Wales is a lovely country in the United Kingdom, also known as Britain. If you want to know more about this land, don’t miss out on its vegetation, wildlife, and the world-famous Wales National Parks. The Wales National Park protects and manages landscapes in Wales.
So, do you want to spend your next vacation in this country?
Let’s see what you can explore.
Wales National Park consists of three national parks: Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons. They are designated as Wales National Park due to their special significance to the entire nation.
Wales National Park consists of three national parks: Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons. They are designated as Wales National Park due to their special significance to the entire nation.
The three national park authorities are also the only members of National Parks Wales, aka NPW’s local planning authority. Commercial activities are prohibited in the Wales National Park to protect the natural environment.
Wales National Park encompasses roughly 20% of the landscape and is home to over 80,000 people.
National Park Authorities
The authority of each National Park is a free-standing body within the local government framework. The Wales National Park serves two purposes,
- To preserve and improve the natural beauty, protect the wildlife and enrich the cultural heritage of the National parks.
- To promote opportunities, interests, importance, and awareness among the public about the National Park.
The Three Wales National Park
The Three Wales National Parks are
- Snowdonia National Park.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
- Brecon Beacons National Park.
Note: Over 12 million visitors come to the Wales National Parks every year, becoming a popular destination.
1. Snowdonia National Park
Located in the northwest of Wales, Snowdonia is a beautiful mountain region and a National Park covering 827 square miles and 37 miles of coastline. The name arrived from ‘Snowdon’, the highest mountain in Wales, which is 1090 meters above sea level.
Unlike other parks, some of the land areas are owned by both public and private. They are managed by the members of the local authorities and the Welsh Government, called The Snowdonia National Park Authority.
More than 26000 people live within the park, and a significant amount of agricultural activities take place in the mountain. The entire length of the park’s coastline is under the special conservation area.
The park’s forest is made of deciduous trees in which mountain ash, hazel, Welsh oak and Birch are common. Wildlife, including feral goats, otters, polecats, osprey, merlin, red kite and much more, makes Snowdonia their home.
Snowdonia has a high number of protected sites which is about 20% of the total area, and is protected by the UK and European Law.
Activities
Hiking is very popular in Snowdonia and sometimes gets crowded, among which Y-Garn, Mynydd Drws-y-Coed, Moelwyn Mawr, and Y Llethr are some of the hiker’s favourites.
A long designated trail, The Wales Coast Path, runs between Machynlleth and Penrhyndeudraeth and is located within the park. Visit the famous Aber Falls and the Sychnant Pass. Another long trail that runs through the park is the Cambrian Way connecting Cardiff and Conwy.
Take a tour of the world heritage castles, artistic Portmeirion Village, majestic mountains, stunning lakes, towns and villages.
This place provides you with endless opportunities to discover, explore and admire nature from every point of view.
2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Along the Pembrokeshire Coast in West Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park. It is the only coastal national park with a large coastal landscape in the United Kingdom. It offers varied landscapes like sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, wooded estuaries, wild inland hills, and wooded Gwaun valley, covering about 243 square miles.
South Pembrokeshire coast, the Daugleddau estuary, the St Bride’s Bay coast and the Preseli Hills are the four distinct sections.
Activities
The designated national trail, The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, lies entirely within the park and is 299 km long, connecting St Dogmaels from north to Amroth at the South end. Enjoy the lighthouses, passing lagoons, the limestone Green Bridge of Wales, and seabirds when you visit this trail.
The wind-buffeted Skomer island offers a place to a puffin colony in southern Britain. Kites, falcons, dolphins and seals play close to the central bay.
This park is managed by the members appointed by the authority of Pembrokeshire National Park, and they will ensure the well-being of the communities within. Coastal bus services are available all year round to make it easier for walkers if they decide not to walk the entire length.
It is a favourite destination for all beach lovers. Some of the famous beautiful beaches include Amroth, Barafundle bay, broad heaven, Newport, Newgale and much more.
3. The Brecon Beacons National Park
The last of the three parks in the Brecon Beacons National Park is in the Brecon Beacons Mountain range of South Wales, covering 519 square miles. It includes the Black Mountains at the east, Brecon Beacon and Fforest Fawr in the mid-wales, including the highest summit at Pen Y Fan and the Black Mountain in the West.
The Usk Valley separates the east Black Mountains and the Brecon at the centre. Most of the park is covered with grassy moorland and is home to mountain ponies, sheep, common raven, northern wheaters, red kite and much more wildlife.
It is home to Wales’ first international dark-sky reserve, where you can camp to spot the meteor shower, nebulas, and Milky Way.
It includes waterfalls like Henrhyd Falls, falls at Ystradfellte village, and caves like Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, and it is also known for its remote reservoir. Due to its harsh weather, some uplands are used for military training.
The most popular trail for hikers is the circular trail of the central Beacons, which starts at the Neuadd reservoirs and will take about 4 to 5 hours.
This park is maintained by ‘the special purpose of the local government’ to prevent and enhance the landscape and work towards its promotion and protection.
Activities
The park offers various outdoor activities like walking, horse riding, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, rock climbing, sailing, windsurfing, camping, caving, caravanning and many more.
The Taff Trail is a popular long-distance walking and cycle route that runs between Cardiff and Brecon in Wales.
The three parks are different in landscape and cultural heritage and have different unique qualities. The tourism industry significantly contributes to the local economy, and the National Parks are responsible for promoting and creating awareness.
They also give public transport facilities to bring service benefit and economy to the local people. So get ready to experience this perfect place for weekends and holidays and get active.
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