Day one
Start The Coastal Way adventure in Pembrokeshire, UK’s only Coastal National Park, with an action packed day of activity. There are three options.
Celtic Quest Coasteering offer coasteering adventures from Abereiddy beach which is located near the famous Blue Lagoon, home of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Two hours are spent in the water, so with briefing and changing, half day is needed. Discounts are available for groups over six and include the use of wet suits and equipment.
Preseli Venture offer eco conscious self catering cottages of different sizes, plus inspirational adventure days for individuals, families and groups. The Preseli Venture Eco Barn (sleeps 8) and the delightful Courtyard Cottages (sleeping from 2 to 8) are nestled on the side of a beautiful wooded valley, just one mile from the coast and 2 spectacular beaches. Activities which are all bookable include wildlife boat trips, coasteering, sea kayaking, wild swimming, yoga and surfing. Conveniently located on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, there are various wonderful hiking trail where clients can also enjoy circular walks right from their accommodation at Preseli Venture. The road leading to the venue is suited for cars and mini buses. Discounts of 10% are offered for groups at both venues, but group size for the discount to be applicable varies. Booking is essential.
Clients can enjoy coasteering, climbing, stand up paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking at TYF Adventure. Clients can also hire a bike to enjoy the Pembrokeshire countryside. They also offer a Coastal Explorer package for a full day's excursion. Coach parking is available in Haverfordwest town centre.
Day two
Walk a section of the Ceredigion Coast Path, a 4.8 mile (7.7 km) walk from Aberporth to Llangrannog (moderate/hard) or if your clients prefer they can choose a shorter section 2 miles (3.2 km) from Aberporth to Tresaith (easy/moderate). The route information including downloadable maps can be found on the website.
Your next stop is the harbour town of New Quay where your clients can see the wildlife on the water with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips. A range of trips are available lasting between 1-2hrs. Private charters ranging from 1hr to 4hrs for up to 12 guests can also be booked. It’s not just dolphins you can encounter but porpoises, Atlantic grey seals and various bird species such as guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
An alternative option for the day is to spend it with Adventure Beyond located on Cardigan Bay. They offer a wide range of bespoke water and land activities for all abilities. Clients can take on the white water rapids by raft, tube or kayak, or experience other watersports available. There's adventure racing, hill walking, and climbing for those who don’t want to get wet! Sunrise and sunset tours can also be booked when available. Groups for up to 30 can be accommodated with group rates available. Advance booking is required.
Approximate distance: St Davids - New Quay - Aberaeron 61 miles (99 km)
Approximate driving time: 1hr 42min
Accommodation
Day three
Take the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge travelling almost 12 miles (19 km) on a 1hr journey in each direction, taking in spectacular views of the wooded Rheidol Valley. Refreshments are available at the Aberystwyth Station shop The Two Hoots Café at Devil’s Bridge.
At Devil's Bridge Falls there are two walks to choose providing an opportunity to see the cascading waterfalls of the River Mynach. The Nature Trail, Waterfalls and 3 Bridges walk takes around 45min with a climb of 675 steep stone steps. An easier walk is the Punchbowl and 3 Bridges which takes around 10min with 300 slate steps.
Stop off at the Dyfi Osprey Project near Machynlleth which is home to the birds of prey from April to September (although dates aren’t precise). Alternatively, clients can visit at the start of day four.
Return to the previous night's accommodation.
Approximate distance: Aberystwyth - Machynlleth 18 miles (29 km)
Approximate driving time: 29min
Accommodation
Day four
The 9.5 miles (15 km) Mawddach Trail along the Mawddach estuary is traffic free which can be walked and cycled following the former railway line between Dolgellau and Barmouth. The views are stunning across the valley in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and the route takes cyclists past the wooden railway bridge at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary into Barmouth. There are bike rental shops in Dolgellau.
Longer rides are available for the more adventurous. The trail links the final section of the South Snowdonia Greenway, a 27 mile (43 km) route beginning at Llyn Trawsfynydd cycling though through moorlands and forests in South Snowdonia.
Alternatively, golf enthusiasts can play a round of golf at Royal St David’s Golf Club near Harlech. This world renowned links course lies between the sand dunes and the rocky outcrop dominated by 13th Century Castell Harlech (Harlech Castle). The course has challenged golfers both amateur and professional alike.
Another option is to walk the Meirion Trail in and around Harlech. Five chairs with a story to tell using a QR code can be discovered on the 2 mile (3.2 km) trail.
Approximate distance: Machynlleth - Abersoch 61 miles (97 km)
Approximate driving time: 1hr 34min
Accommodation
Day five
Travel to Abersoch and take a walk on the Wales Coast Path. The breathtaking panoramic views offer plenty of photo opportunities. They include Hell's Mouth Bay (Porth Neigwl), Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli, Isle of the Saints), Cardigan Bay and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Travel to onward destination.
Be safe!
Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.
- Find safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast on the Visit Wales website.
- Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.