Discovering the wonders of Wales: a journey through the landscape
- Chloe
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Crossing the border: the call of adventure
Whenever I can, I make the winding trip across the border from England, venturing into over 300 miles of central and south Wales. My routes often take me:
Along the seaside promenade of Aberystwyth and up to Machynlleth.
Through the vast and rugged Brecon Beacons National Park.
Down the west coast, punctuated by a detour to Hay-on-Wye, the UK’s book capital, where the Hay Festival buzzes with ideas.
These journeys are never the same twice. I’ve explored valleys, dams, abandoned tin and coal mines, natural reserves, gardens, lakes, beaches, and castles. The landscape continues to surprise me with its propensity to change character as swiftly as the weather. One moment it can be dark, gloomy, and foreboding; the next, it transforms into a luscious, green, and tranquil paradise.
Weather as muse: from gloomy to glorious
Wales is known for its unpredictable weather. For me, getting drizzled on is all part of the adventure. Every morning, we’d wake up to gloomy, overcast skies and grey light that left everything a bit washed out. Raincoats would be put on and off repeatedly, and you’d often find yourself caught in a deluge. But then, almost as soon as the rain poured down, it would stop. The rest of the day would treat us to glorious clear skies and sunshine until gone 9:30 at night.
Sketching the Welsh landscape: capturing the spirit of place
I love how varied this little country is, and I find new hidden gems every time I visit. Of course, I don’t go anywhere without my sketchbook. Each landscape painting or sketching session outdoors is unique. I try to limit the amount of gear I carry for practicality and to simplify what’s in front of me without being overwhelmed by paint or color choices. My four-year-old often joins me, asking if I’ll sketch this or that, sometimes having a go himself.
My outdoor painting sessions are about immediacy, not perfection. They focus on taking field notes and impressions, such as:
The endless rolling green hills.
The white dots of sheep scattered like punctuation.
The intimate, almost magical sense of belonging the Welsh landscape offers.
Hidden Gems and Places of Inspiration
Each trip reveals new treasures. Some places have left a deep impression on me:
Aberystwyth – A bustling university town with beaches, a lively promenade, and starling murmurations in winter.
Machynlleth – A small but charming town, with quirky shops and its own Museum of Modern Art.
Ynyslas – Vast sand dunes and shifting tides.
Elan Valley and Claerwen Dam – Striking feats of engineering framed by wilderness.
Brecon Beacons – A landscape of dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and moody skies.
Hay-on-Wye – A book-lover’s haven and festival town.
Aberaeron – A Georgian harbour town with colourful houses.
Nant y Arian – Famous for its red kite feeding spectacle.
Devil’s Bridge – Steep gorges, waterfalls, and folklore.
Carmarthen – An ancient town with deep ties to Welsh myth.
Cwmystwyth – A hauntingly beautiful former mining area.
National Library of Wales – A treasure trove of culture.
Welsh Botanical Garden – A living museum of plants.
Plas Nanteos – A historic mansion with ghostly tales.
How Wales inspires my art
For me, the Welsh landscape is never just a backdrop. It’s a collaborator, mood-shifter, and constant challenger. Each valley, coastline, or mining scar tells a layered story, and each sketch is a conversation with the place. Wales reminds me that inspiration doesn’t have to be found in the faraway or exotic—it can be right across the border, shifting with the rain and sun.
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