As in the rest of the U.K., it's often cloudy and damp, the price you pay for the lush countryside. Any time of year can be good for a trip to Wales, but keep in mind that summer brings crowds and wintertime brings snow that may block some mountain highways, especially in Snowdonia. Mild spring and early autumn are good times to enjoy the countryside.

The only main airport in Wales is Cardiff International Airport in the far south, a three-hour drive from Aberystwyth. Regular flights (many of them charters used by tourists) come in and out of the airport.

The most popular ways to get to Wales are by rail or by highway. A train from London gets to Cardiff in less than two hours, and driving from London takes about three hours (count on a little more if you take one of the many buses). To get to Mid-Wales you can drive, take irregular buses or take the more-reliable train from Cardiff.

The rolling green hills and quiet countryside of Mid-Wales lends itself perfectly to hiking or biking, and bird watchers will enjoy spotting rare and beautiful birds along the way. Some of the best places for walking are the Bwlch y Gle Dam, overlooking in the Llyn Clywedog reservoir and the Severn Way, Britain's longest riverside walk. The Brecon Beacons National Park offers excellent walking, while for something more strenuous head north to Snowdonia National Park.

For those who don't mind the frigid waters of the Atlantic, surfing is popular most of the year (with a wetsuit, of course). For the best breaks, head to spots like The Harbour Trap and North Beach.

For a calmer waterside experience, head to Cardigan Bay, where you can take boats to spot Atlantic Grey Seals (a rare type of seal) and play golf on one of several courses. Easy coastal strolls and bird watching are popular in this area too.

Llanrhaedr ym Mochnant sits astride the Tanat River. The four-mile road to Pistyll Rhaedr begins in this delightful town which prides itself in catering to locals and visitors alike. Pistyll Rhaedr, a fabulous waterfall, is one of the seven wonders of Wales. It crashes into a rock basin and under a natural stone arch before cascading on to a third fall - a drop of 240 feet before reaching its base. With a caf? there to refresh you on your return, this is a great point from which to explore the Berwyns, trekking into vast stretches of countryside where no roads have been taken. This is where the ambitious ascent to Moel Sych may be commenced, or the simple well-trodden path to the top of the waterfall, if that suits you better!

Lake Vyrnwy, just over a few mountains as the crow flies, is a man-made vista bursting with nature’s bountiful beauty. Sunset over Lake Vyrnwy is one of the most photographed views in Wales! It is hard to believe that this gigantic expanse of water was created little more than 100 years ago by Liverpool Corporation engineers to supply the city 75 miles away. Wildlife abounds here and there are a myriad of walks and trails through the unspoiled surroundings. Here on one of the largest bird reserves in Britain, the RSPB and Severn Trent Water maintain permanent exhibitions in an old chapel house converted to tell the fascinating story of the lake and the life it supports.

Llangollen and the Dee Valley: The steep, wooded hillsides of the Dee Valley cradle Llangollen in a strategic position along the River Dee. As the home of the International Musical Eisteddfod and one of the main towns along the old London to Holyhead route, Llangollen is a year-round tourist destination, offering many places to stay, eat and drink.
Transport has been one of the mainstays in the growth of Llangollen, and much of this can still be found today. The Llangollen Canal is a pleasant way to see the town and countryside, and if you are brave you can cross Thomas Telford’s incredible towering Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Steam and train enthusiasts will love the Motor Museum and Steam Railway. Steam trains regularly depart from the Victorian station to meander through lush green valleys and cuttings. Llangollen is also well known for its accessibility to water sports and outdoor activities of all kinds, including kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing and abseiling. Expert walkers and casual strollers will find breathtaking views along the Horseshoe Pass and Offa’s Dyke footpath, while those looking for wildlife will find plenty along the banks of the River Dee and the canal.

Bala Town and Lake: This town sits at one end of the attractive lake and offers a variety of water sports opportunities. On the other side of the lake, the Bala Steam Train sets off on a delightful 9 mile return journey by narrow gauge steam train. Take a picnic and break your journey on the shore of Wales’ largest natural lake. The railway is open Easter to end of September except some Mondays & Fridays.

Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley: It is said that ‘Wild Wales’ begins here in the Berwyn Mountains, because the Ceiriog Valley remains largely a secret. Unspoilt, empty moors can be explored by walking, horse-riding or cycling. Or visit Chirk, a small town that lies on the Welsh/English border where visitors can enjoy the National Trust’s Chirk Castle or the marina that serves this part of the Llangollen Canal. Stop and marvel at the progression of transport history on display: the aqueduct carrying the canal towers next to the viaduct carrying the railway, sheep grazing peacefully hundreds of feet below them!

Chirk Castle is one of the great historic houses of Britain, almost continuously occupied for nearly seven centuries and frequently altered and updated by successive owners. Yet it is also still unmistakably a fortress, the last of the chain of castles raised to secure English rule in mediaeval Wales. Sited not far from Offa’s Dyke on a hilltop overlooking the Ceiriog valley, Chirk castle was probably begun in about 1295.

Powys Castle, the famous red medieval castle, is situated just outside Welshpool. It was here that the Princes of Powys took up residence in the 7th century and commenced the long and chequered history of this Welshpool landmark. The castle has been continuously occupied for 700 years. It contains paintings, tapestries and period furniture and Clive of India`s collection of Indian works of art. The gardens are equally important. In addition to four formal terraces laid out in the 17th century, landscaped parkland extending to the town bears the unmistakable stamp of Capability Brown.

Another castle accessible from mid-Wales is Dinas Bran near Llangollen. Castell Dinas Bran was a 12th century home of Welsh princes and reputedly the resting place of the Holy Grail.