FAQs

Travel

Essential Packing

• Your passport
• Travel Insurance documents (Note: Travel Insurance is strongly advised )
• Water Proof Jacket
• Hat, scarf & gloves
• Some sturdy hiking boots or comfortable trainers
• Track suit trousers - for trekking and mountain biking (jeans become restrictive, not to mention uncomfortable and cold when wet
• Old trainers you don't mind getting wet if coasteering
• A nice warm jumper – to cozy into after getting out of the sea
• Sun block
• Towels
• Cash – for dinner, souvenirs and a few pints of Welsh Ale
• Camera
• Some of your favourite music – Our crew are always keen to hear some of what makes this world go round
• A small back pack for carrying water, snacks, camera etc.

How does a typical day work?

With so much to do and see, we like to get going early, usually around 8:30 am; plenty of time for a shower and breakfast to set you up for the day. A short drive to the day's awesome activities (if we don't start right away), and the adrenaline experience begins. A gourmet packed lunch is provided, (usually eaten either on a mountain, in a forest or by the sea) with some sort of cultural visit offering the myths and history (and sometime whisky!) of Wales. We arrive at our hostel around 5-5.30 every night. A variety of food options will be available, and with a choice of restaurants and pubs, your local guide can recommend the best places to eat, drink and be merry. The evening is then yours to enjoy however you wish. Have a drink with the locals, stroll by the coast, or party like its 1973. But remember, every activity requires some energy so don't over do it. Make sure you wake up refreshed and make the most out of your trip.

Is there much flexibility with the tour?

Packing so much in to our tours means it is difficult to stray too much from the itinerary. But we do have the benefit of having an intimate group size which offers us the flexibility to stop if there is something that catches your eye along the way. Having a local guide, we ensure we stop at some lesser known places only a local would know. And if you're looking for more flexibility, consider our Made-To-Order or Private-Guide-for-Hire tours.

How does the food work?

We will send you a list several choices of delicious gourmet sandwiches to choose from so we can customize your meals according to your tastes. All our food will be freshly prepared and made from local ingredients. In the evenings you will have the opportunity to eat out at local pubs, restaurants, and cafés. We will have recommendations for a number of 'our favourite' establishments for your convenience. If you have any special dietary needs please let us know before hand and we can prepare meals accordingly.

What type of accommodation do you use?

We don't have any affiliations with hotel chains, so we only choose the best accommodation based on value and authenticity. We've set up local relationships with local establishments, and visited these places ourselves with an emphasis on private rooms, private bathrooms, cleanliness, and character.

Is a sleeping bag or towel required?

No. But we recommend bringing your own towel for the daily activities.

What's the average age of your passengers?

The majority of our passengers are in the 20 - 40 age group and the physical style of tour reflects this. The minimum age on all tours is 18, but there is certainly no maximum age. As long as you have a sense of adventure and are reasonably fit, an LWAC tour will provide you with an experience of a lifetime!

Do I need to be physically fit?

Due to the nature of the tour, a good level of fitness is required to get the most from the activities, There are some options to do an activity at your own speed if you are not feeling 100% that day, but the downside is that you will not be with the rest of the group. You will need to be able to swim to take part in the surfing activities.

How do you manage differences in skill levels?

Prior experience is necessary for most of our activities because they can be moderately to very challenging. And the group does move at a reasonable pace. Although, if you'd prefer a more or less challenging mountain bike trail, your guide can advise you on where to find your favourite kind of track, be it fast, technical, or more simple. Similarly, if you are feeling a bit more laissez-faire with the trekking (take Snowdon for example), tickle the mountain's chin half way up, take the train, or just sit in the café a quarter ways up the mountain whilst sipping a hot drink and enjoying your gourmet lunch.

Coasteering will always be as a group, where your guide will take you on a route suitable for everybody.

If it's a one-way hike, (meaning we finish at a different location that our start), we do recommend sticking with the group to find a means to your hotel at the end of the day. But overall, if you want something more or less challenging, feel free to create your own adventure. The best part is, we know Wales, and can direct you either way!

What if the weather is bad?

Activities will rarely be cancelled, but in the case of extreme weather, an alternative will be provided (climbing for example). The sheltered nature of the Pembrokeshire coastline means there will always be a safe place to coasteer.

Can I travel alone?

The small intimate nature of the tour means it's perfect for meeting people and making new friends. Sharing experiences through the activities, means you'll have a lot to talk about.

What if there's a group of us?

Groups are very welcome as well. For each group of 6 the group organiser receives a 50% discount, or the option to share the discount between group members. We help you organise by managing payment, sending group e-mails and answering questions. If your group is large enough, we encourage you to contact us for a more personalized itinerary with our Made-To-Order tours or Private-Guide-for-Hire .

Room for tall people in van?

You will be traveling in an 11-seater mini-bus, so there will be enough room for everybody, (including those that eat their vegetables).

Will there be any shopping time?

Being mostly about seeing and experiencing the countryside views through the activities, shopping isn't huge on the priority list. However, there are places like Cardiff and Aberystwyth, where late night shopping will be available, as well as the daily jaunts we make through the smaller local villages.

Reservation

What's included in the price?

Everything we promise to deliver. Quality Accommodation? Check. Adventure? Check. Guide? Check. Equipment? Check. Culture? Check. Transportation? Check. Breakfast? Check. Gourmet Lunch? Check. Check. No hidden extras so you can budget accordingly. Any fees above the base price are listed on the website and in your trip dossier. We plan. You enjoy. Simple.

Are there any entry fees?

Entry fees to all attractions are included in the price.

What are the payment terms?

At the time of booking, a 7-day refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour price (including extras) per person per tour is due. The grace period is offered as an opportunity to work out logistics, plane tickets, group plans, etc, or even if you just change your mind. If a booking is made 90 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due.

To ensure a full tour and prevent anyone from being turned away, the remainder balance is due 90 days before the tour departure date. If full payment is not received by the due date, then rates and tour space cannot be guaranteed. If a booking is made 90 days or less prior to departure, full payment is payable at the time of booking.

What is the Cancellation policy?

Cancellation 7 days after booking: Full refund
Cancellation 8+ days after booking: Loss of deposit (with option to transfer)
Cancellation 90 days or less before departure: Forfeit of 100% of cost of services booked

What should I budget for the trip?

For eating out in the evenings and the last day's lunch, you should budget £7-15 per day. There are also lots of cozy Welsh pubs to tempt you in for a drink or two after the days' exertions. A pint of beer costs around £2.80. Everything else is included in the price.

Is there a single supplement?

Accommodation is quoted on double booking. However, all tours have an optional single supplement that allows single travelers to request a private room while on tour. If you're up for sharing, get in touch with us - we often have other singles who are looking for someone to share a room with. We encourage single travelers, because not everyone on our tours is a couple or group.

Insurance and Safety

Are the instructors qualified?

All of our guides and instructors are experienced and hold the relevant qualifications for each activity. They will also be First-Aid trained and are committed to providing challenging yet safe activities.

Will I be safe?

The exhilaration from adventure sports are gained from pushing your body to the limit in a high energy natural environment. Risk during the activities can never be completely eliminated. But with the latest equipment, and knowledgeable guides with a wealth of experience, risks have been assessed and kept to an absolute minimum. The onus is also on you to take care and act responsibly to minimize unnecessary accidents.

Am I insured to take part in these activities?

We have full public liability insurance for our company and ensure every activity provider has suitable coverage. We do highly recommend you take out your own travel insurance.

Logistics

What time do tours depart and arrive back?

Departing from London's Ealing Train Station, check-in is at 7:45am, van departure at 8.00am. Tours get back to London anywhere from 5:00pm to 6:30pm on the last day, dependant on the tour itinerary and inbound London traffic. So if you have plans to leave the city that night or have a connection, please allow plenty of time.

Can I be picked up or dropped off somewhere other than the designated stops?

To make sure we make the most of our day we only pick up and return to the designated stops. Both have excellent bus and train connections, and both Newport and the London airports have frequent transport from the city centre. We do swing in a pickup in Newport if you already happen to be in Wales - just contact us to confirm.

How much time will be spent in the van?

Essentially, as little as possible! But the time we do spend on the road offers your body a chance to rest and gives your eyes a chance to take in the Welsh countryside from every angle possible.

How much baggage can I bring?

Each passenger is allowed one standard piece of baggage i.e. the size of a 60-80 litre backpack or a medium sized suitcase. You can also bring your day pack for carrying the essentials.

How do I get to Ealing Station in London?

Ealing station is very well connected with rail, tube and bus links

Please remember to allow plenty of time for connections, when arriving /departing our tours. Neither we nor the airlines can guarantee plane arrival times, therefore it's best to leave plenty of time to be sure.

By Plane

All London airports will have regular connections to the city centre. Try these companies for cheap flights: Easy Jet 0870 60 00 000
British Midland 0870 60 70 555
British Airways 0845 722 2111
KLM UK 0870 5074 074

By Bus

Eurolines and National Express are two big companies providing connections with most of the UK

By Train

Ealing Broadway is a National Rail and London underground station (connected via the District and Central lines). For more information on inter London travel check out the Transport for London website
National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950
The Eurostar arrives into St Pancras train station.
Links to Ealing are via Euston and Kings Cross Stations.

How do I get to the Newport Railway Station in Newport?

Please remember to allow plenty of time for connections, when arriving /departing our tours. Neither we nor the airlines can guarantee plane/ train arrival times, therefore it's best to leave plenty of time to be sure. There are plenty of things to do in London, to while away a few hours before our tour commences.

Air

The nearest airport is Cardiff Airport, 30 miles (48 km) south west of Newport, with regular connections to Cardiff City Centre.

These airlines all fly to Cardiff airport:

• Thomson Flights
• Flybe
• KLM.com
• Aer Arann
• Highland Airways
• Aer Lingus
• Heli France
• Eastern Airways
• BMI Baby
• Thomas Cook

Road

The M4 motorway comes within a mile (1.6 km) of the city centre, and Newport can be accessed from six junctions (from 24-28 inclusive).

The principal east-west roads are the M4 motorway and A48.

Bus

National Express operates cross-country coach services from the city.

Rail

Newport has great links to Cardiff, with approximately six rail and five bus services between the cities every hour.

• First Great Western
  • London Paddington - Reading - Bristol Parkway - Newport - Cardiff Central (- Bridgend - Port Talbot - Neath - Swansea)
  • Cardiff Central - Newport - Bristol Temple Meads - Bath - Southampton - Portsmouth
  • Cardiff Central - Newport - Bristol Temple Meads - Weston-super-Mare - Taunton
• Arriva Trains Wales
  • Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe - Shrewsbury - Hereford - Cwmbran - Newport - Cardiff Central - Bridgend - Port Talbot - Neath - Swansea - Carmarthen - Haverfordwest
  • Cardiff Central - Newport - Cwmbran - Hereford - Shrewsbury - Wrexham General - Chester - Rhyl - Bangor - Holyhead
  • Maesteg - Bridgend - Cardiff Central - Newport - Chepstow - Gloucester - Cheltenham Spa
• CrossCountry
  • Cardiff Central - Newport - Gloucester - Cheltenham Spa - Birmingham New Street - Nottingham