Escaping the Rat-Race in Mid-Wales
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Just for the weekend, forget about the Race-Rat and Technology in this remote corner of Wales.
The area is ideal for lovers of solitude and is close to an old drovers’ track which leads over the scenic Cambrian Mountains.
We'll be staying in a 17th Century Farmhouse in this back-to-basic eco-friendly hostel.
The historic former farmhouse has thick stone walls, a traditional Welsh slate floor and an amazing stone floored common room with a cosy wood burning stove.
There's no mobile/wifi coverage or no mains electricity to the hostel so we'll have the whole weekend to unwind.
In the Elenydd region of Wales, deep in the Tywi Forest, near to Llyn Brianne, we'll explore this quiet bit of the country that is often overlooked by hikers.
For mountain bikers, the area has many tracks and courses to follow including a 24 mile circuit of Llyn Brianne.
The area is also a Dark Skies Reserve so if it's clear at night, there should be an amazing display of the stars.
Itinerary
Friday Evening: Arrive anytime after 4pm, meet the rest of the group and socialise. Welcome 'meeting' and we'll have the usual Outdoor lads buffet so please bring something that can be shared between two or three people (try to avoid too much quiche!)
Saturday Day: After breakfast, we’ll head into the surrounding countryside for a hike to explore the area.
The area is also popular with mountain bikers, so you can bring your bike along if you wish although please note this will be at your own risk without any official Mountain Bike Leader from OutdoorLads with you.
Saturday Evening: Relax, socialise, and chillout. Dinner is included in the event cost.
This region of the Cambrian Mountains is also good for stargazing as it's a top ten Dark Skies Place. So, any budding astronomers - bring along your telescope or binoculars to watch the celestial fireworks!
Sunday: After breakfast we need to check out by 10am. There will be a final 'stretch of the legs' short walk (around an hour or two) for those who want one, before maybe finding a pub for lunch somewhere and then heading home again.
Meals and Food
Including in the event cost - Saturday and Sunday Breakfast, Saturday Dinner
Please bring something suitable for the 'Friday Night Buffet' and make plans for Saturday lunchtime (Packed Lunch). For the buffet, please consider there is only 1 oven in the hostel so try and avoid anything that needs to be baked or roasted. There is also no fridge or freezer at the hostel (so no ice cream for dessert!).
Tea, Coffee and Cake: Will be provided throughout the weekend.
Other Drinks and snacks: Please bring your own.
Dogs
Sorry, Dogs are not allowed in this hostel.
Want to Chat before the event?
There is a Telegram Group Chat setup if you want to chat with everyone coming to make plans, arrange lifts, work out what to bring etc at https://t.me/+9SqrmywKP1RkNzk0
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Images
Image 1 Rough grazing by the Afon Tywi, Ceredigion
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Kidd - geograph.org.uk/p/1514024
Image 2 Craggy gully, Cwm Tywi, Powys
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Kidd - geograph.org.uk/p/1066148
Image 3 : Afon Tywi near Dolgoch, Ceredigion
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Kidd - geograph.org.uk/p/1837561
Image 4 Across the Tywi Valley north of Llyn Brianne
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Kidd - geograph.org.uk/p/1040409
Images 5-9 Photos taken by OutdoorLads members and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
What to bring
Walking:
As it's late Spring, the weather is Wales can go either way so bring Walking Boots definitely in case the ground is a bit wet and muddy underfoot. You will need walking boots, sunhat (optimistically!), warm clothes, waterproofs, water bottle.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Friday Evening: We'll have the usual Outdoor lads buffet so please bring something that can be shared between two or three people.
Saturday Day: Breakfast is included in the event cost. I
Saturday Lunch: We'll be pretty isolated with no pub options or places to buy lunch - so please make sure you've got a packed lunch with you.
Saturday Evening: Dinner is included in the event cost.
Sunday: Breakfast is included in the event cost. There will be a walk after this, incorporating a local pub where we can go for lunch, for anyone who is interested.
Tea & coffee: Will be available throughout the weekend
Other drinks: Please bring your own