Walestrails.guide

24/06/2025

One for the books!

You know you're doing something right when a review makes you laugh and smile.

This day I called Darran to ask how the tour went.
He answered with background noise — I said, “Are you in a pub?”
He replied, “Yes. Still with clients. Call you back.”
I just burst out laughing… classic Darran!

This guest nailed the Darran experience:
✔️ Encyclopedic knowledge of Cardiff
✔️ Stories full of heart, history, and humour
✔️ And of course… a pint of Brains to wrap it up

Thank you for the kind words and the brilliant memory!
Come for the tour, stay for the stories (and maybe the beer).

23/06/2025

Busy weekend in beautiful Wales!

We kicked things off with our Cardiff by Rail tour from London, arriving just in time to catch the vibrant energy of Cardiff Pride celebrations spilling out in front of the Principality Stadium.
The parade was an unexpected highlight for the clients , and we still had time to explore Cardiff and its iconic castle.

Sunday’s tour started at Cardiff Bay. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous—the Cardiff Triathlon was in full swing!
But both myself and our fantastic clients made it to the meeting point. We explored the bay while cheering on the incredible athletes.

Plans shifted slightly—we swapped the boat ride for a scenic train journey, but spirits stayed high. A little Welsh whisky tasting helped too… and yes, I might be a terrible influence!

22/06/2025

Discovering Welsh Whisky Heritage!
Today we visited the The Whisky shop in Cardiff’s historic Royal Arcade — a must-visit for anyone interested in Welsh culture, craftsmanship, and a good dram.

We had the chance to taste some of Penderyn’s finest whiskies right there in the shop — each one rich, smooth, and proudly Welsh.

Penderyn’s whiskies are made using the pure waters of the Brecon Beacons, which give them their clean, distinctive character.

One standout? The Headliner — part of the Icons of Wales series, and inspired by none other than David Lloyd George, Wales’ only UK Prime Minister.

In 1915, during WWI, Lloyd George tried to ban all spirits to boost wartime productivity and morale. While he didn’t succeed in a full ban, he introduced the Immature Spirits Act, which required whisky to mature for at least three years and one day — a move that forever changed the industry, raising quality and setting a new global standard.

A fiery reformer and headline-grabber, he earned the nickname “The Headliner” — and this whisky is a bold tribute to that legacy. Matured in rum and ruby port casks, it’s full of spice, fruit, and history.

If you’re in Cardiff, don’t miss this gem in the Royal Arcade — it’s more than a shop, it’s a journey into Wales’ spirited past.

21/06/2025

Visiting Cardiff during Pride is always special — the city bursts with colour, music, and community spirit. But beyond the celebrations, Wales has a rich LGBTQ+ history worth exploring.

As a guide, I love sharing stories of incredible Welsh LGBTQ+ figures who’ve made an impact:

Dafydd Wyn, a poet and activist, whose voice helped bring rural LGBTQ+ issues to light.
Mary Lloyd Jones, a celebrated artist whose work explores identity and belonging.
Jan Morris, the legendary travel writer and historian, whose journey through gender and geography remains iconic.
Russell T Davies, the brilliant mind behind Q***r as Folk and It’s a Sin, reshaping how LGBTQ+ stories are told on screen.

Whether you’re here for the parade or the history, Cardiff offers more than just celebration — it offers connection to a proud, powerful legacy.

***rHistory

13/06/2025

Tour em Cardiff com um grupo encantador de brasileiras!
Tivemos um dia repleto de descobertas e diversão na charmosa capital do País de Gales. Iniciamos nosso passeio pelo centro da cidade, onde exploramos a arquitetura local e o comércio tradicional. Em seguida, visitamos o impressionante Castelo de Cardiff, repleto de história e beleza.
Na parte da tarde, embarcamos em um passeio de barco rumo à Baía de Cardiff, apreciando a paisagem e o clima agradável. Para completar, fomos recebidas por um simpático — e muito bonito — capitão, garantindo boas risadas e ótimos momentos!
Mais um dia especial guiando esse grupo animado pelo Reino Unido.

Check out Wales Trails’s video.

12/06/2025

Just had the most wonderful tour with a fascinating couple—she’s an art historian from Yorkshire, he’s from Tanzania.

We spent the morning at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, where we had the most thought-provoking conversations about art. I’ve never interpreted Geraint Evans’ work—especially his satirical piece German Nudist Holiday—so clearly before. It playfully explores how our relationship with nature is shaped by culture, showing a group of n**e hikers confidently striding through the landscape.

We also reflected on another painting we saw, depicting Ayers Rock, and discussed the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and the land—a conversation that unexpectedly echoed the Welsh concept of Hiraeth.

It’s incredible how much insight clients bring. What a beautiful, inspiring half day.

04/06/2025

Discover Sustainable Travel in Wales!

Looking for a way to explore Wales while supporting eco-friendly practices? Our latest guide covers the best green attractions, wildlife experiences, and local businesses that make Wales the ultimate destination for eco-conscious travelers. From wildlife watching in Cardigan Bay to staying at sustainable eco-villages like Lamas, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy Wales while protecting its stunning landscapes.

Check out the full blog post and start planning your green adventure today!

Things to Do in Wales: A Green Traveler’s Guide:
//www.walestrails.uk/uncategorised/things-to-do-in-wales-a-green-travelers-guide/

Discover the best eco-friendly things to do in Wales, from wildlife watching to exploring sustainable attractions.

31/05/2025

Kardomah Café, Swansea — coffee, culture, and a dash of literary history

Darran dropped in before work this week — our favourite, and honestly one of Swansea’s finest. He had his usual (I confess, I’m a bit jealous), I was guiding elsewhere , I do love the atmosphere there.

This place isn’t just special to us — the Kardomah Café has been listed among the best cafés in the world. And it’s easy to see why: marble tables, warm chatter, and that unmistakable mix of history and comfort in the air.

Once the hangout of the legendary Kardomah Gang, including Dylan Thomas, it was a hub of creativity in the 1930s. Though the original was destroyed in the Blitz, the spirit lives on just down the street in its new home.

Whether you're here for a quick coffee or to trace the footsteps of poets, the Kardomah delivers — every time.

28/05/2025

'Team Morgan' from Utah, USA tracing their family history in Wales, including here in Merthyr...🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿