7 Fun Outdoor Adventure Activities Near Cardiff

Sponsored Post: It might be most famous for the Millennium Stadium and as home of Brains Beer, but Cardiff has also been geographically blessed with some of the best outdoor adventure potential in the UK!

Cardiff’s more than just the capital of Wales – it’s a year-round adventure destination with with easy access to the ocean, rivers, hills and woods. There’s heaps of fun things to do outside whatever the weather, and whether you’re travelling with family, friends or just your partner you’ll be spoilt for choice.

To make things a little easier to plan a trip we’ve rounded up the very best Cardiff activities.

1. Coasteering

Get the adrenaline pumping with this full on day out. A bit like lemmings, you will jump, climb, swim and scramble as you explore the coastline and cliffs up close and personal. Definitely for the more adventurous, Coasteering is sure to leave you buzzing with adrenaline.

Coasteering Gower

2. White Water Rafting

Cardiff’s purpose built white water course provides surprisingly powerful rapids – and lots of thrills – as you head down the river paddle in hand. If you prefer being in charge of your own craft you can either borrow a kayak/take your own, or get some lessons from the experienced instructors. The whitewater is graded 2/3, but there are lots of fun waves and holes to play in along the way so even experts won’t get bored.

3. Welsh Games

One of Cardiff’s newest activities, Welsh Games run events for groups of friends looking for a good time. Compete in 9 crazy themed games that will have you and your friends in hysterics – expect lots of inflatables, some fat suits, dragons and even a ride on sheep. Welsh Games specialise in welcoming groups on stag and hen weekends, but also cater for birthdays and corporate groups.

4. Mountain biking

South Wales has some really great mountain biking! Black Mountains Cycle Centre is one of the best MTB destinations in the UK: predominantly a downhill and freeride centre, it was designed by renowned riders and trail designers Shaun Bevan and Gary Broad. The course boasts features like a dramatic bridge, large table tops, flowy berms and a jump line, all set on a working hill farm with a regular uplift service! Another alternative is Natural Resources Wales’ Afan Forest Park – the fastest growing mountain bike area in Britain. With 6 superb flowing trails ranging from 7km to over 40km and a Bike Park there is more all weather singletrack than any other MBWales centre – you simply have to check it out!

Black Mountain MTB

5. Hiking

There’s so much hiking and walking potential near Cardiff it’s hard to know where to start! The 14km coastline between Ogmore and West Aberthaw might be the best-kept walkers’ secret in Wales. Close to Cardiff, its fossil-studded Jurassic cliffs swoop to beautiful beaches like Dunraven Bay at Southerndown – one minute you’re gazing out to Exmoor the next you’re in intimate bluebell woods. For more adventurous hikers there’s almost unlimited potential in the nearby Brecon Beacons too!

6. Surfing

Within easy touching distance of the City Centre of Cardiff, Porthcawl offers great conditions for those new to surfing. Rest Bay is the most consistent break, offering well-formed peaks, whereas Coney Beach directly in front of the esplanade is a bit more sheltered if the swell’s pumping. There are several surfing outfits offering board + wetsuit hire and tuition.

Surfing South Wales

7. Gorge Walking/Canyoning

Rather more intense than ‘walking’ might infer, gorge walking involves navigating a steep river in a deep, inaccessible gorge: think abseiling down waterfalls, scrambling around rocks, jumping into pools and swimming through rapids and down chutes. You definitely need a head for heights and sense of adventure!

This post is sponsored by Welsh Games.

 

 

OAG