Canyoning - South Wales

The Event: Took to the waters (as part of my Bachelors weekend) in South Wales to do some Canyoning which involves jumping into currents, floating down rapids, walking under waterfalls and jumping off waterfalls. It was awesome.

Anglesey - North Wales

The Place: Travelled to Anglesey - which is almost an island lying in the northern most part of Wales and popular as a ferry-link to Dublin - for the endurance life 10km trail run up and around Holyhead.

Some highlights: The run was tough but very scenic taking us around the cliffsides of the island, climbing up to the top of Holyhead mountain and then scrambling down to the finish line. It was a fun race and the steep hills made it tough.

We stayed in a sea side cottage with 9 people which made for a lot of fun when we got back from the race. On the morning after a party on the Saturday night (where a few of our neighbours joined us- friends of some of ours) we took to the freezing sea water and then ran back into the house for a sauna - 3 times. Very invigorating and actually seemed to help quite a bit with the sore muscles after the race. Definitely made me keen to continue the weekend races!

Pembrokeshire - South Wales

The Place: In the South of Wales took a road trip over a long weekend to Newgale, Manorbier, Freshwater East, Tenby and Laugharne.

Some highlights: Fresh sea air with great views, walks on the beach (we were hoping for some surfing as Pembrokeshire is meant to be one of the best surf spots in the UK - however I think we missed the season as it was glassy at all beaches), rock pools, freaky animals (including a couple walking a miniature pony the size of a dog, and steriod bull above), camping, lighting a fire on the beach in Tenby and playing djembe drums in the evening, impressive castles - which you can't miss as they're everywhere, and visiting the boathouse and grave of Dylan Thomas, famous welsh poet.

Snowdonia - Wales

The Place: In Northern Wales, Snowdonia, went camping close by to the small town of Betws y Coed.

Some features: Walked the very scenic Llyn Elsi trail ("llwybr" in Welsch - what the?) which took us high up in the hills passed old grown over house ruins to a small lake in the mountains.

Spent the next day cycling in Coed y Brenin, which opened my eyes to the world of mountain biking. The trail was about 18 kms and technically challenging, featuring steps and drop-offs and steep declines. While Nic, Trev and Kath took the "Dragon's Back" route, Liz, Tim and I rode the 'Mbr' trail which saw all three of us flying head over handlebars at one stage or another. Liz's fall was spectacular as she somehow managed to turn off the road down a sheer drop (about the height of a person) and dived thru the air ahead of her bike which came following close behind her. Apart from some bruises and scrapes she was uninjured. Good times.