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Intensive Swimming Lessons: what else is there to do?
Swimming Without Stress Secret Spots Trip
Come on the Swimming Without Stress Secret Spots Trip
"If there's magic in this planet, it is contained in the water." Loren Eiseley, 1957 This experience is suitable for any level of swimmer, even aquaphobics. We won't get you to do anything you're not comfortable with but if you've always avoided outdoor watery fun because of your fears, and felt you were missing out, this is your opportunity.
We'll collect you from your cottage and take you to one or more of our favourite, secret swimming spots, all a short journey away.
We'll bring lifejackets and wetsuits and, weather permitting, you'll be able to try a bit of wild swimming, river or sea, paddle with us in our safe and stable Canadian canoe or have a go on our very easy to handle sit-on-top kayak. In the sea if conditions are right, we may swim or paddle into spectacular caves. We often see seals and sometimes dolphins.
If you like dogs, Ned, our lab-collie cross, loves to come swimming with us. We don't let him come in the canoe though.
Before heading back, we'll warm up with tea or coffee and reward ourselves with biscuits, cakes or even a tipple from our hip-flask.
“I must admit on some stressful days at work I do wish we were back with you at that spot by the river, it was lovely, really green and leafy, a nice break to calm down and relax. It was good to have time to just sit and chat as we don't get that much time, usually rushing around. “ Sandra, Billericay
Ian and Cheryl will both be in attendance.
There's a small fee payable on the day, just to cover petrol, hire of equipment - kayak/ canoe/ wetsuits/ lifejackets - and tea/ coffee. We're not charging you for our time or any tuition we give on the trip. The aim isn't for you to learn to 'do' anything but to come out with us for a bit of fun and a change from the pool.
Please let us know in advance if you fancy a trip but we won't book a defininte time as we'll see what the weather and tides are doing. Trips last around 1.5 hours
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Eating Out
Here are some excellent places to eat which we recommend from personal experience.
For a culinary treat in Newport, South of Cardigan, try Llys Meddyg or Cnapan. We also recommend The Canteen, great for daytime and early evening deals and our favourite pub, The Golden Lion. A splendid cafe/ restaurant at Parrog beach, Newport, is Morawelon, which is unpretentious, friendly and has great quality food.
The Penrallt Garden Centre in Moylegrove, near beautiful Ceibwr Bay, is a good place for coffee and snacks. This is between Newport and Cardigan.
Further south from Newport, towards Fishguard on the beautiful beach at Pwllgwaelod (right turn after Dinas Cross), is The Old Sailor's Inn, another great place and always open at lunchtime.
Cardigan has two excellent Indian restaurants down by the river, The Royal India (on a boat) and Abdul's. The cafe at the wildlife centre, just outside Cardigan at Cilgerran, on the river Teifi, is a great place for lunch.
North of Cardigan, the beautiful beach at LLangrannog has an excellent sea front cafe (try the home made cawl and Rick Stein recommended ice cream) and the snazzy Ship Inn.
Further north, pretty harbour town Aberaeron has the wonderful Harbourmaster Hotel and, daytimes only, Hive on the Quay where the honey ice cream must be tasted.
For the best fish and chips go to Newquay or Aberaeron.
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Dolphin Watching
Cardigan Bay has the largest population of Bottlenose dolphins in Britain. In calm weather you can easily see them from Mwnt beach, 2 miles away from Brongwyn Cottages. For detailed observation of dolphins, there are 4 and 8-hour Dolphin Survey boat trips from New Quay. For more information on the trips, call 01545 560032.
“Join us as we survey the Bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay’s proposed ‘Special Area of Conservation’”
“Enjoy the seals, birds, dolphins and porpoise that visit this beautiful coastline of West Wales”
“Underwater microphone to listen to the dolphins when we meet them”.
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golf
There are two golf courses within easy reach. Cardigan, overlooking the Teifi estuary at Gwbert, is a fine challenging 18 hole course with spectacular sea and estuary views. Newport, less than 10 minutes away, is a delightful 9 hole course on the Nevern estuary - just as beautiful, but a gentler test!
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coastal walks and wildlife
The area provides some of the finest coastal walks. For the more adventurous, ride the surf at Poppit, Newport and at Whitesands Bay. Most beaches in the area are Blue Flag standard and provide excellent swimming.
This area is teeming with wildlife - particularly birds which can be seen on the cliffs, the estuaries and elsewhere. Buzzards are a common sight sitting on telegraph poles. Peregrine falcons, choughs, fulmars are just some of our local cliff dwellers. Seals and dolphins are frequently seen off Ceibwr bay, and there are many badgers in the vicinity. Otters can be seen fishing in the Teifi. The Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran is an interesting place for nature lovers.
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culture
Cilgerran Castle - Is a Striking 13th-century ruined castle. The remains of the castle are perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge and have inspired many artists, including Turner.
A walk through Cilgerran Gorge along the Teifi is delightful in all weather,
A ride on the Vale of Rheidol railway from Aberyswyth is a memorable day out.
The VoR Railway runs for 11¾ miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. The terminus is adjacent to the national network station at Aberystwyth, and on the hour-long journey passengers have spectacular views of the wooded Rheidol Valley - views unseen for decades until the VoRR began its renovation programme ten years ago. This programme continues today, and will see more views opened up for VoR passengers, and improved facilities at both terminal stations.
At Devil's bridge, there are walks to Mynach Falls, Devil's Punchbowl and Jacob's Ladder.
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