If you’re due to visit South Wales for a short trip or holiday, you’ll want to know exactly what you’ll be able to do when you arrive. I’ve been to the area so many times over the past 10 years that I’ve actually lost count of the exact number! Due to this, I believe I have a wealth of information that could be very helpful for your upcoming trip, especially if you’re looking to try something new when you get to the countryside. Read on to discover my top tips about the best activities to enjoy in South Wales…
Cycling
Afan Forest Park is well known for its mountain biking facilities so it’s well worth a visit to the Afan Valley if you want to try your hand at the sport. It’s so much more exciting than commuting on your bike to work as you’ll be up close with nature at its finest. It’s even more rewarding to take to these trails when you learn that they have been carved out of hillsides that were once used by coal miners!
There are five world class trails to be found at Afan Forest Park: the ‘Penhydd’, ‘Y Wâl’, ‘Skyline’, ‘White’s Level’ and ‘W²’. In total this equates to over 100km of singletrack rails, or in simple terms, many hours of cycling fun! However if you are doing this activity for the first time, you should remember to make sure to ride within your ability, wear a helmet and bring food and drink along too.
Walking
After recovering from all of your cycling, you might prefer to stand on two feet instead of relying on your wheels once again. You’ll be able to stretch your legs in the Garw Valley, specifically at the Bryngarw Country Park. It is made up of 113 acres of parkland and consists of native woodlands and formal gardens; with the centerpiece being the beautiful River Garw.
Of course, if you are craving the rush of adrenaline after your cycling adventure, you could head west to The Black Mountain where you’ll find difficult hiking trails that’ll last you a full day out!
Exploring
If you fancy yourself as more of an explorer, you won’t be disappointed in South Wales. There is plenty of history to discover here, and the best place to do it is the old mines and caves. Join an organised tour by arranging it ahead of time; you’ll be given a hard hat to wear and you’ll be able to peek into caves and see what it was like to be a miner all those years ago.
If you want to discover these attractions for yourself, you should take a note of the postcodes for both the Rhondda Heritage Park and the National Showcaves Center for Wales; you’ll find these on their websites if you search online. It’s also worth reading the FAQ sections on their websites to find out how accessible the attractions are for wheelchairs and pushchairs, as well as what facilities are on-site.
