Off course: South Wales

Talk about South Wales, and The Valleys are sure to come up quickly in the topic of conversation. The Valleys are made for walking, with routes through scenic valleys and over stunning hillsides. There are routes for everyone, from the serious seasoned walker to the family strollers. A number of themed walks are available for visitors, including the the Medieval Magic walk, which takes you through the mysterious and ancient past of the Caerphilly County Borough.

The Valleys really suit those who love horse riding. Indeed on many routes you can ride from the bottom all the way to the top on horseback, looking over some of the most dazzling views. The Furlong Wood Ride is extra special, taking riders over 12 miles across Blaenavon's World Heritage moors and mountains.

Amongst the surreal views, it's easy to forget that The Valleys are steeped in history and tradition. This is arguably best demonstrated at Blaenavon, where you can take an underground tour of the Big Pit National Coal Museum. The Big Pit, situated across Merthyr Tydfil to Maesteg, is a must-visit reminder of the industrial past of The Valleys.

From The Valleys to the capital of Wales, Cardiff, you'll be amazed at how quickly the scenary changes. However, Cardiff will also leave you speechless with its history, culture and spectacular attractions. Cardiff Castle, located in the city centre, is one of these attractions. Over 2,000 years in age, Cardiff Castle was renovated by The 3rd Marquis of Bute at the end of the 19th century. And only 10 minutes from this landmark, you'll find the equally-impressive Caerphilly Castle, which rivals Cardiff Castle with its stunning concentric design.

If you prefer to relax and get involved in the local cuisine, then Cardiff plays host to numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. However if you want to sample the best local produce, visitors are advised to visit the Cardiff Market, where the famous sea trout is a must-try.

Moving away from Cardiff and to the popular Heritage Coast, visitors can again find a way to instantly escape. The whole coastline is scattered with delightful towns, small villages, footpaths and country lanes. At Southerndown you can experience the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre, where you can learn about the hallow turf you are walking on.With so much coastline in South Wales, anglers are most definitely spoilt for choice.

Those who love first-class angling will be impressed the with the Wye, the Usk and the Llandegfedd reservoir. The trip to Wye can be made into a multi-activity trip with first class canoeing and kayaking rivers available.To learn more about these spectacular activities, go to the Visit Wales website.
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