Activities in The South Wales Valleys

Activities have always been high on The Valleys Agenda...

It all started in the 18th century when local athlete Guto Nyth Bran broke the world record for running. He ran seven miles from Pontypridd in the time it took to boil a kettle of water. Or so they say. We celebrate every new year with the Nos Galan Road race.

We’re on safer ground when we mention that world champion cyclist Nicole Cooke is a big fan of the Valleys – she says that our hills (quite steep in parts), vales (not steep at all) and scenery (quite breathtaking) make us one of her favourite training grounds. That’s a rock-solid recommendation from someone who has all of the Alps to choose from.

When it comes to activities, we’ve more or less got it covered, from A (abseiling) to W (windsurfing – we couldn’t think of anything beginning with Y or Z). In between, there’s an alphabet full of go-do outdoor activities, including all kinds of adrenaline sports, laid-back canal cruising, great golf, fishing, horse riding, walking and world-class mountain biking and cycling.

And we have the facilities to match, with activity and sporting centres that extend the usual warm-hearted Valleys welcome to experts and novices alike. To make the going even easier, many offer packages inclusive of accommodation too.

Oh, and there are a few oddities along the way. How about going on a paragliding, sking or dangling from high ropes?

Whether you want an adventure or to relax, we have outdoor activities galore for holidays in South Wales!