We Hike Wales x Cotopaxi
We Hike Wales x Cotopaxi
Adventure Weekend in Wales
This October, Cotopaxi UK teamed up with We Hike Wales and Gemma Snowdon Hikes for an incredible weekend of outdoor adventure on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. From October 11th to 13th, the group gathered at Stackpole to immerse themselves in an unforgettable weekend!
The weekend offered something for everyone. Participants took on a variety of activities that highlighted the natural beauty of the area, including:
Climbing the cliffs with sweeping coastal views.
Abseiling down dramatic rock faces, an exhilarating challenge for all skill levels.
Hiking through the picturesque Bosherston lily ponds and the golden sands of Barafundle Bay.
Trail running with We Run Wales group leader, Arwell, along scenic coastal paths that tested endurance and rewarded with unforgettable views.
Yoga sessions that brought balance and mindfulness to the adventure-filled days.
A standout highlight of the weekend was the incredible sense of connection and community. Shared meals and accommodation fostered friendships among participants, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and laughter. Whether scaling cliffs or sharing stories over dinner, the group bonded over their shared love for exploration.
We sat down with We Hike Wales founder, Nia Rist to find out her inspiration behind creating the community, her favourite hiking trails and her go-to Cotopaxi gear!
What was your motivation behind creating the community group, We Hike Wales?
‘I wanted to create a space where people could connect through their love of the outdoors, to encourage others to get outside and explore what’s on their doorstep, give them the confidence to join in and be a part of something.’
What inspired you to start hiking? Was there a particular trail or experience that sparked your passion?
‘I’ve always been pretty outdoorsy growing up, there was no particular experience that sparked it- I’m lucky that my friends and family also love the outdoors, and love exploring new places. I think more than ever we’ve realised that we need to be outdoors and exploring and can’t spend too much time indoors without going a little mad!’
What is your favourite trail or hiking destination that you’d recommend to others?
‘Craig Cerrig Gleisiad & Fan Frynych is such a special side of the Bannau Brycheiniog that only a few explore. Llyn y Fan Fach & Llyn y Fan Fawr is also a beautiful place to explore.
For something a little more challenging, we headed to the Dolomites last summer for a hut to hut trek and hiked the Pale Di San Martino trail and that for sure was an adventure to remember!’
What do you love about Cotopaxi and what is your favourite product?
‘We love Cotopaxi gear, we especially love how they’re so colourful and stand out on any trail! They’re especially easy to spot in the Welsh grey rainy weather!
We love the Tarak 20L Del Dia backpack and love that every backpack is unique (makes us feel a part of you guys!). I’m definitely jealous of Arwel’s handy Kapai hip pack’
What are some underrated hikes near your area that people often overlook?
‘I think it’s very easy to fall into the trap of hiking all the trails that everyone else does, social media has helped us with that. We have to protect our trails and be mindful not to saturate them. We’re so lucky to live where we do, Swansea valley is full of such wonderful places to explore.
Cribarth is our absolute go-to (also known as the sleeping giant, as it looks like a giant sleeping on its side)
Penwyllt & Fan Gyhirich is one for the list with epic views over the Carmarthenshire fans and Crai reservoir.
The list could go on and on...’
What are your hiking goals for the next year? Any new challenges or trails you're excited to tackle?
'2024 was epic for us and we have even bigger plans for this year! More monthly meet ups, more guided hikes and trail runs and more adventure days and weekends. Wales is an absolute playground when it comes to hiking and trails and we’re so excited to continue exploring in 2025!'
This collaboration embodied Cotopaxi’s mission of inspiring adventure while embracing sustainability and community. The partnership with We Hike Wales and Gemma Snowdon Hikes brought together a diverse group of individuals united by a desire to challenge themselves and celebrate the beauty of nature.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for making this collaboration an unforgettable success. Keep an eye out for future Cotopaxi UK adventures—we can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next!
Thank you!
