Episode 1/22

@ British Isles
Porcini 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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these placenames, Porcini!” said Sayuri ruefully.
"Never mind," said Porcini. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
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
"Let's practise our Welsh phrases, lily monet," said Porcini, studying the booklet.
"I'll start," said lily monet. "I'll ask you where the post office is. Where to's the post office, Porcini?"
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
"Os gwelwch yn dda," said Ms Stinkerbelle.
"Bless you," responded Porcini absently.
"That was Welsh for 'Thank you', Porcini!" said Ms Stinkerbelle indignantly.
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
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', Icy?" asked Porcini. "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, Porcini!" announced Icy.
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
"Tell you what, Porcini," said Lulu. "That Welsh potato and onion dish we had last night was the bee's knees."
"Yes, I hope we have it again soon, Porcini!" agreed Lulu.
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
"Mmm, I love this buttered bara brith," said Kitty. "I'd happily have this for lunch every day!"
Porcini's reply was unintelligible but enthusiastic and seemed to be in full agreement!
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, Pickles?" asked Porcini, examining his breakfast plate suspiciously.
"It's fine, Porcini" said Pickles. "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 can't open my little packet of Welsh cheese," said ❤️ Shiloh. "Can I borrow your scissors, Porcini?"
"Yes, of course, ❤️ Shiloh," responded Porcini. "But make sure you open it Caerphilly!"
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, Porcini?" asked Peter G..
"Not quite, but I'm loving them!" responded Porcini. "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
"Tell you what, Porcini," said Fino. "That Welsh potato and onion dish we had last night was the bee's knees."
"Yes, I hope we have it again soon, Porcini!" agreed Fino.
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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said Porcini to Millie Mousie. “It’ll be a fab souvenir of our time here!”
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
"Garth! Chef said he's making Welsh rabbit for tea!" whispered Porcini in agitation. "I can't eat rabbit!"
"Relax, Porcini!" said Garth soothingly. "It's Welsh rarebit, which is sourdough toast with a thick cheese and leek sauce on top!"
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
“What have you got in your backpack, Torch?” asked Porcini. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Porcini,” responded Torch. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
"These Crempog aren't like our usual pancakes, are they, Porcini?" asked Brown Bobby.
"Not quite, but I'm loving them!" responded Porcini. "I'm having this one with butter and jam, and the next one with lemon juice and sugar!"
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
“What have you got in your backpack, BERT?” asked Porcini. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Porcini,” responded BERT. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
"Mmm, I love this buttered bara brith," said Lucky. "I'd happily have this for lunch every day!"
Porcini's reply was unintelligible but enthusiastic and seemed to be in full agreement!
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
"I can't open my little packet of Welsh cheese," said Belle. "Can I borrow your scissors, Porcini?"
"Yes, of course, Belle," responded Porcini. "But make sure you open it Caerphilly!"
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
"Os gwelwch yn dda," said Willow.
"Bless you," responded Porcini absently.
"That was Welsh for 'Thank you', Porcini!" said Willow indignantly.
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
"Did you know all bus drivers in Wales are called 'Drive', Abel?" asked Porcini. "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, Porcini!" announced Abel.
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!
"Here's another thing we should be saying in Wales, Helga," announced Porcini. "I'd like chicken tikka masala with half and half. It means chicken tikka with rice AND chips."
"It's inspired, Porcini!" declared Helga.
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 Porcini'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.
Porcini has completed their tour of "Wales"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!