There are lots of ways to visit the sights and sounds of the Welsh countryside, so why stick to just hiking when you have so many other options at your disposal? Combine your travel with a spot of exercise and a treat for the kids at the same time with horse riding or canoeing.
Here is a guide to getting out of a rut and undertaking some different activities this year. So read on to turn your holiday into an adventure without even leaving the UK.
Horseback riding
The Welsh countryside offers the perfect terrain for horse riding, which is a great environmentally friendly way to get about. There are several options for how to go about horse riding on your holiday.
Firstly you can take lessons or plan a trek with one of the many accredited riding centres dotted across the country. Alternatively if you are a horse lover and have an animal of your own you can bring them with you to enjoy your trip too.
There are B&Bs right across the country that cater for horses and their owners, making this a viable option. The staff in these fabulous accommodation options will also be able to advise you on the best places to take your beloved companion as they are horse riders too.
If you find yourself in Mid-Wales then the Rainbow Trails between Welshpool and Dolgellau will be perfect for your needs. These free routes are colour coordinated and have been designed specifically with horses in mind.
This means they are set up with all the infrastructure to support riding, such as corrals and mounting blocks at the car parks. The trails range from five to 16 miles in length.
Canoeing
Touring the Welsh countryside from the water gives you a completely different perspective and allows you to see things not experienced on foot. These include birds and wildlife that prefer to be in the sea or rivers.
Hug the coastline for 700 miles (or just a section of it) and see the different landscape of the various areas of Wales. You will pass craggy headline, pleasant beaches and picturesque villages. You are also likely to get up close and personal with some of the seals and dolphins that have made this part of the world their home.
Alternatively, head inland on some of the network of rivers and lakes that snake their way through Wales. This way you will be able to meander through valleys with spectacular mountains in the background and thunder down rapids for that all important rush of adrenaline.
Cycling
Mountain biking is the go-to activity for many families when they go on holiday and for good reason. It is suitable for all the family, allows you to cover a great distance and is lots of fun. There are so many options for cycling in Wales it is hard to know where to begin.
It all depends on where exactly you are based. In coastal regions there are a wide selection of routes that take you past pretty bays and unspoilt national parks. Whereas in the inland areas you have forests and mountains to tackle, which can be great for the older kids or more experienced riders looking for a challenge.
With no fewer than 331 miles of routes specifically designated as being traffic-free, Wales is most definitely your oyster when you jump on a bike.
(Photos via ThinkStock - iStockphoto)
Horseback riding
The Welsh countryside offers the perfect terrain for horse riding, which is a great environmentally friendly way to get about. There are several options for how to go about horse riding on your holiday.
Firstly you can take lessons or plan a trek with one of the many accredited riding centres dotted across the country. Alternatively if you are a horse lover and have an animal of your own you can bring them with you to enjoy your trip too.
There are B&Bs right across the country that cater for horses and their owners, making this a viable option. The staff in these fabulous accommodation options will also be able to advise you on the best places to take your beloved companion as they are horse riders too.
If you find yourself in Mid-Wales then the Rainbow Trails between Welshpool and Dolgellau will be perfect for your needs. These free routes are colour coordinated and have been designed specifically with horses in mind.
This means they are set up with all the infrastructure to support riding, such as corrals and mounting blocks at the car parks. The trails range from five to 16 miles in length.
Canoeing
Touring the Welsh countryside from the water gives you a completely different perspective and allows you to see things not experienced on foot. These include birds and wildlife that prefer to be in the sea or rivers.
Hug the coastline for 700 miles (or just a section of it) and see the different landscape of the various areas of Wales. You will pass craggy headline, pleasant beaches and picturesque villages. You are also likely to get up close and personal with some of the seals and dolphins that have made this part of the world their home.
Alternatively, head inland on some of the network of rivers and lakes that snake their way through Wales. This way you will be able to meander through valleys with spectacular mountains in the background and thunder down rapids for that all important rush of adrenaline.
Cycling
Mountain biking is the go-to activity for many families when they go on holiday and for good reason. It is suitable for all the family, allows you to cover a great distance and is lots of fun. There are so many options for cycling in Wales it is hard to know where to begin.
It all depends on where exactly you are based. In coastal regions there are a wide selection of routes that take you past pretty bays and unspoilt national parks. Whereas in the inland areas you have forests and mountains to tackle, which can be great for the older kids or more experienced riders looking for a challenge.
With no fewer than 331 miles of routes specifically designated as being traffic-free, Wales is most definitely your oyster when you jump on a bike.
(Photos via ThinkStock - iStockphoto)
(This post was written by Hari Apostolides)
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