Joshua recommends The Blue Lagoon as the perfect place for cliff diving, wild swimming and hiking. Found on the rugged coastline of South Wales near Abereiddy Beach, Pembrokeshire.

It is a must for hike lovers that are looking for some adventurous activities to do during their hike.

A former slate quarry

Pembrokeshire played a lead role in the slate industry, with around 100 quarries in the county in the late 18th century.

Slate from Abereiddy was transported by tramway to the neighbouring Porthgain Habour and shipped out. The quarry itself was active until the early 20th century and later abandoned and now flooded.

The Blue Lagoon was formed when the channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, allowing the sea to flood in.

Ruined quarry buildings still sit on the clifftop, with the remains of the workmen’s cottages adjacent to the car park, along what was called The Row. You’ll also spot the foreman’s house and the powder store here.

Josh said:

We got up early so as to miss the crowds at the stunning Blue Lagoon and then began our hike along the coastal path checking out Traeth Llyfn and looping back at Porthgain Harbour. This in total is around 4 hours and if you are lucky enough to get a sunny day then it is truly a treat!

Watch Josh’s video here:

All photos and video are from Joshua McCartney.

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I’m not a mountain walker these days my idea of a day out is done in the car. If you have an injury or a disability I think we can all agree that it’s nice to take in Wales’ breathtaking countryside from the comfort of your own vehicle. Below you will find my holidayIdea starting in Prestatyn, North Wales. I hope you enjoy it.

Needs List

Accessible. By Car.  Parking. History. Fantastic scenery, mythology, lunch, viewpoints and I didn’t want to travel out of the Flintshire. 

So a car ride it is then with this in mind that I heartily recommending this splendid jaunt around Denbighshire.

1.Roman Civilian Bath House, Melyd Ave.

You can find Archaeological information here

I start at the Roman Baths in Prestatyn, which those of a inquisitive disposition regarding all things historical may like to take a look around.

A could park on the road next to the site, its not sign posted very well so keep your eyes peel.  What a wonderful site, thanks goes to those who look after it. The bath-house was built in about AD 120 and extended in about AD 150 and, according to Chester Walls, had a cold plunge-bath at the far end which was fed by a local spring by means of a timber aqueduct. 

2.The Roman hat

Head up the hill to the Roman Helmet (the giant bronze sculpture depicting the Romans in Prestatyn). You can have little walk around it too (Park outside it).

3. Gwaenysgor Hill – View Point 

What a drive up to Gwaenysgor Hill and those incredible views. Yes, you could cycle it if you wanted, but I didn’t (wouldn’t) for this idea. You would have to be a fairly hardcore cyclist (we’re talking Geraint Thomas level) to have a crack at Gwaenysgor Hill. 

It’s the steepest in all of Flintshire and although the view at the top over the Irish Sea is absolutely spectacular. The View point has parking so you don’t have to get out of your car if you didn’t want to.  I did, a few steps to the dry stone wall to take it all in. This is also a walking path of the Offas Dyke Path too.

4. Lunch stop

Once I’d got to the top, I was feeling a little thirsty and stopped for some pub lunch at the The Eagle and Child. It is just a stone throw away from the view point. I sat in the beer garden its beautiful.  

5. Next stop: GOP Hill

So now, having conquered the steepest hill in Flintshire, a spot of lunch its was time for me to see this legendary GOP Hill in Dyserth. Its a bout a 10 minute drive from the pub.

Rumour has it that Boudica (or Buddug), the queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in AD 60 or 61, fought her last battle here and is buried underneath.

Regardless of whether you believe that or not, GOP Hill is the second biggest burial mound in the UK, with recent archeological digs uncovering several bodies, and well worth a visit – if you can’t make it up the hill itself, it’s worth stopping the car to take a look.

I didn’t walk up to it as it takes 20 minutes from the car park but I could see it. I always wondered what the big mound was on the hill. I’m impressed. 

6. Drive through Dyserth all then way to the round about and take a left and you’ll make it to Maen Achwyfaen, an enormous stone cross standing on a five-way cross road – west of Whitford, east of Offa’s Dyke and close to a row of at least four barrows and of huge interest both to megalithic scholars and anyone of a historical inclination. The little sign says they don’t really know of its origins but I think its a burial stone for an important Viking. You can park outside here too but its in a field and you can’t see the stone as the trees are in the way, a very short walk in the field to see it is needed. 

7. Dyserth Falls

Once you’ve had a good look at Maen Achwyfaen, it’s just a 15-minute drive towards the Rhyl direction it takes me 10 minutes to get to the these beautiful falls. There is a place to park and a place to sit at the falls, I watched the world go by. Dyserth Falls is beautiful,  unspoilt, and I must see place. I wasn’t up for the walk I just wanted to sit in the little park and hear the waterfall, bliss.

A nice way to finish the day. Plus theres a pub across the way too. Wink wink. 

Ray Worsnop Rhyl. 

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If you’ve never made it to the beautiful Ceredigion town of Aberaeron, there has never been a better time to visit.

The lockdown left many small towns and villages reliant on the hospitality industry struggling, but Aberaeron is full of life again now, with every precaution being taken to keep visitors safe.

As Visit Wales puts it, the town truly is a place to come and relax, with many eateries participating in the tremendous Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Heaven for foodies

If you’re a foodie you won’t want to leave, with restaurants, bars, pubs and cafés galore, whether you’re in the mood for afternoon tea, lunch or something more substantial in the evening.

One member of our fantastic Facebook group (which you can join here) is a particular fan of caravan and glamping site Bargoed Farm and its famous bistro The Moody Cow, where the rustic surroundings are complemented by outstanding food and tremendous service.

You may also have heard of the colourful houses which Aberaeron is also famous for – but whether you have or you haven’t, they are truly a sight to behold.

If you fancy doing a bit more than chilling out, then head onto the Wales Coast Path or The Coastal Way for one of Wales’ most beautiful walks.

Fancy doing some fishing?

Whether you’re an expert angler or a newbie who just wants to give it a go, Aberaeron is well known for its herring fishing – and also its dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins can be found in just two places along the British coast – and Aberaeron is one of them, with more than 300 spending part of the year in the area.

If dolphin-spotting is your thing, then best delay your visit until September or October, when they are at their peak. 

Looking to stay?

If you’re keen to make your trip to Aberaeron a longer one and are looking for somewhere to stay, HolidayIdeasWales Facebook group member Peter Dovey, owner of The Feathers Airbnb, says: “We have taken the correct measures following lockdown and we have 13 en-suite rooms for all that want to visit.

We have some of the best beaches near by, with local restaurants and shops a 2 minute walk down to the harbour from your accommodation. Come and visit!”

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