Activities in South Wales
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A
Mike Mayberry Kayaking
Offers instruction courses (one/two days £87/147) and guided kayaking tours for more experienced paddlers.
reviewed
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B
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Walks
You can put together coastal walks of all lengths starting from Caerfai Bay, three-quarters of a mile south of town, and following the coastal path to Porthclais (2 miles), St Justinian (6.5 miles) or Whitesands Bay (8.5 miles), returning to town on the Celtic Coaster bus.
The section from Porthclais to St Justinian is especially fine, with wild coastal scenery, plenty of wildlife (look out for seals, porpoises, sparrowhawks, choughs, gannets and cormorants) and views across turbulent Ramsey Sound to Ramsey Island.
reviewed
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C
Tintern and Return
The classic Tintern and Return walk begins at the tourist office and heads upriver along the Wye Valley path to Tintern Abbey, returning via the Offa's Dyke Path on the eastern bank. The total distance is around 13 miles; allow a full day, with lunch at Tintern. The tourist office sells a leaflet to accompany the walk, but you'll also need Ordnance Survey Landranger map No 162 (also available from the tourist office). You can cut the walk short at Tintern and return to Chepstow (or continue to Monmouth) by bus.
reviewed
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D
Guided Tours
You'll need at least half a day to do justice to St David's Cathedral. In July and August there are 90-minute guided tours at 14:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; at other times, tours can be arranged in advance. The one led by the dean himself, a history and archaeology scholar, is recommended.
reviewed
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Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path finishes in St Dogmaels, a mile west of Cardigan town centre. You can hike the final section of the coast path in reverse from Cardigan Bridge to Ceibwr Bay (9 miles) via Cemaes Head, then cut inland to Moylgrove village (1 mile) and return on the Poppit Rocket bus.
reviewed
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Teifi Marshes
You can walk or cycle from Cardigan through the Teifi Marshes to the Welsh Wildlife Centre - from Finch Square head east along Pont-y-Cleifion to the roundabout, turn right, cross the bridge and descend the stairs on the right, then follow the trail east under the bridge (1 mile).
reviewed
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E
Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre
Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre offers half-day/full-day/week-long trips on the Wye in two-seater Canadian canoes (around £25/around £30/around £180) or single kayaks (£18/£20/£120). Canoe transport and guides/instructors cost extra.
reviewed
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F
Rainbow Sailing School
If the sight of all those yachts in the marina has tempted you to have a go at sailing, Rainbow Sailing School offers taster days, suitable for families and beginners with no previous experience (around £75 per person, minimum of three people).
reviewed
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G
Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow Racecourse, set in rolling parkland alongside the River Wye just north of the town centre, is one of Britain's most famous horse-racing venues and home to Wales' most prestigious race meeting, the Welsh National on 27 December.
reviewed
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Catalina
The Catalina, a vessel that can carry up to 120 passengers, offers 1¼-hour cruises around Caldey Island and St Margaret's Island (without landing) to view birds and seals; in July and August there are also two-hour sunset cruises.
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Cycle Hire Pembrokeshire
There is pleasant cycling on minor roads around the peninsula - the Celtic Way cycle route passes through St David's - but no off-road action (the coast path is for walkers only). You can rent bikes from Cycle Hire Pembrokeshire .
reviewed
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H
St David's Cycle Hire
There is pleasant cycling on minor roads around the peninsula - the Celtic Way cycle route passes through St David's - but no off-road action (the coast path is for walkers only). You can rent bikes from St David's Cycle Hire.
reviewed
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Tenby Fishing
Tenby Fishing offers sea-angling trips to fish for mackerel in the waters around Caldey Island; all tackle is supplied, and the trips are suitable for kids. Book your trips at the kiosk next to the Caldey Island ticket kiosk.
reviewed
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Heritage Canoes
If you fancy taking to the river, head for Heritage Canoes at the Welsh Wildlife Centre. They offer guided canoe trips through Cilgerran Gorge on the River Teifi (adult/child around £25/£15 for 2½ hours).
reviewed
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Wales National Pool
The shiny new Wales National Pool is the only 50m swimming pool in Wales; it's open for lane-swimming only during the week, but on Saturday and Sunday the 25m training pool is open for recreational swimming sessions.
reviewed
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Tawe Tour
The Tawe Tour is a 5-mile walking/cycling trail, running northwards along the River Tawe, past former industrial sites, to Morriston. You can get free booklets and maps from the tourist office.
reviewed
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I
Tenby Watersports
Tenby Watersports arranges water-skiing, wakeboarding, speed-boat rides and kayak hire. Keen surfers should head to Tenby South Beach, which offers some of the best breaks in Pembrokeshire.
reviewed
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J
Celtic Diving
Runs half-day scuba-diving taster sessions in its own practice pool (£65), as well as PADI-certificated diving courses. Dive sites include several wrecks.
reviewed
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K
Nucleus
You can go surfing at Langland and Caswell Bays, near the Mumbles - get advice and hire gear from Nucleus; hire of a board and wetsuit for a full/half-day.
reviewed
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L
TYF Adventure
TYF Adventure organises coasteering, surfing, sea kayaking and rock-climbing trips, charging around £45/around £85 for a half-day/full day.
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Town Trails
Guided walks of Tenby's historical sites are run by Town Trails. There are 1¼- to 1½-hour walks, with themes such as ghosts or pirates.
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Swansea Bike Path
You can walk or cycle along the Swansea Bike Path, a pleasingly flat 5-mile waterfront trail that runs from the Maritime Quarter to the Mumbles.
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Bay Watersports
You can hire surf-skis and windsurfers at Bay Watersports. You can also get windsurfing lessons. Opening times depend on tides and weather.
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Ma Sime's Surf Hut
Ma Sime's Surf Hut rents wetsuits, surfboards and body boards, and can arrange surf lessons with Whitesands Surf School.
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