The summer sun’s high in the sky and calling you to come out to play. We’ve come up with a handy guide to help you discover Wales and make the most of the weather.
EXPERIENCES
Compiled by LYNDA NASH
OUTER REEF SURF & SUP SCHOOL
Pembroke
If you’re cool with getting wet, Pembroke has the water for it. Learn to surf and stand-up paddleboard. Lessons run daily until the end of October with qualified instructors eager to help you catch a wave.
Info: 01646 680070 / www.outerreefsurfschool.com
ZIP WORLD VELOCITY
Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda
If you’re over the age of 10 and looking for an adrenaline rush, why not take to the sky and slide down the fastest zip line in the world at over 100mph. Enjoy a stunning view as far as Anglesey and the Isle Of Man, then chill out in the picnic area or take a quarry tour.
Price: £70. Info: 01248 601444 / www.zipworld.co.uk
CHEPSTOW STAMPEDE
Chepstow Racecourse
The countdown is on for an event that will suit all ages. Test your strength and endurance as you tackle ditches and mud pits on the 5k or 10k course on Sat 21 Oct. Scale steep banks and man-made horse hurdles in the picturesque surroundings of Chepstow Racecourse and Piercefield Park.
Price: £30. Info: 01291 622260 / www.chepstowstampede.com
FOUR FALLS WALK
Brecon Beacons
If you fancy a gentler and less muddy activity that’s free for the whole family, why not stroll through waterfall country on the Four Falls Trail. Take an audio trip back in time and find out what life was like for the men and women who worked in the gunpowder trade. Discover the National Park’s hidden rocks, hill forts, mine works and caves and see if you can locate the entrance to the fairy kingdom…
Info: www.breconbeacons.org
BOG SNORKELLING
Waen Rhydd Peat Bog, Llanwrtyd Wells
If getting down and dirty is your thing, Britain’s smallest town is hosting the World Bog Snorkelling Championships again this year on Mon 28 Aug. In this simple sporting event, serious competitors use flipper power to ‘swim’ two lengths of a 60-yard trench. The less competitive can don a costume and take part in the novelty category. If you’re not fond of muddy water or the smell of decaying organic matter, spectating may be your preferred option.
Info: www.green-events.co.uk
RESIDENTIAL WELSH COURSES
Llithfaen, Pwllheli
Prefer to use your brain not your brawn? Then why not learn Wales’ mother tongue on a tailor-made course in the stunning Nant Gwrtheyrn heritage site. Whether you’re a beginner or an improver, practise your conversational skills with the locals and enjoy Welsh food and entertainment.
Price: £130-£496. Info: 01758 750334 / www.nantgwrtheyrn.org
ESCAPE ROOMS
Cardiff
Become a sleuth and work against the clock to solve the clues in 60 minutes in a real-life escape game. Get locked in ‘The Tomb’, Sherlock Holmes’ office, or endeavour to steal precious artefacts in ‘The Heist’. A great group activity – could you think logically and work as a team to make it out in time?
Price: £16-£27. Info: 029 2167 9700 / www.escaperoomscardiff.co.uk
ORIGINAL OUTDOORS
Maes Gwyn, Rhewl, Ruthin
Those of you who love eating and whose taste buds are open to suggestions might like to experience an alternative way of sourcing food. On a one-day Foraging And Wild Food Course you will scour the Ruthin fields, woodland and hedgerows for the season’s edible plants. Skilled instructors will guide you through the laws of foraging, and back at base you’ll be shown how to prepare your assortment and to create a flavoursome meal.
Price: £50. Info: 01824 703121 / www.originaloutdoors.co.uk