Outdoor winter activities in Wales

Mountain skills in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Did you know that, prior to conquering Everest, Edmund Hillary spend the winter doing mountaineering training in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park? This is the season when the National Park is at its most spectacular and most challenging. In thick snow and over ice, expert guides from an accredited mountain operator can teach you how to use crampons and ice-axes so that you can enjoy a spot of ice-climbing. Epic scenery is guaranteed, whatever the weather.

Search for climbing operators in Eryri (Snowdonia).

Walker looking towards snow covered summit of Snowdon Yr Wyddfa

Spectacular views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), North Wales

Walking the Gower Peninsula

Gower is the perfect place to blow away the wintery cobwebs. When storms whiplash the inland hills, wrap up and head to the peninsula. You’ll see it at its most exhilarating, with big seas booming against Worm’s Head at Rhossili. The view of the beach is awesome all year round, as is the cliff path to Port Eynon.

Find out more about walking on the Gower Peninsula

Moody skies over Rhossili Beach, Gower, West Wales

Rafting in Cardiff Bay

On a wet day in South Wales (and we get our fair share of them), it’s easy to become restless if you stay inside. Make for the water at Cardiff International White Water centre, where Grade 4 rapids, standing waves, a full rafting course and high ropes course will wake you up with a hit of adrenaline. Being man-made, the course provides slightly warmer water than rivers and can be tailored to suit users of all experience levels. Retire to the cosy Quantum Coffee in Cardiff Bay afterwards for a rich hot chocolate (made with real choccie) and a slice of cake.

two people white water rafting at Cardiff International White Water.

Rafting at Cardiff International White Water Centre, South Wales

Hill walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

With clear blue sky and the crunch of snow underfoot, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) hills come into their own in winter. Though they demand respect, ridge-walks in this National Park are nowhere near as treacherous as those in Eryri (Snowdonia). With the first snow, walkers arrive in the Pont ar Daf or Storey Arms car parks to begin the popular route up Pen y Fan (886m). It’s the highest peak in the park, but it’s just one option for winter.

Search for walking operators in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

A man admiring the views on the top of a snow capped mountain.

The cairn at the top of Pen y Fan from above.

Pen y Fan, Mid Wales

Stargazing

When the nights draw in, and the skies are clear and cold, it's the perfect time of year to gaze into the depths of our universe. Wrap up warm and head to one of the dozens of places across Wales where you can go stargazing. We have around 30 Dark Sky Discovery Sites spread across Wales, from our stunning coastlines to mountains deep inland.

Three areas in Wales have achieved International Dark Skies status - the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Elan Valley and Eryri (Snowdonia).

Discover the best stargazing experiences Wales has to offer

Five people stargazing just after sunset looking at the Milky Way and Jupiter.

Watching the Milky Way and focussed on Jupiter, Glaslyn Nature Reserve, Cambrian Mountains, Mid Wales

Husky rides and sleddog experiences

Head to North Wales to try out the only husky dog sledding experience in Wales. Mynydd Sleddog Adventures, near Cerrigydrudion, only do the sledding during winter, because the dogs get too hot the rest of the year. It's a thrilling experience to take the leads of a team of huskies and race through forest trails on a wheeled race rig!