Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in 49 surface soil samples (0-5 cm depth) collected throughout Wales with the intention of defining typical or background levels. PCB concentrations ranged from < 0.2 - 12.2 μg ∑PCB kg ^-1 soil with a mean and median of 3.1 and 2.5 μg kg ^-1 respectively. Some regional differences were apparent, notably the tendency for higher PCB concentrations in the south and near industrial conurbations. The results are compared to data from other surveys of PCBs in U.K. soils, and in relation to soil properties. Some of the implications of PCBs detected in soils and the pathways leading to human exposure are discussed.