Owen Scourfield puts on his hiking boots and takes us on a tour of the best places to burn those Christmas calories.
You’re going to be full of turkey and trimmings and copious amounts of drink; at some point over the festive period you’re going to have to think about getting out of the house and putting those legs to good work. We’re very lucky here in Wales to have some of the best and most beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges in Britain. Maybe one of these walks or hikes will take your fancy to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.
Brecon Beacons
Just shy of Brecon town, Pen y Fan has seen an influx of interest in recent years; almost pilgrimage-esque. A selfie atop the summit seems to be in fashion lately. However, it actually is a great little walk with a number of routes of various difficulties. Whether you’re setting off from Llangorse Lake or Storey Arms, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you’re heading back down to lower ground; selfie or no selfie.
One of the southernmost peaks of the Black Mountains, sitting a little north of Abergavenny, is the Sugar Loaf. There’s easy ascents on offer from the nearby car park, or if you’re after something a little more challenging, try a longer ascent from Abergavenny itself, or Crickhowell. If you’re lucky on a clear day, from the summit you can catch sight of the Bristol Channel and Somerset to the south, the Cotswolds to the east and the hills of Shropshire to the north.
Info: www.breconbeacons.org
Waterfall Country
In the heart of the Neath Valley lies Waterfall Country. Park up in Pontneddfechan or Ystradfellte and head out into the Afon Mellte or Hepste river gorges and beyond on an adventure as big or small as you like; there’s room to tailor your trek as long or short as you want. One route heads out to Sgwd Yr Eira (Snow Falls), where, if you’re feeling brave you can step right behind the curtain of water as it flows over the rock face. Look out for Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls), the Sychryd Cascades and Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd Falls); the highest waterfall in south Wales with a drop of 27m!
Info: www.breconbeacons.org/waterfall-country
Pembrokeshire Coast
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail boasts 186 miles of the most breathtaking twisting and turning coastal scenery around. Starting in St Dogmaels in the North, it finishes in the South in Amroth. You’ll be sure to catch all sorts of sights, as the trail covers all sorts of maritime landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sheltered bays to wide-open, stunning beaches. Situated almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — Britain’s only coastal national park – the trail has reportedly a total of 35,000 feet of ascents and descents; the equivalent of climbing Everest. You haven’t got to do it all at once mind.
Info: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Snowdonia
It would be rude not to mention the collection of mountains and hills that includes the country’s highest peak. For those hardcore walkers and climbers out there, you may want to push your limits and walk off those extra pounds. Snowdon is doable for many. If you are moderately fit, it should be within your limits. There’s six main routes to the summit, one of which, the Watkin Trail is very pleasant this time of year. The railway is always an option if you’re sporting a slight Christmas hangover.
Tryfan is another favourite for the more experienced walkers, and will more than clear your head. Some routes here are bordering on mountaineering, and if you like scrambling then you’re in luck – this journey is considered by many as the best mountain walk in Britain. If you hit the summit, you have the option of taking a ‘leap of faith’ between two rocks, three metres high, four feet apart, known as Adam and Eve. Tradition has it that anyone who can complete the jump receives the ‘Freedom of Tryfan’.
Info: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk