Wales Great activities to do in winter

There’s no need to hibernate when temperatures plummet. The hills of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia are even more spectacular when dusted with snow and white water rafting and bike rides are sure to get the blood pumping.

Mountain skills in Snowdonia

Mountain climbing on Glyder Fach, Snowdonia by David Cudworth

Not for nothing did Edmund Hilary and co spend the winter prior to Everest in Snowdonia. This is the season when the National Park is at its most spectacular and most challenging. In snow and ice expert guides from an accredited mountain operator can teach you the skills of crampons and ice-axes, perhaps ice-climbing if conditions allow. The scenery is guaranteed either way.

Search for climbing operators in Snowdonia

Walking the Gower Peninsula

Worm's Head, Gower by matt cattell

The Gower is the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. When storms whiplash hills inland, wrap up and see the peninsula at its most exhilarating as big seas boom against the Worm’s Head at Rhossili. The view of the beach is awesome whatever the weather, as is the cliff path to Port Eynon. The pub at the end has never been more deserved.

Find out more about walking on the Gower Peninsula

Rafting in Cardiff Bay

Cardiff International White Water Centre, Cardiff Bay by CIWW

It’s a wet day in South Wales. The hills are bleak, the kids are restless. Window-shopping is never going to burn off that energy. Grade 4 rapids, standing waves and big hits of adrenaline might, though. Being man-made, the course provides slightly warmer water than rivers – rafters wear wetsuits in any case – and an experience that is tailored to all ages. And being in Cardiff Bay, parents can retire to a café.

Find out more about Cardiff International White Water

Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla

Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla, Wrexham by SuggySnaps

Experienced riders get the blood pumping with rides in the Clwydian Hills. Everyone else should visit Coed Llandegla near Wrexham. On trails built for wet-weather riding you get similar views of the Clwyds except with hot showers and a café afterwards. Bike hire means it’s open to families as much as those who tackle steep descents on a black run.

Find out more about mountain biking at Coed Llandegla

Hillwalks in the Brecon Beacons

Walking in the snowy Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales

Crisp blue sky and the crunch of snow underfoot – experienced walkers know the Brecon Beacons hills come into their own in winter. Though they demand respect, ridge-walks in this National Park are nowhere as treacherous as those in Snowdonia, and with the first snows walkers arrive in the Storey Arms carpark to begin a popular route up Pen-Y-Fan (886m). It’s the highest peak in the park but just one option for winter.

Search for walking operators in the Brecon Beacons National Park