Active

splash out!

This is the best time of year for getting out on the water, and we’re lucky to have one of the best watersports venues right on our doorstep

Plas Menai, the National Outdoor Centre for Wales, has introduced of a new Personal Watercraft course, which is sure to be hugely popular, especially when taking in to account the centre’s location on the Menai Strait. The yacht cruising programme is also back for 2022, after the restrictions of the past couple of years. Seeing the yachts out on the water and the faces of happy participants learning how to sail is what Plas Menai’s reputation has been built on.

Open to all

With an extensive summer programme planned for outdoor enthusiasts, both young and old, Plas Menai has courses to take you from a beginner, learning the basics, right through to advanced level and certifi cated courses. “The yacht As the year progresses, take advantage of the great outdoors by joining one of cruising the guided lowland or mountain walks, or programme utilise our kit to learn to mountain bike. Alternatively, join one of Plas Menai’s clubs designed for you to meet likeis back for 2022” minded individuals, such as the weekly SUP evenings or windsurfi ng groups. There may be theory courses that need to be completed to take you on to the next level in your chosen sport.

Plas Menai is managed by Sport Wales with the aim of igniting a lifetime passion for outdoor activities. The centre has been inspiring people to experience the outdoors for over 40 years. It re-opened in May, following extensive refurbishment to the heating system, and is one of the fi rst buildings in Wales of its age and stature to be fi tted with a ground source heating system.

It is a recognised Royal Yachting Association and British Canoeing training centre and o ers world-renowned technical courses and instructor training in dinghy sailing, windsurfi ng, cruising and kayaking. It really does have something for everyone. For information, call 0300 3003112 or visit plasmenai.wales

Building confi dence and a love of the outdoors

A summer stroll

• Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd • Di culty – Leisurely • Walking time - 6 hours • Length 18.6km / 11.6 miles

Shire Magazine is joining forces with The Ramblers charity to suggest some new routes that keen walkers might want to try over the summer. The fi rst is a beautiful day out on the Llyn Peninsula. For all the details visit ramblers.org.uk where the route will be available until 30th September. To access all routes all the time, you might want to consider joining the organisation. Find out how on the website.

Start: Aberdaron

At high tide take the road towards Porth Simdde or at low tide you can go along the beach towards Porth Simdde instead. From there, follow the coastal path that leads southwards to Porth Meudwy from where the boats go to Bardsey. Continue along the coast path round the peninsula towards the headland of Braich y Pwll, the ‘Land’s End’ of North Wales, and the prominent hill of Mynydd Mawr (‘Big Mountain’). The cli s “Listen out for A perfect end to a perfect day on the Llyn Peninsula the harsh are home to seabirds including razorbills, guillemots call of the and gulls. Listen out for the chough, which you can chough” recognise from its harsh call. It’s a modest climb to the old coastguard station at the summit – a splendid viewpoint that overlooks the whole of the peninsula and Snowdonia’s mountains in the distance. Mynydd Anelog to the north is your next target. Follow a path across the heath, close to the coast. Heading north the path passes the promontories of Dinas Fawr and Dinas Bâch, to reach Porth Oer. From here follow the access lane inland to the road and turn right. At a left-hand bend 300m on, you can turn left along the lane and follow the inland route on the OS map back to Aberdaron. Alternatively, stay on the cycle route.