South Wales.

A rich mix of landscapes, history, industrial heritage, gardens and architecture all make South Wales an interesting full day tour option from Bath.

Cardiff, capital of Wales, has the contrasts of the new Docks Developments, the National Art Gallery, the Millennium Stadium, the Castle and the open air Museum of Welsh Life.

The 27,000 acres of the Forest of Dean contains some of the most ancient woodland in Britain and an unusual Sculpture Trail. The Heritage Centre at Lower Soudley is a good start for exploring the natural and industrial heritage of the area, which includes ancient iron mines at Clearwell and gold mines at Drybrook.

More recent industry is fascinately portrayed at the Big Pit at Blaenavon, recently designated a World Heritage Site. An underground visit recreates the working conditions of this coal mine.

The River Wye is one of Britain's most beautiful rivers and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Alongside the river are the stunning ruins of Tintern Abbey, the dramatic views at Symons Yat - a bird watcher's delight, and sightings of Offa's Dyke to be found in the hard limestone of the Wye Valley. Hay on Wye is the 'town of books', boasting more than 30 second-hand bookshops.

The Roman town of Caerwent (Venta Silurum) was built to complement the nearby military establishment at Caerleon (Isca). They combine to make a fascinating Roman visit which should include the modern Roman Legionary Museum.

Castles are quite a feature of the border land, with Caerphilly, Caldicot, Chepstow, Goodrich, Raglan, Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castles all providing different visit opportunities.

For garden enthusiasts the 'lost' garden of Aberglasney is still undergoing restoration and nearby are the newly opened National Botanic Gardens near Carmarthen.

A unique phenomenon is the Severn Bore - the tidal waves in the Severn Estuary, which gather momentum to foam and crash up to an average speed of 10mph.

Let Bath Parade Guides help you make the most of your visit to South Wales.

Local Links.

> National Museums and Galleries of Wales
> Millennium Stadium
> Museum of Welsh Life - St Fagans
> Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
> Big Pit at Blaenavon
> Caerleon (Isca)
> Caerwent (Venta Silurum)
> Roman Legionary Museum
> National Botanic Gardens, Carmarthen
> Caerphilly Castle
> CADW - Welsh Historic Monuments Agency
> Chepstow Castle
> Raglan Castle
> Grosmont Castle
> Skenfrith Castle
> White Castle
> Tintern Abbey