Home to lavish castles, soaring mountains and pristine beaches, Wales has a great deal to offer travellers this autumn. Explore the natural splendour of Snowdonia, follow the trails through the Brecon beacons National Park, uncovering limestone caves and get to grips with just a few of the 500 castles within Wales. Oh and Swansea is home Rhossili Beach – named one of the Top 10 beaches in the world!
fcoSurf off the Gower Peninsula
Though many visitors prefer surfing the area during the summer, locals happily wait until autumn. The water temperatures rise in September and October and ocean storms generate more swells toward the beaches. The unique features of the peninsula’s coastline also create a natural shelter from larger waves, which makes the perfect environment for beginners. Additionally, fewer tourists frequent the area in fall. Warmer water, more waves and less people combine for more fun. If surfing is beyond your limitations, sit back, have a picnic and watch the locals on the popular Blue Flag beach. And is you need any more convincing the breathtaking Gower peninsula is home to Rhossili Bay, whose beach surpassed its Caribbean counterparts to be named one of the top beaches in the world!
Hike the Hafod Estate in Ceredigon
Located in the Ystwyth Valley, the landscape of the Hafod Estate welcomes guests with an array of colours that include the coppers of the beech forests on a property that encompasses 200 hectares. Thomas Johnes established the estate in the 18th century, which soon became a favourite location for visitors. Considered one of the most idyllic gardens in Britain, the terrain features lend themselves to an almost fantasy atmosphere for a perfect day out in the countryside. One massive tree on Allt Dihanog Hill has an impressive width of around eight metres. If you’re looking for cottage holidays in Wales at the very heart of the action, this is it! Journey along one or all of the five trails of the estate and encounter magical cascades, waterfalls, hidden tunnels and historic foot bridges.
Mountain Bike in the Coed-y-Brenin
The name ‘Coed-y-Brenin’ means King’s Forest and what a splendid location when looking to enjoy the brilliant colours of autumn. Numerous trails meander through the pine and mixed woods offering varying levels of difficulty. Take the scenic route and bike along the Yr Afon Trail. Enjoy the sunshine peeking through the rich gold and copper colours of the trees while taking in the breathtaking views over the Mawddach River. Perfect for a family outing, the trail spans around 11 kilometres of mostly level paths. If up for more of a challenge, the Beast of Brenin Trail does not disappoint. The endurance route spans over 30 kilometres and climbs a total of 1015 metres.
Canyoning in the Brecon Beacons
When looking for an adrenaline pumping adventure, canyoning certainly fills the bill and the vast Brecon beacon National Parks is the perfect location. Accompanied by guides and safely contained in a wetsuit and safety equipment, guests slide, swim or float down fast flowing water chutes and waves. Walk behind spectacular waterfalls and leap off of a wet precipice into a plunge-pool. The waters are warmest this time of year and the rivers are at their fullest. The Vale of Neath just below Ystradfellte remains a popular canyoning location because of the many tiered waterways found here.
Canoe on the River Wye
Enjoy the magnificent fall colours from the waterfront as you slowly make your way down the river. The beauty of the destination inspired Wordsworth to write about the scenic and peaceful area. Relax and absorb the views as a guide leads the way downstream. Quietly follow the current through a stunning gorge lined with trees and shrubbery donning their fall best. The journey typically begins at Tintern Abbey and concludes at the ancient Chepstow Castle.
