However, the other thing that makes it such a wonderful place is that it gets better in winter.
Did you know that the Pembrokeshire coastline is the only protected coastline in the country? It is also one of 15 national parks and has more blue flag or seaside award winning beaches than any other county in the country. OK so you probably aren’t going to run down the beach and dive head first into the sea at any opportunity but, it does mean that you are going to get some breathtaking views.

Pembrokeshire is Wales’ oldest landscape. This means that wherever you go, be it bike, walk, climb or kayak you will stumble across some kind of geological, archeological or historical stunning landscape.

The Coast Path running around the coastline snakes and meanders for a staggering 186 scenic miles. on the one side you have the rugged and often treacherous looking cliffs and drop offs while just inside that is the lush green Welsh countryside. There are 100m limestone cliffs interspersed with golden sanded beaches and beautiful ancient woodland.
I am not suggesting that you try and walk the full 186 miles as it would take a good two weeks to do that, especially in winter but as you might expect some parts are better than others for an adventure break.

The classic and most often quoted part I would say is St Govan’s. It is a climbing mecca as there are some classic routes and locations for all sorts of climbing including Deep Water Soloing

As well as the renowned climbing there is also lots to see too. The 6th Century Chapel is a must see highlight. It is a breathtaking view as it seemingly climbs for dear life at the foot of the cliffs plus there are the natural wave formations in the waves, Bosherston’s century-old “lily pond” and huntsman’s leap- the huge natural chasm between two limestone cliffs (although I wouldn’t recommend jumping off!)

For more information about what to do activity wise I would suggest having a little look at the local activity guide. This site has tidal timetables and all sorts of guides and maps to help you with mountain biking and other things too.
But remember it is not just for climbers and walkers, there is fantastic kayaking and surfing too so you need to be bold and take a closer look.

If you want somewhere to stay then check out the Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa at the top end, East Trewent Farm for middle of the road and Trefalen Farm for the camping option.

If you don’t want to rely on using your car then there is a public transport option. The Coastal Cruiser follows a circular route from the Castlemartin Peninsular stopping at all the best locations. It also stops in Pembroke so you can hop on it from the train station too. It rubs early in the morning and early evening running throughout the winter month sand even allows you to take your bikes and boards on it to.

So, as you can see, Pembrokeshire has so much to offer all through the year…so what areyou waiting for.

X1 Sports Insurance

So what do you do to wile away the hours them and escape from this dark, cold cocoon surrounding us.
Plan your next trip away of course!!

At the moment if you pick up the weekend papers they are all jam packed with interesting things to do. Some are clearly focusing on the winter markets while others are spreading their wings a little further and giving advice for next summer and also interesting places to go this winter that doesn’t involve snow.
so, here are a few interesting options that i have dug up and looked into. There are so many different ideas out there that i am going to try and catagorise them. Obviously its definitely not exhaustive and there are loads of different and alternative options but perhaps these will give you just an idea.

First up is Mountain Biking:

So, close to home you have got Pembrokeshire. obviously the weather i snot ideal at the moment but do you really care if you are biking in the mud?
no i didn’t think so!
Park up at St Govan’s (or use the Coastal Cruiser) and then use the coastal path between Stack Rocks and St Govan’s Head. Admittedly this isn’t high end tip top mountain biking but it is a good weekend away in the wonderful Welsh countryside.
For more info on the area have a look at this link:

www.activitypembrokeshire.com

Next up Turkey.
If you are looking for something between April and October then head out to Cappadocia. There are numerous well marked trails for various different skill levels and fitness levels. Ad you hurtle down the routes be sure to have a glimpse of the local scenery as you are surrounded by rock pillars upto 40m high known as “fairy chimneys”.
If this floats your boat then check out:

http://www.cappadociaturkey.net

If you want somewhere a little bit further a field how about the lush, jungle world of Costa Rica?
It is definitely a country I want to go to as there is so much diversity, such much wildlife and so much to do.
There is an amazing 4 day bike trek, 389km, that crosses from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Oh and I forgot to mention its actually a race…! Ruta De Los Conquistadors.

http://larutadelosconquistadores.com/info

The last one I want to offer you is on the most random place I think.
Anyone I speak says this is the one of the most amazing places they have ever visited.
This trip allows you to go with the family, which obviously makes it a touch more pricey, but why not spend two weeks being active with the family.
Laos is one of the least visited country in East Asia. The only people who ever seem to visit Laos are a load of stoned backpackers who got lost on their way to Thailand or Vietnam.
This trip is fully supported and can be relaxing as there as several rest days to go swimming and even elephant riding.
have a look here:

http://www.grasshopperadventures.com/tours.php?country=Laos

So, fingers crossed this has given you food for thought.
Needless to say if you do any of these trips or one of your own make sure you are covered with the right insurance as it can be a really hard fall if you aren’t.

have a good weekend