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Coasteering was born here in West Wales, inspired of course by the fantastically rugged and gorgeous coastline - the second best coastline in the world after New Zealand, according to National Geographic (and we're very happy to take their word for it!). Coasteering basically involves moving yourself along the coastline by scrambling over rocks, exploring caves, jumping off cliffs, hopping on rocks, rushing down waterfalls. It's a super fun way to explore the Pembrokeshire coast, discover the wonderful wildlife and enjoy the spectacular views that define this amazing part of the country. Sound good? Make sure you include it in your itinerary as part of your stay with us. The operators are excellent at catering to all ages from eight upwards, and all abilities and experience; so don't worry if you don't want to do the big cliff jumps, you don't have to. It's definitely advisable to book up with an accredited operator, as they will be very familiar with the coastline, the tides, the caves, and also when and where to avoid breeding birds and seals.  Local operators
1. Celtic Quest Coasteering This award winning team would love to welcome you! They are based south of us near Abereiddy, one of the most spectacular sections of the coast. Website 2. Cardigan Bay Active Based in Cardigan town, this friendly team have a wealth of experience and would love to take you on a trip round Cardigan Bay. Our guests get a 10% discount, too! Website 3. TYF The original and the best - this forward thinking business created Coasteering in 1986, and it's since become a very popular activity here in West Wales. This would be good to combine with a visit to St Davids to make a day of it. Website 4. Tenby Adventure Tenby is always worth a visit while you're here, so this might be a combination day too. Or if you want to keep going with the adrenaline, you could head to Oakwood theme park, too. Website There's something about battling the elements and heading out for a rousing game of golf in blustery winter weather; or perhaps it's the après-golf that's appealing at this time of year... Whichever, there are some fabulous golf courses in the area so bring your clubs with you and make the most of some down time to fit in a couple of rounds. Of course, in these rugged and beautiful surroundings, the clubs in West Wales have the most amazing views too, so don't miss out!  1. Cardigan Golf Club
Our nearest course, and a fabulous one. The views from here are just stunning; with the Preseli Hills, Bardsey Island, and the Llyn Peninsula in the surrounding area. In fact, golf writer Furman Bisher said, '...the view from the top of the Cardigan course is the finest I’ve seen anywhere in golf”. The club hosts regional and international matches, so it's definitely worth a visit! Details 2. Newport Golf Club This course is so picturesque, and one of the best links courses in the UK; it's right on the coast with stunning Newport beach to enjoy while you play. The clubhouse also houses the Cat Rock Café, so there's the added pleasure of a fabulous meal to be had either side of your game, too. Details 3. Priskilly Forest 'Idyllic' is the best word for this gorgeous and immaculate course, with stunning views towards Strumble Head and the Preseli Hills. A wonderful advantage with this course is that if you have someone in your party who isn't playing, they can enjoy a lovely woodland walk, wander through the gardens, or enjoy a cuppa in Y Cabin Cafe Bar. Details 4. Haverfordwest Golf Club Set in majestic parkland, this challenging course is just outside the historic town of Haverfordwest, and a constant programme of investment means that this tree lined course has some of the best parkland greens in Wales. There is a modern clubhouse with home cooked meals to replenish the calories you've worked off! Details What better way to enjoy the stunning scenery here in West Wales than by horse or pony? Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have a wealth of picturesque lanes, ancient bridleways and woodland, and of course long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for exploring from horseback. Take advantage of having the majestic Preseli Hills right on our doorstep, and head out for a relaxing day enjoying the wonderful wildlife from the best vantage point. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there is something for you. Some of the stables offer rides for small children, and even hen or stag parties.  1. Preseli Pony Trekking - Ashvale Holiday & Riding Stables, Pantyrhug, Mynachlog-ddu, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7SE
Escorted riding routes are offered over the tracks and moorland of the magical Preseli Hills, from an hour to a half or whole day. You can do the one hour route with no riding experience and they lead beginners if needed. There are plenty of choices for medium level to experienced riders, taking in some of the most spectacular sights and scenery in the area, including their Golden Road Picnic ride, Tafarn Sinc Pub ride, Stone Circle ride, and Foel Dyrch ride. If you have small children, there's even a Tiny Tots Trail ride. 2. Crosswell Riding Stables - Iet Wen, Velindre, Crymych, SA41 2XF This stable is based in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park and offers a range of treks, from half an hour to a full day or even two or three days, on a variety of routes in the Preseli Hills and the Gwaun valley. Wanting a longer session to keep the children entertained for the day? Look no further - they offer an Own A Pony day, which includes sand school lessons, stable management, a treasure hunt, quiz, a gymkhana - and rosettes for everyone at the end of the day. For adults, how about a Pub Ride, trekking through woodland and lanes to a local pub. 3. Havard Stables - Newport, SA42 0ST This RDA accessible riding centre makes riding fun and available for all abilities. They offer trekking on quiet lanes and in the mountains, lessons in their outdoor arena, Pony Club, Saddle Club, Pony Days, and children's clubs. The horses are all well trained, safe, well mannered, and enjoyable to ride. 4. Marros Riding Centre - Marros Farm, Marros, Pendine, SA33 4PN A family-owned centre, set in 140 acres including their own off-road private woodland. They have 34 horses for all standards of rider, and an indoor and outdoor school for those starting out or looking to improve. If cantering over the sand and surf would be a dream come true for you, then book their Beach ride; walk and trot along the byways and farm tracks leading to Morfa Bychan Beach, then gallop along the seven mile Pendine Sands. 5. Llanwnda Stables - Penrhiw Fach, Llanwnda, Goodwick, SA64 0HS Tuition and rides offered in the Pembrokeshire National Park, half and whole day treks for all abilities. 6. Penty Parc Stables - Penty Parc Mill, Clarbeston Road, Haverfordwest, SA63 4QP Suitable for riders of all abilities, this stable has well schooled horses and qualified instructors. This is a great choice if you're looking for jumping, cross country, or hacking. Water, water, everywhere... One of the wonderful things West Wales is so famous for is our glorious coastline and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming. There are also myriad rivers, lakes and waterfalls, which make this area wonderful for wild swimming. So, where can you go?  1. The Teifi
Near to us of course is the wonderful River Teifi. There are a number of places you can easily access the water to swim, but perhaps the most convenient is in nearby Cilgerran. The best way to explain where to go is to say, turn left by the shop. As you drive into Cilgerran from here, you will see that there's only one general village shop and the turning is right after it. The Teifi Gorge is beautiful, with its tall cliffs covered with trees and deep waters so it's a popular place for various water sports. You might be sharing the water with an otter or two, or some paddle boards and canoes. If you look up, you'll be able to see the fantastic ruins of Cilgerran Castle, and if you head downstream you'll come to the Welsh Wildlife Centre & Nature Reserve. 2. Witches Cauldron Just down the road, around Ceibwr Bay (which you can see from the top of our field), there are great rock shelves and caves, and within them is the Witches Cauldron. Its a hole in the cliffs which harbours a small beach and a green pool. It's possible to reach by climbing down a waterfall, or you can swim in through a tunnel from the sea. You can walk from Penrallt Garden Centre, or the parking spot near to it, or drive and short while further to Ceibwr Bay. 3. Ffynone Waterfall This wonderful place has been mentioned before in our blog on waterfalls. It's easily accessible from here; only a 15 minute drive to the car park, and a woodland walk along a lovely track to get to the waterfall. It's more of a dip than a swim, to be honest, but you can also jump from the waterfall above, taking care to check the depth of the water first! 4. Rosebush Lake This lake is actually an abandoned quarry, and the slate gives the water a lovely blue colour. You can combine a dip here with a wonderful walk and a stop at Tafarn Sinc - definitely worth the effort! 5. The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi This flooded slate quarry is a fabulous place to swim; the slate means that the water is an amazing aqua blue colour. If you enjoy cliff jumping, this is a good spot for it, and it's a popular spot for coasteering for that reason. Do take care to check the tide before jumping! Head along the coast path for Traeth Llyfn which is a fabulous beach, and you can swim through the famous rock arch, Penclegyr. Further information 6. Teifi Pools A little further away, but a lovely drive and definitely worth the trip, are the Teifi Pools. This is a group of six remote lakes and reservoirs in the Cambrian Mountains, and the source of the River Teifi, which flows into the sea at Aberteifi (Cardigan). There's a nice 2.5 mile loop you can do, too. Further information Check out these website for other ideas of where to go wild swimming in Wales: The secret places you can go wild swimming in Wales Wild swimming Wales: the 10 best spots Best Wild Swims in Wales Well the short answer is, yes, do bring them. There are plenty of options for bike lovers, from adults looking for a serious cycling workout to toddlers wanting to toodle along traffic-free paths; and you can keep your bikes safely locked up here when you're not using them. Trenewydd Farm sits on sustrans cycle route 82, a 131 mile journey from Bangor to Fishguard, so you can cycle directly from your cottage should you choose. This is road cycling though, however quiet, and also pretty challenging in terms of hills so it's best suited to adults. We are also only about 15 minutes from the Preseli Hills, where you'll find some of the best mountain biking around, includes routes such as the Stones Trail which is 12 miles of stunning views.  Family Friendly Bike Routes
One of our favourite things to do on a family holiday is bring the bikes and get out and enjoy the countryside. Add in the bonus that it helps to burn off all that excited holiday energy and it's definitely something to work into your itinerary. If you don't have your own bikes to bring, then Bike Bike Bike in Cardigan may be able to help. There are so many trails you can take in Pembrokeshire or neighbouring Ceredigion, on quiet and beautiful roads - see the links at the bottom for more options. However, if you are looking for extra safe, traffic-free routes then choose one of these: 1. Cardigan to the Welsh Wildlife Centre - the 'Cardi Bach' (1.3 miles each way) This gorgeous route goes from just outside Cardigan along the peaceful Teifi marshes to the Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran - one of the best wetland reserves in Wales - is well worth a visit. It's the nearest traffic-free route to Trenewydd, only about ten minutes away. Handily, as well as looking out for wildlife on the way there, it means you can look around the Centre too, and stop for refreshments at the Glasshouse Café. There is an outdoor playground and head a little further to see the old slate quarry in the gorge. Further still takes you into Cilgerran itself, with its lovely shops and ancient castle. If you wanted to venture even further, the Meeting of the Waters Trail goes on to cover over 17 miles. 2. Llys-y-Frân Lake (various routes) Llys-y-Frân is a fantastic option for plenty of outdoor activities on land and water, and cycling is one of them. It has recently reopened after a £4 million renovation to its visitor centre and recreational facilities, as well as a new outdoor activity centre. There are four options to choose from of varying length and difficulty within the nine miles on offer, including mountain bike trails and a family friendly trail. If you haven't brought bikes with you, they can be hired on-site. There are plenty of water based activities too, and an adventure playground, so you can 3. Pantmaenog Forest (various) Pantmaenog is a privately owned forest, and has 12km of signposted forest tracks and bridleways to roam so you can choose how far you want to go. It's perfect for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a go at mountain biking. The forest is open to horse riding too, and they cleverly send you in opposite directions so that you can pass each other safely. Not forgetting of course the panoramic views of Pembrokeshire to enjoy. 4. The Tramway, Saundersfoot (4 miles) A little further afield is this disused railway line from the old Ironworks, a very popular and flat trail with wonderful sea views, as well a colliery and mineral railway. There is the added fun of heading into a tunnel, too! There is a short section on a quiet road. You could combine this trip with a visit to ever-popular town of Tenby to make it a full day out. Visit these websites for more ideas: Cycle Pembrokeshire Cardigan Bay Cycle Maps & Routes Wales Coast Path - other cycling routes near the path Cycling in Ceredigion If action and adventure is what you're after in your ideal holiday, you've come to the right place. The extensive coastline and miles of unspoilt countryside provide all manner of options for fun and exciting activities. Either have a go yourself, or if you don't have the experience or the gear there are several local businesses which offer both. Pembrokeshire itself lays claim to the invention of coasteering, which is a scramble along cliffs both in and out of the water - a combination of the words 'mountaineering' and 'coast'.  4 Options Near to Trenewydd Farm
1. Cardigan Bay Active They say, "Cardigan Bay Active prides itself in offering a wide range of adventure activities which are fun, safe and showcase the best of what our natural landscapes have to offer", and there are certainly plenty of things you can try. Kayaking, bushcraft, surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, white water tubing, and of course Coasteering. You can also choose sunrise and sunset tours, which sounds wonderful. They have a range of activities for all abilities, so do contact them if you're unsure. Full details 2. Adventure Beyond They say, "We are a family-run outdoor activity centre based in the beautiful Cardigan Bay in West Wales. We offer real activities and amazing adventures. At Adventure Beyond we pride ourselves in fun adventurous activities, tailored to all abilities. Whether you fancy an adrenaline fix, a relaxed family day out or time spent getting back to nature, we create bespoke adventures to suit you." The sister company to Cardigan Bay Active, you can also try raft building, climbing, gorge walking, or hill walking. Full details 3. Wild Lakes Recently refurbished, this is a fantastic option for anyone who loves water. They say, "Explore your wild with us...". You can try wake boarding, bouldering, open water swims, ringo rides, or get tickets for the Aqua Park and enjoy the challenge of a watery obstacle course. Full details 4. Llys-y-Frân Lake Also recently reopened after refurbishment, there is plenty to do here: over 9 miles of off road cycling, mountain biking, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, archery, axe throwing, climbing, and fishing. They have a What's On page, which is worth keeping an eye on in case you want to book up an event or activity. They plan to start holding triathlons, too. Full details You may find these other websites helpful: - Visit Pembrokeshire - Visit Wales - Active in Pembrokeshire |