Healthy tries…coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales
A coasteering weekend away at Preseli Venture
Wading through the chilly Irish Sea in a wetsuit may not be your typical weekend pursuit, but it’s certainly not one you will soon forget. During a stay at the Preseli Venture, located within the remarkable Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you can expect to do range of water sports including surfing, sea kayaking and coasteering.
Your visit would not be complete without taking part in a coasteering session – a sport that actually originated in South Wales – which involves climbing, jumping and swimming along the rocky coastline, exploring rock pools and small caves along the way. Although a few of us were apprehensive, the understanding lodge staff gave us the gentle encouragement we needed to head into the water – and our coasteering experience turned out to be one of the major highlights of the trip.
For those who prefer to enjoy the views of scenic Pembrokeshire beaches on foot, you can hike through the cliffs to the local beach, Abermawr, admiring the vibrant bluebell woods along the way.
As well as excursions, the experience offers optional fitness classes such as Zumba and circuits training, along with a mindfulness workshop. There is also a short stretching workshop every evening to soothe aching muscles.
Back at the lodge, the resident chef serves hearty, nutritious meals to replenish you after an energetic day of physical activity. A favourite during our stay was a traditional Welsh cawl (chunky vegetable soup) served with Welsh cheddar cheese and freshly-baked sourdough bread from a nearby bakery. You can also sample a selection of locally-brewed ales and ciders at the lodge bar.
The lodge owners are committed to eco-friendly practices, from the environmentally-friendly Ecover soap in the bathrooms to the solar-panels keeping the bedrooms warm and cosy; the perfect place to relax after an endorphin-boosting day out in Wales. Whether you’re looking to fall back in love with fitness through coasteering and kayaking adventures or merely want to get up close and personal with the breathtaking Pembrokeshire landscapes, a stay at Preseli Venture offers something for everyone.
Prices start at £265 for a two-day fitness and adventure weekend (the next is planned for 2-4 September 2016), or £595 for a five-day fitness and adventure holiday retreat (planned for 5-9 September). Visit presliventure.co.uk to find out more.
