Wait’s almost over to go wild in Wales
As the principality welcomes visitors again, celebrate its Year of Outdoors with some unique adventures, says Jane Memmler
Puffins
The clifftops at the beautiful RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve in Anglesey are exploding into life with spring flowers, as seabirds build their nests and raise their young.
Families of peregrines, guillemots and puffins transform the cliffs and heaths at this time of year. ● rspb.org.uk
Dolphins and seals
Britain’s biggest resident population of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay. You can see bottlenose dolphins all year round, but summer is the busiest time, particularly at New Quay.
Dolphin-watching boats tour Aberporth, Mwnt, Cardigan Island and Cemaes Head.
For seals, Ramsey Island is home to one of the largest colonies of Atlantic greys in the British Isles. From late August to November they arrive to breed.
eFoils
An eFoil is an electric hydrofoil surfboard which makes riders feel as if they’re flying above the water. In the sheltered Menai Strait you can attend the UK’s first eFoil school to experience this fabulous ride.
Basically a surfboard with an electric motor, most people can get the hang of it in about two hours. ● ribride.co.uk
Coasteering
You could walk the Welsh coast. Or be more adventurous by throwing yourself off a cliff, scramble around the edges and swim and explore caves with a band of fellow thrill-seekers. And let’s not forget, diving into the surf from a great height.
Pembrokeshire was the birthplace of coasteering and this adrenaline-pumping pastime is also practised around Anglesey. ● celticquestcoasteering.com, angleseyadventures.co.uk
Zip-lining
Wales is home to the world’s fastest zip wire – World Velocity – which hits up to 100mph as you fly over a former quarry.
There are four sites in Wales, with the newest, Zip World Tower, sited in the Rhigos mountain range and offering fantastic views.
Built at the old Tower Colliery coal mining site it will have three new attractions this year: The Tower Coaster (opening in June), which is a seated side-by-side tobogganstyle roller-coaster; seated zip line Zip World Phoenix, and Big Red, a double-wire for the little ones. ● zipworld.co.uk
Cycling
The National Cycle Network in Wales (Sustrans) manages 1200 miles of lanes, canal towpaths and disused railway lines to explore. BikePark Wales near Merthyr Tydfil is the UK’s biggest mountain biking resort with a lift to carry bikes to the top. ● bikeparkwales.com, sustrans.org.uk
Rafting
The Cardiff International White Water course cranks the fun-factor to 11. Kids and firsttimers love it, yet pro paddlers rate it too. ● ciww.com More info at visitwales.com