Here are some truly thrilling ways to quench your thirst for endorphins, a full-body workout or simply a face full of water… right here in Wales.
Zip World
Boasting the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest in the world, zipping through caverns or the stunning Welsh vistas is more than enough to satisfy any thrill seekers. The experience offers a place to eat, downtime between zips to take in the views as well as smaller ziplines for experience. This builds up your confidence for the Big Zipper, on which you will be prepared to reach speeds exceeding 100mph as you fly across quarry lake.
Locations in Bethesda, Betws-y-Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst. £75-85 per person. Info: 01248 601444 / www.zipworld.co.uk
Cardiff International White Water
On the hunt for (indoor) exhilaration and challenges? Cardiff International White Water hosts numerous ways to satisfy your desires, including rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, wall climbs, air trails and gorge walking. Whether it be for family, friends, a stag/hen or colleagues, this is an ideal way to spice up a weekend or try something new to fulfil that new year’s resolution.
Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay. Prices vary. Info: 029 2082 9970 / www.ciww.com
Porthcawl Surf School
Nothing quite compares to taking charge of a wave and having it crash back into you. So why not master these waves atop a surfboard? Whether it’s a one-off lesson – they cater to stag and hen weekends – or the blossoming of a new-found hobby, Porthcawl Surf School can boast courses pitched at multiple levels of surfing ability, including ones specifically for women and children.
Rest Bay Car Park, Porthcawl. Price: £30 beginners. Info: 07583 348013 / www.porthcawlsurf.co.uk
Snowdonia
The highest peak in Wales does not sell itself short. The ascent of Snowdonia features numerous creeks and awe-inspiring views as you journey to the summit, where the ‘leap of faith’ – two rocks with a small yet intimidating gap between them – awaits you. Those craving thrills can opt to leap across. A journey like no other available in Wales, feeling as close to nature as you can get, witnessing the majesty of this edifice.
Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd. Free. Info: 01690 710426 / www.visitsnowdonia.info
Mountain Bike Afan Forest Trail
Fancy travelling, battling against nature and traversing the landscapes? Why not take upon a mountain bike trail in Afan Forest? Suited more towards experienced riders (other trails are available for alternatives) as the forest is no mere casual feat, the trail will challenge, hone your skills and test your endurance. Putting you through your paces until sweat is smeared across your brow and adrenaline courses through your body, the thrill of the forest is yours.
Afan Forest Park, near Cynonville. Free. Info: 01639 850564 / www.mbwales.com/agents/afan-forest-park
A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trip
A connection with, and close-range observing of, wildlife can be an experience to increase the heartbeat, and Wales is not short of fascinating creatures to behold. Wildlife boat trips around Cardigan Bay sport the most wonderful and aww-inspiring animal sightseeing around, featuring varieties of seabirds, dolphins and grey seals. Budding animal enthusiasts and explorers should leap at this opportunity, as there is nothing quite so magical as being close to animals in their natural habitat.
Cardigan Bay, South Wales. Price: £25-£50 adults/£12-25 kids. Info: 01239 623558 / www.baytoremember.co.uk