Red the Dragon Visits Tenby Museum & Art Gallery

Joe's Ice Cream in Solva

We could spend weeks in this lovely summer haven, but we’ve got more miles to cover so we head out again  hugging the coast as we make our way toward St. David’s. Somewhere along the road, we realize that we never did find that Joe’s Ice cream stand we heard about from Victoria, Beverly and Tracey on Facebook. It sounded so scrumptious, that we actually think about going back. But just then, we pass a Joe’s sign in a little town called Solva. Red flies out of the car and heads straight for it, and I am so glad we stopped. Not only is Joe’s the most luscious ice cream I’ve ever tasted, Solva captures my imagination with its quaint main street full of art galleries and craft shops. Our Facebook friends John Burns and Sue Wilson were right to recommend it.

Raul Speek Gallery in Solva

 We wander past an inviting wildflower garden bursting with color as it slopes up a hill and toward the old town chapel. Inside, we find the work of Cuban born artist and musician Raul Speek. Paintings full of passion merge tropical colors with local images. The marriage of a vibrant Cuban aesthetic with the mystical Welsh coast casts a seductive spell. Raul’s paintings echo the day-dreamy charm of Solva. Red has to summon all his dragon powers to avoid the fate of two cats lulled to sleep by Raul’s enchanting painted fish. The magic of this shop lingers over us as we make our way toward the town’s Quay.

We admire the tiny harbor dotted with sailboats and families on holiday. I am tempted to take a cruise around the little islands off Solva’s coast, but after all that ice cream, Red has a dragon sized craving for fish & chips. Even the chance to see a live lobster pot on a Solva Boat Trip can’t pull him away from lunch. So we stop at a cottage restaurant called ThirtyFIVE, where you can sit by the harbor and dine on crab and lobster caught on their fishing boat. The food is fresh, humble but delicious. Next time we come to Wales, we’ll stay above ThirtyFIVE in the Feliniog Bed and Breakfast. It promises some of the most magnificent views of Solva’s harbor. But for now, it’s onward down the road and into St. David’s to see the Cathedral.

St. David's Cathedral

It’s amazing how a few miles can yield a dramatic change in the weather. The patron saint of Wales shines over this day with glorious clear skies in St. David’s. The sun is out, the heat is on and what seems like a thousand flower garden cafes are brimming with hungry travelers. There are families picnicking, hikers, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, swimmers and of course, pilgrims. In fact, it was once said that two pilgrimages to St. Davids equaled one to Rome. One glimpse of the stunning cathedral and we understand why. Its ancient walls hold the spiritual heart of Wales, carved into the ornate oak ceiling, reflected in the jeweled glass windows, and renewed in the services held here each day.

Red’s sharp dragon eyes catch ghost-like figures cast across a few stone pillars in the cathedral. It turns out they’re not ghosts at all. Rather, he’s haunted by a pair of blurry painted images, once vibrant religious renderings designed to inspire worshippers. Their muted presence reminds us that across the centuries, the saints, clergymen and devotees who dedicated their lives to this cathedral still live on in its walls. Stepping out into the late afternoon sun, we’re awestruck by the silent majesty of St. David’s. It makes us long to experience one of nature’s cathedrals, and so the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park beckons. We head out to witness sunset atop its stony hills.

Dina's Head Trail

 Dina’s head is an easy two-hour hike circling from the eastern edge of Fishguard Bay to Newport Bay and back. Ascending up hills of pink heather and onto soft green cliffs, we watch the mists roll up the rocks from the beaches below. Scenes of children playing in the sand give way to groves of lazy cattle and sheep grazing contently on sweet grasses. Red is in dragon-heaven and thinks he just might make this his new lair. But much as we want to camp here for the night, we’re due in Aberaeron for dinner and an overnight treat at one of the finest spots in town…

Is that a look of fear?

Here it’s called Canyoning but I don’t care what it’s called its bloody good fun.

If I was pushed to give it my own name I think I’d go for Human Poo Sticks or Rubber Clad Lemmings or a more mature Inland Coasteering.

A family outing

It was my nephews 18th birthday and his dad (an even bigger kid) arranged for a bunch of his family and friends to go canyoning in an area know as Waterfall country in the Brecon Beacons.
Famous for its deep gorges and network of caves and underground caverns. It’s a mecca for cavers, walkers and canoeist.

The big kid in the pink tutu

On this sweltering day in late March we took it turns to wear the birthday boys pink tutu as we traversed rocky ledges, propelled down water shoots, launched off 20 foot cliffs and shimmied on our bellies over the shallow rocky river bed. You see contrary to popular misconception it doesn’t always rain in Wales and the river Mellte was in serious need of a down pouring to satisfy the steady stream of adrenaline chasers it attracts.

The insiders guide

Worth saying it’s essential you go with a qualified instructor. Andy Meek, manager of the local outdoor centre knew the river and steep wooded gorges like back of his hand, which added to everyone’s overall sense of ease, especially my ‘born to worry’ mum.

Andy’s local knowledge also brought the magical gorge to life for the kids who where wide eyed when he pointed out the remains of the gunpowder factory and the silica mines whose horses would wear leather shoes to protect their metal horse shoes from creating sparks and igniting an almighty explosion. All great stuff when you’re ten and seven years old.

Riverside Picnic

We wrapped up the afternoon picnicking by the river bank and taking short sharp dips in the cold mountain water. A brilliant day – Happy 18th Birthday Ross!

If you fancy giving canyoning a go try some of these local activity centres:

Storey Arms Outdoor Centre

Call of the Wild

Black Mountain Activity Centre

Wales Outdoors

For more general local information contact: The Tourist Information Centre on 01639 636674.  Waterfalls Information Centre 01639 721795

For activity centres across Wales.

View more canyoning images at Wales1000things.

Not really a green event, more of a muddy brown one

World Cup Fever

Well, as we near the end of one World Cup another set of the worlds finest athletes are congregating to pit their levels of skill and fitness against each other.

Yes, it’s the first two events that make up the World Bog Series – ‘World Mountainbike Bog Snorkelling’ and the ‘Bog Snorkelling Triathlon’

These will be held at Llanwrtyd Wells, home to the legendary ‘Man v Horse’ race and ‘The Real Ale Wobble’ amongst other weird and wonderful events.

Extreme Underwater Mountainbiking

Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling is not only difficult to say, it’s a true test of physical fitness aswell.

Contestants hurtle(!), fully submerged, along the bottom of a six feet trench carved out of a welsh peat bog, handicapped only by a wet suit, a snorkel and some diving weights. This one is a time trial

Gruelling Bog Snorkelling Triathlon

If the submerged mountain biking leaves you feeling tired spare a thought for contestants of the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon. Competitors take off on 7.5 mile fell run, a 120yd bog snorkel and 19 miles of mountain biking through the beautiful scenery surrounding Waen Rhydd on the outskirts of Llanwrtyd.

Book now to Enter, or come along to watch for free

So if you are an ironman, a triathlete or you just fancy coming along for the weekend for some fun here are the details you need to know:-

• Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling |  July 10th  2010 | start  11am | entry £15 adult,  £10 junior (14-17 yrs)
• Bog Triathlon |  July 11th 2010| start 10:30am | individual entry £25, relay £40
• Events take place at Waen Rhydd, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales
• Entries can be made for both events on the day, spectating is free.
• Specially prepared bike is provided by Ken Arran – Cycles Irfon

For more information call:-

• Tourist Information Centre on 01591 610666
• Sheelagh Tompkins 07888737569 (Bike Bog)
• Peter Brown 01591 610327 (Triathlon)

..you should ask real walkers instead (image: the ancient brit)

So here is the official line….

“Walking holidays in Wales are great. We’ve got thigh-tremblingly steep mountain walks and gentle coastal strolls, gloriously muddy nature trails for children, and craggy cliff tops for grownups who are looking to blow off a few cobwebs. There’s something for everyone.”

‘OK thats fine….’  we hear you say

‘But I get the same PR blurb from other UK Walking destinations, whats so special about Wales?’ We asked ourselves the same question.

Is Wales truly a great place to go for a Walking break ?

So we did what any customer should do, we went online and looked for real reviews of real walking holidays, by real people who love walking.

We were pleasantly surprised. We have picked out some stories for you that mix great walking with a bit of local culture and folklore. We hope that you will seek out some more for yourself.

Story #1 London Escapees

Chris and Anna from New Zealand share their experience of a weekend walking the Brecon Beacons and a hike to the book-lovers paradise of Hay-On-Wye:

After a ridiculously big breakfast the next day, we set off to find the start of the waterfalls loop near Ystradfellte. We decided against the 6.4km loop of the falls and choose to add on a 15.3 km route that included a few more falls and an area of moor land. This was a fantastic walk that covered so many different types of terrain and had a pub conveniently located at the half way point!

Story #2  Walking in the footsteps of Merlin

This lady spent a great day walking in Snowdonia National Park and discovered both giant artwork and the home of an Arthurian legend.

Legend has it that Merlin spent a lot of time at the fort…… in fact he lived there for a while. The ground is quite sacred! It was also the scene of a battle between the White Dragon of England and the Red Dragon of Wales – the Red Dragon won hence the Welsh flag!

These boots are made for walking. And having a nice sit down too.

Story #3  Journey to the Ogres Tomb

Neddy and her friends braved the Snowdon Horseshoe ridge walk on a birthday weekend for her younger brother, and found more Arthurian legends waiting for them at the top.

Mt Snowden is the tomb of Rhita Gawr, an ogre who would kill kings and make cloaks out of their beards – lovely. (Apparently the ogre was defeated when King Arthur climbed to the top of Mount Snowdon and killed him – I am not sure if this was before or after his encounter with the Lady of the Lake, which is also meant to have happened here).

It wasn’t all myth and magic for Neddy, but the Horseshoe route is great for those looking for a challenge!

The walk is officially graded as a ‘Grade 1 ‘Scramble”. What is a ’scramble’? A ’scramble’ is essentially, a ‘walk’ that lies between a walk and a rock climbing. Scrambles are graded from 1 (easiest) to 3 (hardest), but a basic requirement of all of them is that the ascent requires use of your hands (for more than just balance). If only I had known this before I dismissed the ‘hard’ ranking with a flippant ‘Hard? Schmard.’

Got any reviews to share? We would love to hear from you.

What to wear Coasteering

Off surfing, sea kayaking or coasteering?

They’ve gone all ‘Trinny and Susanna’ over at Preseli Venture.

Not only do they offer a guide on the essential kit for activity holidays in Wales but also let us know what not to wear !

You can follow their fashion tips and other adventures on their Facebook page

Crampons?

When it comes to hiking and climbing, some dog walkers appear to be better prepared than the people regularly hauled off mountainsides in Wales by rescue teams.

People continue to venture out onto the mountains of Wales, ill-equipped and in complete ignorance of the danger they are in.

News of a father and son who set off to climb Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia wearing trainers, with no map and setting off in the evening, has illustrated the strain put on emergency mountain rescue teams in Wales by careless climbers.

Preparing for an activity holiday

It’s worth mentioning that Wales offers a lot more than climbing for the individuals and families planning an activity holiday in the UK.

And, while we don’t expect everybody visiting the Welsh mountains and coast to be Ray Mears, a little planning helps everybody out.

Consider using an activity provider

Using an established activity provider not only gives people reassurance, they also provide an essential guide to the best that the local environment has to offer.

More Information

A good place to start is our outdoor activity website which gives you an overview of the things you can do in Wales and links to more information. You can also find activity providers using our new search facility on the site.

If you are going walking in Wales the ramblers offer some practical advice for walkers and the BBC has advice for climbers.

Half term holidays, several days in and maybe the cracks are beginning to show. A family walk in picturesque autumnal surroundings can be a great way to enjoy some unpressured family time together and burn off that excess energy.

Here’s a selection of short but stimulating walks that are neither too hard on the foot or the eye.

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
A fantastic ramble through this extensive sand dune system from the car park to the coast. This giant sandpit is great for rolling and sliding down, especially The Big Dipper, the highest single sand dune in Europe.

Haroldstone Woods
An unusual wooded circular walk that takes in some of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passing the Haroldston Chins and Settling Nose on your return with spectacular views guaranteed.

Pontcysyllte Viaduct and the River Dee
Beginning in Ty Mawr Country Park a gentle stroll through the Denbighshire landscape brings you to to the hugely impressive Pontcysyllte Viaduct. Finish with an amble alongside the River Dee.

Pwll yr Wrach Nature Reserve
Head out for the “Witch’s Pool” in the unspoilt Brecon Beacons. Skirting the River Ennig you may catch sight of dippers, wagtails and the unusual treecreeper.

Beddgelert Forest
Wide forestry tracks lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Snowdonia. A gentle descent to Llyn Llywelyn lake and maybe a sighting of the Welsh Highland Railway in action round off an invigorating trip.

More information

More ideas for your walking holiday

"A broader look at the MTB phenomenon from a beginner's viewpoint"

What about the beginner?

The popularity of mountain biking just keeps on shifting up a gear. And why not? Having fun on a bike in the great outdoors is something almost anyone can do. Guy Kestevens’s authoritative blog post admirably covered the experienced rider’s view of Wales’ trails. Well, 1 good blog post deserves another. So let’s have a broader look at the MTB phenomenon from a beginner’s viewpoint.

Off-road rough-riding has been around for as long as there have been bikes to do it on. You’ll need:

• A knobbly-tyred mountain-type bike
• A helmet
• And a willing pair of legs

When you’ve got those, you’ll want a trail through some stunning scenery to start pedalling in.

A Q & A with Tyred Out

The Tyred Out team

To guide us further we had a chat with the good folks at tyred-out.com, they offer a range of courses aimed at people with all levels of mountain biking experience.

Q: How difficult are the trails?

A: Trails vary in difficulty, depending on the quality of the trail surface, to the design of the trail and its location, as well as the ability of the rider. Generally speaking, a novice rider would be better off starting on a cross-country trail, as these tend to lend themselves to more gentle contour-following riding, with the option of opting out of more technically-demanding sections by riding the forest road adjacent. Once the rider’s confidence and skill level have grown, more ambitious rides can be undertaken, and at greater speed!

Q: What level am I? Intermediate or beginner?

A: From our point of view, a beginner is anyone who can ride a bike and who wants to develop their mountain bike riding skills. An intermediate rider would be someone who has a good level of fitness and some experience of mountain biking, but who wants to develop their skills and techniques to enable them to ride the trails better.

Q: Why do I need a course? Can’t I just get my bike out and ride?

A: Snowdonia has a number of excellent waymarked trails, where riders can turn up and ride on their own. However, having a guide allows you to maximize the day, concentrating on learning and developing the skills and techniques required to ride the trails with speed and confidence, without the dangers of getting lost, hurting yourself and losing confidence. Also, a guide can take riders to places off-the-beaten track – hidden gems of riding where skills can be developed away from the crowds!

Q: What are your favourite trails in Snowdonia?

A: Snowdonia, and Wales as a whole, has some of the best mountain biking in the world, with the Penmachno Trail arguably one of the best cross country trails in the country, suited to a wide range of mountain biking abilities. Set deep in the Gwydyr Forest, the trail offers breath-taking views, rolling scenic riding and technical sections, appealing to both adrenaline seekers and leisure riders alike.

Tyred Out operate from their base in the Glasgwm valley, Penmachno, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. They say they are ideally placed for mountain biking at all levels of ability, in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

More info

MB Wales

Wales in Motion audio slideshow

"If you think Mountain biking is still all about bad neon outfits, getting lost down muddy lanes and 'You’ve been framed' crash clips, then you’re in for a big shock" - Guy Kesteven

It was about time  we had  a feature on the Visit Wales blog about mountain biking. We needed honest answers from an expert,

How does Wales stack up as a top UK mountain bike destination and how would somebody ‘get into’ mountain biking ?

I asked regular Mountain Bike Wales blogger and ‘bike trail guru’ Guy Kesteven…..

If you think Mountain biking is still all about bad neon outfits, getting lost down muddy lanes and “You’ve been framed” crash clips, then you’re in for a big shock.

You might also be surprised that Wales is leading the world in the knobbly rubber revolution too. How do I get involved and why is a whole lot more interesting than a history lesson though, so here’s the need to know.

Coed y Brenin – origins of a mountain bike mecca

Working as a pro bike tester is a weird world and I first met Dafydd Davies in a dense, damp forest in 1997 when a planned bike test in the Falklands went blubber side up. I’m normally wary of men with a manic excited look and a chainsaw, but the purpose built mountain bike trail he’d created at Coed y Brenin in his spare time was incredible.

Rideable whatever the weather and pitched to challenge, charm and carve a big grin on your face with every hard earned metre. Even more incredible was the immediate popularity of this small ribbon of rock hidden near Dolgellau.

Suddenly previously deserted local hotels were full of mountain bikers. Unlike ramblers, having wheels, helmets, and pumps to remember meant riders bought stuff from local shops and emptied the cellars and larders of local pubs and restaurants at night. In fact at the first Glyncorrwg mountain bike weekender locals told us there wasn’t a biscuit or loaf of bread to be found between Neath and Newport by Monday morning.

That meant us mountain bikers weren’t grubby track tearing, granny scaring hooligans anymore, we were the ultimate unconventional tourists. Next thing we know Dafydd and others have turned into pro trail builders, local enterprise schemes love us and suddenly there are better and better purpose built trails are opening up all across Wales. Lovely, eco friendly lolly stick built visitor centres mean you can finish the ride of your lives with a latte and local bacon butty too. Fully graded trails from family to fearsome double black mean you’ll never get unexpectedly get out of your depth either.

UK Mountain bike trails

"Nowhere matches the consistent super high quality, individuality and convenience of Welsh mountain biking "

Unsurprisingly, Scotland and the borders area has jumped on the bandwagon too. To be fair they’ve got some damn good trails if you can be bothered to drive all day to get there and even England has built some squirrel chasing routes too.

Nowhere matches the consistent super high quality, individuality and convenience of Welsh mountain biking though. That’s before you even start talking about the whole world of Old Skool wild riding that’s wrapped round the beautifully rugged Welsh landscape.

Guy’s guide to the mountain biking trails of Wales – from ‘novice to plain nuts’

So you’re now itching to get started mountain biking in Wales but where should you go?

1. For the original full on shake, rattle and roll experience: Coed y Brenin.

Coed y Brenin – The forest where Dafydd started it all now has a full range of stunning trails from the family river run to the savage ‘Beast’ radiating out from a state of the art visitor centre.

2. Hundreds of Kms of World class trails in the last place you’d expect: Afan Forest Park.

Afan Forest Park – Weaving through the tight streets of South Wales the last thing you expect to find at the end of the valley are the incredible multi trail centres of Afan and Glyncorrwg. Now complete with a vibrant demo an event calendar, state of the art café, bike shop and superb purpose built accommodation from hostels to hotels.

3. Novice and/or plain nuts northerners after the ultimate bike and butty experience: Coed Llandegla.

Coed Llandegla – Just past Wrexham is a visitor centre/bike shop that’s more welcoming than your own lounge and serves award winning bacon butties. They’ll also hire you a bike to hit the range of family friendly or whoop and holler black and red run trails or even organise a kids MTB party!

4. The ultimate immediate, convenient adrenaline fix: Cwm Carn

Cwm Carn – A few minutes past the Severn bridge you could be sat on the uplift bus ready to hit a national champs level downhill course. Either that or climbing up the stunning cross country loop, ready to regroup overlooking the Bristol Channel before railing the winding trail back down.

5. For breathtakingly wild birds and bikes: Nant yr Arian.

Nant yr Arian – For the ultimate mix of handmade singletrack and old skool wild riding come and join the Red Kites on this wild ridge high above Aberystwyth. Keep it local or head north to Machynlleth for the ultimate weekend epic.

More info

MB Wales

Upload and share your mountain bike images

Want to know where to take your horse on holiday in Wales?

The Brecon Beacons has plenty of good bridle ways to take your horse on and if you and your steed need to stop for a spot of lunch together look no further than the Brecon Beacons National Park Tea Rooms at Libanus.

Andrew Powell  who is the  Catering Manager can cater for your horses every need (well nearly)! From Carrot Cake to  fresh Welsh Carrots and apples.

You can decide on a candelabra setting or check cloth & napkins.

The idea is to pre-order your lunch whilst completing the popular Three Rivers ride route which enters the National Park at Hay Bluff near Hay on Wye, ending at the Visitor Centre, Libanus.

Most make it a two day holiday break with their horse & friends as there are several Bed & Breakfasts that cater for horse & rider along the route.

More info

Equestrian Wales

Horseriding in the Brecon Beacons

Accommodation in Brecon Beacons