I was joined by about 50 of my colleagues at the Carmarthenshire Tourism Association day on promoting walking and cycling holidays in Carmarthen in this Visit Wales Year of Adventure.
Walking – The day started with a presentation from Chris Jones S4C’s leading weatherman. Chris talked about how he had walked in different places across the world, but that Carmarthenshire had some of the best places and variety offering coast, mountains and woodlands.
Chris has been working with Carmarthenshire Council to produce a series of videos giving a flavour of the walking available in the county A walkers paradise waiting to be discovered. There are walks to cover all tastes and aptitude from the gentle potter with the family in Walking Well in Carmarthen’s wildlife walks taking in nature on the way, through to the more adventurous walks in the Brecon Beacons for those looking for an adrenalin rush.
There are also walks for specific times of the years like the bluebell walks or those which include a pub or one of our favourite walks at Swiss Valley Reservoir which is easily reached from either Pen Y Garn Cottage or 94 High Street.
A new free App is available for those wanting to walk, or cycle the Welsh coastal path. It is free to download and will give you information on your progress and what you can see and do close to your route.
Colin from Walk a Long Way updated us on how the company has grown over the last 8 years and how they have moved from luggage transfer from accommodation providers along a walking route to tailor made walking holidays. This year they are expanding to include holidays which take in gardens, arts and crafts and my favourite food holidays.
The Swiss Valley route is great for either walkers or cyclists running on the old railway line from Cross Hands to Llanelli. This route can be picked up in Tumble just a few minutes walk from 94 High Street. In all honesty I cannot say I have done the whole stretch, but the bit we did do was absolutely fabulous and I am training up to do the whole stretch.
Cycling
The next part of the presentation moved on to cycling. Carmarthen has become a really exciting destination for cyclists whether that is for families, weekend cyclists or if cycling is your passion and you are looking for a real challenge. Brecon Beacons is a great cycling and mountain bike destination with plenty of routes to choose from. New routes are being set up and should be active by the end of March and some will tie up with railway stations start and finishing.
Sustran gave information on the National Cycle Network in Wales and their website has free leaflets and maps. We heard from Steff Davies about South Wales Activity Providers Group who described the Brecon Beacons as a natural adventure playground. Steff also spoke about Hawk Adventures who offer a range of outdoor activities for individuals and groups. They are people we can personally recommend as we have had guests who had adventured with them and have come back with thrilling memories.
Discover Carmarthen gives suggested routes and guide to stamina and terrain and if you find you need any kit then County Cycles in Cross Hands being rated in the top 10 in the UK should be able to cater for most things. They are open 7 days a week and undertake repairs as well as selling accessories. Apparently they have a fantastic cafe as well so I will put that on my list to try.
Mountain biking in Wales gives the opportunity to search out the perfect ride by choosing the area, grade, distance and facilities you are looking for you can get the right match.
It was a very good day and a valuable opportunity to meet people with the same enthusiasm to give our visitors to Wales a great adventure.