The length of the mainland Wales coast is approximately 1,370 miles (2,205km) and by adding this to the coast of Anglesey and Holy Island, the total is around 1,680 miles (2,704km). These coasts make Wales an ideal place to undertake outdoor activities, particularly surfing.
Pembrokeshire is an ideal place to enjoy the thrill of sea waves with a wonderful and challenging Atlantic surf. Here the Big Blue surf school was started by renowned surfer Kirsty Jones and her friend. Today it offers opportunities for surfing and paddleboarding. It was the most magnificent location Kirsty Jones saw while kitesurfing the Irish Sea from Rosslare to Marloes in West Wales. After five hours of kitesurfing with the wind dropping, and tension increasing, a pair of dolphins appeared and swam beside her and encouraged her to keep going. This is the home of some of Wales's most beautiful scenery approaching Skomer Island, and Wormshead.
Welsh surfing beaches are very popular with tourists. Here is a list of the most popular beaches for surfing in Wales:-
The Wonder of Science
Today I’ve had a fantastic day out in Techniquest, the brainchild of Professor John Beetlestone and colleagues from Cardiff University. It was founded in 1986 with 48 exhibits. Less than 10 weeks after opening it welcomed it ten thousandth visitor.
The interactive exhibits and science programmes were meant to appeal to both eye and instinct, and to draw people into an exciting and innovative world.
The original site for Techniquest was in the centre of Cardiff, opposite Cardiff Castle. This was a temporary home and in 1988, Techniquest moved to Cardiff Bay. Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry visited Techniquest in 1994.
In 1995 the centre was again on the move, this time locating to its present site. Techniquest offers a wide range of exhibits and experiences at its Cardiff base and gradually developed and now also offers exhibits and science programmes to museums and visitor attractions around the world. Over 200,000 people visit Techniquest each year.
The centre also offers a planetarium and a science theatre for use by children. Techniquest, with its innovative and exciting approach to a subject that might otherwise appeal only to a limited few, has undoubtedly stimulated an interest right across Wales for 34 years. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Exciting Art
Who is Luned Rhys Parri?
An artist who creates work full of character and humour.
Where was she brought up?
She grew up in Llansannan and now lives in Dyffryn Nantlle in Gwynedd.
What is conveyed in her work?
Her work takes her audience into a world of characters in a Welsh-speaking society fast disappearing as time goes by.
What inspires her?
The environment around her in Dyffryn Nantlle as well as her upbringing in Llansannan. Memories of her family are an important part of her work.
What kind of techniques does she use?
She often uses a photocopy of an old photograph or newspaper within her work and the colours of the womens clothing are often bright. She also uses wire and paper when creating the characters in her pictures.
Where is her work exhibited?
She exhibits throughout Wales and also holds workshops with school pupils. Her work was first exhibited in summer 2011 at Ffin y Parc, Llanrwst. She exhibited again in 2013, 2016 and 2018. She returned in 2019 during the 'Women of Wales' celebration exhibition and all her pieces sold. Her last exhibition was there in August 2020. Luned will be showcasing her latest work at the Ffin y Parc Gallery during August 2021. Come along and see her wonderful creative work!
This is a link to a clip of Luned Rhys Parri working in her studio. https://youtu.be/auQwbBvPjOo
Mountain Biking Wales
Carmarthenshire’s best kept secret!
October 14th 2017
A £1million mountain biking centre was opened in Brechfa Forest, Carmarthenshire in 2016 with sleeping facilities for 34 visitors and 12 camping pods, shower facilities, bike repair shop, games room, information station and car parks with picnic and barbecue sites.
The site lies between Byrgwm Forest and the line of trees south of Byrgwm Bach and brings in £23 million to the Welsh economy.
The centre has 3 different tracks. The Gorlech Track created by Rowan Sorrell consists of 3 climbing and descending routes extending over 19km. More experienced cyclists can experiment with their various skills on the Raven Track which is a more challenging 18.5km track and includes exciting features. This track takes about an hour and a half to complete and gives opportunities to climb 725 metres. On the other hand, the Derwen track is a great starting point for families and beginners and provides a wonderful opportunity to go mountain biking, including several downward slopes.
Brechfa Forest holds several mountain biking competitions every year. All of the tracks showcase Brechfa Forest at its best.
