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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Okay, so it’s the Anglesey Coastal Path.

The Anglesey Coastal Path that’s 130 miles long and takes, on average, 12 days to complete? That you get a special badge from the Friends of the Anglesey Coastal Path for completing?

Yes, that Anglesey Coastal Path.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to walk it all. 

By all means give it a go if you wish – it has been walked in as little as four days if you’re feeling competitive – but we would recommend just walking a section of it.

The section from Benllech to Dulas, for example.

At around 5-6 miles it’s certainly doable, but there are other places to stop and head back if you find yourself feeling a little weary

Benllech is an especially good place to start, with its glorious beach, golden sands and views towards the Great Orme and Penmon Point.

If you can tear yourself away from the beach and the delights of Benllech, you are ready to get walking.

Just follow the signs to the coast path and head north!

There’s not much more to it than that – just follow the signs and keep going! Unless you fancy turning your 5-6 mile walk into a 10-12 mile walk, though, you might want to think about making sure there’s a car at the end of the route in Dulas to take you home.

Benllech to Moelfre

Another great walk on the Coast Path is Benllech to Moelfre, which clocks in a little shorter at around four miles and also includes a perfect place to stop at Traeth Bychan with its splendid little beach.

The Coastal Path is particular popular with our fantastic Facebook group (which you can join here), with one member saying: “I did the whole path in stages over a period of months, used one car and did circular walks when possible. Other times I just walked back and it was just as stunning.”

Another added: “It’s a lovely walk but be wary of the mud off the path at Llgwy. Great tearoom in Moelfre. We did a short walk back in February from Moelfre (after a visit to Ann’s Pantry) with the dogs who love to romp in the sea. Walking back to the path Helen suddenly fell as her foot was enveloped in a Lligwy ganache!”

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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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