Waterfalls, Beaches… and a Parenting Breakthrough in Wales
A Fit2Thrive Summer Series story
Let the Trip Do the Work
What if parenting wasn’t about planning the perfect trip — but letting the trip do the work?
For 48 hours, I was the driver, guide, first aider, and teacher — a solo dad exploring South Wales with my daughter. Two days, endless miles, a tight budget — and the best time ever.
Coming Up: The Weekend That Changed Everything
We had an amazing trip to South Wales. I just wanted to do it as a last-minute thing, to see if it was possible — and to see if we should bring my youngest’s brother as well and go the whole hog.
What we discovered was that Wales is full of waterfalls. I had no idea. We’d seen so much by the end of it, we couldn’t wait to go back.
We clocked up so many of those “health stats” you hear about just by playing, having fun, sitting on beaches, chasing waterfalls, and chilling. It was the best thing.
We found so many places we want to return to and see even more. We couldn’t help it — it was just the best thing ever.
If you want better health, go out and live. Find out what’s around you — how beautiful your place is, right where you are. I never knew when I was young. Now I do, and I’m excited to see more of it. Let’s get into it.
The Journey
It was two days — five hours each way, plus charging stops, detours, and a car full of snacks.
Day one was all movement: climbing through waterfall country at Pontneddfechan, discovering new paths, walking for hours. I was amazed at how well my youngest handled it.
Day two slowed right down — a gentle beach day in Swansea, just letting the hours pass.
Somewhere between the effort of the first day and the ease of the second, I realised something important: the trip was doing the work.
Every walk, laugh, and pause was building health, calm, and connection — without a detailed plan, strict schedule, or big spend. Parenting didn’t need to be perfect; it just needed to be present.
Filmed in South Wales
This story unfolds between Pontneddfechan Waterfall Country and Swansea Beach, as part of my ongoing Fit2Thrive Summer Series.
Each trip is a chance to live the Invest in YOU principles in real life — proving that thriving isn’t found in rigid routines, but in the way we live, move, and connect.
Travelling on a Budget, Thriving in Simplicity
We spent very little — an overnight stay, homemade meals, and a few EV charges along the way.
The simplicity made space for what mattered most: connection, discovery, movement, and rest. You don’t need luxury to feel rich in moments.
Reflections and Takeaways
- Parenting for 48 hours straight — driver, guide, first aider, teacher, and learner
- Movement as medicine: walking trails, climbing, exploring beaches, and everyday play
- Presence over performance: enoughness creates connection
- Let the trip do the work: effort and ease can both heal when we show up
Explore More from Fit2Thrive
Learn about the Invest in YOU approach — the six principles of living health through joy:
https://fit2thrive.co.uk/courses-archive/six-principles
Discover the holidays that inspired this journey:
https://fit2thrive.co.uk/holidays/
Read more about Holidays: Summer 2025 — the ongoing story behind the series:
https://fit2thrive.co.uk/holidays-summer-2025/
About Fit2Thrive
Fit2Thrive is about being fit not just to survive, but to thrive — in health, life, and joy.
Through the Invest in YOU approach, I help busy people build strength, energy, and balance into the life they already live.
No fads. No pressure. Just a lifestyle built around presence, connection, and purpose.
Next in the Series
Coming soon: Margate — The Power of Sibling Connection.
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