As usual, very honest and balanced. Many retired people moving to rural areas without extended family support don't realise that they might not be able to drive a car for ever, due to infirmity or medical condition. Then they're trapped.
When we moved to North Norfolk there was an hourly bus service direct to Norwich. By the time we left five years later it was every two hours, had a change, and didn't run at all on Sundays.
I'm originally from Glastonbury despite not having webbed feet or sounding like a Wurzel. I moved to Wales for a change of life (family and friends are scattered across the planet), so I have no focal point. I live in Risca which is a short distance from the Cwmcarn Forrest and about half an hour from the Brecon Beacons. I would love to live further into West Wales or Powys but access for me is important. But I'm really happy, the Welsh are super friendly and very welcoming. I've made some good friends and have wonderful neighbours. They've welcomed me into their community and get me involved and make me feel like I'm part of them.
I was think of moving to Risca as in that area, you get more for your money in terms of house peices than we do in Gwynedd. The houses are more standard build, with ok sized gardens, whereas here, most houses at the bottom of the market are odd in some way - tiny miner's cottages with low roofs, walls that aren't straight, and a disjointed feel as extension upon extension have been built on them.
I've been in Wales for about 30 years. People are great where I live. If you are friendly to them, they return it twofold. Beautiful scenery, but I agree, bus routes are not so forthcoming, but I love it!
The 2nd home situation is an absolute disgrace. There are villages here that are like ghost towns in the winter. Thankfully steps are being taken to sort the problem.
but do local ppl want to live in those villages? British birth rates are well below replacement level and have been for decades and how many young ppl wnt to live in the big cities?
@@jonathanjonathan7386 yes. A lot of people do and it also affects those who don't in as much as it pushes up the prices of all properties in the area including in the bigger towns. Those people who have 2nd homes in the country are obviously wealthy enough to afford it and from what I have experienced they don't give a toss about the effect it has on the local population. There are only two real necessities in this life, sufficient food to eat and shelter IE. a place to live. 2nd homes that are used purely for pleasure are an abomination and the sooner they are consigned to the past the better. This isn't a rant against those people who choose to come to live here and integrate into the communities but a very strongly felt rant against those that buy up properties to visit maybe a few times a year. A colleague of mine, born and bred here and in the fortunate position of having had a reasonably well paid career, is currently looking to change his house ready for his impending retirement and every house he has viewed so far has been a holiday home being sold off. Hopefully, this is a trend that will continue.
@@jonathanjonathan7386 Give them a chance to make that decision themselves. Australia has laws against land banking, the original squatter laws in Britain were designed to prevent large numbers of houses going derelict, we've recognised for a long time that laws are needed to keep society functioning smoothly and that includes providing a reasonable chance for people to live where they grew up. Lower birthrates and people relocating to the cities mean there is no excuse for housing prices in rural areas to become unaffordable to the locals.
@@DavidWilliams-zn2nc I'm no Welsh Nationalist. Had you properly read my post you would have noted that my comments were directed at 2nd home owners. It makes no difference if those properties are in Wales, Scotland, England, France, Spain or wherever. The plain facts are that young people need HOMES that they can afford and the selfish wants of wealthy people should never be allowed to come before the needs of the future generations. And if you don't like that then I'm guessing you may well be one of those selfish pricks.
I grew up in mid Wales but never spoke Welsh because l went to an English-speaking comprehensive school. It never held me back, and l have great friends who are Welsh speakers and non Welsh speakers alike. No one cares so long as you have warmth in your heart, integrity, and respect for the culture, you'll be fine. PS The point about changing a house name is well made, and a perfect example of the need to be able to fit in.
I love living 5 mins from the sea and go for amazing long walks,im origially from here moved away many years ago but always wanted to move back and after several rentals around West Wales ive finally found my dream recently renovated cottage,a sea view when the farmer across the road cuts the hedges😊 5min drive from Cei Newydd ,New Quay,watch dolphins and walk the cliff path is magical.I pinch myself every day that this cottage came up now they are renovating nextdoor,so glad they didnt turn them into anything else.My grandad spke welsh i lost it but am now chatting to my welsh friend and my landords in welsh (trying after 40+ years of not speaking it.Great description of life in Wales i wouldnt have it any other way.
Englishman here that moved to Wales at pretty much the same time you did. You are spot on with most things, and adapting and accepting your enviroment and the people is key. I have known many English move here that expect it to be easy and just like England. It is not. Just be "local" and fit in and accept the drawbacks and the positives will outweigh the the negatives a million fold. I love it here and don't ever see myself leaving.
Great video! I moved to Snowdonia almost 12 years ago and I agree with everything you say. I've seen so many folk come here in order to live the dream and after one winter they scurry back to England. To live in rural Wales, you REALLY have to want it. When it's good, there is nowhere better, but it is not without its challenges and is certainly not for everyone.
@@sobobwas6871 I totally agree. However, many folk that are used to the 'on tap' facilities found in urban areas are not accustomed to the forward planning required for rural life.
I moved to a little hamlet just outside Porthmadog in 2019 and I’m absolutely loving it. The neighbours made us so welcome. I live 5 mins from the sea. It’s a joy. The weather is constantly changing but that suits me. A truly wonderful place to live
@@andrewtomlinson3195 I think that for most folk who move to Wales and embrace all it has to offer, their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner. I love Porthmadog, and often visit The Creel for me tea 😁
I rode my motorbike through mid Wales for the first time couple of weeks ago, along the A470 to the Elan Valley reservoirs and on to Aberystwyth where I stayed in a nearby valley B&B for the evening, and the next day through North Wales. Stunning roads, little traffic, and terrific countryside.
Be careful with that motorbike of yours we have many deaths on the road. But Elan Valley is so stunning this Saturday there is a moonlight tractor run which we travel down to.
@@nickytanton107 thanks for your kind words. Sadly yes there are casualties through lack of concentration and awareness from all road users. As a motorcyclist I ride defensively and never rely on anyone else for my own safety. Moonlight tractor run sounds marvellous!
Excellent description of reality! I have spent a lot of time over many years in North Wales and have only good things to say about the people I have met. The housing affordability crisis, not only in Wales, is largely down to politicians deciding to sell off social housing stock and failing to use the proceeds to build replacement social housing, but that is a less convenient narrative than second homes.
So much of this rings true for me and my family. We moved to South West Wales 2.5 years ago and absolutely love it. We chose an area just West of Carmarthen so links to the rest of the country are still good but we have the beauty of Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion on our doorstep. People here are lovely and have welcomed us to the little village we live in. We love the Welsh culture and pace of life here. We have two younger children and I do worry a little about their job prospects but I think the life they now live, away from pollution and big, congested cities outweigh that. There are also more opportunities now for remote working than ever before. Yes, it’s wet, yes there’s a learning curve but it’s such an amazing place with so much history, it’s absolutely worth it.
I work in IT and there has been a dramatic swing in recent years from having to go into the office every day to the wide acceptance of complete or mostly remote working. So, fingers crossed your kids won't have to worry about it so much when they get older :)
I'm a bit further West than you but very close by. I grew up in Pembs, moved away for uni + career + marriage + children but then moved back during lockdown. There are a lot of us "returners" that realised how good we had it growing up and chose to come back to it later on. I work almost exclusively from home these days and absolutely love it. I have the beach 5 minutes drive away and so much open green space around me. You are right, there are far more opportunities for us country dwellers these days thanks to the Internet and parcel delivery services!
Don't feel disappointed in your children if they are blue collar workers within a community, they still deserve your love, no need to expect them to work remote if their hands are blessed as those in the days of old.
Governments should have clamped down heavily on 2nd homes years ago just like buying lots of houses to let out isn't great morally either. Houses shouldn't be investments beyond the one you live in, they should be homes.
Sadly the likes of Serco are buying thousands of properties for the economic migrants so the second home ownership of those who worked hard to buy a second home will decline and the destruction of our culture will accelerate.
Bollocks!!!!! I’ve worked my arse off for over 40 years! If I want another property in rural Wales or any other country, I’ll damn well buy it! I’m fed up to the back teeth of people trying to tell me where to go/where not to go, and how I can or cannot spend my hard earned! Everyone has the same chances in life 🤷🏻♂️, get off your arse and make the life you want!
A good summary, and some good points made. Winter in rural Wales can be harsh - older houses are expensive to heat, travel is limited, and it can be very lonely. Like the guy says, get involved, learn some Welsh, and do not change the name of your house!
I changed the name of mine back to Welsh! The previous idiots had anglicised it, so I've just spent a fortune with solicitors and land registry changing it back. I reinstated the proper Welsh name out on the lane, the day I moved in, and then I had to get the Royal Mail database altered. Our experience is similar to Hubnut's, and we have been welcomed, and we have made efforts to participate in the local community. I don't regret it, but if I get decrepit in my old age, maybe I'll have to move closer to a small town, rather than on a lane in the middle of nowhere with only 3 house in the postcode.
@@willjones15Not every house, but many do. Farms and small holdings especially do, I live in an ordinary house, and it has a name, as does many of my neighbours houses.
Hi Ian. I really enjoyed this talk, I watched your other channel frequently during the pre-covid years. In fact, HubNut and one other channel about eating expired military ration packs (lol) were my favourite go-to channels of the time. I just want to say how much of an influence your work had on me, as during those years I was largely housebound due to severe health problems. And watching you travel - even to just go pick up cars cross-country - really gave me a sense of adventure and exploration and an opportunity to learn. Particularly your content based on Wales is what moved and inspired me the most - I longed to take to the roads and explore the backcountry areas of Wales. The Tolkein-esque scenery made a big impression on me and I wasn't able to shake it until 2020 when I finally got fit enough to drive again and made these very special trips for myself. I'll never forget looking out to Sea one rainy, windy morning in Barmouth, whilst sipping a Starbucks double shot coffee in a can, and thinking - "Wow, I made it".... The feeling of freedom was euphoric to say the least. Really cool to see this second channel where you chat about more personal stuff. I wish you all the best, from a lad in Tamworth who broke free and now lives in idyllic countryside West of the Severn with Wales on my doorstep. =) Rob
As a bilingual speaker the video is fair and balanced. Seen a lot of english people come and go. The ones who interact with the community and learn a few words or more in Welsh fit in well. The ones who don't get very isolated and don't stay around. Diolch/Thanks.
I'm English by ethnic origin and upbringing and I've lived in Derry for 35 years now. I found the same here. Come with the attitude English is best and the right way to do anything and you'll soon be set right. Learn local ways/dialect and at least have a go at the language and you're accepted as part of the furniture. Possibly a curious piece of furniture, but part of the household, as it were.
I have found being prepared to laugh at yourself is important too, my wife finds my attempts at welsh very amusing as do the North and West Walians. I find Os gwelwch yn dda to be something my mouth just doesn't want to pronounce, usually leading to much mockery from my wife, so Diolch is my usual reply
@@keepitn.e.a.t2863 Just break the words down - os gwel wch (ch as in loch) yn dda. Your right laughing and singing helps with pronounciation of any language.
My family have not long left Tresaith after 22 years. We were a Welsh speaking Cardiff family, so the language was never an issue but more the transition between the urban and rural. Sold up and now back in the city, and just went through the first summer without a beach on my doorstep. Difficult to get over! Have to admit, covid lockdowns out there were a dream. Just country and clean air, and a lack of Chelsea tractors creating havoc on the roads
We moved to rural Cornwall 25 years ago and many of the things you have said ring true here as well, properties at that time were affordable to ordinary people but no longer. Great video!
I actually had a similar situation! Moved to a small village in Mid-Wales about 4 years ago, to be with a partner. We since broke up and I moved to North Wales. I'll be moving back to Europe in the coming year, but Wales will always have a very special place in my heart. A wonderful place, with wonderful people. A great watch, Ian! Cheers!
@@ronaldderooij1774 I think it's fairly common in the UK for 'to Europe' to mean, the continental European mainland. But, I'll be moving back to an EU country, lol.
Great video. From my experience I agree with what you say. There are pros and cons wherever we live and a car is vital. Getting old, frail and sick is an issue but I have a great local surgery. Hopefully the fresh air, wonderful nature, looking after myself and the local community will continue to enrich my life.
I moved to the Ogmore Valley 14years ago love it here 😊 I learnt a little Welsh and sing in the local Male Voice Choir Still work in health so yes do it
Great video. Very similar to our experience moving to the Highlands. Fantastic scenery, lovely friendly people, unpronounceable place-names, narrow windy roads, long distances. We love it!
I live in rural West Wales also, a little further south. I've lived in London and other Cities and abroad. I eventually moved back here. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, and rarely miss anything about urban living that an occasional city break cant fix. Income is generally poor, employment often seasonal and property prices are a big, big problem. Getting a year round rental is quite difficult also as many landlords want to capitalise on holidaymakers. But it's a beautiful place to be.
We moved to mid-Wales in December 1981, two weeks after we moved a massive snow weather front landed and we were cut off from everywhere for 3 weeks. Incredibly and by pure chance (we'd not seen the weather forecast) we had gone shopping the evening before it fell. That evening arriving at our home, on top of a mountain, the snow began falling before we had even unloaded our shopping, we parked up in a lane and had to walk through two fields due to no vehicle access with our shopping. The following morning we awoke to the deepest snow we'd ever seen in our lives; our car, two fields away, was only detectable by 3 inches of radio aerial poking out of the snow covered lane, which was completely filled from side to side up to the top of the hedgerows. Our main worries were would our food last, would we be able to dig holes for burying out toilet waste (no indoor/outdoor facilities); two days later the power went off for 10 days plus my wife was 6 months pregnant! Mid-Wales is beautiful but if you relocate be prepared for everything mentioned in the lovely video and more.
I was in your neck of the woods 2 weeks ago on my Motorcycle. Stayed at a remote farm Guest House in Llangrannog and pottered around the bays and villages Norh of Cardigan. On my way to Aberporth I passed the famous Tan Y Groes car dismantlers and instantly thought of you. Daily breakfast was had at the Bikers Cafe on the 487 at Tan Y Groes also. Absolute bliss! Been visiting that area since 1988 and never tire of it.🙂
I really really love Wales. I love the people, the little towns, but especially the nature. It is wild and green and frankly the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Especially Snowdonia. That’s a magical kingdom. Greetings from a just as wet Netherlands.
It’s a beautiful country for sure. Thanks for the interesting and honest insight Ian. Away from big cities is the way to go. The answer to the worlds problems is less people. That seems to be happening but will require a lot of rethinking to the mindset of growth growth growth. That’s unsustainable.
I moved from Birmingham to Pembroke 7 years ago. I do my best to learn what I can, I think your points are quite valid. You really need to embrace the local community and get involved.
Learn. The. Language. Not just because it's rude if you don't, but because it will expand your life and your horizons, give an extra dimension to your whole existence. That might sound like an exaggeration, but it's 100% true.
@@jeddavies6230 It does start to make sense after a while! Maybe give it another go. Try something called say something in Welsh - it's fab, no long learning of gammer you just dive right in and speak welsh 👍
@SalukiLifeWales thank you I will try that, my family are from St davids, my grandparents spoke welsh as their first language , I'm quite embarrassed I can't speak much welsh.
Yes , definitely make an effort with Welsh. I studied every day , literally , for a year and I could string simple sentences together and then I caught covid not once but twice in hospital in Swansea. Not their fault but I ended up in there for three months ending with open heart surgery that saved my life. When I came home I hardly had any Welsh left , covid had wiped it. I have a few words left and I do my best but only the basics. However even though I struggle , friends and other Welsh speakers I meet seem to appreciate my efforts. Like the man says , get involved , just like you should if you live or travel anywhere. When health allows I volunteer for a woodland charity , I spent 2 years helping to restore local heirloom orchards and planting hundreds of indigenous trees around our village. Try and shop local and buy Welsh wherever possible.
I so agree with all you say. We moved to a rural village in the Brecon Beacons when our 3 children were 4 years and four months old. We didn’t know anyone. At first our neighbours were very suspicious of us but the children attended our village school and many local events and gradually we began to make friends other local people. Originally, there was a village shop and post office, a couple of pubs and a bus to Brecon 2 days a week. There is only a pub nowadays and the school has shut, so children have to be bussed to school in a nearby village. It is an hour long round trip to our nearest supermarket and a 6 mile journey to collect milk and other essentials from a local garage. Welsh is not particularly prevalent in this part of Wales, so this was never an issue. We have lived here for forty years now and have been extremely happy, our children have grown into fine adults, who we are very proud of. However, they have moved away and now have their own families. My husband was diagnosed with aggressive cancer last year and ( as you say) getting to hospitals for his treatments were a nightmare. My husband has now passed away and, I am now feeling the isolation and difficulties of rural life acutely. Nonetheless, I don’t know how I would have coped without the support of my friends and neighbours.
I grew up on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and it was a real blessing. Sadly due to the work situation you mentioned I moved to Cardiff in 2009 and have been here ever since. I would love to move back to the rural bits of Wales but there is near-zero work for my industry (HGV) and property prices are a big issue. I'm a proper rural bumkin, city life really doesn't suit me (Cardiff is more of a big town but is my limit) and escape out to see family back home or just go for a walk or bike ride in the wilds whenever I can. I've spent loads of time in all the wild bits of Wales and love it all, your part of Wales is particularly good and I've spent many summer weeks around Aberaeron and New Quay. You're absolutely right about the winter though, it's a proper ghost town in certain areas and it can be a big issue for some. I may be Welsh but I don't speak the language, don't sound Welsh, not a rugby fan or have a good singing voice (but I can pronounce the vast majority of the place names!) so have seen some of the anti-outsider sentiment, especially when with my English friends, but it quickly dissipates when people realise you're not trying to supress them or belittle them. A lot of the current anti-English sentiment stems from the flooding of Cwm Tryweryn (Google Cofiwch Dryweryn for the background) so bear that in mind if you do make the move. Despite the downsides I'd move back in a heartbeat if I could, my sister managed it and I'm so jealous of her!
That was very interesting. You have made some very valid and honest points. Average speed more 30 mph with enormous tractors 🚜 doing 50 mph, convenience and isolation are problematic.
I lived and worked in Pembrokeshire for 9 years around Fishguard and St Davids, I agree once the tourists go home and the winter sets in it can become very bleak as towns wind down. I now live in east Suffolk and although more urban here with more accessible facilities I do miss the ruggedness of West Wales especially the coast path and beaches.
I've just done the opposite, moved from East Suffolk (Woodbridge) to Pembrokeshire. I concur with your comments, not much here other than the scenery and cheap housing
Having just driven back through a very wet, partially flooded & grey Coventry and Nuneaton, Just seeing the achingly beautiful background for the first 30 seconds made me want to start packing immediately! 😂
I have lived in a hamlet near Llanarth ( in your area) for 27 yrs and love it . I have had 6 next door neighbours in that time who have moved in from England and the issues you raised were the main reasons for them leaving. My late partner was a Scot and she also adored Wales and the local people. An interesting vlog and hopefully of some value to those who wish to settle here.
Having holidayed in Wales usually during some freak weather in remote cottages I can confirm it is not unusual for popping to the local supermarket to be a 2 hour round trip ❤
@@cuntzxcvbnm This is just false info. What are you basing this on? Where are you basing this on? Typing everything in caps, a bit of a red flag generally too... 🙄
I was born & grew up in rural West Wales & i am a Welsh speaker. You describe rural Wales perfectly & i totally agree with your views...I passed my driving test in May 1982 & i am glad that i did...A car is a necessity in rural Wales, otherwise i would have been stuffed big time...Because of my learning disability, it was impossible for me to get a well paid job, in the area at the time...I live in North Wales now & where i live, the amenities are nearby. Because of my wife's ill health it makes sense to stay where we are now...We both visit west Wales, whenever we can, because i grew up in Newcastle Emlyn. I will always remember where i came from..
Once you are in any rural area of the UK the public transport and local medical facilities quickly disappear. If, as you get older, you do not have a support network (friends/relatives) then you are going to have big problems. The only exceptions to this are places like Shetland, Orkney + Western Isles where the NHS and councils seem able to do a much better job. Where I live 200 mile round-trips for non-GP healthcare are the norm. Try to do that in the middle of winter (or the height of the tourist season!).
Thanks for sharing!! I found this to be a very helpful and informative video as someone who is studying the history of Wales, while also attempting to learn Welsh!
Great video, very accurate. Moved / retired to Mid Powys 6 years ago and no regrets. never been back to England and shudder at the thought. Never been in a traffic jam, no traffic lights in my area, roads good quality (comparatively). Come here with the right attitude (leave your entitlement behind) and You'll do fine. Expect getting things to be more difficult, expect waiting 6 months for a tradesman. The weather can be awful and long stretches of awful - the flip side is when its not its beautiful here. Like stargazing? Like bird watching? Like walking / Hiking?
What a great video! I moved from Sydney to rural western New South Wales in Australia a few years ago and as I'm self employed I've enjoyed the change as much as you. My town, Mudgee, has a similar problem in that because we are only 3 hours west of Sydney, a lot of the houses have become Airbnbs which has really put the house prices up. Mudgee is a wonderful wine region so it's a very popular weekend destination. It's very expensive to live here and most of the jobs are in hospitality and retail. There are also mines out of town so there's always jobs there if that's your cup of tea. It's also very pretty here too. And I love living here.
Six years ago I relocated with my Finnish wife from Worcester to a small town in western Finland, 500km north of Helsinki. Getting around in winter can be difficult, either because there's half a metre of snow on the ground, or it's -30C outside. A proper SUV with 4WD and high ground clearance is a necessity here. However, the biggest advantage to moving here has been to exchange a small suburban detached house for a four bedroom bungalow on 0.75 acre of land, part of which is forested, which cost significantly less than our house in Worcester. We have similar issues with ageing population here, mainly because the young leave for the bright lights of one of the major cities down south, but we don't have the problem of second home ownership, so property remains very affordable. The biggest downside to living here is trying to speak the language - Finnish ranks up in the world's top six most difficult to learn. As in Wales, getting stuff delivered quickly is also difficult and expensive. Delivery times are usually at least seven days for stuff you could get next day in England.
A couple of times a firm has refused to deliver the goods I've just bought from them and refunded me the money instead. It does take more work to live here I do know - 1. Finding that things that have been walking distance from one's English home are a case of "get on a once an hour" bus instead (if there is one). So things do take longer than normal sometimes. 2. The infamous "Pembrokeshire Promise" that many tradespeople do and it takes a lot more time/energy than normal to get renovation work done on one's home - by the time you've had a lot of let-downs (after not being used to tradesperson let-downs prior to moving here).
@@elizapopperwell2578 Same with living in rural Devon, it's now impossible to get a builder, they don't want the daily travel from town. I have noticed this especially since Brexit (which I fully support nevertheless), we need more British school-leavers to train as builders, the money is now very good since all the foreign builders left.
@@CharlesWhite-j4f With you on that one - we do need extra people learning building skills (the old apprenticeship system etc). I never wanted children - but had always assumed that any I had would go to university etc. But these days - when "everyone and their dog" goes to "university" and gets a "degree" I'd have been urging them to check out the "trades" - good money/plenty of work/could go self-employed eventually/etc.
@@elizapopperwell2578 New Labour destroyed the British working class by urging them to send their children to university, to emerge as middle-class managers. Who's left to be a bricky? That's why they brought in foreigners, whom clearly they considered inferior to Brits. When Brexit came (good!) and the foreigners left, we found ourselves without our own native working class. We must rebuild it, give it pride in itself and in its permanence, not try to shame it into social aspiration and university. A country cannot operate without a permanent native working class. It's not just a temporary social status for failures, as New Labour seemed to imply.
My Dad was from West Wales, he didn’t speak English until he went to school. Thank you for the informative video. I live in London at the moment, thinking of relocating to West Wales.
@@JanetteEdwards-gl8jr don’t bother, the councils and the Labour government have totally ruined the place. I live in the wilds of west Wales, if you still want to relocate you can buy my house, I’m looking to get away from Wales!
Born and raised in S.Wales. I find the further west you go the warmer the people get. Shame that places like Newquay has gone the way it has. Tenby is much the same. There’s a few places still untouched
My mum and stepfather owned a house built for the king of Siam (in around 1900) in Blaenannerch where lay a couple of fields over RAF Aberporth. This was mid to late 70's. It was a huge grey slate house and my stepfather being a Scot liked his tiddle. There was a huge staircase in the main hall and one night being of sound mind and body he thought he heard a noise and started descending the stairs. He stopped about halfway when he saw a head appear and started to talk to it. Apparently he had quite a conversation but there was no reply from the head. He went back to bed. The next morning he told my mum he had had a conversation with an "old chap" in the hall. My mum went down the stairs and what was the "old chap" turned out to be a bust of Mozart next to the piano!
you've developed a very nice Welsh accent. As a consequence every sound you make is poetry and music. I grew there in the 60's long time gone but I visit occasionally. Feeling nostalgic and here you are.. Excellent stuff my friend.
I've been here about the same length of time as you, and my experiences pretty much agree with yours (also the relationship didn't last!) I know someone who had to do the Aber/Swansea cancer run, not a pleasant experience (+ you know, cancer). If my job comes to an end I will have to move away, as there's nothing else here for me & I won't find work in my field anywhere commutable. I also know people working in the NHS and ambulance service - very few ambulances to cover a very large area. Waits of hours are not uncommon. You have to be self sufficient here for sure.
Wales is a beautiful place, and perfect for a 2CV, or a Perodua! I have enjoyed watching videos of old restored narrow gauge trains that live in Wales, the slate mines, etc. And the people seems to be very nice. Beautiful old buildings as well. A great place to run a RUclips channel. Thanks for sharing!
Is Welsh family/common law like most Western law? I'm looking for a place to retire and hopefully meet someone, but not willing to do so if the family law is like Ireland or the UK
This is so nice to hear - I love all the countries in the United Kingdom and there seems to be increasingly hostility toward the English from all the others in the general media and online.
@@vilemeister all because the house prices are hiked by English cash buyers who prevent the young from buying homes at an affordable price! 🤷♀️sad that nobody understands this! Gazumping was supposed to be illegal but is alive & kicking in wales. 😔
I’m thinking about moving to Bangor or Llandudno. I might do a course on dry stone walling next year. Been learning Cymraeg on Duolingo for a year, and intend to sit my GCSE in the language eventually. I’m in it for the long haul. All my relatives are in south wales, and my mum from Bridgend
My secret weapon on visits to Wales is my Welsh speaking wife. She has no noticeable Welsh accent so it can be quite a surprise to people in more rural areas when she lets them know she understands exactly what is being said. However even for her its not all plain sailing as she is from the south and southern Welsh is not the same as north Welsh. My wife speaks both and mixes them up as her dad was from the north and her mum from the south so some words she uses in the south aren't typically used there. Once you understand that unlike English Welsh is a phonetic language, so every letter is pronounced the same regardless of the word (in English we have silent letters, write and right, no such thing in Welsh) once you learn the alphabet (and it has more letters than English, but some English letters aren't used) you can pronounce any word.
The difference is like Yorkshire english and Devon english. Eveybody understands each other if your from a generation listining to Radio Cymru or S4C in the 70's and 80's.
spot on. Lived there as a kid, went back a few years ago and the local school closed that week due to falling numbers. Everything moved to a bigger school in Llandysul. The reason the family moved away was better work opportunities as making a living was tough going. You forgot to mention the wonderful narrow gauge steam trains that aren't too far away too :-)
A good balanced review. Thank you. As with any move, adaptation to the place is so very important, trying to turn the place into *your* place seldom works, it’s more for us to become part of the place.
I’m English and live in England, well Cornwall! A few years ago I was selling a bike and two blokes from Mid Wales turned up to buy it. We agreed a price and as they handed me a wad of cash they started talking in their mother tongue. Little did they know that this Englishman had a good smattering of Welsh, thanks to spending a lot of time in Wales as a youth. Anyway, I managed to understand the conversation and they were basically going to stick me up by giving me a £100 short…the look on their faces was priceless when I told them I’d count it because I could understand what they were talking about..! 🏴🏴🏴
Some people who have a language that you do not are likely to talk behind your back like this, it is no more likely when that language is Welsh than when it is, say, German.
There’s a fellow I follow on Y/Tube that’s in the Llanwarda area. He has a vintage motorbike repair shop & takes his audience on rides through the local area on the A482 through the countryside & it’s so beautiful. The rides to Black Mountain in the Carmenthenshires are amazing! Makes a yank want to experience Wales! I would love to try to learn the language! The infrastructure & convenience that city people are used to are not in abundance but that’s the beauty of Wales! You put in the convenience factor in Wales in abundance & turn it into London,you will compromise the charm that is so important. My exposure on a small degree to Wales has given me a new found respect for the ruralness,lack of traffic & just the realization that you are in the presence of REAL living. I totally understand why you moved to Wales! Cary on!👍
I’m from North Wales, a lovely area, your part of Wales is also lovely. But the issue is employment and money, if you can be self sufficient and have a good business head and able to make money and earn a living that’s great then why would you swap it for living in a big town or city, but not everybody including myself is able to find a way to do those things, so I moved to Cheshire where employment is not such a big problem. But hats off to you and your family for having the determination to stay put.👍
My mum's family were from mid-Wales. Many moved to south Wales to find work, then eventually moved to England in the 1950s, leaving behind only a few elderly relatives who could manage on their pensions. The last Welsh speaker in our family was my grandad. We considered moving to the village the family was from, but then the pandemic and prices shot up. So we've put that on the back burner. Edited to add: We used to stay several times a year with a lady who had a small converted barn on her property. After she had to move for health reasons, a new couple bought the property and now charge almost 4 times the weekly rent for the same barn. So we have been forced to look elsewhere for accommodation.
A lot of the comments could equally apply to where I live in rural Croatia. Narrow roads, limited infrastructure, most jobs are low paid, fairly conservative society. I'm hiring a van tomorrow and it will be a 1.5 hour drive to collect it. On the other hand there is zero crime, I've experienced numerous acts of kindness from strangers, there are no Council Tax bills and you can buy a house for the price of a modest new car.
This is such a great video. I spent many a summer holiday with my wife and son in Newport (Pembrokeshire) over recent years and now I reside in the Philippines; the rules over here are exactly the same. Accept the differences, learn a bit of the language and be a decent human being. Like you, I am very happy in an environment I wasn't born into.
Apparently Cardiff is the wettest city in the whole of the UK and that's something that people need to bear in mind when moving to Wales. It rains like bejeebus during the autumn and winter months - and I mean it rains! 💦☔💦☔💦☔💦☔💦☔😭 I have lived here for nearly 70 years, I ought to know.🤷🏼♀️ Wales has its pros and cons like everywhere else. Personally, I would love the Isle of Wight, lucky you!😍
20 years ago when I still lived in England, my wife and I visited North Wales on quite a few occasions. The people were almost universally lovely and welcoming, and we didn't just stick to the touristy places. It's nice to hear you refer to Rachel. I hope she's doing well, and I hope George is still with us!
We moved to the edge of the North Yorks Moors just over 25 years ago and wholeheartedly agree about costs and isolation but personally I get along with it - wife and daughter work retail jobs part time. I retired 3 years ago on a smallish pension which is well under half what I was earning when working but its about cutting your cloth accordingly - if you would have suggested this 4-5 years ago I'd have laughed in your face but I have to say life is good without the stresses and strains.
I spent over 7 years in the Shetland Islands but decided to return south to the Midlands so I can do more classic car socialising. I do miss Shetland terribly though. It'll always have a special place in my heart.
I grew up around that part of the world. I moved to Manchester when I was 19 and London a couple of years later. I've been here for getting on for thirty years and it suits me. I know the pro's and con's of living in rural Wales and I know the pro's and con's of living in a global capital city and I know what works for me. Just know what works for you and be glad that we're all different.
No motorway closer than 3 miles, that sounds like heaven to me. I was born in Newport, south Wales, but was never allowed to learn Welsh, it was banned in school 60 years ago.
Never thought much about where you guys are in Wales but if Aberystwyth is not too far away then I now appreciate your trips to Holland/ Essex to get Betty’s parts etc. Ruddy Nora. Basically anywhere is a trek! Very interesting video.
Absolutely brilliant video ian ❤👍glad you love Wales most ppl would slag it of you have to look through the piece and quiet and beauty of it brilliant you can see with all your videos it's brilliant
Really interesting vlog, I live in a remote part of Scotland, moved here 10 years ago, it is 50 miles to the nearest supermarket. Many of the points that you spoke about I can resonate with. The exception are I have never met with any anti English sentiment and to be quite honest despite what the main stream media say our medical services are much better than those we left just outside of London.
I've been in Caerphilly for the last five years. I have a fairy tale castle outside my back door. It rains a lot, if it's not running down the street you don't even consider it to be raining.
We’re from Warrington and our son is currently studying at Aberystwyth Uni, on our numerous trips over to Aberystwyth I’ve gotta say the views on our way over are amazing.
Property prices are a huge problem anywhere that has become a holiday destination. Here in our little corner of Mauritius, we are surrounded by empty houses. Most are owned by non Mauritians. The cost of a house in our small town is at least 50% higher than equivalent property only 5Km further inland, we are only a 5 min walk from a Very nice beach. It suits us but means that locals can't even think about living here. We are very lucky to be able to live in such a wonderful place.
Around 3 months ago my family moved to a village in Leicestershire. I've always lived in or very near Birmingham until now. Growing up in wythall /Hollywood gave me the taste for rural life , my wife and daughter love it now. Much quieter. But still close enough to Tamworth and other towns . I think we found the perfect balance, and my car insurance went down by a tenner 😂.
I moved to wales alone a couple of years ago in the Cynon Valley, but I have a hospital at the bottom of my hill with an a and e, a big town a mile away along with trains to Cardiff, but when I get to my house all I can hear are birds singing and the stream down below my garden. I made sure to future proof myself as I got older but get to live that rural dream.
Diolch yn fawr Ian, a great video. I live in England but work & travel throughout Wales. Truly a beautiful country and the driving is mostly wonderful. Often near empty roads with stunning scenery.
We retired to Wales 6 years ago ( closer to family) from Cornwall. We love being connected and able to travel to many more parts of the uk without that long drag out of Cornwall. We are just a few minutes from the M4 and can be in the middle of the Cotswolds in one & a half hours or West Wales in a similar time . We do travel to Cornwall quite often to reconnect with friends but we avoid those peek holiday months. The move to Wales was a good choice for us.
In the massif du Sancy where I used to live it's the same. Not much work outside of tourism, retail, services or farming. Also very inhospitable weather is an affirmative and cold weather and snow driving. It's very enjoyable living in such remote places even if it ain't easy. You appreciate the little things in life
Thanks Ian for a very frank discussion about living in a rural place as I live in North Norfolk and the grey tide second homes have killed several villages near me
Lived in North wales for 2 years and loved every minute of it. Family who's farm I lived in, were kind, helpful and hospitable but quite shy. You see English was a foreign language to them. But boy, the weather!! I learnt the adage "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing ".
I moved from Scotland to Australia for a better life and less populated country. Can you imagine it? I live in Victoria with a population of 6.3 million population, yet Victoria is the same size as the UK. Can you imagine if the UK only had 6.3 million? Plus my love of motorcycle riding can be done all year, bliss for me.
@@hubnotes Yes I only go to the city by either rail or motorcycle. We have had a lot of rail upgrades the past wee while, new lines to many areas. But I'm not a city person, drove buses from East Lothian into Edinburgh for many years, I just hate city's now.
I saw a story of a Queensland family who moved to Scotland and love thy history and culture there. They wouldn't say it out loud but I know they meant Queensland lacks that.
@@jamesfrench7299 yes I do miss the history, however Australian history does go back 40000 years from the first Aboriginals. There is also lots of dinosaur fossils which is quite interesting too.
Moved to SW Scotland 4 years ago and almost every point carries over exactly, even language takes time to adjust your ears, although not a totaly new one. The best part I find is that things just go at their own pace, which reminds me of my childhood in a rural English villiage. One thing is property prices are still attractive in the main, although expensive places are available.
Great little Video. I will relay it to some of my old friends in North Wales PA (Pennsylvania..). Give it a Google. Welsh is actually spoken (with reason..) there. They keep up with all the goings on over in the UK,ect.
I moved to west Wales around the same time as you. I love going for walks in the countryside. I don't drive, so I have to live in a small town with a bus connection! You're right, the buses are very few and far between, but the service from Aberystwyth to Caerfyrddin is excellent.
Local groups are a great resource! Community theatres/art groups are good and it’s really important to support local businesses. My experience is around Montgomery and Bishops Castle (England, I know) but there is a thriving cultural life if you look for it.
Thanks Ian, really helpful and useful. I've been considering a return to the UK from the far east and Wales has been on my radar. Still not entirely certain the UK will be my final destination, but between your findings and the wonderful comments, I'm warming to the idea. My thanks to everyone in the comments and of course to Ian for this insightful discussion.
We lived in North Wales for four years, it was very nice living on the outskirts of a National Park and (occasionally) being able to see Yr Wyddfa from your bedroom window. But in the Winter it could be very bleak and lonely, we'd never owned a tumble drier until our first Winter in Wales where washing *never* dried. The A55 was a nice road, but there were times when it seemed very l-o-n-g returning home from work, because as you say there wasn't a lot of work in Wales and if you wanted to earn decent money you had to travel. We've been back on a couple of occasions, and as much as it's nice to visit it's simply 'somewhere we used to live'. After four years there we started a family and decided that moving a little closer to the Grandparents would be better for all concerned and we had a pin-in-a-map moment and ended up living in rural Worcestershire.
@@hubnotes we did get broadband before a good few of my friends back in London due to the rural broadband funding from Europe. My 512kbps (0.5Mbps) was the envy of a few friends. Indeed when we moved back to England it took a while to get the same level of service!
A very timely video for me. I'm strongly considering a move to North Wales, and had a fantastic ten days cycling from Swansea to Colwyn Bay in the summer. I've got friends and relatives both around Swansea, and dotted along the A55 from Chester towards Llanberis. If all goes according to plan, I should be living there by next summer. Diolch!
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As usual, very honest and balanced. Many retired people moving to rural areas without extended family support don't realise that they might not be able to drive a car for ever, due to infirmity or medical condition. Then they're trapped.
When we moved to North Norfolk there was an hourly bus service direct to Norwich. By the time we left five years later it was every two hours, had a change, and didn't run at all on Sundays.
You can get mobility scooters with a good range and weather protection.
@@digidol52 I'm not saying everywhere would be suitable.
@@digidol52 They exist in the first place because of those hills, otherwise they'd just be another English village.
Once they reach that stage they can sell up and move. But until that time comes, one can enjoy life.
Anywhere you don’t see what’s on the news- you’re winning!!
That is most true, and very good for your mental well being too.
got rid of tv and radio ages ago and never missed them.
I'm originally from Glastonbury despite not having webbed feet or sounding like a Wurzel. I moved to Wales for a change of life (family and friends are scattered across the planet), so I have no focal point.
I live in Risca which is a short distance from the Cwmcarn Forrest and about half an hour from the Brecon Beacons. I would love to live further into West Wales or Powys but access for me is important. But I'm really happy, the Welsh are super friendly and very welcoming. I've made some good friends and have wonderful neighbours. They've welcomed me into their community and get me involved and make me feel like I'm part of them.
I was think of moving to Risca as in that area, you get more for your money in terms of house peices than we do in Gwynedd. The houses are more standard build, with ok sized gardens, whereas here, most houses at the bottom of the market are odd in some way - tiny miner's cottages with low roofs, walls that aren't straight, and a disjointed feel as extension upon extension have been built on them.
Only thing good about Risca is the Bengal Cymru and the bypass.
I've been in Wales for about 30 years. People are great where I live. If you are friendly to them, they return it twofold. Beautiful scenery, but I agree, bus routes are not so forthcoming, but I love it!
The 2nd home situation is an absolute disgrace. There are villages here that are like ghost towns in the winter. Thankfully steps are being taken to sort the problem.
but do local ppl want to live in those villages? British birth rates are well below replacement level and have been for decades and how many young ppl wnt to live in the big cities?
@@jonathanjonathan7386 yes. A lot of people do and it also affects those who don't in as much as it pushes up the prices of all properties in the area including in the bigger towns.
Those people who have 2nd homes in the country are obviously wealthy enough to afford it and from what I have experienced they don't give a toss about the effect it has on the local population.
There are only two real necessities in this life, sufficient food to eat and shelter IE. a place to live. 2nd homes that are used purely for pleasure are an abomination and the sooner they are consigned to the past the better.
This isn't a rant against those people who choose to come to live here and integrate into the communities but a very strongly felt rant against those that buy up properties to visit maybe a few times a year.
A colleague of mine, born and bred here and in the fortunate position of having had a reasonably well paid career, is currently looking to change his house ready for his impending retirement and every house he has viewed so far has been a holiday home being sold off. Hopefully, this is a trend that will continue.
Not more Welsh nationalists for Christ’s sake??!!
@@jonathanjonathan7386 Give them a chance to make that decision themselves. Australia has laws against land banking, the original squatter laws in Britain were designed to prevent large numbers of houses going derelict, we've recognised for a long time that laws are needed to keep society functioning smoothly and that includes providing a reasonable chance for people to live where they grew up. Lower birthrates and people relocating to the cities mean there is no excuse for housing prices in rural areas to become unaffordable to the locals.
@@DavidWilliams-zn2nc I'm no Welsh Nationalist. Had you properly read my post you would have noted that my comments were directed at 2nd home owners. It makes no difference if those properties are in Wales, Scotland, England, France, Spain or wherever. The plain facts are that young people need HOMES that they can afford and the selfish wants of wealthy people should never be allowed to come before the needs of the future generations.
And if you don't like that then I'm guessing you may well be one of those selfish pricks.
I grew up in mid Wales but never spoke Welsh because l went to an English-speaking comprehensive school. It never held me back, and l have great friends who are Welsh speakers and non Welsh speakers alike. No one cares so long as you have warmth in your heart, integrity, and respect for the culture, you'll be fine. PS The point about changing a house name is well made, and a perfect example of the need to be able to fit in.
Problem is so many from the country next door do not have that. They don't respect our different culture, our naturtal warmth
Guess again mf
Unfortunately, you can't argue you have 'naturtal warmth' whilst including a huge dose of petty unpleasant prejudice about people from somewhere else.
I am not impressed with your failure to learn Welsh. Awful just awful. Ofnadwy.
Duw, aye. Changing a house name is a big no-no!
I love living 5 mins from the sea and go for amazing long walks,im origially from here moved away many years ago but always wanted to move back and after several rentals around West Wales ive finally found my dream recently renovated cottage,a sea view when the farmer across the road cuts the hedges😊 5min drive from Cei Newydd ,New Quay,watch dolphins and walk the cliff path is magical.I pinch myself every day that this cottage came up now they are renovating nextdoor,so glad they didnt turn them into anything else.My grandad spke welsh i lost it but am now chatting to my welsh friend and my landords in welsh (trying after 40+ years of not speaking it.Great description of life in Wales i wouldnt have it any other way.
Englishman here that moved to Wales at pretty much the same time you did. You are spot on with most things, and adapting and accepting your enviroment and the people is key. I have known many English move here that expect it to be easy and just like England. It is not. Just be "local" and fit in and accept the drawbacks and the positives will outweigh the the negatives a million fold. I love it here and don't ever see myself leaving.
Great video! I moved to Snowdonia almost 12 years ago and I agree with everything you say. I've seen so many folk come here in order to live the dream and after one winter they scurry back to England. To live in rural Wales, you REALLY have to want it. When it's good, there is nowhere better, but it is not without its challenges and is certainly not for everyone.
@@nickliveseyphotographingth5050 lived there growing up for 8 years, it’s hardly difficult with a bit of planning
@@sobobwas6871 I totally agree. However, many folk that are used to the 'on tap' facilities found in urban areas are not accustomed to the forward planning required for rural life.
I moved to a little hamlet just outside Porthmadog in 2019 and I’m absolutely loving it. The neighbours made us so welcome. I live 5 mins from the sea. It’s a joy. The weather is constantly changing but that suits me. A truly wonderful place to live
@@andrewtomlinson3195 I think that for most folk who move to Wales and embrace all it has to offer, their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner. I love Porthmadog, and often visit The Creel for me tea 😁
Wales is easily my favourite part of the UK, very fond memories of North and South Wales growing up in the 90s.
I rode my motorbike through mid Wales for the first time couple of weeks ago, along the A470 to the Elan Valley reservoirs and on to Aberystwyth where I stayed in a nearby valley B&B for the evening, and the next day through North Wales. Stunning roads, little traffic, and terrific countryside.
@@IngramCars I’d love to have the bottle to do that mate,but I’ll stick with the truck.
someone told me the best thing to come out of Wales is the severn bridge.
@@Amber-xe5ti I went across that too! I'd say the best thing to come out of Wales are the Welsh, far kinder and more relaxed than the English.
Be careful with that motorbike of yours we have many deaths on the road. But Elan Valley is so stunning this Saturday there is a moonlight tractor run which we travel down to.
@@nickytanton107 thanks for your kind words. Sadly yes there are casualties through lack of concentration and awareness from all road users. As a motorcyclist I ride defensively and never rely on anyone else for my own safety. Moonlight tractor run sounds marvellous!
Excellent description of reality! I have spent a lot of time over many years in North Wales and have only good things to say about the people I have met.
The housing affordability crisis, not only in Wales, is largely down to politicians deciding to sell off social housing stock and failing to use the proceeds to build replacement social housing, but that is a less convenient narrative than second homes.
Correct Tony both are issues in the rural communities.
So much of this rings true for me and my family. We moved to South West Wales 2.5 years ago and absolutely love it. We chose an area just West of Carmarthen so links to the rest of the country are still good but we have the beauty of Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion on our doorstep. People here are lovely and have welcomed us to the little village we live in. We love the Welsh culture and pace of life here. We have two younger children and I do worry a little about their job prospects but I think the life they now live, away from pollution and big, congested cities outweigh that. There are also more opportunities now for remote working than ever before. Yes, it’s wet, yes there’s a learning curve but it’s such an amazing place with so much history, it’s absolutely worth it.
I work in IT and there has been a dramatic swing in recent years from having to go into the office every day to the wide acceptance of complete or mostly remote working. So, fingers crossed your kids won't have to worry about it so much when they get older :)
I'm a bit further West than you but very close by. I grew up in Pembs, moved away for uni + career + marriage + children but then moved back during lockdown. There are a lot of us "returners" that realised how good we had it growing up and chose to come back to it later on. I work almost exclusively from home these days and absolutely love it. I have the beach 5 minutes drive away and so much open green space around me. You are right, there are far more opportunities for us country dwellers these days thanks to the Internet and parcel delivery services!
Don't feel disappointed in your children if they are blue collar workers within a community, they still deserve your love, no need to expect them to work remote if their hands are blessed as those in the days of old.
@@unconsciouscreator3012 great point
@@unconsciouscreator3012 One of them wants to run a cafe and the other wants to work with horses. I'll fully support them in whatever they choose 😊
Governments should have clamped down heavily on 2nd homes years ago just like buying lots of houses to let out isn't great morally either.
Houses shouldn't be investments beyond the one you live in, they should be homes.
@@marks-0-0 I think second home ownership in the UK is actually quite low compared to many European countries
Sadly the likes of Serco are buying thousands of properties for the economic migrants so the second home ownership of those who worked hard to buy a second home will decline and the destruction of our culture will accelerate.
@@marks-0-0 are you going to include all the mobile homes in your condemnation ?or is it OK for some to have more but not too much more .
@@andrewtrip8617 its not the same thing, the housing stock of villages and towns are made up of houses and cottages not mobile homes
Bollocks!!!!!
I’ve worked my arse off for over 40 years!
If I want another property in rural Wales or any other country, I’ll damn well buy it!
I’m fed up to the back teeth of people trying to tell me where to go/where not to go, and how I can or cannot spend my hard earned!
Everyone has the same chances in life 🤷🏻♂️, get off your arse and make the life you want!
A good summary, and some good points made. Winter in rural Wales can be harsh - older houses are expensive to heat, travel is limited, and it can be very lonely. Like the guy says, get involved, learn some Welsh, and do not change the name of your house!
I changed the name of mine back to Welsh! The previous idiots had anglicised it, so I've just spent a fortune with solicitors and land registry changing it back. I reinstated the proper Welsh name out on the lane, the day I moved in, and then I had to get the Royal Mail database altered. Our experience is similar to Hubnut's, and we have been welcomed, and we have made efforts to participate in the local community. I don't regret it, but if I get decrepit in my old age, maybe I'll have to move closer to a small town, rather than on a lane in the middle of nowhere with only 3 house in the postcode.
Being from the USA and of Welch ancestry I don't understand the house name, does every house have a separate name.
@@willjones15Not every house, but many do. Farms and small holdings especially do, I live in an ordinary house, and it has a name, as does many of my neighbours houses.
WELSH SPEAKERS ARE IN A MINORITY AS 99% WELSH PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH !
@@cuntzxcvbnm And your point is? I think most people already realise your statement.
Hi Ian. I really enjoyed this talk, I watched your other channel frequently during the pre-covid years. In fact, HubNut and one other channel about eating expired military ration packs (lol) were my favourite go-to channels of the time. I just want to say how much of an influence your work had on me, as during those years I was largely housebound due to severe health problems. And watching you travel - even to just go pick up cars cross-country - really gave me a sense of adventure and exploration and an opportunity to learn. Particularly your content based on Wales is what moved and inspired me the most - I longed to take to the roads and explore the backcountry areas of Wales. The Tolkein-esque scenery made a big impression on me and I wasn't able to shake it until 2020 when I finally got fit enough to drive again and made these very special trips for myself. I'll never forget looking out to Sea one rainy, windy morning in Barmouth, whilst sipping a Starbucks double shot coffee in a can, and thinking - "Wow, I made it".... The feeling of freedom was euphoric to say the least. Really cool to see this second channel where you chat about more personal stuff. I wish you all the best, from a lad in Tamworth who broke free and now lives in idyllic countryside West of the Severn with Wales on my doorstep. =) Rob
As a bilingual speaker the video is fair and balanced. Seen a lot of english people come and go. The ones who interact with the community and learn a few words or more in Welsh fit in well. The ones who don't get very isolated and don't stay around. Diolch/Thanks.
I'm English by ethnic origin and upbringing and I've lived in Derry for 35 years now. I found the same here. Come with the attitude English is best and the right way to do anything and you'll soon be set right. Learn local ways/dialect and at least have a go at the language and you're accepted as part of the furniture. Possibly a curious piece of furniture, but part of the household, as it were.
I have found being prepared to laugh at yourself is important too, my wife finds my attempts at welsh very amusing as do the North and West Walians.
I find Os gwelwch yn dda to be something my mouth just doesn't want to pronounce, usually leading to much mockery from my wife, so Diolch is my usual reply
@@keepitn.e.a.t2863 Just break the words down - os gwel wch (ch as in loch) yn dda. Your right laughing and singing helps with pronounciation of any language.
WELSH SPEAKERS ARE IN A MINORITY AS 99% WELSH PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH !
@@cuntzxcvbnm You're a disgrace and I do look down.
My family have not long left Tresaith after 22 years. We were a Welsh speaking Cardiff family, so the language was never an issue but more the transition between the urban and rural. Sold up and now back in the city, and just went through the first summer without a beach on my doorstep. Difficult to get over! Have to admit, covid lockdowns out there were a dream. Just country and clean air, and a lack of Chelsea tractors creating havoc on the roads
Love Tresaith... in winter.. 😊
Where else but mid Wales would you need a Chelsea tractor? Certainly not in Chelsea!
Caru Tresaith ♥️
We moved to Wales five years ago from England, love it great neighbours all welsh
We moved to rural Cornwall 25 years ago and many of the things you have said ring true here as well, properties at that time were affordable to ordinary people but no longer. Great video!
I actually had a similar situation! Moved to a small village in Mid-Wales about 4 years ago, to be with a partner. We since broke up and I moved to North Wales. I'll be moving back to Europe in the coming year, but Wales will always have a very special place in my heart. A wonderful place, with wonderful people. A great watch, Ian! Cheers!
This Dutchman is confused. Yes, the UK is out of the EU, but you are till in Europe. So how can you move "back to Europe" from Wales?
@@ronaldderooij1774 I think it's fairly common in the UK for 'to Europe' to mean, the continental European mainland. But, I'll be moving back to an EU country, lol.
@@ronaldderooij1774 When he says europe he means mainland continental europe.
Faint praise indeed. Loved it so much but could only stomach it for 4 years😂
@@123bwlch It's a bit like when yanks think they monopolised the meaning of word America.
Great video. From my experience I agree with what you say. There are pros and cons wherever we live and a car is vital. Getting old, frail and sick is an issue but I have a great local surgery. Hopefully the fresh air, wonderful nature, looking after myself and the local community will continue to enrich my life.
I moved to the Ogmore Valley 14years ago love it here 😊
I learnt a little Welsh and sing in the local Male Voice Choir
Still work in health so yes do it
I live in coity village near Bridgend 👍.
Bet you’d rather live Ogmore by sea
@@shabbapaul9983 it's lovely were I am amazing views and perfect neighbours 😊 plus it's a very short drive to Ogmore by Sea
Great video. Very similar to our experience moving to the Highlands. Fantastic scenery, lovely friendly people, unpronounceable place-names, narrow windy roads, long distances. We love it!
I live in rural West Wales also, a little further south. I've lived in London and other Cities and abroad. I eventually moved back here. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, and rarely miss anything about urban living that an occasional city break cant fix.
Income is generally poor, employment often seasonal and property prices are a big, big problem. Getting a year round rental is quite difficult also as many landlords want to capitalise on holidaymakers. But it's a beautiful place to be.
Balanced and down to earth,no nonsense and informative. Thanks.
Thanks for this video, nice and honest, been thinking of relocating and needed a balanced perspective. Great channel too 👍
We moved to mid-Wales in December 1981, two weeks after we moved a massive snow weather front landed and we were cut off from everywhere for 3 weeks. Incredibly and by pure chance (we'd not seen the weather forecast) we had gone shopping the evening before it fell. That evening arriving at our home, on top of a mountain, the snow began falling before we had even unloaded our shopping, we parked up in a lane and had to walk through two fields due to no vehicle access with our shopping. The following morning we awoke to the deepest snow we'd ever seen in our lives; our car, two fields away, was only detectable by 3 inches of radio aerial poking out of the snow covered lane, which was completely filled from side to side up to the top of the hedgerows. Our main worries were would our food last, would we be able to dig holes for burying out toilet waste (no indoor/outdoor facilities); two days later the power went off for 10 days plus my wife was 6 months pregnant!
Mid-Wales is beautiful but if you relocate be prepared for everything mentioned in the lovely video and more.
I was in your neck of the woods 2 weeks ago on my Motorcycle. Stayed at a remote farm Guest House in Llangrannog and pottered around the bays and villages Norh of Cardigan. On my way to Aberporth I passed the famous Tan Y Groes car dismantlers and instantly thought of you. Daily breakfast was had at the Bikers Cafe on the 487 at Tan Y Groes also.
Absolute bliss! Been visiting that area since 1988 and never tire of it.🙂
We moved to Goodwick 10 years ago from Wolverhampton, now in Haverfordwest.
Best thing as a family we have ever done.
Love Pembrokeshire 👌🏻😍
I really really love Wales. I love the people, the little towns, but especially the nature. It is wild and green and frankly the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Especially Snowdonia. That’s a magical kingdom.
Greetings from a just as wet Netherlands.
@@H4lminator Snowdonia is now officially back to its Welsh name - that’s Eryri. 😂👍welcome to you in the Netherlands from us in Wales
This is such a great video. I'd have loved to have moved to Wales in a previous life. Wonderful place when I've visited. Can't wait to pop back.
It’s a beautiful country for sure. Thanks for the interesting and honest insight Ian. Away from big cities is the way to go. The answer to the worlds problems is less people. That seems to be happening but will require a lot of rethinking to the mindset of growth growth growth. That’s unsustainable.
I moved from Birmingham to Pembroke 7 years ago. I do my best to learn what I can, I think your points are quite valid. You really need to embrace the local community and get involved.
Hardly anyone in Pembroke speaks Welsh. Its little England beyond Wales. Has been since 1066.
Learn. The. Language.
Not just because it's rude if you don't, but because it will expand your life and your horizons, give an extra dimension to your whole existence.
That might sound like an exaggeration, but it's 100% true.
I tried learning welsh once, going well until I got to mutations, finished me unfortunately.
Dw i wedi bod yn dysgu Cymraeg. Dw i'n caru Cymru ❤️
@@jeddavies6230 It does start to make sense after a while! Maybe give it another go. Try something called say something in Welsh - it's fab, no long learning of gammer you just dive right in and speak welsh 👍
@SalukiLifeWales thank you I will try that, my family are from St davids, my grandparents spoke welsh as their first language , I'm quite embarrassed I can't speak much welsh.
Yes , definitely make an effort with Welsh. I studied every day , literally , for a year and I could string simple sentences together and then I caught covid not once but twice in hospital in Swansea. Not their fault but I ended up in there for three months ending with open heart surgery that saved my life. When I came home I hardly had any Welsh left , covid had wiped it. I have a few words left and I do my best but only the basics. However even though I struggle , friends and other Welsh speakers I meet seem to appreciate my efforts. Like the man says , get involved , just like you should if you live or travel anywhere. When health allows I volunteer for a woodland charity , I spent 2 years helping to restore local heirloom orchards and planting hundreds of indigenous trees around our village. Try and shop local and buy Welsh wherever possible.
I so agree with all you say. We moved to a rural village in the Brecon Beacons when our 3 children were 4 years and four months old. We didn’t know anyone. At first our neighbours were very suspicious of us but the children attended our village school and many local events and gradually we began to make friends other local people. Originally, there was a village shop and post office, a couple of pubs and a bus to Brecon 2 days a week. There is only a pub nowadays and the school has shut, so children have to be bussed to school in a nearby village. It is an hour long round trip to our nearest supermarket and a 6 mile journey to collect milk and other essentials from a local garage. Welsh is not particularly prevalent in this part of Wales, so this was never an issue. We have lived here for forty years now and have been extremely happy, our children have grown into fine adults, who we are very proud of. However, they have moved away and now have their own families. My husband was diagnosed with aggressive cancer last year and ( as you say) getting to hospitals for his treatments were a nightmare. My husband has now passed away and, I am now feeling the isolation and difficulties of rural life acutely. Nonetheless, I don’t know how I would have coped without the support of my friends and neighbours.
Sorry for your loss. I'm glad you've found plenty of positives over the years.
I grew up on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and it was a real blessing. Sadly due to the work situation you mentioned I moved to Cardiff in 2009 and have been here ever since. I would love to move back to the rural bits of Wales but there is near-zero work for my industry (HGV) and property prices are a big issue. I'm a proper rural bumkin, city life really doesn't suit me (Cardiff is more of a big town but is my limit) and escape out to see family back home or just go for a walk or bike ride in the wilds whenever I can. I've spent loads of time in all the wild bits of Wales and love it all, your part of Wales is particularly good and I've spent many summer weeks around Aberaeron and New Quay. You're absolutely right about the winter though, it's a proper ghost town in certain areas and it can be a big issue for some. I may be Welsh but I don't speak the language, don't sound Welsh, not a rugby fan or have a good singing voice (but I can pronounce the vast majority of the place names!) so have seen some of the anti-outsider sentiment, especially when with my English friends, but it quickly dissipates when people realise you're not trying to supress them or belittle them. A lot of the current anti-English sentiment stems from the flooding of Cwm Tryweryn (Google Cofiwch Dryweryn for the background) so bear that in mind if you do make the move.
Despite the downsides I'd move back in a heartbeat if I could, my sister managed it and I'm so jealous of her!
That was very interesting. You have made some very valid and honest points. Average speed more 30 mph with enormous tractors 🚜 doing 50 mph, convenience and isolation are problematic.
I lived and worked in Pembrokeshire for 9 years around Fishguard and St Davids, I agree once the tourists go home and the winter sets in it can become very bleak as towns wind down. I now live in east Suffolk and although more urban here with more accessible facilities I do miss the ruggedness of West Wales especially the coast path and beaches.
I've just done the opposite, moved from East Suffolk (Woodbridge) to Pembrokeshire. I concur with your comments, not much here other than the scenery and cheap housing
Cheap housing?????
Having just driven back through a very wet, partially flooded & grey Coventry and Nuneaton, Just seeing the achingly beautiful background for the first 30 seconds made me want to start packing immediately! 😂
Be careful what you wish for.
I have lived in a hamlet near Llanarth ( in your area) for 27 yrs and love it . I have had 6 next door neighbours in that time who have moved in from England and the issues you raised were the main reasons for them leaving. My late partner was a Scot and she also adored Wales and the local people.
An interesting vlog and hopefully of some value to those who wish to settle here.
Having holidayed in Wales usually during some freak weather in remote cottages I can confirm it is not unusual for popping to the local supermarket to be a 2 hour round trip ❤
Having grown up speaking Welsh, I'm glad you cleared up that point in the first 2 mins 👍 good video
WELSH SPEAKERS ARE IN A MINORITY AS 99% WELSH PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH !
@@cuntzxcvbnm This is just false info. What are you basing this on? Where are you basing this on? Typing everything in caps, a bit of a red flag generally too... 🙄
I was born & grew up in rural West Wales & i am a Welsh speaker. You describe rural Wales perfectly & i totally agree with your views...I passed my driving test in May 1982 & i am glad that i did...A car is a necessity in rural Wales, otherwise i would have been stuffed big time...Because of my learning disability, it was impossible for me to get a well paid job, in the area at the time...I live in North Wales now & where i live, the amenities are nearby. Because of my wife's ill health it makes sense to stay where we are now...We both visit west Wales, whenever we can, because i grew up in Newcastle Emlyn. I will always remember where i came from..
Once you are in any rural area of the UK the public transport and local medical facilities quickly disappear. If, as you get older, you do not have a support network (friends/relatives) then you are going to have big problems. The only exceptions to this are places like Shetland, Orkney + Western Isles where the NHS and councils seem able to do a much better job. Where I live 200 mile round-trips for non-GP healthcare are the norm. Try to do that in the middle of winter (or the height of the tourist season!).
We have a bus on Wednesday.
Thanks for sharing!! I found this to be a very helpful and informative video as someone who is studying the history of Wales, while also attempting to learn Welsh!
Great video, very accurate. Moved / retired to Mid Powys 6 years ago and no regrets. never been back to England and shudder at the thought. Never been in a traffic jam, no traffic lights in my area, roads good quality (comparatively). Come here with the right attitude (leave your entitlement behind) and You'll do fine. Expect getting things to be more difficult, expect waiting 6 months for a tradesman. The weather can be awful and long stretches of awful - the flip side is when its not its beautiful here. Like stargazing? Like bird watching? Like walking / Hiking?
What a great video! I moved from Sydney to rural western New South Wales in Australia a few years ago and as I'm self employed I've enjoyed the change as much as you.
My town, Mudgee, has a similar problem in that because we are only 3 hours west of Sydney, a lot of the houses have become Airbnbs which has really put the house prices up. Mudgee is a wonderful wine region so it's a very popular weekend destination. It's very expensive to live here and most of the jobs are in hospitality and retail. There are also mines out of town so there's always jobs there if that's your cup of tea.
It's also very pretty here too. And I love living here.
Six years ago I relocated with my Finnish wife from Worcester to a small town in western Finland, 500km north of Helsinki. Getting around in winter can be difficult, either because there's half a metre of snow on the ground, or it's -30C outside. A proper SUV with 4WD and high ground clearance is a necessity here. However, the biggest advantage to moving here has been to exchange a small suburban detached house for a four bedroom bungalow on 0.75 acre of land, part of which is forested, which cost significantly less than our house in Worcester. We have similar issues with ageing population here, mainly because the young leave for the bright lights of one of the major cities down south, but we don't have the problem of second home ownership, so property remains very affordable. The biggest downside to living here is trying to speak the language - Finnish ranks up in the world's top six most difficult to learn. As in Wales, getting stuff delivered quickly is also difficult and expensive. Delivery times are usually at least seven days for stuff you could get next day in England.
A couple of times a firm has refused to deliver the goods I've just bought from them and refunded me the money instead. It does take more work to live here I do know - 1. Finding that things that have been walking distance from one's English home are a case of "get on a once an hour" bus instead (if there is one). So things do take longer than normal sometimes. 2. The infamous "Pembrokeshire Promise" that many tradespeople do and it takes a lot more time/energy than normal to get renovation work done on one's home - by the time you've had a lot of let-downs (after not being used to tradesperson let-downs prior to moving here).
@@elizapopperwell2578 Same with living in rural Devon, it's now impossible to get a builder, they don't want the daily travel from town. I have noticed this especially since Brexit (which I fully support nevertheless), we need more British school-leavers to train as builders, the money is now very good since all the foreign builders left.
@@CharlesWhite-j4f With you on that one - we do need extra people learning building skills (the old apprenticeship system etc). I never wanted children - but had always assumed that any I had would go to university etc. But these days - when "everyone and their dog" goes to "university" and gets a "degree" I'd have been urging them to check out the "trades" - good money/plenty of work/could go self-employed eventually/etc.
@@elizapopperwell2578 New Labour destroyed the British working class by urging them to send their children to university, to emerge as middle-class managers. Who's left to be a bricky?
That's why they brought in foreigners, whom clearly they considered inferior to Brits. When Brexit came (good!) and the foreigners left, we found ourselves without our own native working class.
We must rebuild it, give it pride in itself and in its permanence, not try to shame it into social aspiration and university. A country cannot operate without a permanent native working class. It's not just a temporary social status for failures, as New Labour seemed to imply.
And what the fk has this got to do with Wales?
I moved to Wales exactly ten years ago. People in Wales are lovely. I can't speak Welsh but I wish I could. My kids have all learned it in school.
My Dad was from West Wales, he didn’t speak English until he went to school. Thank you for the informative video. I live in London at the moment, thinking of relocating to West Wales.
@@JanetteEdwards-gl8jr don’t bother, the councils and the Labour government have totally ruined the place. I live in the wilds of west Wales, if you still want to relocate you can buy my house, I’m looking to get away from Wales!
Born and raised in S.Wales. I find the further west you go the warmer the people get. Shame that places like Newquay has gone the way it has. Tenby is much the same. There’s a few places still untouched
My mum and stepfather owned a house built for the king of Siam (in around 1900) in Blaenannerch where lay a couple of fields over RAF Aberporth. This was mid to late 70's. It was a huge grey slate house and my stepfather being a Scot liked his tiddle. There was a huge staircase in the main hall and one night being of sound mind and body he thought he heard a noise and started descending the stairs. He stopped about halfway when he saw a head appear and started to talk to it. Apparently he had quite a conversation but there was no reply from the head. He went back to bed. The next morning he told my mum he had had a conversation with an "old chap" in the hall. My mum went down the stairs and what was the "old chap" turned out to be a bust of Mozart next to the piano!
you've developed a very nice Welsh accent. As a consequence every sound you make is poetry and music. I grew there in the 60's long time gone but I visit occasionally. Feeling nostalgic and here you are.. Excellent stuff my friend.
Thanks. Don't think I have much accent...
I've been here about the same length of time as you, and my experiences pretty much agree with yours (also the relationship didn't last!) I know someone who had to do the Aber/Swansea cancer run, not a pleasant experience (+ you know, cancer). If my job comes to an end I will have to move away, as there's nothing else here for me & I won't find work in my field anywhere commutable.
I also know people working in the NHS and ambulance service - very few ambulances to cover a very large area. Waits of hours are not uncommon. You have to be self sufficient here for sure.
Wales is a beautiful place, and perfect for a 2CV, or a Perodua! I have enjoyed watching videos of old restored narrow gauge trains that live in Wales, the slate mines, etc. And the people seems to be very nice. Beautiful old buildings as well. A great place to run a RUclips channel. Thanks for sharing!
Listen! Our English brothers and sisters!! You are most welcome here.
Is Welsh family/common law like most Western law?
I'm looking for a place to retire and hopefully meet someone, but not willing to do so if the family law is like Ireland or the UK
@@unconsciouscreator3012 As far as I know Welsh and English law are the same. It's based on common law so different to countries like France.
@@davidholden2658it’s nearly all the same. Some differences from the devolved legislation , eg the 20mph .
This is so nice to hear - I love all the countries in the United Kingdom and there seems to be increasingly hostility toward the English from all the others in the general media and online.
@@vilemeister all because the house prices are hiked by English cash buyers who prevent the young from buying homes at an affordable price! 🤷♀️sad that nobody understands this! Gazumping was supposed to be illegal but is alive & kicking in wales. 😔
Born and raised in North Wales and love it.
Do you have a open fire 😂
@@chucky2316 It can be arranged 😎
I’m thinking about moving to Bangor or Llandudno. I might do a course on dry stone walling next year. Been learning Cymraeg on Duolingo for a year, and intend to sit my GCSE in the language eventually.
I’m in it for the long haul. All my relatives are in south wales, and my mum from Bridgend
My secret weapon on visits to Wales is my Welsh speaking wife. She has no noticeable Welsh accent so it can be quite a surprise to people in more rural areas when she lets them know she understands exactly what is being said. However even for her its not all plain sailing as she is from the south and southern Welsh is not the same as north Welsh. My wife speaks both and mixes them up as her dad was from the north and her mum from the south so some words she uses in the south aren't typically used there.
Once you understand that unlike English Welsh is a phonetic language, so every letter is pronounced the same regardless of the word (in English we have silent letters, write and right, no such thing in Welsh) once you learn the alphabet (and it has more letters than English, but some English letters aren't used) you can pronounce any word.
The difference is like Yorkshire english and Devon english. Eveybody understands each other if your from a generation listining to Radio Cymru or S4C in the 70's and 80's.
My misses is the same, has made for many funny and a few not so funny 😅
WELSH SPEAKERS ARE IN A MINORITY AS 99% WELSH PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH !
@@cuntzxcvbnm Wrong. Around 25% are bilingual and majority support the Welsh language.
@@cuntzxcvbnmpipe down, have a nap.
spot on. Lived there as a kid, went back a few years ago and the local school closed that week due to falling numbers. Everything moved to a bigger school in Llandysul. The reason the family moved away was better work opportunities as making a living was tough going. You forgot to mention the wonderful narrow gauge steam trains that aren't too far away too :-)
I've lived in rural West Wales all my life. I can heartily recommend it.
A good balanced review. Thank you. As with any move, adaptation to the place is so very important, trying to turn the place into *your* place seldom works, it’s more for us to become part of the place.
I’m English and live in England, well Cornwall! A few years ago I was selling a bike and two blokes from Mid Wales turned up to buy it. We agreed a price and as they handed me a wad of cash they started talking in their mother tongue. Little did they know that this Englishman had a good smattering of Welsh, thanks to spending a lot of time in Wales as a youth. Anyway, I managed to understand the conversation and they were basically going to stick me up by giving me a £100 short…the look on their faces was priceless when I told them I’d count it because I could understand what they were talking about..! 🏴🏴🏴
It's called welching on a deal for a reason.
Some people who have a language that you do not are likely to talk behind your back like this, it is no more likely when that language is Welsh than when it is, say, German.
What was the reason to give you £100 short ?
Cornwall is not England. #Cernyw
Not all us Welsh are assholes 🤷🏻♂️!
There’s pricks everywhere!
There’s a fellow I follow on Y/Tube that’s in the Llanwarda area. He has a vintage motorbike repair shop & takes his audience on rides through the local area on the A482 through the countryside & it’s so beautiful. The rides to Black Mountain in the Carmenthenshires are amazing! Makes a yank want to experience Wales! I would love to try to learn the language! The infrastructure & convenience that city people are used to are not in abundance but that’s the beauty of Wales! You put in the convenience factor in Wales in abundance & turn it into London,you will compromise the charm that is so important. My exposure on a small degree to Wales has given me a new found respect for the ruralness,lack of traffic & just the realization that you are in the presence of REAL living. I totally understand why you moved to Wales! Cary on!👍
hi buddy whos the guy doing bikes on tou tube id like to follow him cheers .
I’m from North Wales, a lovely area, your part of Wales is also lovely.
But the issue is employment and money, if you can be self sufficient and have a good business head and able to make money and earn a living that’s great then why would you swap it for living in a big town or city, but not everybody including myself is able to find a way to do those things, so I moved to Cheshire where employment is not such a big problem.
But hats off to you and your family for having the determination to stay put.👍
My mum's family were from mid-Wales. Many moved to south Wales to find work, then eventually moved to England in the 1950s, leaving behind only a few elderly relatives who could manage on their pensions. The last Welsh speaker in our family was my grandad.
We considered moving to the village the family was from, but then the pandemic and prices shot up. So we've put that on the back burner.
Edited to add: We used to stay several times a year with a lady who had a small converted barn on her property. After she had to move for health reasons, a new couple bought the property and now charge almost 4 times the weekly rent for the same barn. So we have been forced to look elsewhere for accommodation.
A lot of the comments could equally apply to where I live in rural Croatia. Narrow roads, limited infrastructure, most jobs are low paid, fairly conservative society. I'm hiring a van tomorrow and it will be a 1.5 hour drive to collect it. On the other hand there is zero crime, I've experienced numerous acts of kindness from strangers, there are no Council Tax bills and you can buy a house for the price of a modest new car.
This is such a great video. I spent many a summer holiday with my wife and son in Newport (Pembrokeshire) over recent years and now I reside in the Philippines; the rules over here are exactly the same.
Accept the differences, learn a bit of the language and be a decent human being.
Like you, I am very happy in an environment I wasn't born into.
I moved to the Isle of Wight and it appears to have many of the benefits of rural Wales but with better weather and easier access to all the mod cons.
Except for Greggs.🙃
Apparently Cardiff is the wettest city in the whole of the UK and that's something that people need to bear in mind when moving to Wales. It rains like bejeebus during the autumn and winter months - and I mean it rains!
💦☔💦☔💦☔💦☔💦☔😭
I have lived here for nearly 70 years, I ought to know.🤷🏼♀️
Wales has its pros and cons like everywhere else. Personally, I would love the Isle of Wight, lucky you!😍
20 years ago when I still lived in England, my wife and I visited North Wales on quite a few occasions. The people were almost universally lovely and welcoming, and we didn't just stick to the touristy places. It's nice to hear you refer to Rachel. I hope she's doing well, and I hope George is still with us!
We moved to the edge of the North Yorks Moors just over 25 years ago and wholeheartedly agree about costs and isolation but personally I get along with it - wife and daughter work retail jobs part time. I retired 3 years ago on a smallish pension which is well under half what I was earning when working but its about cutting your cloth accordingly - if you would have suggested this 4-5 years ago I'd have laughed in your face but I have to say life is good without the stresses and strains.
I spent over 7 years in the Shetland Islands but decided to return south to the Midlands so I can do more classic car socialising. I do miss Shetland terribly though. It'll always have a special place in my heart.
I grew up around that part of the world. I moved to Manchester when I was 19 and London a couple of years later. I've been here for getting on for thirty years and it suits me. I know the pro's and con's of living in rural Wales and I know the pro's and con's of living in a global capital city and I know what works for me. Just know what works for you and be glad that we're all different.
Absolutely. I fully understand why people want to live in bit cities but having grown up in one, I found a life I prefer. Especially as a car lover.
@@hubnotes I can't do suburbia though. Worst of all worlds!
I'm a mountain biker. Moving to Wales is the DREAM!!
No motorway closer than 3 miles, that sounds like heaven to me. I was born in Newport, south Wales, but was never allowed to learn Welsh, it was banned in school 60 years ago.
Are there any motorways in Wales? I've certainly not found any, but then I rarely venture farther south than Lanidloes, 'cos its foreign down there...
Never thought much about where you guys are in Wales but if Aberystwyth is not too far away then I now appreciate your trips to Holland/ Essex to get Betty’s parts etc. Ruddy Nora. Basically anywhere is a trek! Very interesting video.
Absolutely brilliant video ian ❤👍glad you love Wales most ppl would slag it of you have to look through the piece and quiet and beauty of it brilliant you can see with all your videos it's brilliant
Really interesting vlog, I live in a remote part of Scotland, moved here 10 years ago, it is 50 miles to the nearest supermarket. Many of the points that you spoke about I can resonate with. The exception are I have never met with any anti English sentiment and to be quite honest despite what the main stream media say our medical services are much better than those we left just outside of London.
I've been in Caerphilly for the last five years. I have a fairy tale castle outside my back door. It rains a lot, if it's not running down the street you don't even consider it to be raining.
I live near Bridgend in a village called COITY and I have a marvellous castle just around the corner from my house.
We’re from Warrington and our son is currently studying at Aberystwyth Uni, on our numerous trips over to Aberystwyth I’ve gotta say the views on our way over are amazing.
Me here in the beacons it's a stunning scenery in any direction I go waterfalls and forests and mountains and freedom that's why I live here.😊
Property prices are a huge problem anywhere that has become a holiday destination. Here in our little corner of Mauritius, we are surrounded by empty houses. Most are owned by non Mauritians. The cost of a house in our small town is at least 50% higher than equivalent property only 5Km further inland, we are only a 5 min walk from a Very nice beach. It suits us but means that locals can't even think about living here. We are very lucky to be able to live in such a wonderful place.
Around 3 months ago my family moved to a village in Leicestershire. I've always lived in or very near Birmingham until now. Growing up in wythall /Hollywood gave me the taste for rural life , my wife and daughter love it now. Much quieter. But still close enough to Tamworth and other towns . I think we found the perfect balance, and my car insurance went down by a tenner 😂.
I used to think Wythall was so rural!
@@hubnotes I've not been back there for a while . Its probably built up more now
I moved to wales alone a couple of years ago in the Cynon Valley, but I have a hospital at the bottom of my hill with an a and e, a big town a mile away along with trains to Cardiff, but when I get to my house all I can hear are birds singing and the stream down below my garden. I made sure to future proof myself as I got older but get to live that rural dream.
Diolch yn fawr Ian, a great video. I live in England but work & travel throughout Wales. Truly a beautiful country and the driving is mostly wonderful. Often near empty roads with stunning scenery.
WELSH SPEAKERS ARE IN A MINORITY AS 99% WELSH PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH !
@@cuntzxcvbnm red flag. Have a nap and calm down.
We retired to Wales 6 years ago ( closer to family) from Cornwall. We love being connected and able to travel to many more parts of the uk without that long drag out of Cornwall. We are just a few minutes from the M4 and can be in the middle of the Cotswolds in one & a half hours or West Wales in a similar time . We do travel to Cornwall quite often to reconnect with friends but we avoid those peek holiday months. The move to Wales was a good choice for us.
In the massif du Sancy where I used to live it's the same. Not much work outside of tourism, retail, services or farming.
Also very inhospitable weather is an affirmative and cold weather and snow driving.
It's very enjoyable living in such remote places even if it ain't easy. You appreciate the little things in life
Those jobs listed are really the only ones you'd want in a rural area or else it ceases to be rural and becomes another paved over concrete jungle.
Thanks Ian for a very frank discussion about living in a rural place as I live in North Norfolk and the grey tide second homes have killed several villages near me
what a lovely balanced stream of thought on wales
Us english and welsh always get the s end of the stick
Great vid, I moved to Wales in 98, though not rural in Flintshire, no regrets.👍
Thanks, Ian, for a very honest and informative video.
Lived in North wales for 2 years and loved every minute of it. Family who's farm I lived in, were kind, helpful and hospitable but quite shy. You see English was a foreign language to them.
But boy, the weather!! I learnt the adage "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing ".
I moved from Scotland to Australia for a better life and less populated country. Can you imagine it? I live in Victoria with a population of 6.3 million population, yet Victoria is the same size as the UK. Can you imagine if the UK only had 6.3 million?
Plus my love of motorcycle riding can be done all year, bliss for me.
I do like Victoria. Melbourne a bit hectic though!
@@hubnotes Yes I only go to the city by either rail or motorcycle. We have had a lot of rail upgrades the past wee while, new lines to many areas. But I'm not a city person, drove buses from East Lothian into Edinburgh for many years, I just hate city's now.
I saw a story of a Queensland family who moved to Scotland and love thy history and culture there. They wouldn't say it out loud but I know they meant Queensland lacks that.
The video is about Wales not Australia.
@@jamesfrench7299 yes I do miss the history, however Australian history does go back 40000 years from the first Aboriginals. There is also lots of dinosaur fossils which is quite interesting too.
Moved to SW Scotland 4 years ago and almost every point carries over exactly, even language takes time to adjust your ears, although not a totaly new one. The best part I find is that things just go at their own pace, which reminds me of my childhood in a rural English villiage. One thing is property prices are still attractive in the main, although expensive places are available.
Great little Video. I will relay it to some of my old friends in North Wales PA (Pennsylvania..). Give it a Google. Welsh is actually spoken (with reason..) there. They keep up with all the goings on over in the UK,ect.
I moved to west Wales around the same time as you. I love going for walks in the countryside. I don't drive, so I have to live in a small town with a bus connection! You're right, the buses are very few and far between, but the service from Aberystwyth to Caerfyrddin is excellent.
The T5 has now cut New Quay off the schedule at times. Hopeless. The T1 hopefully a sign of things to come.
Local groups are a great resource! Community theatres/art groups are good and it’s really important to support local businesses. My experience is around Montgomery and Bishops Castle (England, I know) but there is a thriving cultural life if you look for it.
The borderlands can give you the best of both worlds in my view.
Thanks Ian, really helpful and useful. I've been considering a return to the UK from the far east and Wales has been on my radar. Still not entirely certain the UK will be my final destination, but between your findings and the wonderful comments, I'm warming to the idea. My thanks to everyone in the comments and of course to Ian for this insightful discussion.
We lived in North Wales for four years, it was very nice living on the outskirts of a National Park and (occasionally) being able to see Yr Wyddfa from your bedroom window. But in the Winter it could be very bleak and lonely, we'd never owned a tumble drier until our first Winter in Wales where washing *never* dried. The A55 was a nice road, but there were times when it seemed very l-o-n-g returning home from work, because as you say there wasn't a lot of work in Wales and if you wanted to earn decent money you had to travel.
We've been back on a couple of occasions, and as much as it's nice to visit it's simply 'somewhere we used to live'. After four years there we started a family and decided that moving a little closer to the Grandparents would be better for all concerned and we had a pin-in-a-map moment and ended up living in rural Worcestershire.
Winters can be rough. Not through snow, just endless cold and damp! Novembers are particularly tough I find.
@@hubnotes we did get broadband before a good few of my friends back in London due to the rural broadband funding from Europe. My 512kbps (0.5Mbps) was the envy of a few friends. Indeed when we moved back to England it took a while to get the same level of service!
A very timely video for me. I'm strongly considering a move to North Wales, and had a fantastic ten days cycling from Swansea to Colwyn Bay in the summer. I've got friends and relatives both around Swansea, and dotted along the A55 from Chester towards Llanberis.
If all goes according to plan, I should be living there by next summer. Diolch!