Friday 28 January 2011

A Great Day Out at Llys-Y-Fran Country Park and Reservoir

By Sam K. Ward

There a wide variety of things to do for the whole family at Llys-y-Fran Park and it has long been one of Pembrokeshire's favourite days out with lots of activities from fishing and boating to cycling and horse riding.

Llys-y-Fran is set within the rolling hills and countryside of Pembrokeshire, West Wales UK and is operated by Welsh water and the reservoir features a 100 foot high dam that supplies the nearby town of Haverfordwest with most of its water supply.

Here are just some of the activities on offer:

Walking- From a short stroll to a long 6 ramble around the reservoirs circumference there are plenty of stopping points to admire the countryside. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead.

Information Points - There is a main information point at the restaurant and many others situated around the park to tell you the stories behind the dam's construction, the reservoir and the abundance of wildlife you will see at Llys-y-Fran.

Fishing - Fishermen and Anglers are very welcome at the reservoir from enthusiasts to beginners. It has one of the finest trout fisheries in the region and all the equipment you need can be hired at the Llys-y-Fran shop will stop. Tuition is also available on site but you must have a rod license which is available from a post office. Anglers can thank fish by fly ledger one or even than hire a boat and fly fish.

Cycling - Bring your bike with you (a small charge applies) or hire a bike and helmet from the shop and cycle around the dam and reservoir. The track is undulating in places and demanding in others, so if you wish to bring an off-road cycle please feel free to do so.

Adventure Playground - The playground caters for children of all ages. There is also a playground for much smaller children next to the restaurant.

Sailing and Rowing Boats - Rowing boats are sometimes available for hire with life jackets included. There is also a launching facility if you wish to bring your own sailing boat, windsurfer or canoe, however, you must have proof of third party liability insurance before a permit for this type of activity can be issued.

Restaurant And Gift Shop - Llys-y-Fran boasts a fine restaurants and tearooms with lovely views overlooking the reservoir and a sun patio where you can sit and just relax if you just want to enjoy the spectacular views of the 100ft dam and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Special Events - Occasionally there are special events at Llys-y-Fran such as the speed hill climb, a fast paced race by classic cars up the steep incline of the dam. Entry is usually free.

All in all, Llys-y-Fran country Park and Reservoir offers a great day out in the heart of Pembrokeshire and they are open 365 days a year from eight in the morning till dusk.

If you are looking for accommodation, then B&B Pembrokeshire is only 3 miles from Llys-y-Fran.

Sam K. Ward. is an freelance article writer and has an interest in travel and accommodation in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. If you would like to know more about accommodation near Llys-y-Fran country Park and Reservoir, visit Forlan Bed and Breakfast Pembrokeshire.

Touring Through Invermoriston, Highlands, Scotland

Invermoriston Highlands ScotlandBy Simon Haughtone

Touring through Invermoriston, Highlands, Scotland offers a fine opportunity to see Loch Ness - rumored to be home to the legendary sea monster - and the surrounding region. The areas around the village, and Invermoriston itself, are a noted tourist destination for many traveling in the Highland local government area. This is because of its history and wild natural beauty.

Invermoriston sits on the western shore of Loch Ness, and life today mainly centers on the tourism industry, though this wasn't always so. As in many areas of Highland, the population once relied on forestry-type activities. Evidence of this is shown in the fact that there once was an active local sawmill, first established around 1640.

It is not surprising, though, that tourism supplanted forestry in Highland, because there are certainly plenty of things to see and do in a region famous for the scenic nature of its geography and natural resources. Exploring is made all the easier due to the fact of Invermoriston's location near the A82 motorway and it only being around 26 miles from Inverness, the capital of Highland.

The village also offers a good base camp from which to start out on a hike along the Great Glen Way, a 73 mile long hiking trail. Most tourists travel along the trail in a west-to-east direction, owing to the strong winds which blow in from the nearby North Sea. Invermoriston also boasts a couple of items of interest, including a well supposedly rid of demons by Columba, a Catholic saint of the 6th century.

The village also resides in Highland, the local government area of Scotland responsible for this part of the country. It's also the largest government area in not only Scotland but also the whole United Kingdom. It has a population of around 218,000 people. Highland is the result of reorganization in structure of government areas which first began in 1973, leading to its own reclassification in 1975. The village of Invermoriston and Highland make fine examples of what typical Scottish living can be.

Thursday 13 January 2011

Cycling Holidays - The Benefits of Taking a Holiday in the Saddle

Cycling HolidaysBy Andrew Patton

The benefits of taking a cycling holiday

Time... to relax and recharge

When you think of taking a cycling holiday, with close family or friends, your mind is immediately transferred to open countryside with wonderful views and quaint country village locations. As you cycle gently along, making unhurried stops for lunch and visiting points of interest en-route, you have all the time in the world to relax, unwind and soak up your surroundings. Top quality hotels await you after your day in the saddle, to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Time... for a healthier lifestyle

On a cycling holiday you cannot help but slip into a healthier lifestyle. Gentle daily exercise combined with plenty of fresh air is the perfect antidote to a busy lifestyle. Picture starting the day with a leisurely breakfast, and taking the road at your own pace; you will sit down to dinner each night with a healthy glow and plenty of happy memories.

Time... to take in the sights

Cycling holidays open up a world of exploration possibilities. Charming villages, small towns and sometimes dramatic changing scenery, all come into focus as you peddle from a to b. A self-guided tour allows you to stop when you want to and spend extra time visiting historic sites, exploring vineyards or simply enjoying a cappuccino and croissant at a local cafe.

Time... to get closer to nature

A bike tour inevitably awakens an interest in nature since you are closer to it in the saddle. Wherever you take your cycling tour, whether its UK or European based, you will experience the delights of seasonal flora and fauna, as well as local birds and animals. Great for lovers of photography, as well as families with children, there is a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be explored on all of our cycle tours.

Time... to get to know an area properly

A cycling holiday allows you plenty of time in which to familiarise yourself with an area. Whether you have always fancied exploring Venice, or are drawn to the Austrian Lake District, a tour will show you the highlights, at a comfortable and relaxing pace. There are also options on many of our tours to arrange extra days en route, to spend additional time in areas that are of particular interest to you. Just remember to take lots of photographs!

Time... brush up on your language skills

A cycle break to France, Austria or Italy presents the perfect opportunity to brush up on and practice your language skills. This is great for children who are studying French or Italian at school as they get to practise what they have learnt. Adults can have fun with it too and are often amazed at how much comes back to them - from road signs to menu items - its all part of the experience.

Time... to create special memories with your loved ones

Getting away from it all, as a couple or small group, provides plenty of time to strengthen those important bonds. Whether you are peddling around the Loire Chateaux, or along the beautiful North Norfolk coastline, your holiday is a shared adventure, and will generate many happy memories that you will treasure for years to come.

Cycle Breaks offer self-guided cycling holidays and bike tours in the UK, France, Italy and Austria. Our holidays offer you a chance to unwind and to discover the more subtle charms of the countryside at your own pace.

Bungee Jumping Adventure Tours

Bungee Jumping Adventure ToursBy Mohit K Jain

If you are a person who dares to do anything, here is a sport to test your guts. The bungee jumping is not for frail hearted people. This is the activity which involves jumping from tall fixed bridges while linked to the stretchy string. When you jump using it, the cord extends and the jumper moves upward and again snap back to oscillate up. All people should try bungee jumping minimum once in life time as it is very exciting and thrilling. If you are a person hunting for escapade then the perfect vacation sport is a bungee jumping.

There are more than a few countries organizing it. One can plan a travel to place where you can enjoy jumping for a vacation. Choose a place where you can enjoy your thrilling trip with contented hotels and other accommodations. Jumping in north California trip usually includes jumping from a selection of bridges ranging from 90-250 feet which varies according to the season. Normally jumpers jump in the weekends or the midweek of two jumpers. The primary location from jumping in California is Sierra Nevada Mountains.

You can also try out jumping in a vacation to Nepal where you can drop down 500 feet over the Bhote Koshi River Gorge. Samrat treks also provide a day exclusively for Jumping. If you are planning out for a vacation to US then you can find many bungee jumping locations Over the Edge like Idaho, Beaver Dick's Ferry Bridge and a few more. When it comes to Switzerland, it has two tremendous locations for jumping namely Ticino and bridge over Isorno River.

Reverse bungee jumping and tandem bungee are the other jumping types. Always select the best bungee jumping provider and check the license and safety measures to have a thrilling and safe holiday.

Author is an expert writer on travel domain, and have great experience on travel writing. To get more details on Author, visit Air India Booking and Pnr status

Friday 7 January 2011

Best Places to See in Edinburgh

A Guide to EdinburghBy Chander Parkash

The centre of Edinburgh is divided neatly in half by Princes Street, the principal shopping area. To the south lies the Old Town, site of the ancient city, which grew along the route of the Royal Mile, from the Castle Rock in the west to The Palace of Holyroodhouse in the east. At the end of the 18th century, building for the New Town started to the north of Princes Street. The area is still viewed today as a world-class example of Georgian urban architecture, with its elegant façades and broad streets. Princes Street has lots to offer, including shopping, art galleries, the towering Scott Monument and the landmark Balmoral Hotel clock tower, as well as the city's main train station, Waverly.

Edinburgh: Getting Around

Central Edinburghis compact, so walking is an excellent way to explore the centre. Other options include a comprehensive bus service and a multitude of black taxis. Avoid exploring the centre by car, because the streets tend to be congested with traffic, and parking may be difficult. Car use has been actively discouraged by the local authority in recent years. On main routes special lanes are provided for buses, taxis and bicycles, and in the suburbs there is also a good network of bicycle paths.

Edinburgh: SIGHTS AT A GLANCE

Historic Areas, Streets and Buildings


Edinburgh Castle

The Exchange

Greyfriars Kirk

New Scottish Parliament

New Town

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Royal Mile


Monuments

ScottMonument


Landmarks

Calton Hill

HolyroodParkand Arthur's Seat


Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

National Gallery of Scotland

Our Dynamic Earth

The Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A Visitor's Guide To Whitby Located On The North Yorkshire Coast

A Visitor's Guide To Whitby Located On The North Yorkshire CoastBy Paul D Teasdale

Whitby is an ancient fishing port, nestled within steep cliffs, and located on the North Yorkshire coast. Upon the East Cliff you can find Saint Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey, also referred to as Saint Hilda's Abbey, both of which look out high over the town and offer some spectacular views. You can visit these magnificent monuments by taking Whitby's famous 199 steps up the side of East Cliff. These steps are accessible from Church Street down in the town.

Whitby is a maze of narrow streets some of which are still cobbled. Smooth paving stones run parallel through the cobbles where cart wheels would have once run. The east and west sides of the town are joined by a swing bridge which is over 100 years old. Opened in 1909 the bridge still operates to this very day in order to let boats and ships pass through.

You don't need to walk for far through the town before you come across the term "Whitby Jet". Whitby Jet is a gemstone formed from the remains of fossilised trees dating back to the Jurassic period. It is only found within a seven and a half mile stretch of the Yorkshire coast that's centred around Whitby. When mined the Jet is carved in to jewellery and ornaments, and although it's totally black, when polished it produces an excellent shine.

Whitby has also been made famous by the Victorian author Bram Stoker who created the Gothic novel Dracula having based parts of his novel in Whitby. This has led to Whitby Gothic Weekend which is currently held twice yearly. It's claimed that Whitby Gothic Weekend is now one of the most popular Gothic festivals around the world and attracts people from far and wide.

Other notable visitor attractions in Whitby include a scale replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavour. The ship makes regular sailings throughout the year providing trips around the beautiful Yorkshire coastline. If sailing is not your thing then why not catch a ride on the steam bus. Built in 1931 by Sentinel Waggon Works, and called Elizabeth, the bus has a huge chain running from the steam engine at the front to the wheels at the rear to provide drive. It was one of the very last buses to be propelled this way before drive shafts took over.

A trip to Whitby isn't complete without visiting the Magpie Cafe. This large black and white building, originally a Merchant's House built in 1750, is located in the historic harbour. The Magpie Cafe tends to stand out from other cafes in Whitby as, due to its popularity, large queues build up outside as people wait for a table to become available inside.

Paul Teasdale is a born and bred Yorkshire lad. Read this article and others at Paul's website which is dedicated to promoting all things Yorkshire. Please visit Discover Yorkshire to find out more.