A host of St David's Day treats by Maggie O'Sullivan
It’s St David’s Day on Sunday and to celebrate, is launching a selection of new activities and holidays. Here are some of the highlights:
Free admission to Welsh heritage sites
On March 1, Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service, will be offering free admission for one day only to historic sites across Wales. Castles include Harlech, Beaumaris and Caerphilly, with its famous leaning tower (above), said to have been caused by battles between Cavaliers and Roundheads in the 17th century. Also included is one of my favourite British ruins: Tintern Abbey, in Monmouthshire. Further information, The Annual Pilgrims’ Walk
This special event takes place on Sunday in St Davids, Pembrokeshire. It starts at St Davids Cathedral and proceeds to St Non’s Chapel where the patron saint of Wales is said to have been born. The water from the well is credited with healing properties, but the real reason you are here is to so see the illumination of the St David’s Day Stone. At noon, a shaft of sunlight comes through a hole in an adjacent rock and lights up the stone which has been inscribed with a verse. The walk finishes at Oriel y Parc (above), where there will be a traditional Welsh market and live bands. Further information, Cardigan Castle opens
You’ll have to wait until April to visit Cardigan Castle (above) which is reopening after a £12 million restoration project. As well as offering visitors 900 years of history and heritage, the castle will also provide accommodation in the form of a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, and a gardener’s cottage, both for private rental, and a b&b overlooking the River Teifi. Further information,
‘Hinterland’ guided walks
On Sunday, Twm’s Treks is launching eight guided walks based on the award-winning crime drama Hinterland which was shot in and around Aberystwyth. The walks take in the seaside town of Aberystwyth, the Ceredigion Coast (above), Tynrhyd to Trisant, Llyn Eiddwen, near Tregaron, Devil’s Bridge, Halfway Inn, Pisgah, Artists Valley and Borth. Pleasant enough if you haven’t seen the series, but great fun if you have. Further information, Surf Snowdonia
Britain’s first inland surfing lake is set to open in the foothills of the Snowdonia National Park in early summer. Based in an old aluminium works, it will be filled with rainwater from Snowdonia and, at the touch of a button, will serve up perfect 1.9m tubing waves that peel for more than 200m. The facility will, they promise, be suitable for beginners, amateurs and pros alike, and will offer a range of other activities around the site. Further information,