Wales’ coastline named ‘the greatest region on Earth in 2012’ by traveller's bible Lonely PlanetA travellers' bible has described the Welsh coastline as “the greatest region on Earth to visit in 2012” ahead of some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Lonely Planet – one of the world’s leading travel publishers – has lavished praise on Wales because next year it becomes the first country to boast a footpath running along its entire coastline.
The All Wales Coast Path – a Welsh Government scheme costing £10m – will run from Chepstow right the way to Queensferry in Flintshire, North Wales. It will stretch some 870 miles (1,400km) when it is opened in May.
It was highlighted in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012, which features 10 countries, regions and cities handpicked by the publisher’s experts as the most impressive places to visit next year.
Lonely Planet author Sarah Baxter wrote of Wales’ selection in top spot: “What a wonderful thing: to walk the entire length of a country’s coastline, to trace its every nook, cranny, cliff-face, indent and estuary. How better to truly appreciate the shape – and soul – of a nation? Well, in 2012 Wales will become the only country in the world where you can do just that.
“Due for completion in May, the All Wales Coast Path (AWCP) will squiggle continuously from Chepstow in the south to near Queensferry in the north – via dramatic serrations, sandy bays and domineering castles – making 1,377km of shore accessible.”
Simon Calder, the travel editor at the Independent, said recognition of Wales’s status as an outstanding destination was long overdue.
He said: “Anybody who has explored the coast of Wales will know it’s as good as anything on the planet.
“And the completion of the path, particularly, added to the Offa’s Dyke path, means this is one country that you can walk all the way around and I think that’s a tremendous offering to put to the world.”
Mr Calder said despite the popularity of websites like Trip Advisor, where ordinary holidaymakers review destinations, guide books were still valued and trusted by international travellers.
He said it is now up to the Welsh hospitality industry to ensure its offer was strong enough to capitalise on the additional visitors who will come to the country.
Julian Burrell, a director of the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), echoed Mr Calder’s comments, saying the book’s choice of Wales as best region would make a big impression on overseas visitors.
Mr Burrell said: “This is something we’ve been telling people for a long time and it’s very pleasing indeed to see Lonely Planet agreeing with us.
“Some previous editions have been becoming more and more positive about Wales and I think it’s a credit to everyone involved in the tourism industry that this very positive attitude is now out there with the public.”
Another of the book’s authors, Tom Hall, picked out places like Barafundle Bay and St David’s, both in Pembrokeshire, as among the reasons why Wales was chosen by Lonely Planet’s editorial team. Barafundle Bay, in the Stackpole National Nature Reserve, was the setting for Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch’s new film Third Star, while St David’s is best known as the Pembrokeshire village that boasts full city status due to its cathedral.
Mr Hall also suggested the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s decision to start their married life on Anglesey, North Wales, had raised the profile of the Welsh coast.
He said: “As well as the novel ability to walk its entire coastline, the region comes out top because of its wildlife, great surf, castles and fantastic spots such as Barrafundle Bay and St David’s.
“Now that Wills and Kate have set up home in the area it has also received the Royal stamp of approval.”
Almost £10m has been spent on the coastal path in recent years - by the Assembly, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the national parks.
The path, due to open on May 5, will link a pre-existing network to new stretches running to over 130 miles that have been built since 2007.
A Welsh Government spokesman said they hope the path persuades many of the visitors who arrive in London next year for the Olympics to stop off in Wales.
“To be ranked above such fantastic destinations is a credit to the effort of all those involved with the Wales Coast Path,” he said.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 is priced at £9.99 and will be available today.
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