DRAGON’S DEN
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.
Both Anglesey and the Welsh mainland have a coastal path network which provide a great way to explore beaches and rock pools.
■ 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. Harbour porpoises are also common, and if you’re really lucky you may spot an orca or humpback whale. 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 hydrafoil surfboard which makes riders feel as if they’re flying above the water. In the Menai Strait you can attend the UK’s first eFoil school to experience it. 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. Pembrokeshire was the birthplace of coasteering and this adrenalinepumping pastime is also practised around Anglesey.
■ celticquestcoasteering.com, angleseyadventures.co.uk
ZIP-LINING
Wales is home to the world’s fastest zip wire. The – World Velocity zip line which hits up to 100mph as you fly over a former quarry. You can work up to it on the Little Zipper before taking on the Big One.
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-byside toboggan-style rollercoaster; 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 1,200 miles of lanes, canal towpaths and disused railway lines to explore. These can be combined with visitor attractions, historic sites and towns. Mountain biking is popular in Wales thanks to its terrain of mountains, wooded valleys and trails. BikePark Wales near Merthyr Tydfil is the UK’s biggest mountain biking resort, with 28 all-weather trails and a lift to carry bikes to the top.
■ bikeparkwales.com and sustrans.org.uk
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
Who, a few years ago, would have thought the Welsh capital would rank as an activity break?
Opened in 2010, the Cardiff International White Water course brings a host of adventure to Cardiff Bay to crank the fun-factor to 11.
Kids and first-timers love it, yet pro paddlers rate it too because it condenses the rough-and-tumble of river rafting into an intense 833ft run.
■ ciww.com
LAKESIDE
Llys-y-Frân Lake in north Pembrokeshire has a new Outdoor Activity Centre this year to offer walkers, cyclists and water sports fans food, changing rooms and cycle hire.
On the water, you can sail, kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle board. Fishing is done off the bank or a boat. Plus you can try axe and knife-throwing lessons, crossbow and archery.
■ llys-y-fran.co.uk