Summer’s here, so it would be rude not get out and enjoy what Monmouthshire and the surrounding area has to offer adventure seekers of all ages, as Jo Barnes finds out...
 

Kayaking
The River Wye snakes its way through some of our most beautiful countryside and what better way to enjoy it than by hiring a kayak or canoe and paddling off for a water-based adventure.
There are plenty of businesses in the area offering canoe hire. All you have to do is book, turn up at their base and they will drive you and your chosen vessel to a launch point, see you off safely and then leave it up to you to get back. Some offer two-day hire with camping in between and others offer a day or a half-day hire.
It really is a great way to explore the area. Once on the river, you feel like you have been transported into a different world.
Check out 
www.visitmonmouthshire.com or www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/for a list of firms offering this service.
Climbing
There is some great outdoor climbing in Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley for experienced climbers, but if you fancy having a go there are also organised climbing activities and an indoor climbing wall.
If you want to find a climbing course, check out www.visitmonmouthshire.com.
Cycling
You don’t have to aspire to be the next Bradley Wiggins to enjoy what Monmouthshire has to offer the cyclist. In fact, you don’t even have to like riding on the roads – although our roads are perfect for those who love whizzing through the countryside, clad in lycra, either in groups or on their own (you only have to witness the number of organised cycling events including the Tour de Gwent and the Velothon which use parts of the county to know that).
But Monmouthshire and beyond offer some fantastic off-road cycling. 
If you are into mountain biking, head into the Forest of Dean at Pedalabikeaway where you will find a number of routes for differing skill levels.
Also here, there is a 20km family cycle path following a disused railwayline through the heart of the forest. Ideal for getting away from it all and working up a bit of sweat.
Here at MCL, we love cycling over the Severn Bridge and back – and, of course, the tow path along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is another wonderful place to get in the saddle. Try the route from Brecon to Goytre Wharf which takes you right out into some beautiful countryside – with the added bonus of a great cafe waiting for you with plenty of refreshments when you arrive at the wharf.
Diving
Ever fancied learning to dive? Well, you can at the National Diving and Activity Centre at Tidenham, near Chepstow.
This centre based in a former quarry is the ideal place for a complete beginner who fancies snorkelling, or a seasoned veteran who wants to progress to new depths or start instructing as it offers a wide range of competitively priced courses, delivered by experienced and qualified instructors.
All recreational and technical scuba training at the NDAC Dive School is provided by Cardiff Scuba, which is a well-established dive school.
Start off with the Try-A-Dive Experience to give yourself a flavour of what’s involved – you never know, you might get hooked! If you want to get a qualification that will allow you to dive anywhere in the world up to 18 metres then the PADI Open Water Diving Courses are for you. 
For much more information on what’s on offer at the NDAC visit www.ndac.co.uk – it’s not just all about diving, as it offers all sorts of activities including a zip wire.
Walking
We have some great walks in Monmouthshire, from pleasant strolls along the banks of the serene Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, to more strenuous climbs up the hills which surround Abergavenny.
There really is something for everyone and with a little bit of planning, you can head out for an adventure ideally suited to your ability and requirements.
How about tackling the Wye Valley Walk from Chepstow to Monmouth? This 15-odd mile walk takes you up the middle of the breathtakingly beautiful Wye Valley, passing Tintern, Brockweir, Llandogo and Redbrook on the way with their cafes and pubs making a great place to stop and refuel.
Or, if you are feeling particularly energetic and are well prepared, just over the border up in the Brecon Beacons you could scale Pen y Fan – South Wales’ highest peak. If that’s a step too far, Sugarloaf or the Skirrid near Abergavenny are worth the effort.
And there are plenty of other way-marked routes criss-crossing the county.
For some ideas check out www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/walks-and-trails.