Off course: West Wales

• Tuesday, 25 May 2010
• Calum Forbes
• 0 Comments

No other county in the UK possesses more Blue Flag beaches than Pembrokeshire in West Wales. As well as copious quality beaches, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path will amaze coast-lovers, with views ranging from steep limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys. Along this lenghty special trail, the Pembrokeshire waters provide a common sighting area for whales, dolphins and porpoises.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park run a first-class programme of activities and events for all ages including rockpool safaris, crab catching and bat walks.

As well as walking and coastal activities, a number of excellent cycling opportunities exist all over West Wales. In Pembrokeshire, The Lôn Teifi cycle route, which runs along the Ystwyth valley to Pont-rhyd-y-groes, passing through the handsome towns of Tregaron, Lampeter, Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn, is a great option. Or if you are planning on a visit to Carmarthenshire, the 
Gorlech mountain bike trail, named after the river Gorlech, brings endless views, excitement and varied terrian throughout.

The county of Carmarthenshire plays home to some of the most atmospheric castles in Europe. The Carreg Cennen Castle is most certainly one of these. A 13th-century fortress, Carreg Cennen provides onlookers with spectacular views streching over 60 miles.

You're sure to enjoy a relaxing time in Carmarthenshire, especially if you visit Albert Lees Ltd at the Carmarthen Market. It is here where you will be able to sample, at first hand, the unique and famous Carmarthen ham. On the subject of food, the coastline restaurants in West Wales serve up the most fresh cockles around.

Head slightly South-east and you'll reach the famous Gower Peninsula. The area is dominated by surreal beach views, but is also known for its sea-fishing opportunities. Many Gower beaches, including Langland, Port Eynon, Caswell, Oxwich and Llangennith, offer oustanding fishing opportunities. Coarse angling is very popular in the area, with an endless number of ponds, lakes and fisheries where visitors can fish for bream, perch, roach and carp.

With all the coastal lines, views and related activities in West Wales, it's easy to forget the area is a haven also for arts and crafts. Swansea plays host to many of these sites, with one of these being the Swansea Grand Theatre, a 'cultural gem at the heart of Swansea'. Lovers of craft would be missing out if they did not visit either of the Mumbles Pottery - where you can design your own pots, drawing inspiration from local designs - or the Lovespoon Gallery, home to hand-crafted Welsh products.

To learn about more sensational holidays to Wales, go to the Visit Wales website.

Where next?

Wales golf courses
Wales golf packages
Wales golf course galleries
Wales off course activities