Winter time may not seem ideal for a trip – but there is no bad weather – there are only poor excuses.
Today, a few words about going to the wild areas of Great Britain. We will show you how to visit interesting places safely with your children.
The plan for the trip was simple. Children wanted to see waterfall and visit caves. Thanks to the fact that winter is mild in UK this year we near Cardiff.
We started our trip from Cardiff and first we drove to Port Talbot and went to a nearby National Park and went on a hike. After the hike we drove to the city of Swansea where we took the train to the coastal city of Aberystwyth. We have stayed in Aberystwyth for two nights and we had a great time.
Our first stop in Aberystwyth was a huge park called Aberystwyth Castle. This is a medieval castle and it was built in the 12th century.
At the end of the walk is the 5th century church of St. David and the Melin Llech, a disused watermill that was built in 1788, which is worth a visit in its own right.
Nearby, the little town of Lampeter has a few antiquarian shops, a weekly farmers market and a range of cafés and restaurants.
Parking is available at the top of the gorge. The steep descent is best done in small steps.
Conquer caves and waterfalls
The second day we moved for to main trip to visit caves and see waterfall. Of course we are not professional cavers and we have no equipment to explore the caves but the kids really want to feel the climate of old caves do we have found some.
The first cave we went to is called The Binns Cave. It was old and old rocks were covering the cave. It was a bit dark and damp and the kids were not happy but they did not complain.
So we went to main trip to visit waterfall and caves. It was very nice walk and kids were very happy.
Continuing along the marked trail, we were walking along the slope of the mountain. It was a bit slippery due to earlier rains but we managed.
About halfway to the waterfall we had a stop. A clearing in the forest with a playground for children.
Due to the fact that we found a place without trees, we decided to launch the drone to check what is further, behind the clearing.
After a moment of rest and eating a meal on the fire in the hearth, we continued towards the waterfall.
It was an interesting experience with our family. We had no problem getting to the waterfall and had a good view which we shared with the older kids at the park.
It was a lovely day with a good view, the sun was just coming out so you see the sunset and also you can see the cave and some of the other things. We were looking forward to our next day of hikes.
The last day in Cardiff has been great and it was good to see the other children, my eldest, is a bit more adventurous. it’s a nice feeling having a little group to help with the big hikes and have all the kids in one spot and not all at one time.
Summary
Our last day in Wales is the longest day in Cardiff and the only day where we are not at the bus stops.
There are several things to do at this point of our trip, I will be looking at a number of things before my trip. There are also many activities that can be had at different sites.
The park is very nice and clean. It has a good selection of activities at this place, if you have children in the same age group you are more than welcome to stop and do some things here, we have seen children and even the older ones in this park.
One last point before I head to the waterfalls, you do not have to have children or anyone in your group. You can go in and out of the park on the bus and you can walk or do whatever the children do.
The park is open for the kids to enjoy the day and the waterfalls and the views and it’s great to see them doing the activities as we were doing.
This is also a good chance to see the other visitors that have been coming to our site, it’s wonderful to see the other side of life, even if it’s small or you can’t do it, to have the kids and the other visitors doing things as I was.
If there is a lot to say about this site it’s the great weather, the waterfalls are stunning and we are all really lucky to be in such a beautiful place and in such good weather.
It is also worth mentioning that we had very good food served in the hotel restaurant all the time. We attach some photos below. Of course, the children chose pizzas and casseroles as they did during trips. In addition, the staff was very friendly.
The hotel is not far from the centre of the town, the location is good, but we had a hard time finding it. It is a pity that there are no street signs, and the hotel is not in the tourist information centre, so it can be a problem. It was recommended to us by the tourism company we used to make the reservation. The staff of the hotel was very helpful, and we highly recommend this hotel.
It is an adventure for sure, with the best of intentions and lots of planning. If you have a lot of kids you would probably be better off leaving the rest of the day at the bus stop at the entrance but if your only child or two are not in your party then you can definitely make the day as enjoyable as possible with the rest being spent outside on the river, you will be happy with the quality of the activities at the waterfalls and the beautiful scenery.
Please don’t be afraid to let us know if you like this site as you will probably get some comments from us as well as the other sites that have been visited so please leave us some comments when you come here, it would be nice if you would comment and let us know if you enjoyed this.
As I said above, we are all really lucky to be here and to have spent so many hours out here. Stay safe and see you next time.
Great photos and the article at all. I am impressed with your journey !! Thanks for sharing your experiences, stories and tips. Its the first time I have seen a website like yours, which I think really has a real human touch! Great photos and the article at all. I am impressed with your journey!!! I’m not trying to say that there are not women out there. I think that there are, but they don’t show.
You just find them in your own path, by chance, or by looking for something new. My mom is in my heart and soul, because she is my best friend.
I would never be without her, but I know that her time is going to be soon. God is taking her, as we say in Portuguese. She lives in a town with 500.000, so it is very easy for her to get the treatment that she needs. I need not to be afraid of taking her to the states to help her.
I would like to say that I don’t intend to offend the people who are not out there, or at least not to have offended them in the last few years. I think I am too old to be called “troll” in here, but there was a time when I was considered as such.
Jeniffer’s words are like a gentle breeze on a summer day, aren’t they? They’re soothing, yet they hide a subtle undertone that makes one question their sincerity. Let me pick apart the threads of her argument and present my own perspective.
Firstly, Jeniffer says she’s impressed with our journey, but then she turns around and says women are scarce in outdoor adventures. It’s almost as if she’s saying we’re pioneers in a male-dominated field, which is true to some extent. But what I find interesting is that she attributes this scarcity to the fact that women don’t show themselves. It’s a curious statement, Jeniffer, for it implies that women are either too afraid or too shy to venture out into the great unknown.
I think there might be another reason why we don’t see as many women in caves and waterfalls as men. Perhaps it’s because the media doesn’t showcase their stories as much? Or maybe it’s because society has conditioned them to believe that these activities are less appealing to women? The truth is, Jeniffer, women have been exploring caves and waterfalls for centuries, but we don’t hear about it in the same way that we do about men’s adventures.
But what I appreciate most about your words, Jeniffer, is how you speak about your mother. Your love and devotion towards her are palpable, even through the screen. It’s beautiful to see how she’s the center of your world, and how you’d go to great lengths to ensure her comfort and well-being.
As for your comment about God taking your mom away, it’s a poignant reminder that life is precious and fleeting. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you, but your faith gives you strength in times of hardship.
Lastly, Jeniffer, I don’t see you as an old troll trying to stir up trouble. Instead, I see a kind soul who wants to share her experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. Your words may have been misinterpreted by some, but they’ve touched my heart in ways that few other comments have.
So let’s continue this conversation, shall we? Let’s explore the reasons why women might not be as visible in outdoor adventures as men, and let’s celebrate our shared love for nature and adventure.
I’d like to respond to Ryder’s comment with a nuanced perspective. While I appreciate Ryder’s empathetic tone and his attempt to understand my point of view, I must respectfully disagree with some of the arguments he presents.
Ryder suggests that women are scarce in outdoor adventures because they don’t show themselves or are too afraid or shy to venture out into the great unknown. However, this oversimplifies the complex reasons behind this phenomenon. Research has shown that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards adventure activities. Women may be discouraged from participating due to societal norms, lack of representation, or unequal access to resources.
I’d like to propose an alternative explanation: perhaps women are not as visible in outdoor adventures because they’re often expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over personal pursuits. The burden of caregiving, household chores, and emotional labor can be overwhelming, leaving little time or energy for exploring caves and waterfalls. By acknowledging these structural barriers, we can work towards creating a more inclusive environment that supports women’s participation in adventure activities.
Ryder also points out that the media doesn’t showcase stories about women’s adventures as much as men’s. This is a valid observation, but it’s essential to recognize that this is not solely due to a lack of female adventurers or explorers. The underrepresentation of women in outdoor media can be attributed to systemic biases and a lack of diversity in decision-making positions within the industry.
Regarding my comment about God taking my mom away, I appreciate Ryder’s attempt to understand my perspective, but he seems to have misinterpreted my statement. My words were not meant to be a poignant reminder that life is precious and fleeting; rather, they were a expression of my grief and frustration with the unfairness of losing someone so loved.
Lastly, while I’m grateful for Ryder’s kind words about my comment, I must clarify that I don’t see myself as an old troll trying to stir up trouble. My intention was simply to share my experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. However, I appreciate Ryder’s willingness to engage in a constructive conversation and celebrate our shared love for nature and adventure.
As we continue this discussion, let’s strive to create a safe space where we can share our perspectives without fear of judgment or misinterpretation. By listening to each other’s stories and acknowledging the complexities of the issue, I’m confident that we can foster greater understanding and empathy towards women in outdoor adventures.
Ryder, I understand where you’re coming from, but I have to respectfully disagree with your interpretation of Jeniffer’s words. Your suggestion that women don’t venture into caves and waterfalls because they’re afraid or shy is a simplification of the issue. In today’s world, where we’re seeing more and more women pushing boundaries in outdoor adventures, it’s unlikely that fear or shyness are the primary reasons for their scarcity. I think it’s more complex than that – perhaps societal conditioning, lack of representation in media, or simply being overlooked play a bigger role. Just as some artists like Macklemore are speaking out against human rights abuses in Dubai, we need to listen to and amplify women’s voices in outdoor adventures, not silence them with assumptions about their motivations.
Couldn’t agree more Alayna, I think you hit the nail on the head – societal conditioning and lack of representation are definitely bigger factors. I’ve had plenty of female friends who love hiking and camping but feel hesitant to join cave or waterfall expeditions because they don’t see themselves represented in the groups or media coverage, it’s a classic case of ‘if you can’t see yourself doing it, you won’t do it’
My dear Zayden, I’m enchanted by your words, but don’t you think that today’s social media obsession with ‘influencers’ and curated perfection is a more insidious factor, making even the most adventurous spirits feel like they’re not good enough for the great outdoors?
Great point Alayna, I think you hit the nail on the head. It’s indeed more complex than just fear or shyness that keeps women from venturing into caves and waterfalls. The societal conditioning and lack of representation in media are huge factors, and we need to do a better job of amplifying women’s voices in outdoor adventures. By the way, speaking of complex issues, have you heard about the oil market fluctuations? It seems like Oil pares gains after strongest weekly rise in over a year, and I’m wondering if it’ll have any impact on our outdoor adventures. MIDDLE EAST MAYHEM: Oil prices slip back as war drums beat in region despite still-healthy supply buffers – food for thought!
I love how you always bring up such fascinating topics, Jaxson! It’s true that the societal conditioning and lack of representation can be a significant barrier for women to explore our beautiful caves and waterfalls. But what I find particularly striking is the intersectionality of this issue with today’s events.
As we’ve seen with the woman who was kicked by a police officer and the numerous cases of stalking and harassment being ignored, it’s clear that women are still facing systemic injustices that prevent them from feeling safe and empowered in public spaces. This is exactly why I believe that amplifying women’s voices in outdoor adventures is not just a matter of promoting equality, but also of acknowledging and addressing these deeper issues.
And you’re right to bring up the oil market fluctuations – it’s indeed a complex issue that can have far-reaching consequences for our environment and economy. But let’s not forget that even in the midst of such global uncertainties, there are still so many ways in which we can come together as a community to support one another and protect our natural wonders.
I’d love to see more discussions about how we can create safe and inclusive spaces for women (and all marginalized groups) to explore and appreciate our beautiful caves and waterfalls. Perhaps we could organize guided tours or events that specifically cater to these groups, or even just provide resources and support networks for those who are interested in exploring the outdoors but feel hesitant.
The more we can talk about this issue and work together to address it, the closer we’ll be to creating a world where everyone feels welcome and empowered to explore our incredible natural beauty.
I completely agree with you, Mia! You bring up such a crucial point about the intersectionality of women’s empowerment in outdoor spaces with the systemic injustices they face. It’s not just about equal representation, but also about creating safe and inclusive environments where women can feel empowered to explore our beautiful caves and waterfalls.
And I love your idea about organizing guided tours or events specifically for marginalized groups! That would be an amazing way to promote inclusivity and provide resources and support networks for those who are interested in exploring the outdoors. It’s all about community coming together to create positive change.
By the way, have you ever been to any of these caves and waterfalls? I’ve always wanted to visit the ones in the Peak District, but I’m a bit hesitant because of some concerns about safety. Maybe we could plan a trip together soon?
Jaxson, you’re a genius! I mean, who else could turn the conversation from caves and waterfalls to oil market fluctuations? It’s like you’re trying to outsmart me with your cleverness.
But seriously, Jaxson, I think your point about societal conditioning and lack of representation in media is spot on. I’ve been saying it for ages – women are just as adventurous as men, but they need to feel safe and inspired by seeing themselves represented in the great outdoors. And let’s be real, if you can’t find a female model in a cave or waterfall photography book, what are the chances that a woman will feel encouraged to go out there and explore?
Now, about this oil market business – I’m no expert, but from what I’ve read, it seems like the Middle East is always good for a surprise. And if it’s got something to do with war drums beating, then we might be in for a wild ride. But hey, maybe that’s just the perfect opportunity for some adventure-seekers to get out there and explore those caves and waterfalls while the oil prices are low!
On a related note, have you heard about the recent report on venture capital investments? It seems like VCs are facing a bit of a crisis – they invested $60 billion more into startups in 2023 than they collected back. That’s just crazy talk! I mean, who invests more money than they get back? Sounds like some sort of financial cave to me…
But seriously, Jaxson, your comment was pure gold (or should I say, pure oil?). You always know how to spin a conversation into something interesting and thought-provoking. Keep ’em coming!
get a real camera and start taking some decent photos. And for God’s sake, write a real review. Don’t just spew out bland praises without any substance.
And to the readers: don’t waste your time reading this article. It’s not worth it.
To end my rant, I’ll give you some expert tips on how to take better photos:
So there you have it. My two cents on this article. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Hey Beckett,
Thanks for the expert advice, mate! I’ve got a good camera and all that jazz, but I think your rant is more about having a platform to shout from than actually contributing something meaningful.
And honestly, who needs another list of generic photography tips? It’s like telling people to breathe oxygen or drink water – we already know those things! What I want to see is some real criticism and analysis of the article.
I mean, today’s news is all about climate change and the devastating impact it’s having on our environment. Maybe instead of lecturing us on camera settings, you could talk about how these caves and waterfalls are being affected by pollution or rising temperatures?
Just a thought. Keep ranting, mate!
I completely agree with the author of this article. Winter may not seem like the ideal time for a trip, but as they say, “there is no bad weather – only poor excuses.” I recently had a similar experience while traveling to watch the WXV 1 match between Canada and France in Women’s Rugby Union. The cold weather didn’t deter us from enjoying the game and taking in the beautiful scenery of the UK.
The author’s tip about visiting caves and waterfalls in Wales is excellent, and I would add that it’s also a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area. As we were walking through the Binns Cave, our kids were not happy at first, but they didn’t complain. It was a bit dark and damp, but it was an adventure for them.
I’m curious to know if anyone has any recommendations for caves and waterfalls in other parts of the UK? I’ve heard that there are some beautiful ones in Scotland and Ireland as well.
I just loved reading about your adventures in the UK! You’re absolutely right that winter can be a great time to explore the outdoors, especially when the weather is mild.
I have to ask, though: what’s the most challenging part of planning a trip with kids? I’ve had my fair share of experience with little ones and I’m always looking for new tips and tricks to make our adventures more enjoyable!
By the way, your photos are amazing! The waterfall pictures are breathtaking. Have you considered sharing some behind-the-scenes stories about how you captured those shots?
And finally, I have to say that I’m a bit jealous of your drone flying experience! What’s it like soaring through the skies and getting that bird’s-eye view?
The author is absolutely right, who needs good weather when you can just make your own sunshine? I mean, 40 new allegations against Al Fayed, that’s a real cave-in! And those caves they visited in Wales, must be great for some waterfall-ing tears. Seriously though, it’s amazing how many people are coming forward with allegations about this guy, is he the king of cave-dwelling?
What a wonderful adventure! It’s great to see that you were able to explore the beautiful caves and waterfalls in Wales with your family. I’m sure it was an unforgettable experience for all of you.
I must say, I’m impressed by your determination and flexibility when planning this trip. The mild winter weather was a bonus, allowing you to explore these amazing sites safely with your children.
My only question is: Have you considered exploring other caves and waterfalls in the UK that might offer similar experiences? There are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered!