Sporting Activities

Whether you prefer land or water, there are plenty of activities for the sporty or the novice sporty. Below is a selection of the most popular activities and at the end is a list of some of the local activity providers.

Walking
With its breathtaking views and unspoilt landscape the Pembrokeshire National Park Coastal Trail is a popular attraction for walkers, as it winds its way 186 miles (299km) from St Dogmaels near Cardigan in the North to Amroth, near Tenby in the South.

Some sections of the Coastal Trail are designated for a more leisurely stroll with "Watering Holes" and Accommodation at regular intervals.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the smallest National Parks, and only Coastal National Park in England and Wales. The Park also includes several offshore islands, the largest of which are Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grasholm and Caldey. These are internationally important for their seabird and seal populations. Boat Trips to the Islands are very popular during the summer season.

The Pembrokeshire Coastline is amongst the most beautiful in Europe, varying from high cliffs to long open beaches, and sheltered coves and harbours to natural salt flats and sand dunes.
A number of Pembrokeshires beaches have achieved the distinction of being awarded the prestigious " Blue Flag " for environmental quality.

In complete contrast are the tranquil waters of the Milford Haven Waterway, the heavily wooded slopes of the Gwaun Valley and the windswept expanse of the Preseli Hills.

Walking leaflets have been produced as part of the Pembrokeshire Greenways initiative* to help you access the countryside. All of the leaflets contain details of how to access the walks by bus or train so you can leave the car at home!

Climbing
With over 3000 routes to choose from, there is plenty of scope for all abilities. There are 3 main areas to climb in Pembrokeshire :St.Davids Peninsula, St. Govan's and Lydstep. As with all sea cliff climbing areas, some routes close to protect nesting seabirds. To find out more about closed routes, you can call the National Park Ranger on 07866 771188.

Coasteering
One of the most popular activities around the beautiful coastline. There are some great venues dotted around including Stackpole Quay, St Nons and the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. Like all adventure activities, it is better to take part in an organised session with a registered local activity provider.

Cycling
Cycling in Pembrokeshire gives you an opportunity to take in different landscapes from mountains to coast, different architecture, from castles to craft shops with plenty of pitstops in the villages along the way. If you don't want to bring your own bike, you can hire one locally or you can take part in an escorted trek such as the Preseli Trail Trek.

Diving
Pembrokeshire is a treasure chest when it comes to its marine habitat and is as varied, dramatic and colourful as the Coastal National Park itself. There are dives that cater to all levels of ability and with regular sightings of porpoise, dolphins and seals, not to mention over 350 known wrecks, it is easy to understand why many divers return year on year to indulge in underwater Pembrokeshire.

Kayaking
With over 185 miles of rugged coastline in Britain's only coastal National Park, you can see why Pembrokeshire is reknowned for canoeing and kayaking. Stop to rest on a secluded beach, drift past seal and porpoise, explore mysterious caves or simply flat idly around some of the UK's finest beaches.

Horse Riding
If you want a taste of adventure, but want to rest your legs, then Pembrokeshire beckons you to explore from the back of a horse. You will be spoilt for choice with bridleways, smugglers paths, old drovers trails and quiet lanes, with something for the novice or experienced rider. If you dont want to bring your own horse, then there are plenty available locally!

Sailing
The coast of Pembrokeshire offers enormous potential for the sea farers amongst us, whether it be sailing, cruising or powerboating. If you are a beginner, there are plenty of courses available for you to try your hand at or if you are experienced, enough places to organise a charter. Most of the yatching facilities are focused on the Milford Haven waterway, a 22 mile ong natural deep water harbour. However, the open water with secluded bays and small harbours offer the chance to explore further around the coast. Explore the Pembrokeshire coast from a perspective most visitors never see and discover your own favourite hidden cove or deserted beach.

Surf, WIndsurf , Kite Surf and Kite Land Boarding
West Wales is well known as one of Britain's top surfing areas and the clean water and Atlantic swells rolling into the spectacular beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park make it an ideal venue for the the first time surfer or expert alike. Some of the most popular and best for good surf are Freshwater West, Marloes, Newgale and Whitesands. Or if you dont want to get wet, why not try the ever growing sport of Kite Land boarding, possible on some of Pembrokeshires wider beaches.

Local Activity Providers
Preseli Venture, Mathry (www.preseliventure.com)
Sealyham Activity Centre, Haverfordwest (www.sealyham.com)
TYF Adventure, St Davids (www.tyf.com)
Cycle Hire Pembrokeshire, Croesgoch
Newport Bike Hire, Newport
Celtic Diving, Fishguard (/www.celticdiving.co.uk)
Ocean Rock Coastal Kayak Expeditions, Haverfordwest (www.oceanrock.co.uk)
Llanwnda Stables, Goodwick
Maesgwynne Riding Stables, Fishguard
Pembrokeshire Yacht Club (www.pembsyachtclub.org.uk)
Whitesand Surf School, St Davids (www.whitesandssurfschool.co.uk)
West Wales Wind, Suf & Sailing, Dale (www.surfdale.co.uk)

*Pembrokeshire Greenways is an initiative to help and encourage local residents and visitors to access the countryside through walking, cycling, horseriding and even bus and train travel.
(www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk)