Escapism
In addition to the opportunities for escapism...
From abseiling to white water rafting, world-class mountain biking to paragliding, karting to wall climbing, Wales has everything to offer those seeking adventure and an adrenalin buzz.
Its stunning coastline hosts a huge range of year-round outdoor activities for all ages, and there are many adventure centres, close to the Wales Coast Path, specialising in providing thrills and challenges.
Marsh Tracks in Rhyl is a 1.3km closed circuit cycling and national standard race track for BMX bikers. This traffic-free arena has challenging jumps and bends, and is part of a local project to provide low-cost sport. Or try the increasingly popular activity of kite surfing at Kinmel Bay.
Experience the thrill of sea fishing in the abundant waters around the Isle of Anglesey. A wide variety of fish have made their home in the wrecks close to shore so you get maximum fishing time with minimal travel. Anglesey is also popular for kayaking, surfing, coasteering, kite surfing and sea cliff climbing.
Against the awesome backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains, the coast of Gwynedd provides some of the best sea cliff rock climbing in the UK. The Llŷn Peninsula beaches have kite buggies and kite surfing. Abersoch majors in water sports, its nearby beaches at Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Porth Ceiriad and Porth Oer, exposed to the Atlantic swells, being ideal for surfers and body boarders. The flat water of Abersoch Bay is a favourite with water skiers and wake boarders.
Visit Plas Menai for some expert sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and power boating tuition in this magnificent location on the Menai Strait, overlooking Anglesey.
The Ceredigion coastline majors in adrenalin sports such as canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddle surfing, blokarting and paragliding. The area abounds in adventure centres - you can even learn to ski at Llangrannog.
Pembrokeshire is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Warm welcomes, great conditions and beautiful backdrops await surfers, sailors, windsurfers, kayakers, coasteerers and climbers. Try diving in the Wales’ Marine Nature Reserve at Skomer, the offshore islands of the Smalls or enjoy some of the finest shore diving around.
Skiing is perhaps the least likely activity you’d expect to find on the Coast Path but you can learn the skill or sharpen your moves on the artificial slopes at Pembrey – you don’t even need to bring your own equipment. There is also a specialist snowboarding area.
Gower has some great surfing beaches at Langland, Caswell and Llangennith. Surf schools operate at Caswell and Llangennith all year round. Aberavon has also become a popular surfing destination and regularly produces cleans swells suitable for beginners and more accomplished surfers. Or you can try your hand at stand up paddle boards.
Llandow Circuit is a1,450m long motor circuit and is the only fully floodlit outdoor kart circuit in Wales. Or try Porthcawl for a range of high adrenalin experiences including kite surfing.
Cardiff International White Water is one of the attractions in the capital city’s international sports village, and is ‘not for drips'. Take part in rafting, hydro speeding, kayaking and canoeing. Cardiff Bay a freshwater lake behind the barrage, hosts a range of year-round recreational activities, such as speed thrills in rigid inflatable boats and trips to the islands in the Bristol Channel.