Wales - meh

[Chris]

Stil hold fishing competitions every other Sunday in the winter. Not seen mackerel jumping like we used to 20 plus years ago. Peeps used to catch bucket loads and hand them out. No expert on fishing but u often see a line of fishermen along the beach throughout the year

My Dad, brother and I used to launch from Wisemans Bridge or Amroth and catch tons of fish. This was early 1980’s

 

[Chris]

Perhaps more Earth calling Wales.

I am only speaking as I have found. Yes, it's a generalisation. There are friendly people and nice places in Wales. We go there a lot. Out of necessity. However the general feeling we get is not good. Not as good as anywhere else in the places I mentioned. Walk into a pub, you'll be ignored. Yes you get that in some places in Yorkshire , Scotland etc. But in our experience not on the same scale, and you definitely would not get it here. Some may wish to convince themselves it's not so and critisise those who give that feedback. But that's like putting your head in the sand.

Oh and the petty speed cameras set to 30.O5 mph. . Seals the deal.

We go when we visit relatives. We enjoy the natural beauty and the walking. Hopefully one day the natives will help to promote the place..

#bullshit

 

[3crispies]

We have a static in North Wales and just love the place lots of places to go and over the recent bank holiday we took our VW T6.1 Van to Glanlyne caravan park by Lake Bala for 3 nights beautiful surroundings and beautiful scenery driving there we had a great time.

John.

Lake Bala is a place worth visiting for definite, remember sat there last year watching Englands first world cup game over looking the lake.

 

[sciac2001]

#bullshit

You mean “merd de toro” surely!

 

[gpat]

Lake Bala is a place worth visiting for definite, remember sat there last year watching Englands first world cup game over looking the lake.

I bet the locals were really cheering for England.

And I don't ever remember England playing anywhere that overlooked lake Bala!

PS Bala is a lovely spot..

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[Nanniemate]

I went to.luton once told the people I was visiting for work that I wanted recommendations for somewhere to eat .they said the hotel its not safe to go out after dark.

When a friend from Watford visited me he walked to local cafe and could not believe that everyone spoke to him .asking why he was in the area how long he was staying etc.

He said friendly, I thought nosey

 

[chrispenrallt]

Stil hold fishing competitions every other Sunday in the winter. Not seen mackerel jumping like we used to 20 plus years ago. Peeps used to catch bucket loads and hand them out. No expert on fishing but u often see a line of fishermen along the beach throughout the year

I used to live in Ludchurch and I remember people coming round with buckets of mackerel . Saw my first Pembrokeshire seal off Amroth beach too .

 

[CutThroatJake]

We’re in Wales at the moment and loving it. Leaving Porthmadog today for Aberaeron then on to the Gower peninsula at 3 Cliffs Bay.

 

[Toady]

That’s a shame. In my view, you haven’t done your home work. Wales is stunning but you have to do your research.

I could suggest a number of cracking sites but you have headed for home.

I like Newgale but I agree with your comments. Mainly used by surfers etc.

Give us a shout next time you fancy a visit

 

[Figaro]

Stayed in Trearddur Bay last night and the locals were all really nice although they all had Hampshire accents

You should try Abersoch, not called Wilmslow on sea for nothing.

Seriously, there are some stunning places in Wales, but they tend to be the lesser known places. The well known tourist hot spots are best avoided.
To PaulC70 OP, try a day spent / walking on the Llyn Peninsula coastal path and tell me it's not one of the most beautiful places on earth.

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[Toady]

Weather still good here at Wiseman’s Bridge. The sea is warm and the fish are jumping.

You couldn’t ask for a more relaxed location to live and holiday.

The locals are relaxed and lovely people.

The dress code is shorts, tee shirt and flip flops…..all year!

 

[Nanniemate]

That’s a shame. In my view, you haven’t done your home work. Wales is stunning but you have to do your research.

I could suggest a number of cracking sites but you have headed for home.

I like Newgale but I agree with your comments. Mainly used by surfers etc.

Give us a shout next time you fancy a visit

I had a lovely break at the site you recommended even if it has gone up to an exterionate £6 a night. Then drove back along the narrow coast roads and enjoyed an number of WOW views.
The distance is a little to far for a weekend flier
Taking vehicle to the coastal car park the path may be suitable for some mobility scooters
Access to the Chapel is a no go
Took 2.15 hours to get there and 6 hours with stops to get home

 

[Mohawk Mo]

The best thing to see in wales is the “Welcome to England“ sign

 

[Googlebot]

We adore Wales!

I have said it before, behaviour of the locals very often mirrors your own. Treat people kindly and they nearly always repay it back.

When in France I say thanks in French. When in North Wales I say thanks in Welsh. Been in some rough pubs around Wales and never had a problem at all and I am evidently Black Country as soon as I open my mouth.

I have to admit that campsites and business’s often don’t try very hard around Eryri, they don’t have to. It’s so beautiful you put up with it.

Can’t wait to go back in a few weeks. Couple of days around Llanberis.

 

[Nanniemate]

We adore Wales!

I have said it before, behaviour of the locals very often mirrors your own. Treat people kindly and they nearly always repay it back.

When in France I say thanks in French. When in North Wales I say thanks in Welsh. Been in some rough pubs around Wales and never had a problem at all and I am evidently Black Country as soon as I open my mouth.

I have to admit that campsites and business’s often don’t try very hard around Eryri, they don’t have to. It’s so beautiful you put up with it.

Can’t wait to go back in a few weeks. Couple of days around Llanberis.

I was asked once by an American tourist why in UK pubs we did not give table service for drinks.
My answer
We can't be bothered

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[gpat]

We adore Wales!

I have said it before, behaviour of the locals very often mirrors your own. Treat people kindly and they nearly always repay it back.

When in France I say thanks in French. When in North Wales I say thanks in Welsh. Been in some rough pubs around Wales and never had a problem at all and I am evidently Black Country as soon as I open my mouth.

I have to admit that campsites and business’s often don’t try very hard around Eryri, they don’t have to. It’s so beautiful you put up with it.

Can’t wait to go back in a few weeks. Couple of days around Llanberis.

Its funny how we have different experiences and expectations.

As an example - Llanberis was where we spent a week last Autumn (well nearby). We were visiting my elderly auntie and helping her out. She lives in an old mining village called Deiniolen. There's a pub there but its a bit of a drinkers bar. Fair enough, we went in and it was real 'stick to the roads' kind of experience. That's understandable. So we decided to go into Llanberis for the evening. We went 4 more evenings consecutively. It was just out of season so it was quiet. There are only about 3 pubs and a couple of hotels. We had a mini pub crawl each of the 4 evenings with the two dogs. One pub (a modern kind of building but can't remember the name) was OK and became our favourite. There was a male voice choir meeting one night. We had a few drinks there it was OK. But what stunned us was the total lack of warmth, either from the bar staff or the locals. The bar staff were not rude on anything, it was more the total lack of interest. Like we were invisible.

I would like to think, and maybe I am kidding myself, but here in the Isle of Man, if you went into a pub 4 nights running, someone would speak to you. We always do if we see strangers. If they don't engage then we leave them in peace. But Manx people are either nosey or friendly or both and we find the same in the Lakes, Yorkshire Dales. Never had that in Wales really. We always end up feeling we are isolated. Never had a real bad experience to be fair, but its more than a coincidence because I have probably spent more time in Wales than anywhere due to having family there.

Sorry if that offends anyone, not meant to, just relaying our experiences

 

[eddie]

The next best sign is “Come here and let Chris thump you”

You know I was joking, wales is one of the more average counties of England

 

[Googlebot]

Its funny how we have different experiences and expectations.

As an example - Llanberis was where we spent a week last Autumn (well nearby). We were visiting my elderly auntie and helping her out. She lives in an old mining village called Deiniolen. There's a pub there but its a bit of a drinkers bar. Fair enough, we went in and it was real 'stick to the roads' kind of experience. That's understandable. So we decided to go into Llanberis for the evening. We went 4 more evenings consecutively. It was just out of season so it was quiet. There are only about 3 pubs and a couple of hotels. We had a mini pub crawl each of the 4 evenings with the two dogs. One pub (a modern kind of building but can't remember the name) was OK and became our favourite. There was a male voice choir meeting one night. We had a few drinks there it was OK. But what stunned us was the total lack of warmth, either from the bar staff or the locals. The bar staff were not rude on anything, it was more the total lack of interest. Like we were invisible.

I would like to think, and maybe I am kidding myself, but here in the Isle of Man, if you went into a pub 4 nights running, someone would speak to you. We always do if we see strangers. If they don't engage then we leave them in peace. But Manx people are either nosey or friendly or both and we find the same in the Lakes, Yorkshire Dales. Never had that in Wales really. We always end up feeling we are isolated. Never had a real bad experience to be fair, but its more than a coincidence because I have probably spent more time in Wales than anywhere due to having family there.

Sorry if that offends anyone, not meant to, just relaying our experiences

It’s not offensive at all, it’s how we find North Wales, we quite like it, each to their own.

We spend our working lives talking to people, so when we are away, we like talking to each other.

Deiniolen is a beautiful place, there is some amazing climbing nearby and the walking is beautiful. Alas the instagram and vanlife generation have descended on the place and caused some issues, a shame really. The old slate quarries used to be the preserve of climbers and quiet explorers, now people visit and do stupid things for likes. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue recently posted about some idiots being in a place and needing rescue where even seasoned climbers won’t go.

I always think in North Wales, they are waiting to see if you are a knob. When they realise you aren’t, they are as welcoming as can be.

 

[Nanniemate]

It’s not offensive at all, it’s how we find North Wales, we quite like it, each to their own.

We spend our working lives talking to people, so when we are away, we like talking to each other.

Deiniolen is a beautiful place, there is some amazing climbing nearby and the walking is beautiful. Alas the instagram and vanlife generation have descended on the place and caused some issues, a shame really. The old slate quarries used to be the preserve of climbers and quiet explorers, now people visit and do stupid things for likes. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue recently posted about some idiots being in a place and needing rescue where even seasoned climbers won’t go.

I always think in North Wales, they are waiting to see if you are a knob. When they realise you aren’t, they are as welcoming as can be.

4 visits is that because they are still thinking or have they made a decision

 

[HillRunner]

It is a great pity that you got such a poor impression of Wales. I have been visiting for years and I truly believe it has very much to offer. Much of the coastline is stunning and there are castles, canals, lakes and mountains galore. We have usually found people to ve friendly and the Green Man festival in Crickhowell is a magical event.
Clearly, we all have different things that we want from a visit. We love walking the coast - the wilder and more remote the better. However, there are very many things to see and do. Like most countries, it does take some effort to find the best things for you and there is no doubt that some parts are run down. I do hope that you and others that have made disparaging remarks will give Wales another chance because you really are missing out. Walk the coast of the Llyn peninsular/Pembrokeshire/Ceridigeon/Gower or wander around the mountains by Brecon and tell me it isn't stunningly beautiful. Travel on a steam railway through the Rheidol valley. Visit some of the many castles. See the stunning engineering of the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts. Walk the Llangollen and the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canals. I could go on...

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[GJH]

Be careful not to wear blue if going to Anglesey

Welsh councillor resigns after saying ‘all Tories should be shot’

Anglesey deputy leader apologises for comment condemned as ‘appalling’ by area’s Conservative MP

www.theguardian.com

 

[PaulC70]

Bye! Thanks for coming!

But, come on, do you think you can seriously say that you've got the measure of an entire country in just 5 nights?

Unfortunately with Newgale, you chose one of the most awkward beaches in Pembrokeshire to get onto. Even with the pebble banking, the sea regularly floods the village. (You might recall a few years ago a bus got washed off the road in front of the campsite making the main UK news. Broad Haven (North), Tenby, Saundersfoot, Amroth and Newport are all more accessible for people with mobility issues.

Whenever I go to Barmouth the most common accent I hear is Brummie rather than Mancunian - it's geographically not too far to the Midlands.

As for a Saturday night in Cardiff - well done for going down Saint Mary's Street and coming back in one piece (as from your description I'm guessing that's where you were). It's reputation for drunken excess and lewd behaviour (although mostly good natured) is legendary - but it's not typical of most of Wales nightlife, which is generally far more sedate!

Yeah, Newgale looked good for the mrs mobility on google maps, I should have street viewed it then i'd have noticed the massive pebble bank :-(
Broad haven has nowhere to stop over close enough to beach other than ccc 5 site and im not a member
Tenby, same. Saundersfoot does look good so on the list for our next trip to Wales, as said previously I will try again.

 

[PaulC70]

A little research
Cardiff like any other university city full of students on the p@ss
If you had headed to the bay area you would find a different atmosphere
Newgale beach famous for it's pebbles completely agree no good for anyone with mobility issues
All the north coast is full of English from the university cities of Manchester /Liverpool, they didn't even want to live in them but could afford the far cheaper housing in far more scenic areas
Chester is full of tourists and has loads of students
After a 5 day flying visit that many advised you against can you make a sound judgement of a whole country

You missed out on the delights of shell island that really would have convinced you never to return. But many on here love it.

I'm heading up the the black mountains shortly to camp by the water cycle along the canal and get sausages from the local farm shop
But you missed that bit

Not all trips are successful, I've just had some lovely days by the K&A canal
When I reflect I'll remember they lovely people setting up a picnic in the car park.the lady I was chatting to.when we seen the biggest rat out in daylight
The helpful.guy in the real hardware store
Not the pillock riding his bike on the pavement.

There's some really grotty parts of all counties but I don't write the place off if you had headed to the gower or stopped in many of the coastal areas there are many that are mobility friendly
I hope your next trip is more successful

Sorry but the Bay Area of Cardiff was no different that day than the main st. In fact it reminded us of the tacky blackpool front to be honest.
Shell Island never heard of it but after a quick google can't see anything madly wrong with it?
To be honest I don't get a lot of your post as it's coming across (intentionally or not) as quite condescending, but one particular point I'd pull you up on. I don't remember a lot of people advising me not to make the trip?? But yes to answer about my judgment of the country, my opinion is just as valid as the first time I went to Scotland, Ireland or even France, all of which I loved immediately and all of which we want to return to. Are those opinions also "wrong"?

 

[PaulC70]

I can never understand why people go to Wales when there is Cornwall, Scotland, England, Ireland, isle of Man....err well lots of places. I have rellies in Wales and we go quite a lot. I'm well bored of it. Run down. Nice country side. Unfriendly natives.

To be honest the only reason was it was a 5 day jaunt and I've been eager to try it for over a year and finally got a chance.

 

[PaulC70]

I seem to recall the OP didn’t want any advice on his planned Welsh trip

Well I think you'll find you are recalling wrong if you bother to look. you and others seem to be taking this all either a bit personal or just don't like my opinion based on the trip. The original thread were I was asking about somewhere near Snowden/Snowdonia and said were I was going ie Tenby, Cardiff etc and some talked about traffic and long drives. That's it, I didn't reject any advice, in fact I was obviously grateful to many of the suggested sites and in the end I wasn't able to go due to our Chester plan being scuppered.

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[Janine]

Everyone responds to new places differently.

My mother didn’t like Cornwall

 

[PaulC70]

Ah yes. I'd forgotten that. I tried to helpfully contribute to that too, but the OP appeared to know better!

Where do you get that from as I never rejected anyones advice?

Having lived in Wales for more then 15 years ( Brecon Beacons national park) and explored it extensively by foot, horseback, mountain bike , motorcycle and car I have to say it’s breathtakingly beautiful, so many hidden gems you wil never find in a few weeks holiday, making a judgement after 5 days is a bit silly really, one thing we can agree on is that a lot of people from the north are not the most welcoming , happy smiley people

I don't doubt any of what you say (other that being patronising and calling me silly) but with the wifes mobility the "by foot, horseback, mountain bike and even motorcycle" are all completely irrelevant to my situation, as per my original posts.

Stayed in Trearddur Bay last night and the locals were all really nice although they all had Hampshire accents

Was that Tyn Rhos site by any chance, still a good walk for the wife but might be able to work something as I've the inklings of a plan.

 

[PaulC70]

That’s a shame. In my view, you haven’t done your home work. Wales is stunning but you have to do your research.

I could suggest a number of cracking sites but you have headed for home.

I like Newgale but I agree with your comments. Mainly used by surfers etc.

Give us a shout next time you fancy a visit

Headed for home? You make it sound like I tucked tail, in fact I ran out of time. Id done plenty of homework believe me and the only real failure on that front was the not noticing the huge flood defence on google maps at newgale. Everywhere else was planned based on activity and ability for the wife.

To PaulC70 OP, try a day spent / walking on the Llyn Peninsula coastal path and tell me it's not one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Yes, I'll do that with the wife, you know, the one I have said umpteen times has mobility issues. Maybe I'll just send her some pictures?

It is a great pity that you got such a poor impression of Wales. I have been visiting for years and I truly believe it has very much to offer. Much of the coastline is stunning and there are castles, canals, lakes and mountains galore. We have usually found people to ve friendly and the Green Man festival in Crickhowell is a magical event.
Clearly, we all have different things that we want from a visit. We love walking the coast - the wilder and more remote the better. However, there are very many things to see and do. Like most countries, it does take some effort to find the best things for you and there is no doubt that some parts are run down. I do hope that you and others that have made disparaging remarks will give Wales another chance because you really are missing out. Walk the coast of the Llyn peninsular/Pembrokeshire/Ceridigeon/Gower or wander around the mountains by Brecon and tell me it isn't stunningly beautiful. Travel on a steam railway through the Rheidol valley. Visit some of the many castles. See the stunning engineering of the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts. Walk the Llangollen and the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canals. I could go on...

Yes I get it, but Im not sure how many times I can point out the wifes mobility issues negating the majority of walks etc.
I've said it's going to get another chance, I never said I hate Wales, but based on our first foray we don't feel like there's much to rush back to.

 

[dunnah01]

Was that Tyn Rhos site by any chance, still a good walk for the wife but might be able to work something as I've the inklings of a plan.

A site called Bagnol. We arrived quite late and left before lunch after a quick walk to the beaches and back so can't really say much about the site. I did work on the A55 through there for a year back in 2000ish and it was a really good place to be and the North Welsh were great

 

[Figaro]

Yes, I'll do that with the wife, you know, the one I have said umpteen times has mobility issues. Maybe I'll just send her some pictures?

Ok, ok no need for that attitude.
I said spent / walking on the Llyn Peninsula and no when I commented I wasn't aware of mobility issues but they needn't be an issue here.
Maybe you better stay home and leave Wales to those that can appreciate it without the attitude.

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