A Walk through Wales, in August 1797

In A Walk Through Wales, Richard Warner recounts his 26-day trek through the Welsh countryside in August 1797, presenting a vivid and engaging portrait of his journey. Set against sweeping mountains and lush valleys, Warner’s letters capture the rugged, sometimes daunting beauty of the landscape. He pauses to marvel at ancient stone circles, explore ruined abbeys, and engage with local villagers, whose traditions and hospitality provide him with rich anecdotes to share. He describes every inn where he and his companion-always exhausted, sopping wet, and covered in mud-stop to rest after long days on foot. On one occasion, despite charming his way inside, he is suspected of mischief, and the inn’s silverware is swiftly whisked out of sight. As he travels, Warner reflects on Welsh history and the lingering traces of Celtic culture, making this travelogue as much a meditation on the past as a celebration of Wales’ natural splendour. Moments of humour appear throughout-such as Warner’s encounters with unpredictable weather, quirky local characters, and his embarrassment when spotted traveling on foot by a refined group of ladies. His eye for picturesque detail draws readers into a time when travel was both an outward journey and an exploration of the self, promising a captivating experience through one of Britain’s most enchanting landscapes.