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

First up lets have a nose at the New Forest:
Parking up at the Gunn Inn in Keyhaven you can cover one of the most beautiful stretches of the 60-mile Solent Way. The route itself is pretty flat as you follow the signposts highlighting the trail. What makes this special are the fantastic views looking over the water to the Isle of Wight on one side and the forest stretching out to the other. You can often encounter New Forest ponies grazing next to the sea and along the forest edge as it encroaches down to the path. The route itself can either be done in a circle through Lower Pennington and past Oxey Marsh all the way back to Keyhaven or just walk back the way you have come! Be prepared to see over wintering birds in the Lagoons including egrets, Canada and Brent geese, lapwings among others.

Food wise, chow down at the Gunn Inn but make sure you eat after your walk as the portions are pretty big and it will also mean you can work your way through the 240 malt whiskies they have on offer.
If you want to stay down there to make a weekend of it then the Stanwell House is a good bet.

For more information on the area have a look at:
www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

Next up lets have a look at the Lake District.
Have you ever braved the winds and rain in the Lake District? If not i wholeheartedly recommend it.
I would suggest strolling around the shores of Ullswater. You can start off with a 35 minute trip on the Ullswater steamer down to Howtown and from there walk back to Glenridding from where you started. the walk itself is a good 6.5 miles. The route is quite self explanatory as you take the path immediately on your right and then follow it so you have the lake on your right hand side. Views are initially across the water to the quaint village of Pooley Bridge and the wood covered Dunmallard Hill. Soon after you are encompassed by a semi natural woodland which offers protection form the elements where you stop and listen to the wonderfully relaxing sounds of the local wildlife (birds, squirrels and what not). After the woodland you crisscross fields and pick up bridleways until you once again get back to the water front.

Unfortunately there aren’t any pubs directly route but try the White Lion Inn, famed for it’s mouth watering steaks which is just after the farm on the main road.
If you want to stay up there the you can stay in Glenridding at the Glenridding Hotel.

To get some more information on the local area have a look at:
www.ullswater.co.uk
Or for more general info have a look at:
www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

It would be churlish now to miss out on Wales now wouldn’t it…
For me one of the most beautifully stunning places I have come across.
Obviously there are some seriously tough treks and walks in Snowdonia but how about this gradual 4.5 mile route?
Starting at the valley of Cwm yr Wnin and head off to Foel Ispri. Head out to Dolgellau on the A70 and then after the roundabout towards Porthmadog take a left turn following the track until you see a parking space before a farm. On the opposite side you will see a kissing gate which signals the start.
as you walk through some woodland get prepared for the absolutely breathtaking views. As you come out of the woodland onto the open mountainside looking up the Mawddach Valley you follow the wall to the left and then westwards to the summit of Y Garn. This vantage point offers you the stunning view of the Rhinogydd mountains to the south and the Aran mountains to the east. Once you finally recover from the view head south to Mawddach Valley over the stiles down to theheart of the Welsh gold mining industry at Foel Ispri. You can then head back through a farm on the public right of way.

If you want to sample some local produce then the Tyn-y-Groes provides a good location with a nice warming crackling fire.
For a really good, high end B+B find the old slate-cutting mill Graig Wen which is near to the Mawddach estuary.

To get some further information check out: www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk

Well, I was going to add something on Scotland but with time running out for me to post this and benign pretty busy that will have to wait I am afraid.
Fingers crossed all this info is useful and I look forward to spreading some more pearls of wisdom soon

What inspires you more then, the location of the walk or the walk itself?
There are so many amazing places to go that i think I may well have to subdivide this into more than one entry but lets see how we get on and what I can and can’t cover.

First up is a jaunt over in Africa. It sounds more impressive that it is as the route itself is not particularly tricky having said that you get to see some rgeat wildlife and venture up to about 1000m high too. So, for a slow introduction head off to the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. For a bit more information on the peaks have a look here:

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/simien.html

Second up, keeping it in Africa we head over to Rwanda. The wildlife theme is definitely visible as the walk is more than justified by the end result. Remember “Gorillas in the Mist”? Well this is your chance to be in your very own movie. Rwanda has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups (seven to be precise) including the group made famous from said film. Don’t get me wrong, this is a seriously pricey trip but is a once in a life time opportunity. Furthermore permits are needed and consequently a fair amount of planning required, but by ek is it worth it!

check it out here:
http://www.rwanda-gorillas.com

Although there are hundreds of amazing treks elsewhere in Africa it would be remiss of me to miss out on other wonderful adventures.
A country that is often off the visit radar is Bhutan. Sandwiched between China and India it often gets over looked even though with its Buddhist culture and some of the best of trekking anywhere in the world it is a must see location. Near Thimpu there are a plethora of high altitude beautiful, picturesque lakes crying out to be seen. Even though it is pretty tricky there is the opportunity to see the Golden Trout as well as the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery too.

http://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/en/imgdata/topics/2008/tp080402.html

Another country that people have only just started to really hear about is Papua New Guinea. Over the last few years there have been a few programs highlighting both the country and the people there so if your interest has been piqued then why not check it out. It is a wonderland for anyone interested in indigenous peoples, wildlife, jaw dropping scenery and tough walking. it is a country that beggars belief and you can guarantee that not many of your piers will have been there either!

http://www.pngtourism.org.pg

And last up we have got an idea to get you to central America.
Mexico is well known for sea, sun and those Aztec ruins that featured so heavily in Star Wars…but there is so much more to this amazing country. Of course you can’t go to Mexico without visiting these ruins or some similar however why not scale Mexico’s highest, and North Americas third highest, peak? Pico de Orizaba is 5746m but as long as you are fit and have some experience then it is imminently doable for sure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_de_Orizaba

So, I hope all of that was of interest and i look forward to doing another Trekking article soon
Have fun!!