Google Maps technology is already used to showcase the most beautiful natural attractions on the planet. One of the most popular examples is the virtual journey to the bottom of the oceans on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Google, however, has expanded this offer and teamed up with the Wales Tourism Authority, allowing you to explore some of the most beautiful natural areas, national parks and walks in Wales from your computer, mobile phone or tablet.
Of course, we've all got used to searching on Google Maps and then going to "street view" to take a virtual look at one or other specific address. Whether it's to see the exterior of a house you want to buy or rent, or to confirm that the company you're looking for actually exists there.
But now it's possible to go further, to visualise and walk around virtually before visiting any of the beautiful places in Wales. I've already written several articles about the best places to visit Wales.
The best walks in Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
This part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers a series of circular walks, totalling 300 km, showcasing the cliffs and fantastic beaches of Wales. On this virtual tour, or in the field, you can observe beautiful and remote stretches or discover attractions such as the Green Bridge of Wales and admire the wildlife, with a particular focus on various species of birds.
Waterfall Country Woodlands
Waterfall Country is one of the most beautiful and popular parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, with steep gorges and several waterfalls.
The most famous waterfall is Sgwd-y-Eira, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. I've already had the pleasure of visiting this place and walking to the waterfall. The walk is beautiful and not too demanding, through a dense forest. Even on rainy and foggy days, the scenery is breathtaking.
Oxwich National Nature Reserve
Oxwich is a small reserve with sand dunes, salt and freshwater lakes, woodland and limestone cliffs, providing an ideal natural habitat for flora and fauna.
Skomer Island
The Isle of Skomer, off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, is a wildlife paradise, with the picturesque puffins or puffins. The exposed coves and cliffs are equally attractive.
Skomer Island is just 15 minutes away by boat, with daily departures at 10am, 11am and 12pm between 30 March and 30 September. The price for 2018 is £22 per person (€25).
Dyfi Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
The Dyfi National Nature Reserve is situated halfway between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, covering more than two thousand hectares, with the Dyfi estuary, the sand dunes of Ynyslas and the marshes of Cors Fochno standing out. The estuary is home to hundreds of birds, while the beautiful golden dunes are the natural habitat of insects and orchids.
Dune Walk (2 kilometres), Ynyslas Walk (4 kilometres), Cors Fochno Walk (1.5 kilometres) are the main walks in this region.
Wye Valley woodlands
The forests of the Wye Valley are considered some of the most beautiful in Wales. The woods are full of species such as oak, beech and cherry trees. From the top of several viewpoints you can take in the spectacular views over the gorge and the River Wye, crossing the Bristol Channel and the old Severn Bridge. The scenery is particularly attractive in autumn.
Coed and Brenin Forest Park
The hills and woods extend over an area of around 9,000 hectares, between valleys and rivers. Here there is a variety of trails to suit all tastes, particularly areas suitable for mountain bikes, orienteering routes or light walks suitable for families.
Brechfa Forest
Covering more than 6000 hectares, the Brechfa Forest - a fusion of ancient and recent forests - is perfect for discovering at a slow pace or in adventure mode, as it has several trails to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback. Here you'll also find gardens with exotic trees and places to spread out your towel and have a picnic.
Riverside Walk (1.7 kilometres), Gorlech Walk (5.7 kilometres), Forest Garden Walk (8.3 kilometres) are the main walks in Brechfa Forest.
Travel Insurance
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I've been to 60 countries, so if you have a trip in mind with a group of friends, family or work colleagues, contact me and I'll be happy to plan, organise and lead the trip you want. The itinerary can be customised, as can the budget and activities.
See the travel calendar and sign up or tell me where you want to travel as a group and I'll take care of everything.
