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I Love Wales

What do you love about Wales? Is it the people, the language, the culture, the landscape - or something completely different? What about the town where you live or spend your holidays? Let us know and we'll publish your views.

Pamela, Chelmsford: "I recently visited Betws-y-coed and I thought it was beautiful. There are so many interesting things in Wales, such as sheep, and their many different breeds. I am studying zoology at my local university, and am doing a project on sheep, this trip was very useful. Thank you Wales!"

Chris Gaules of Stevanage says: "I fell in love with North Wales over 35 years ago when I did my nurse training at the old C & A Hospital in Bangor. I have vowed to return and can't wait. Just need a lovely Welsh man to marry me ....any offers?"

Antonio Barrera from Sevilla, Spain: "Oh, hello friends. I am writing you because daily I visit the North West Wales website and listen to Radio Cymru. Since 1995, when I was in this region on holidays, visiting many cities during three days in the North West, it was incredible, romantic, nice and very special. Still it is all that is on my mind. The railways, the pubs, the people, the green grounds - all marvellous.

I am totally Spanish but I have in my heart a little of Cymru. I would like to go another time. North West Cymru I love you."

Del Breingan says: "The viewing point on the road from Capel Curig to Beddgelert has one of the most stunning views in North Wales. The vale opens out onto Llyn Gwynant, a superb lake in its own right! but if you look beyond that, the glacial valley scene is breathtaking!"

Paul Chambers says: "Bird Rock, six miles inland from Tywun. The view from the top is magical the sea, the mountains which are beautiful plus the valley below. Its a very gentle climb but well worth it."

Jess Knox from Wrexham: "Well what can I say? There are too many awesome places in Wales. but if I had to say one it would have to be Aber Falls near Bethesda - a beautiful falls, in fact one of the nicest I've seen."

Arwel Roberts from Congleton tells us: "I came across a new Welsh brewery yesterday in Anglesey. Bragdy Ynys Mon - Isle of Anglesey Brewery, based at Talwrn near Llangefni. Beers are Tarw Du, Amnesia, Wennol and Medra. All bitter drinkers will be impressed by these beers."

Nicola from Kent tells us: "because my boyfriend lives in Blaenau Ffestiniog, when I get to see him, I get to see most of North Wales. It's really cool. I love it so much I would like to move there.

I did go to a nightclub while I was there. It's called Sandancer - not sure where in North Wales though, but it was good and I'm looking forward to going back again."

Dwynwen Kovacs from Ontario, Canada, writes about a spot that's special to her: "Walk along Carneddi Road above Bethesda towards Gerlan, turn left up the steep road past where the Methodist chapel used to be, and continue upwards as the road becomes a track, past a farm and up onto the hillside. As you climb higher, on a clear day you can see the Menai Strait as well as the higher mountains of the Carneddi range. There is a cold pure stream following the form of the mountain and this stream will guide you down safely should a mist suddenly obscure the path. There are also wild ponies, always in the distance, elusive and magical, reinforcing one's feeling that this must be one of those places on earth where the spirit is truly free."

Mark from Croydon talks about his escape to NW Wales: "What a wonderful place. It was fantastic to spend two weeks away from the hustle and bustle of London in such a quiet and eye-opening part of Wales."

Oli Rhys formerly of Bethesda says: "I spent my teenage years in Bethesda but moved away to Manchester a few years ago. I love coming back for two reasons. Firstly, Ogwen Valley is the most amazing place - it has the marks of civilisation on it from the last 3000 years, from the bronze age to the Romans to modern day. Yet it remains basically unchanged and dwarfs us! It just makes you realise how insignificant humans really are!

Secondly, after spending a few days 'back home', it confirms that I did the right thing by moving away!"

Sue Collier from Swansea says: "I wish Wales Tourism would do more to put our beautiful country on the map for people overseas. This country has got it all, from mountains to lakes, seaside resorts to country parks, wonderful historical sites and modern shopping facilities. Why do so many foreigners still think we're either part of England or don't know where we are or what we have to offer? Just ask some of the students who travel to Wales to study, many of whom stay to live when they've graduated.

Let's show the world what we're made of!"

Ashley & Danielle from Airdrie, Scotland say: "The Town we love is Towyn. It's a great place to go on holiday. I have been visiting Towyn all my life and insist on going back each year (says Ashley). I have been visiting Towyn for two years and can't wait to go back. We love it and are counting the days until we visit it again. It's a good laugh and there is always plenty to do. There's amusements, arcades, funfairs and prize bingo. So if you are ever in Towyn visit Rusty Blair's prize bingo. Towyn, we love you."

John Pugh from Barmouth says: "I spent my childhood in North Wales and my heart and mind are continually returning there. I visit whenever I can. In all my travels - Canada, USA, Australia, France, Phillipines, Korea, New Zealand - I have not seen beauty to compare.

My favourite spots? Standing at the peak near Barmouth, looking out at Cardigan bay. Panorama Walk looking up the Mawddach estuary on a clear day (breathtaking). Barmouth harbour at full tide. Standing on the ramparts of Harlech castle looking at Eryri, or standing on the ridge of Crib Goch in Snowdonia. Coming down the valley from the Crimea heading towards Betws. The Lakes, the rivers and the lambs in the spring. Even in the rain it's beautiful and has left an indelible stamp on my mind. I'm so glad I was privileged enough to grow up there.

Please don't do anything to mar this land."

Cathy Frumerman from New York found out about the secrets of NW Wales because of the TV show, The Prisoner: "Like many Americans, I would never have heard of Wales if it wasn't for The Prisoner. Even though not much of the show was actually filmed in Portmeirion, it's had a great impact on people.

I first came to North Wales in 1983, but didn't see much of the country because it was so foggy! But I've been over about ten times since then and I try to squeeze in as much as I can. I've been up into the mountains, but always end up walking the Pyg Track up Snowdon because it's familiar and easy - and my husband and I try to pursue it a little further each time.

I also do a lot of shopping, and was really interested to visit a clothing shop in Betws Y Coed which sells clothes made by white witches.

Lots of others have discovered North West Wales because of The Prisoner. We used to discuss it on The Prisoner website news group, and one guy was really excited to discover Portmeirion china."

Susan Harris, now living in Insch, Aberdeenshire talks about her favourite town in NW Wales: "I used to live in Deganwy and I have chosen Conwy because it (my home in Deganwy) has the loveliest view of Conwy town from the lounge window, especially in the summer months as the castle is lit up. I also went to Secondary school there, Ysgol Aberconwy, and made many friends.

There is so much to do in such a small town. It is full of history and lots to learn. Plus it has the best pub, the Liverpool Arms. Having a drink and sitting on the quay overlooking Deganwy - there is nothing quite like it."

Shaun Coldicott from Telford, Shropshire says: "West Point caravan park at St Ives,The beach Pontllyfni in Caernafon, North Wales is the best place in the world. I should Know, I've been going there since I was born."

Beverly Gibbons says: "I have lived in Holyhead all my life and feel that it has been given a bad press in the past. Yes, it isn't the best place to live, but tell me where is? I wouldn't bring my son up here if I thought it would harm him in anyway. I work in the town centre and meet a lot of people this way from all over the world who have chosen Holyhead for their holidays, some coming back year after year because they love the warm welcome they get from the locals.

"I don't know of many places where there are beaches in every direction you walk. The coastal walks are amazing. This to me is a very big bonus. I do wish people who criticise my home town would open their eyes to what there is to offer instead of looking at what we haven't got."

Mark Hill says: "Llandudno has a nice variety of scenery, an active nightlife for the young at heart and one of the finest beaches this side of Wales. It's renowned for its beauty and cleanliness. Llandudno has a variety of big named stores, plenty for the ladies who shop until they drop. We have a nice selection of locally made items, such as our lovely Welsh fudge, which is very tasty indeed. We also have wonderful Snowdonia just around the corner, with its beautiful scenery. So as you can see, Wales has something for everyone, even its very own Blackpool that we Welsh call Llandudno."

Bill from Newark tells us: "I would nominate Cwm Pennant as my all time favourite spot, It is so wondrous and calm and is reflected in the lines of 'O Arglwydd pa wneis Ti Cwm Pennant mor hardd, a bywyd hen fugail mor fyr.'"

Maureen from Kinmel Bay says: "We have in Abergele a wonderful leisure centre. I went along 2 weeks ago, a little apprehensively, as it has been 40 years since I tried to swim. Back then, I was nearly drowned by a so-called friend, and when we used to go swimming at school the baths in those days were great grey horrible buildings. When you went in you used to be afraid right away, for the teachers were always bossing and trying to push you in. Yes, that is correct, push you in.

Well, I have now had my first lesson on Sunday and I cannot begin to tell you - the difference was fantastic. I came away beaming, I had actually managed to stay afloat with little help. What my point is, is the swimming instructor, called Angie, was patient, kind and cheered you on - and let's face it, it all has to do with confidence."

June Menard from Meadow Lake Sask. Canada says: "The gutteral sound of the Welsh language is like a home coming. There is nothing like watching the sheep graze on the mountainsides in Gwynedd Looking out over the Irish sea while sitting on the hillside is like being born again. I remember sitting on the beach in Llandudno S.Africa and being reminded of the Welsh Llandudno, but there was no music in the background over the Cape.

Sometimes when I return to Wales it seems the music is imaginary, as though it was ingrained in your soul as a child. And of coure the Welsh will kiss away each hour of Hiraeth always when one returns. But I must admit I always miss the Big Blue Skies of Saskatchewan when I am over there again in Wales."

Jay Jones from Clyde, Michigan, USA says: "The trip up the Llyn from Machynlleth must be the most gloriously beautiful rail trip ever. When I lived in Mach, I took it on average once a week. I enjoyed all the stops, particularly Harlech and North."

Barmouth-born Sam Roberts, now living in Tunbridge Wells, says the best views in the world are from New Precipice Walk, above Taicynhaef near Dolgellau. "The view from the first part of the walk is just spectacular, with stunning views down the estuary towards Barmouth Bridge. It doesn't matter if the tide is in or out or whether the sun is shining or its rays are breaking through the clouds, this is my favourite view in the world. You can go all over the world, yet Snowdonia offers the most beautiful views."


I Love Wales

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