An adventure in the Gower

The Gower in Wales was the UK's first designated area of outstanding natural beauty, back in 1956.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Gower still remains unspoilt, remote and one of the best places to experience the UK's natural beauty first-hand.

One of the companies operating adventure holidays in the area is Dryad Bushcraft, which specialises in giving travellers authentic outdoor experiences, using primitive survival practices and going on adventures into the wilderness.

The holidays combine adventure and education to teach participants new skills including ancient and modern techniques to find food in the wild, fire lighting, tracking and bow making.

Participants learn to effectively and safely use tools such as a knife, saw and axe to survive in the wild, as well as ways of spotting plants medicine.

The adventure course takes place on the Gower peninsula with maximum group sizes of 20, and cost £55 for adults and £30 for children and concessions. For more information see www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

The Gower is also well-known for its beaches, surf and water activities. A new magazine was recently launched for surfing in Wales, Tonnau, an indication of how popular the activity has become.

Beginners and experts alike can take to the waves with Gower Surfing Development, based in Swansea, whose prices include a wet suit and board.

A weekend's surfing starts from £80.

Gower Coast Adventures also offers those who prefer to stay out of the water boat tours of the area.

A typical two-hour tour gives holidaymakers a chance to see the Gower's marine wildlife - the strange-looking Sunfish was recently spotted on one tour - as well as the area's cliffs, caves, remote islands and shipwrecks. The tour costs £24 for adults and £16 for children.

The area is best accessed via Wales' second city, Swansea, which is known for its famous residents Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, who are based in the picturesque Mumbles area.

For information on accommodation see www.visitwales.co.uk

For information on other companies operating adventure holidays in south-west Wales see www.adventure.visitwales.comXXX