Outdoor Activities - Wales - page 72

Other Activities
South Wales harbours a cave area stretching from Crickhowell to Carreg Cennen Castle.
Caves are also found in North Wales, on the Gower Peninsula and in Pembrokeshire. High-
lights for the more experienced caver include the UK's second-longest cave, Ogof Draenen,
and the deepest, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu. Porth-yr-Ogof in the Brecon Beacons and Paviland
Cave on the Gower Peninsula are better suited to beginners. For more information, contact
the British Caving Association ( www.british-caving.org.uk ) .
Wales also features some of the best climbing sites in the UK. It's hardest to get a
foothold during summer when rock faces are particularly crowded. In winter, ice-climbing
is popular in Snowdonia. Equip yourself for emergencies, check the Met Office
( www.metoffice.gov.uk ) weather forecast and seek advice from local climbing shops, climbers'
cafes and tourist-information points before making your ascent.
To get a feel for the rock face, have a trial climb at the ProAdventure Activity Centre in
Llangollen or take a course at the Plas y Brenin National Mountain Sport Centre in Capel
Curig. For more information, contact the British Mountaineering Council ( www.thebmc.co.uk ) .
Wales' abundant rivers and lakes, long and winding coastline, and numerous fisheries of-
fer many opportunities for game, sea and coarse fishing. Many species are found here:
brown trout are among the catches on the Rivers Usk, Teifi, Wye, Dee, Seiont and Taff in
spring. Reel in Welsh shy sewin (sea trout) on the banks of the River Towy, Teifi, Rheidol,
Dyfi, Mawddach and Conwy in spring and summer. Chances of salmon improve in autumn
in the River Usk. During winter catch grayling in the Rivers Wye, Dee and upper Severn.
To angle for sea fish, you don't necessarily need to charter a boat; cast off from any
number of spots along the rocky coastline. For advice on likely catches at various locations
throughout the year and a comprehensive list of fisheries, see the Environment Agency
( www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish ) website. This is your first port of call for details on how to
obtain a fishing licence. For more information on fishing in Wales, visit
www.fishing.visitwales.com .
Wales has much to offer the equestrian set, thanks to its mix of sandy beaches, rolling
hills and dense forest. The horseback vantage point is best exploited in Mid-Wales and the
national parks. Riding schools catering for all levels of proficiency are found throughout