Wales boasts some dramatic natural landscapes that are uniquely suited to active outdoor pursuits. New Zealand gets all the fame for being an outdoorsy haven for adventure seekers, but off-the-radar Wales has a lot to offer in this department too. It’s a surprisingly stunning, slightly quirky country with a range of world-class sporting options – including a few that are a bit off the wall. Check out these 10 sports, some weird and some wild, that you should try when in Wales.
1. Bog Snorkeling
You may not see this event in the Olympics any time soon, but “bog snorkeling” is developing a bit of an international following. It began, as many wacky ideas do, over a few pints at a Welsh pub. The World Bog Snorkeling Championship takes place each August in Powys, in the Waen Rhydd Peat bog not far from Llanwrtyd Wells. Participants don snorkels, fins and optional wet suits to cavort in a wet and muddy bog trench, completing two 55 m lengths using only legs to propel forward. Over 200 entrants compete in mens, ladies and junior categories, with plenty more spectators cheering on the mucky fun. A mountain bike bog snorkel has recently been added to the challenge.
