Not too long ago, a trip to Wales for some outdoor action fell flat come nightfall as accommodation options tended to be limited. Fortunately, this scenario has changed beyond recognition.
South Wales
The Gower peninsula has some of the best surfing in Britain, and it's largely devoid of the hype and crowds of Cornwall and Devon. Indeed, the locals are some of the friendliest surfers on the planet.
The most popular spot is the huge beach at Llangennith, but there are plenty of smaller coves and bays with decent breaks. Some, like Caswell and Langland, are within easy reach of the centre of Swansea. A little further afield are the lovely Three Cliffs Bay and the large crescent of Oxwich Bay (although it requires a big swell to produce good surf). And if the waves aren't up to scratch, you can always head up to the ridge of Cefn Bryn for a hike - the paths along the backbone of the peninsula have magnificent views as far as the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire and the coasts of Somerset and Devon.
At the end of the day, Morgans Hotel in the centre of Swansea has stylish rooms, there's a choice of a top-class restaurants or the more casual Plimsoll Café Bar, and easy access to the city's nightlife. It's a great option if you want to spoil yourself a little after a day being buffeted about in the surf.
Where to stay: Morgan's Hotel, Somerset Place, Swansea (01792 484848, morganshotel.co.uk); doubles from £100 per night. Special two-/three-night weekend offers from £100pp with free half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot per night.
Mid Wales
It's a delightful drive from Gower across the hills and countryside of Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire to the Irish Sea coast and the pretty Georgian town of Aberaeron.
You can take "dolphin spotting" boat trips out into Cardigan Bay, and hike along the Ceredigion Coast Path, or head a few miles south to New Quay, another picturesque harbour town and once the haunt of Dylan Thomas. Some claim New Quay, rather than Laugharne or Swansea, was the inspiration for Under Milk Wood. And, like its namesake in Cornwall, it has good waves for experienced surfers if there's a swell running up the Irish Sea.
Where to stay: Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron (01545 570755, harbour-master.com). Doubles from £85 per night with seasonal specials for longer stays.
North Wales
The drive north from Aberaeron along the Cardigan Bay coast then inland to Snowdonia weaves through dark forest, beside glassy estuaries and over windswept passes with views across half of north Wales.
One of the best reasons to visit Snowdonia is for the world-class mountain biking at Coed-y-Brenin near Dolgellau (similar centres can also be found at Betws-y-Coed further north and Nant-yr-Arian to the east of Aberystwyth). The Colorado-based International Mountain Biking Association has rated the Welsh purpose-built trails as some of the best on the planet. You don't have to be a super-fit Lycra-clad freak as there's something here for every level of ability, along with a cosy little caff in which to rest and eat cake after your ride, and even a bike wash so your machine goes home clean and shiny even if you don't.
A few miles south, the lively market town of Machynlleth has several waymarked mountain bike trails meandering through the surrounding hills and forests - some wild, lovely and often overlooked Welsh landscapes.
And even if plastered in mud, you'll be welcome at Dolffanog Fach, a 17th-century farmhouse B&B on the shore of Talyllyn Lake beneath Cadair Idris.
Where to stay: Dolffanog Fach Farmhouse B&B, Talyllyn, Tywyn, Gwynedd (01654 761235, welshretreat.co.uk). Doubles £33pp, dinner £17, with 10% discount on full-board stays of three nights or more.
· For information on outdoor activities in Wales, go to adventure.visitwales.com.
