Destination: U.K

Itinerary: Welsh Wanderer

Many visitors to Wales are attracted (understandably) to the lively cities or stunning beaches of the coast. This inland journey shows you a different side of the country.

Start at Brecon. If it's jazz you like, come for the August festival, but for the rest of the year this town is an excellent base for trips by horse, bike or foot into the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Then go northwest to Llanwrtyd Wells, a sleepy spa town set in tranquil countryside, regularly enlivened by its calendar of whacky competitions, including the world bog-snorkelling championships. Or go northeast to Hay-on-Wye, a global centre of second-hand books.

Rejoin again at Llandrindod Wells, a well-preserved spa town oozing an air of gentility. For air of a different sort, you can fill your lungs on a walk in the hills around Knighton or marvel at the red kites in the bird reserves near Rhayader.

Keep heading north through peaceful farmland to reach the country town of Welshpool, where you can admire venerable Powis Castle, or more modern structures at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture.

Take in the fabulous castle at Chirk, then finish at Llangollen, home to a host of Welsh treasures, including stately Plas Newydd, ruined Valle Crucis Abbey and stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.