British Scenery

Great Britain is the biggest island of the British Isles, which are situated off the north- west coast of the European continent. The British Isles also include Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The coasts of the British Isles are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Norwegian, North and Irish Seas and two big channels (the English Channel and the North Channel).

All these waters were a good protection against the attacks of outside peoples. The seas around the British Isles are shallow, but shallow water is warmer, so it makes the climate milder and besides, warm water is the home for millions of fish and many tons are caught every year.

The rivers of Britain are quite short and usually they are not of great value, as water ways, so few of them are navigable. The longest rivers are the Severn (220 miles, 354 km.) and the Thames (215 miles, 346 km.).

The highest mountains are in Scotland and Wales. Ben Nevis is 4,406 feet (1,085m.)and Snowdon is 3,560 feet(1,085 m).Of course, they are very small compared with other mountains in the world - Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is 29,000 feet (8,839m.).

Britain has a great variety of scenery. There are mountains and moors, forests and marshes (болото) and its spectacular coastline includes cliffs, bays and sandy beaches.

Geographically, the island of GB is divided into two main regions: Lowland Britain and Highland Britain. ^.

Lowland Britain comprises southern and eastern England.

Highland Britain consists of Scotland, most of Wales, the broad central upland of England (known as the Pennines), and the Lake District of the north of England.

Thus, you see that of all Britain's parts England occupies the most favourable geographical position. In comparison with Wales and Scotland, its climate is drier; the soils are richer and better suited to farming. The south coast has a mild sunny climate which makes it popular with holiday-makers. Besides in Southern England you may find some of the oldest settlements and traces of ancient monuments such as Stonehenge. The south- west part of England offers the best beaches for surfers because of the large Atlantic waves.

But some of the country's most inspiring landscapes await you in the north of England. This peaceful region boasts five National Parks. In Cambria you'll find the Lake District, a stunning combination of mountains, lakes and streams that have inspired many poets, artists and writers. The spectacular views of the Lake District are a magnet to fell-walkers, climbers and water sport enthusiasts.

As for Scotland, there are no national parks there. The rocks are harder and older than those of England. The soils are poor, thin and stony. Though, the scenery of Scotland is no less beautiful than the landscapes of England. But its beauty is often described as rugged and forbidding. You can admire dramatic mountains, deep glens and jewel-like lochs there. The best known is Loch-Ness where some people think a large monster lives.

The ocean bounds Scotland on all sides except for its southern border with England, but the coasts are broken by high rocky cliffs, so Scotland is less popular as a seaside resort than England. Besides, the climate is wetter there.

The pride of Wales in scenery is Snowdonia. It is famous for the wild beauty of its mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The Snowdonia National Park is ideal for climbing and walking holidays. Besides, thousands of people spend their summer holidays at the seaside resorts on the North Wales coast which is known for its sandy beaches.

Geographically, most of Wales is occupied by the Cambrian Mountains and much of the land is suitable only for pasture.

The beautiful and often romantic countryside of Ireland attracts many visitors from abroad. Areas popular with tourists include the Giant’s Causeway and Glen’s of Antrim in Northern Ireland.

So, as you see, Great Britain is a surprisingly varied land in many different ways. The landscape is different in different parts of the country due to its unique features. All these differences make the image of Britain fascinating and exciting. You can never explore Britain so thoroughly that there will be no place to visit for you.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14