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@IdleJon,noted about the volume of trails etc in the south, ridden a few over the past few years, you are right though about the number of riders which I guess could be viewed as a curse in itself, all depends what your riding preferences are: bike park/centre, unofficial trails (thats a whole discussion topic on its own!!).
@finephilly, Llandod still has its choice selection of users, a very small minority! But is no different to any other part of the UK now with similar social and behavioural issues.
For the most part its great here, fantastic scenery, great riding and nice people (mostly!)
@boredmarriedwithkids
I’ve literally just bought a house near llandod (llanbister) so great to hear your positive experiences of the area! Moving hopefully in January....Slightly apprehensive because of the language and (these) stories of anti-English feeling but plan to just be positive and throw ourselves into the local community. At the very least the riding/countryside will be good!
Slightly apprehensive because of the language and (these) stories of anti-English feeling but plan to just be positive and throw ourselves into the local community.
My stepmother is English, my sister in law is English. I'm in the office at the moment with about 10 other people around - 3 of them are English, with obvious English accents and all live around here (Swansea). There is genuinely nothing to worry about.
To back up IdleJon, its about attitude not accent. As long as you dont treat the area as if it was put there for your own leisure use, or treat the locals and the local culture as an inconvenience, you will be absolutely fine. We're only people, same as everywhere else in UK.
Yes and I'd add to that: Don't make jokes about the placenames or language; and don't talk about 'Wales' like it's one place!
lightly apprehensive because of the language and (these) stories of anti-English feeling
don't be. the whole anti English thing is a tired trope that people like to trot out. i'm not saying there aren't isolated incidents of people with chip on their shoulder (in the same where there may be in England against the welsh), but that's chippy individuals, not a regional or national trait.
as with most places, act like a dick, get treated like a dick. don't act like a dick try and integrate into the local community (if you want to) and you'll be fine
my dads side of the family are welsh, my mums side are English, i'm welsh but grew up on either side of the border at various times and for some reason have a southern UK lilt to my non-welsh accent (no idea why) - i can't remember any incidents of overt anti english sentiment directed at individuals at any point, even in the 70's in very isolated and insular north walian communities.
you do sometimes comes across a bit of resentment about the way the country has been treated historically in terms of exploitation of resources, dismantling of the countries industrial base etc, but that's more dissatisfaction with the industrialists or governments of the day, not the "english" per se - no different to how pockets of the north of England feel about the south historically
depending on where you settle you may also come across feelings of resentment on second home / holiday home ownership, with prices in many areas being driven up by those outside of the local market to the point where those living in the local market can't afford to buy - but that not a unique to wales - see lakes, Cornwall & Devon or any tourist area or rural areas in general these days. although Meibion Glyndw took it a little far!
oh, and i'd be tempted by mid-wales
Yup I'd heard tales about anti-English sentiment in Scotland but never experienced it in real life except once very mildly many years ago when I accidentally referred to England when I meant to say Britain, so kinda fair enough.
Lived in Glasgow for a few years and had not even a hint of unpleasantness - was mildly apprehensive about going to watch Celtic and going in certain pubs but also totally fine. People generally treat you as you treat them.
Cornwall
A very good point - my brother moved there and lasted about 5 years before giving up and moving back to Yorkshire. He is the friendliest, nicest, most smily and personable person in the world ever yet he encountered countless incidents of anti-English sentiment. He moved there with his job as they were short-staffed for field engineers in the region yet he was regularly accused of 'stealing jobs from locals' even by people working in the places he visited (mainly banks and shops - he fixes cashpoint machines and electronic tills). He was devastated to come home but couldn't cope with it.
I live in a village called Llanmaes about 6 miles from Barry. Work in Cardiff and cycle there every day. I moved from Newcastle Under Lyme about 15 years ago. Took a chance on uprooting everything for a new life. Never looked back. I love living down here. I can chose what type of riding I do. I couldn't drive until about 2 years ago so was mainly restricted to the road and my MTB's never got used and eventually sold for the skinny tyres. Now I've got a license and a car I can get to places like Afan/Glyncorrwg/Smilog and so on. Or I get on my road bike and can ride from Coast to mountains in an hour or two.
As long as you do the research into where to live it should be fine. Rhoose is nice. So are parts of Barry if you stay close to Porthkerry Park/The Knap. If you go up into the Valleys property is cheaper but I've never felt intimidated by anyone. Most of them are friendly enough even with my clearly English accent.