Namrata BhawnaniThe adventure-seeker’s latest craze, Coasteering, was pioneered in Wales. It’s a thrilling combo of exploring the coastline while rock scrambling and jumping from cliffs into the sea. Swell-riding, cave-exploring and cliff-jumping are all part of the sanity-defying Coasteering experience.
Here are the most stunning spots in Wales to take the plunge:
Permbrokeshire
At Stackpole South, with limestone caves and rock pools at the pristine Barafundle bay, voted as one of Britain’s best beaches. St Davids in Pembrokeshire, where Coasteering was first dreamed up, offers a wild and rugged coastline with huge sea cliffs. The highlight is swimming through Cathedral Cave. North Permbrokeshire can boast of Abereiddy, and its visitors can boast of memorable dives into the Blue Lagoon. You might even get a warm welcome from the friendly resident seals. Flinging yourself off a towering vertical rock face never sounded so good.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy. Photo: Keith Salvesen/ geograph.org.uk/ CC 2.0 via Wikimedia
Gower, Swansea
Designated ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty’, Gower tempts you with some of the finest coastlines in the UK. Explore its tiny coves, gullies, secret caves and rock arches, and duck under the waves. Incidentally, did you know that you could have an unforgettable stag or hen party while Coasteering?
Photo: ARG_flickr – CC 2.0 via Flickr
Anglesey, North Wales
With over 125 miles of gorgeous coastline, Anglesey has towering sea cliffs and the largest sea cave in Wales. The water is sparkling, the daring cliff climbs are called Spiders Web, T Rex, Dream of White Horses and Fly trap (imaginative if not the most confidence-inspiring). Another ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty’ — Wales never runs out of those.
Photo: ARG_flickr – CC 2.0 via Flickr
Ogmore by Sea, Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Scramble up rocks, dive in and conquer the swells at Ogmore by Sea. Gear up in your wetsuit and helmet, strap on the buoyancy aid, and get ready to jump. Among the notable ones is a 25 ft jump, called the Elvis leg maker. On this tour, you also go under a natural bridge of rocks and the swell of the tides may cause you to hit your head, so watch out.
Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales
Yet another ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Llŷn Peninsula has Morfa Nefyn and Aberdaron that offer some hugely memorable Coasteering thrills. Explore caves and squeeze through the naturally occurring rock tunnels.
Master the art of coasteering in Wales. That’s one thing off your bucket list then.
