Swansea Bay.
Swansea Bay is actually a little bit more than just the bay area, as it includes
the Neath, Afan and Port Talbot areas. The steep sided valleys, forested hills
and upland moors that make up the 'interior' of the region have some of the
best mountain biking trails around.
Take a trip to Afan Forest Park's world-class trails or check out the routes
over the hills above Margam Park. You'll soon know why riders from all over
Britain head here on a regular basis.
Glowing accolades from the national press ('comparable to much of the single
track that the Rockies has to offer' The Guardian), from mountain bike
magazines ('Mountain bike Nirvana' MBR Magazine) and even from the daddy of the
sport, the International Mountain Biking Association ('trail centres above and
beyond anything.in North America') are proof of the top quality riding
experience available.
Back on the coast surfing is huge. In fact it's a part of the culture. In areas
such as lively little Mumbles it's not unusual to find three generations of the
same family into wave riding. The waves get a little less busy as you head west
onto the Gower Peninsula, where the place to hang out with your board and
'wettie' is Llangennith, a huge golden strand backed by sand dunes and a cool
little beach and pub scene.
Swansea Bay is also a popular sailing spot, not surprising when you consider
that the city has one of the coolest new marinas in the country. And
windsurfers are a regular sight off the beautiful beaches of Gower (Britain's
first designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', incidentally).
All this top quality outdoor action is easily accessible, with the M4 running
into the heart of the region, regular train and bus services from London and
other parts of England, and daily flights between London and Swansea. So it's
easy-peasy to head west for a couple of days enjoying life 'as wild as you want
it'.
Explore Swansea Bay in more detail at www.visitswanseabay.com