Bushcraft
Experience the art of making yourself comfortable in a wilderness environment, using traditional skills and modern survival equipment.
What you get:
Instruction from qualified professionals that cover the fundamental skills of Bushcraft.
How much?
Many different courses are available at varying prices and start at around £60 for a 1 day Introduction to Bushcraft.
When?
Year round, but Summer is obviously best for weather!
Where?
There are a few operators offering bushcraft courses across Wales, including Dryad Bushcraft based on the Gower peninsular in South West Wales, also in South Wales there's Burnt Bark based near Cardiff but offering instruction nationwide; Cambrian Survival in mid Wales near Aberystwyth; Proadventure in Llangollen, North Wales or Firefox Bushcraft in Dolgellau, North Wales as featured in our Family Proper Holidays Advert.
Fancy easing your way into bushcraft? Coed y Brenin often hold's den-building events for the whole family.
Archery
Whether you're a veritable Robin Hood or you've only tried it once at a fair to win a oversized teddy bear, Wales has plenty of opportunities to improve your archery skills.What you get:
Full instruction in whichever form of archery you choose to go for (there's more to it than just aiming at a bull's eye) plus all equipment. This will vary from group tuition to one-to-one from time to time.
How much?
From around £10 an hour, although many centres also offer archery as part of a multi-activity day or weekend break - expect to pay from £40 a day, £150 a weekend including accommodation.
When?
All year round.
Where?
There are outdoor centres throughout Wales which can provide tuition, often with dramatic and scenic backdrops.
Skiing & Snowboarding
We can't guarantee the snow but with plenty of dry slopes scattered throughout Wales, you can practice your carving all year round. Or take some lessons if you’re still a fan of the snowplough.What you get:
All the gear you need can be hired at the slopes (other than gloves) and lessons are available with fully qualified ski and board instructors. You usually learn in small groups but one-to-one lessons are also available.
How much?
One hour costs from around £8, two hours from around £11.50
A 'taster' lesson costs around £10.50, and private lessons around £22 per person.
When?
All year round.
Where?
Check out snowsportwales.net for details of artificial slopes in Wales. And every winter there's the chance to ski Wales' hills and mountains as long as you don't mind walking up them first!
Rope Courses
A rope course makes an exciting and unusual alternative to heading for the hills or coast and will teach you a few techniques that can come in useful in other outdoor activities such as climbing.What you get:
Instruction from qualified professionals in everything from abseiling to crossing rope bridges. All safety equipment is provided too
How much?
From £25 for an introductory course.
Many centres offer ropework courses as part of an activity day or weekend - expect to pay from £40 a day, £150 a weekend including accommodation.
When?
All year round.
Where?
Various outdoor centres around Wales offer rope courses - places such as Go Ape, Plas y Brenin National Mountaineering Centre, Tree Top Adventures and the Welsh International Climbing Centre specialise in such courses.
