Adrenaline / Outdoor Pursuits in The South Wales Valleys

Looking for an adrenaline high? Take it to the max in a hang glider or paraglider.

The Valleys’ steep sides and wind conditions are well suited to this high-adventure sport. So much so that one local club even bought a mountain (The Blorenge, if you’re interested). The altitude is different but the buzz is just as big in our cave systems. Over the ages, limestone rock along the northern rim of the Valleys had dissolved to create vast cave systems – some of the most spectacular in Britain – that are a subterranean haven for experienced speleologists (that’s the posh name for cavemen). Beginners can take a look inside too, as part of organised groups led by expert activity operators, who also offer other exciting activities such as raft building. Adventure Wales is one such activity centre that offers a wide range of activities, from Archery to adrenaline pumping Quad Biking,  Clay Pigeon Shooting to wet and wild Gorge Walking, there is something to suit everyone. If you are feeling adventurous find out more on the short activty breaks offered by the Ynys Hywel Activity Centre in Caerphilly that boasts canoeing, abseiling, adventure walks and you can even learn orienteering to set you off exploring on your own.

You can also go abseiling off cliff-faces and former railway viaducts preserved from the ‘Age of Steam’. There’s bouldering (rock climbing without a rope but normally on very short climbs that won’t result in harm should you fall off) as well as conventional climbing and high-rope adventures. And the Valleys are made for mountain biking which is hugely popular across the region. You can even go skiing on one of the longest dry ski slopes in Wales that has easy tows and gentle slopes for beginners, and proper button lifts and bumps for the more confident.

Arrive and Drive

Four-wheel fun doesn’t come much better than this. You’re driving a go kart and you’re close to the ground, so 30 miles per hour feels more like 300 and your mate, who has suddenly turned into Lewis Hamilton with horns, is trying to pass. You’ll feel the force at G-Force Karting, Pontypool, an outdoor track in the beautiful Usk Valley where you can ‘arrive and drive’ or take part in organised endurance events. The track is a snaking, undulating one-third of a mile ribbon of tarmac with six challenging turns, so there’s plenty of opportunity for late breaking and opposite locking (karters will know what we’re talking about).

Click here for our adrenelin sports activities ...