Episode 1/22

@ British Isles
Saxbjørn begins his tour of "Wales" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Map of Wales
Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to Wales! The pets' journey of the British Isles begins in the home of castles, choirs and Celtic myth; of legends, the longbow and language of the Welsh; of rain, rugby and racing; of dragons, daffodils and deer. With three National Parks and five Areas of Outstanding Beauty to explore, your pet will find that scenic Wales, with its mild climate, is the perfect place for a spring holiday! So—as our pets disembark on the north coast, clutching passpets and perhaps a Welsh phrasebook to try out the local lingo, let's see what sights they will enjoy on their tour! They will visit attractions ranging from a tiny house to large castles, and enjoy rambling through wide open spaces and waterfalls with picnic lunches of local cheeses and bara brith and evening meals of leek and potato soup and Welsh rarebit. On the last evening, in a mediaeval town near the border with England, the pets will enjoy traditional meal popular throughout Britain before retiring to their hotel for the night.
British Isles
Our adventure begins in Wales! Wales is a country in southwest Great Britain known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, distinctive Welsh language and Celtic culture. Cardiff, the capital, is a refined coastal city with a nightlife scene and a mediaeval castle with ornate Gothic Revival interiors. In the northwest, Snowdonia National Park has lakes, glacial landforms, hiking trails and a railway up to the peak of Snowdon.

Episode 2/22

@ Passepartout
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', cotton candy?" asked Saxbjørn. "So whereas in the rest of the UK you just say 'Thank you,' or 'Thank you, driver,' when alighting from the bus, in Wales it's de rigueur to say 'Thank you, Drive."
"We'll practise on the tour bus tomorrow, Saxbjørn!" announced cotton candy.
Passepartout
The British passport bears the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as used by Queen Elizabeth II, depicting a lion and a unicorn. No passpets will be required for our tour!

Episode 3/22

@ Small, Smaller, Smallest House
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these placenames, Saxbjørn!” said Ada ruefully.
"Never mind," said Saxbjørn. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
Small, Smaller, Smallest House
Located in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales, the Smallest House in Great Britain is just 72 inches wide by 122 inches high (183cm x 310cm). It was occupied until May 1900. The last person to live in the house was a local fisherman called Robert Jones, who happened to be 6 foot 3 inches! (190.5cm) The inscription is also in Welsh on the sign: "Y Ty Lleiaf ym Mhrydain Fawr".

Episode 4/22

@ Golden Dawn
"Alright or what?" said Uni on encountering Saxbjørn.
"What?" responded Saxbjørn, baffled.
"That's one way the Welsh say 'Hello', Saxbjørn!" explained Uni.
Golden Dawn
Deganwy, Conwy. Historically part of Caernarfonshire, the peninsula is in a region of north Wales where as many as 1 in 3 of residents are able to speak Welsh, and is home to some of the most expensive streets in Wales!

Episode 5/22

@ Day Trip to Bangor
"We mustn't be late back from the sightseeing today, Milk," said Saxbjørn. "It's the harp concert in the village hall. The harp is Wales' national instrument, you know."
"Looking forward to it already!" replied Milk.
Day Trip to Bangor
Bangor is the oldest city in Wales and is well worth a week's visit, let alone a day trip! The North Wales Path (Llwybr y Gogledd) is a long-distance walk of some 60 miles (97 km) that runs close to the coast of northern Wales between Prestatyn in the east and Bangor in the west.

Episode 6/22

@ Hill Track
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', Whoot?" asked Saxbjørn. "So whereas in the rest of the UK you just say 'Thank you,' or 'Thank you, driver,' when alighting from the bus, in Wales it's de rigueur to say 'Thank you, Drive."
"We'll practise on the tour bus tomorrow, Saxbjørn!" announced Whoot.
Hill Track
When you cross this flint covered bridge in Pen y Benglog, Bangor, you must wonder what adventure lies in store as you approach the dark hills. Will you perhaps encounter a creature from Brythonic mythology lurking in the mist?

Episode 7/22

@ Miners' Track
"I like this Welsh tradition of linking somepet's name to what they do," said Helga. "So somepet called 'Jones' who delivers milk is called 'Jones the Milk'. A painter would be called 'Evans the Paint', and you have 'Davies the Chef'. Then there's 'Dai the Death', of course."
"Ooh, an undertaker?" asked Saxbjørn.
"No—that one's a professional comedian," said Helga.
Miners' Track
The Romans mined Wales extensively for copper, lead and gold. From the 19th century Wales was a major exporter of coal and this contributed significantly to the Welsh economy. This old miners' track is in Caernarfon, Gwynedd.

Episode 8/22

@ Foggy Foggy Dew
"What are these laver cakes made with, Oliver?" asked Saxbjørn, examining his breakfast plate suspiciously.
"It's fine, Saxbjørn" said Oliver. "They're made with seaweed and oatmeal. Delicious, and very healthy too!"
Foggy Foggy Dew
In misty weather exploring the hills can be eerie and disorientating. Even the best-known trails can take on a whole new persona during foggy walks. However, when you can’t see into the distance, when the path is unclear, the ground unstable, suddenly your immediate surroundings are thrown into sharper focus as you figure out your route through to safe and familiar ground.

Episode 9/22

@ Silver Lake Tree
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these placenames, Saxbjørn!” said Coal ruefully.
"Never mind," said Saxbjørn. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
Silver Lake Tree
The still conditions in this scene in the Snowdonia National Park and the luminous glow in the background make this lake look like it's made of molten silver.

Episode 10/22

@ Devil's Punchbowl
"These Crempog aren't like our usual pancakes, are they, Saxbjørn?" asked Alvin.
"Not quite, but I'm loving them!" responded Saxbjørn. "I'm having this one with butter and jam, and the next one with lemon juice and sugar!"
Devil's Punchbowl
This body of water was formed in a hollow in the volcanic rock. Some rocks of Snowdonia are ancient. The fossil shell fragments on the summit of Snowdon are a memory of life on the seabed over 500 million years ago.

Episode 11/22

@ Dapple Grey Neigh
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', Lady Jane?" asked Saxbjørn. "So whereas in the rest of the UK you just say 'Thank you,' or 'Thank you, driver,' when alighting from the bus, in Wales it's de rigueur to say 'Thank you, Drive."
"We'll practise on the tour bus tomorrow, Saxbjørn!" announced Lady Jane.
Dapple Grey Neigh
Wild horses roam in many places in the UK. In Wales you will find them trotting in Snowdonia. This breed of ponies is known as Carneddau, after the name of the area they are found.

Episode 12/22

@ Snowdonia
"These Crempog aren't like our usual pancakes, are they, Saxbjørn?" asked Silky.
"Not quite, but I'm loving them!" responded Saxbjørn. "I'm having this one with butter and jam, and the next one with lemon juice and sugar!"
Snowdonia
Here we see part of the Snowdonia National Park, an area of 823 square miles. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is the highest mountain in Wales and is one of the trio of peaks comprising the Three Peaks Challenge. It is 1,085 m or 3,560 ft high. The Snowdonia National Park is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna.

Episode 13/22

@ Cilan Uchaf
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', Roskaizan?" asked Saxbjørn. "So whereas in the rest of the UK you just say 'Thank you,' or 'Thank you, driver,' when alighting from the bus, in Wales it's de rigueur to say 'Thank you, Drive."
"We'll practise on the tour bus tomorrow, Saxbjørn!" announced Roskaizan.
Cilan Uchaf
If you want to get away from it all, this really is the place to be. Think extensive beach of golden sand and back of beyond countryside where you can revel in solitude.

Episode 14/22

@ River Curve
"The chef told me we're having Anglesey eggs tonight, Choose a name", remarked Saxbjørn. "I wonder what they are?"
"Mmm, Alastair and I had those for lunch at the café the other day. It's mashed potatoes with hard-boiled eggs smothered in a thick creamy leek and cheese sauce. It's yummy!" responded Choose a name.
River Curve
This idyllic scene is the perfect spot for a picnic in the sun in lush green surroundings, with the stream gently lapping against its banks and the sound of contended sheep pulling grass.

Episode 15/22

@ Long and Winding Roads
"The waiter said that if we'd been here in the summer we could have gone to the Ice ... Ice ... oh, what was it?" remarked Shelby.
"The Eisteddfod," said Saxbjørn knowledgeably. "An arts festival, singing and poetry and so on. It's pronounced "Eye-steth-fod, with the 'th' sound as in 'the'".
Long and Winding Roads
This gem of a landscape in Ceredigion goes up hill and down dale, with the road meandering amongst hilly country and across streams. Time to get your hiking boots on and enjoy the rural scene!

Episode 16/22

@ Holy Cross Church
"Os gwelwch yn dda," said Lucy.
"Bless you," responded Saxbjørn absently.
"That was Welsh for 'Thank you', Saxbjørn!" said Lucy indignantly.
Holy Cross Church
Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church), Mwnt, Cardigan. Grade I listed building dating probably from the 13th century. The interior is a single chamber with deep-set windows and an unusual roof type. The font is 13th century; the hexagonal pulpit is Victorian. Externally, the church is whitewashed rubble stone walls under a slate roof.

Episode 17/22

@ Brecon Cascade
“Do you think we should try and learn a new language, you know, of one of the places we're visiting, Saxbjørn?” asked Night Wing.
"Well, it's a good idea for the long winter evenings ahead, but which one would we go for?" asked Saxbjørn. "Welsh looks frightfully difficult. So does Irish, and Scots Gaelic. How about Cornish? Oh goodness, which language is the easiest to learn?"
"Esperanto," said Night Wing, choosing another toffee from the bag.
Saxbjørn frowned and studied the route map. "I don't think we're going to E-Esperanzia—Esp-erantino—what's the country called?"
Brecon Cascade
Why does the air smell so fresh near to waterfalls? Torrents of water often relate to a great release of emotion, rejuvenation and renewal of spirit.

Episode 18/22

@ The Brecons Beckon
"Tell you what, Saxbjørn," said Foxie. "That Welsh potato and onion dish we had last night was the bee's knees."
"Yes, I hope we have it again soon, Saxbjørn!" agreed Foxie.
The Brecons Beckon
If it's solitude you're after, then this Powys beach fits the bill perfectly! Pull up a rock and bask in the rising sun ...

Episode 19/22

@ Cardiff Castle
"The waiter said that if we'd been here in the summer we could have gone to the Ice ... Ice ... oh, what was it?" remarked Cheery.
"The Eisteddfod," said Saxbjørn knowledgeably. "An arts festival, singing and poetry and so on. It's pronounced "Eye-steth-fod, with the 'th' sound as in 'the'".
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd) is a mediaeval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort.

Episode 20/22

@ Chepstow Castle
"The waiter said that if we'd been here in the summer we could have gone to the Ice ... Ice ... oh, what was it?" remarked George.
"The Eisteddfod," said Saxbjørn knowledgeably. "An arts festival, singing and poetry and so on. It's pronounced "Eye-steth-fod, with the 'th' sound as in 'the'".
Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle (Castell Cas-gwent) is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067.

Episode 21/22

@ The Plaice To Be!
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Saxbjørn?” said DORTE. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Saxbjørn.
The Plaice To Be!
Pass the salt and vinegar! Fried fish and chips is the emblematic British meal and is a common take-away food in the UK, originating in the 1860s. The British government safeguarded the supply of fish and chips during the First and Second World Wars and it was one of the few foods in the UK not subject to rationing during the wars.

Episode 22/22

@ Welsh Slate House
As Saxbjørn's tour of "Wales" comes to an end, he rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Violet Dreams Beech Tree
Rumours tell if you fall asleep under the branches of this tree you'll have the most peaceful dreams, awakening to find yourself more alert and rested than any other sleep.
Welsh Slate House
A typical grey Welsh slate building nestles amid trees. This is the hotel for the pets' last night in Wales and they fall asleep to the sound of the river flowing past the side of the building. Welsh slate is renowned throughout the world for its stunning looks, quality, durability and general ease to work with. One typical slate quarry is at Cwt-y-Bugail above Ffestiniog in North Wales.
Saxbjørn has completed their tour of "Wales"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!