Outdoor Activities - Wales - page 65

Walking
Whether you're an ambler or a rambler, Wales is a walker's dream. There are some 25,500
miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways - all public rights of way.
For challenging walks, head for Snowdonia National Park, home to the highest mountain
in England and Wales, impressive peaks and dramatic valleys, or for the craggy terrain of
the Brecon Beacons, where, in the western end of the park, you can walk in almost total
isolation.
One of the growing activities for walkers is geocaching, a kind of treasure hunt with the
advantages of satellite navigation GPS units, combined with all the resources of the inter-
net; for more information visit www.geocachingwales.com .
Walking can be enjoyed year-round, but be prepared for crowds in July and August,
short days in winter and rain at any time. Guard against the weather with decent warm
clothing, footwear and waterproofs. A map, compass, first-aid kit, food and water are musts
for more adventurous hikes. It's advisable to let someone know your intended route and
planned return time and to check the weather forecast with the Met Office ( www.metoffice.gov.uk/
loutdoor/mountainsafety ) or the local tourist information centre before setting off.
For more information, visit www.walking.visitwales.com ; the Events section includes
details of walking festivals throughout Wales, generally between June and October.
Top Walks
The three national trails are open to walkers and horse riders, and are waymarked with an
acorn symbol:
Glyndŵr's Way ( www.nationaltrail.co.uk/glyndwrsway ; 132 miles) Connecting sites associated with the rebellion led by
Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century.
Offa's Dyke Path ( www.offas-dyke.co.uk ; 177 miles) Skirting the Wales-England border through an astonishing range
of scenery and vegetation.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path (PCP; www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk ; 186 miles) Hugging the sea cliffs of the Pembroke-
shire Coast National Park, this is one of the UK's most beautiful coastal walks.