Places to explore this half term!
Gymnastics is all about exploring, from swinging on the bar to flying through the air and doing things you never thought possible! Its so important for both physical and mental health, but more importantly, its so much fun! With the sun shining, whether you live in St Mellons, Llanrumney, Pontprennau or Llanedeyrn, theres no better time to get outside, explore and burn off some of your gymnasts energy! The Explore Gymnastics team love to go on adventures so heres a few of our favourites!
Sea Wall - Local
Distance: 10-15 minute drive
Hendre Lake is an amazing place to see some wildlife but gets busy on sunny days, so if you’re looking for somewhere nice and quiet, a lesser known spot is the sea wall in St Brides. A 10 minute drive through lanes from St Mellons business park to the carpark at the Lighthouse Inn and you’ll be at the coast! With views of Flat Holm & Steep Holm island, a few tiny beaches when the tides out along with plenty of cows for company, its a perfect spot for a picnic! If you don’t fancy bringing your own supplies, you can always stop off for refreshments at the Lighthouse Inn.
Aberthaw lime works - Worth the journey
Distance: 40 minute drive
Looking for something different? How about exploring an abandoned lime works, spot wildlife at a nature reserve and go to the beach all within the same day? If thats not enough, you can always visit the Dragons Quest mini golf too! Park at Fontygary Leisure Park, follow the road inside the caravan park that runs parallel to the railway until you reach the footpath to the beach. Walk along the beach towards Aberthaw Nature Reserve, explore abandoned building, then discover the wildlife at the lake before having a play in the sand!
Garwnant Visitor Centre - Worth the journey
Distance: 45 minute drive
With a sculpture trail, playground, child friendly bike trails, cafe & walking trails, Garwnant Visitor Centre is the perfect place to entertain the whole family, including the dog! After a short drive down the A470, you’ll arrive to the visitor centre, which has plenty of parking (for a small charge). You’ll be spoilt for choice with free activities and if you’re after something off the beaten track, you can search for Llwyn-on Reservoir which is only a 10 minute walk from the carpark or have a picnic above Cantref Reservoir which is a 40 minute walk away through the woods!
Worms Head - For the super adventurous
Distance: 90 minute drive
If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure during half term, this is the one for you! Amazing views, the wildest of wildlife, its a trip that will transport you to another world! Worms head is the ultimate welsh adventure & to top it off, theres also plenty of delicious ice cream in the shop by the carpark! Take a photo on top of Devils Bridge, look for seals basking in the sun & have a picnic at the furthest westerly point in the Gower! Only accessible for 2.5 hours either side of high tide, park at Rhossili Bay Car Park, walk past the wild horses to Rhossili Point, then hike across the rocks until you get reach Worms Head End of Land! If you’d prefer a more relaxing day, Rhossilli Bay is an amazing beach, it also has ship wrecks for your gymnasts to explore! Fun fact, one of the photos below is of Carys our Head of Gymnastics, doing a handstand on top of Devils Bridge, if you look carefully theres seals on the rocks underneath!