13th century chapel lies tucked away under the cliffs. Visit St. David’s, ecclesiastical capital of Wales, an enchanting city with a spectacular Cathedral. A site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 800 years, it is here that patron saint of Wales St David, or Dewi Sant, born to the locally celebrated St Non, is buried.

Explore the Cambrian Coast, a winding coastal route full of spectacular views that takes you through the delightful seaside towns of Aberaeron and Barmouth. Further north mythical Snowdonia fills the skyline evoking tales of giants, monsters and magic. Find Llyn Llydaw, the lake where Arthur’s sword Excalibur was allegedly thrown. Listen and learn from the walls of the imposing medieval Caernarfon Castle, official residence of the Edward 1st. Controversial in these parts, his ring of castles underlined the defeat of Wales by the English in the 13th century. Discover the pretty village of Harlech, with an imposing medieval castle perched high like a sentinel overlooking the Irish Sea. This castle was home of the medieval ruler Owain Glyndŵr who instigated a fierce and long-running revolt against the English invaders. It was here he was formally crowned Prince of Wales.