The fortunes of this estuary island are linked to the tides
21.07.2023 - 08:13 / roughguides.com
Taking a more sustainable approach to our travels has never been easier – or more important. In recent years, Wales has emerged as one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations. In fact, there's a sustainable Wales for all types of traveller, with rewarding sustainable trips for every season.
To coincide with the launch of our brilliant new ebook, The Rough Guide to Responsible Wales, we’ve found 10 fantastic accommodation options located around Wales for anyone keen to explore its landscapes in a way which minimises impact, and supports the organisations going all out to protect this beautiful part of the UK.
If you're keen to truly embrace responsible travel, discover practical ways to travel better in Wales, and find out where to go green off-the-beaten-track in Wales. In the meantime, enjoy exploring these 10 places to stay.
Preseli Venture Eco Lodge, Pembrokeshire © Crown Copyright 2022 Visit Wales
Searching for a sustainable base for eco-friendly explorations off the Pembrokeshire coast? It doesn’t get greener than this – a low-carbon rural retreat which has Green Key certification and which has embraced the Outdoor Charter, created for tour operators taking a sustainable approach to their activities.
The lodge also works closely with the Marine Conservation Society, and guests can join regular beach clean-up days.
Accommodation options include geodesic domes and hostel rooms, and there’s a large campsite, too. The huge range of activities available includes coasteering and surfing, although we recommend a sea kayaking session – it’s one of the best ways to explore the Pembrokeshire coastline, and the easiest (and safest) way to peek inside its cathedral-like sea caves.
Prefer sticking to dry land? Consider signing up for one of the fitness retreats, led by professional fitness instructors with a passion for outdoor exercise.
Find out more about Preseli Venture Eco Lodge
This ridiculously cute guest house – which looks like the kind of cosy home a hobbit might build — has been powered entirely by renewable energy since 2013. There are charging points for guests with electric cars, and the cosiness is cranked up through the use of turf, used on the roofs for its insulating qualities.
With five bedrooms, the property sleeps up to 11 people, and there’s plenty of room for extra kit, too – lockable storage units are big enough to take items such as kayaks, bikes and paddleboards.
The lodge’s location, in the heart of Snowdonia, means there are plenty of opportunities for adrenaline fixes, whether it’s with hikes through the Cwmorthin Valley, mountain biking adventures at Antur Stiniog or pedals along the Coed y Brenin bike routes.
Make sure you squeeze in a visit to Llechwedd Slate Caverns, where
The fortunes of this estuary island are linked to the tides
Woolacombe Beach is where soft sand meets the wild Atlantic and is perfect for our pooches. It consists of a wide, three-mile long sandy stretch from Barricane Beach down to Baggy Point, but dogs are restricted in certain areas. Parts of it are surfing areas and some kiosks even offered boards and lessons for dogs, though I didn’t want to embarrass Bob and Bertrand – our lovely Beagles – by insisting they try. Other pet owners were not so bashful. There are lots of dog bins and the cafes have bowls of water for four-legged friends. The Barricane Beach cafe is run by animal lovers, has great coffee and great-value curry nights.Gayle
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