It is no wonder that the small but diverse country of Wales is often described as the adventure capital of Europe. It’s majestic peaks, fast flowing rivers and miles and miles of coastline have created the perfect playground for thrill seekers and adventure lovers to enjoy. From hiking, mountain biking, caving, climbing, surfing, canoeing and even zooming through the air at 100 miles per hour, it is safe to say that adrenaline junkies will get their fix on a holiday to Wales.
Here are our top six adventure activities in Wales.
1. Hiking and gorge walking
With three National Parks, including Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast, there is no shortage of fantastic hiking in Wales. From trails scaling mountain peaks and knife edge ridges to gentle low land walks and coastal paths, there is something to suit every walking ability. For those wanting the ultimate hiking adventure why not give gorge walking a go? Be prepared to get wet as you scramble along mountain streams, climb waterfalls and jump into natural pools. The Afon Ddu Gorge near Betws y Coed in North Wales and the Clydach gorge in Monmouthshire in South Wales are both popular gorge walking spots but you will find a number of gorge walking providers in different locations to choose from.
2. Watersports
There are plenty of opportunities for watersports lovers to don their wetsuits on a holiday in Wales. Enjoy a leisurely canoe along the River Wye, or try your hand at sea kayaking off the island of Anglesey. You can have a go at a number of different activities at the Watersports Centre at Lake Bala (or Llyn Tegid to the locals), from canoeing and kayaking to sailing, windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding.
For those of you who would rather get in the water, there are plenty of spots to go wild swimming or catch some waves. Experienced surfers regularly ride the waves at popular spots such as Rhossili and Porth Neigwl (otherwise known as Hell’s Mouth) but there are also number of surf schools dotted along the coast for those wanting to learn the ropes.
If you are looking to try something a bit different why not combine swimming, scrambling, climbing and leaping into the sea into one activity?! You can try the increasingly popular activity of coasteering in several locations in Wales, including the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast and the rugged Llyn Peninsula.
Finally, no adrenaline junkie’s visit to Wales would be complete without experiencing the infamous rapids at the National Whitewater Centre near Bala in North Wales. The dam-controlled River Tryewryn enjoys good water levels all year round, making it the perfect activity whatever the weather!
3. Mountain biking
From steep mountain trails to gentle forest rides and technical bike parks, there is a huge amount of choice for those who like to spend their holiday on two wheels. Sitting on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Bike Park Wales offers the ultimate mountain bikers’ day out. Boosting the longest green and blue descent in the UK, and with over 40 trails to choose from, there is plenty to keep the keenest thrill seekers happy here.
The popular bike park of Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau also offers miles and miles of purpose built mountain bike trails ranging from the family friendly ‘MinorTaur’ (where adaptive mountain bikes can also be used) to the technical and physical challenge of the ‘Beast’ – perfect for serious mountain bike addicts.
If you really want to get your pulse racing test your metal on the mountain bike trails at the uplift assisted Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Snowdonia National Park. Whilst not for the faint hearted there are 14 different trails ranging from green to black and a lovely café to refuel halfway through the day.
4. Underground adventures
If you are looking to escape the inclement weather head underground for a day of adventurous activities with an interesting twist. Sitting in the Snowdonia National Park, at Go Below you can journey beneath the mountain by ziplining, climbing, abseiling and boating your way through a disused slate mine. Or head underground at Bounce Below where you can bounce on huge trampolines, explore the underground caverns or even have a round of underground golf! There is something here for all the family – both big and little kids alike.
For a more traditional day caving head to Porth-yr-Ogof in the Brecon Beacons. From pot holes, caverns and passages this extensive cave system has it all.
5. Ziplining and high ropes
Wales is a fantastic destination for ziplining. If you are holidaying in North Wales, head to Zip World’s Velocity where you will fly over Penryn Quarry at speeds of up to and over 100 miles per hour (the fastest zip line in the world!). Whilst you are here you can also fly down the mountain on a Quarry Kart – the UK’s only Mountain Cart experience – or soar through the air on the twisty and turny Areo Explorer. Just down the road in the Conwy Valley, nestled in a stunning woodland, Zip World’s Fforest offers another day packed full of high octane adventures. Zoom through the trees on the Fforest coaster, bounce on the Treetop nets, enjoy the high ropes course or if you are feeling brave have a go on Skyride – Europe’s highest giant swing.
The first Zip World site to open in South Wales, Zip World Tower mirrors the adventure hubs of its’ sister sites in the north. Fly across the Rhigos mountain range on the world’s fastest seated zip line, take part on an adventure activity course sitting high above the ground on the Tower Climber or start your ziplining experience with the mini Tower Flyer.
6. Rock climbing and abseiling
It won’t come as any surprise that the rugged mountains in Wales also boosts some fantastic climbing spots. Llanberis, the picturesque village at the bottom of Mount Snowdon, is a great place to meet likeminded climbers and venture up the Pass to one of the UK’s most iconic rock-climbing valleys. There are plenty of local guides to show you the ropes if you need some instruction. Alternatively, head to the coast for a spot of cliff climbing. Both Anglesey and The Gower have some fantastic sea cliff climbing for those that have a good head for heights.
When the weather isn‘t on your side there are a number of indoor climbing centres including The Beacon near Caernarfon and The Boathouse in Llandudno in North Wales and Dynamic Rock near Swansea and Llangorse Multi Activity Centre near Brecon in South Wales.
With so many activities to choose from you may return from your holiday in Wales needing another holiday! If you are ready for an adventure browse our huge selection of properties located in both North Wales and South Wales – ranging from large family friendly houses to cosy and romantic cottages.
Croeso i gymru!