Late Summer Weekend in the Brecons
17 people attending
15 places left
Join OutdoorLads for a relaxing weekend in a 5 star hostel, looking right out over the Brecon Beacons.
We'll be spending the weekend in this spectacular stone and oak barn conversion - in a magical mountain location. Surrounded by ancient sessile oak woodland, limestone cliffs, cavernous caves and and with views across to the enchantingly named Sugarloaf, Skirrid and Table Mountains, we are also on the doorstep of the industrial revolution - above the Clydach Gorge, Monmouthshire Canal and the Big Pit UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Brecon Beacons range are named after the ancient Welsh (or Brythonic - where the name 'Britain' comes from) practice of lighting signal fires (beacons) on mountains, to warn of attacks by the Angles (where the name 'England' comes from).
Itinerary:
Friday night - Buffet in the evening and plan the following days outing.
Saturday - Early start, we're a big group so would aim for a selection of hikes - challenging, less challenging and a trail / fell run if anyone is up for a day running at a gentle pace.
Sunday - a short walk or two, before heading home
Photos: Hostel photos are property of the YHA and used with permission. Photos 1-4 taken by P Ridleagh, Mountain photos taken by J Couldry, and used with permission.
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.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- OutdoorLads’ Covid-19 Policy for hostel and BIG events applies to this event. On arrival, we will need to see evidence that you are fully vaccinated, or have registered a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours, or have Covid-19 antibodies. Evidence of this can be obtained via the NHS App in England, with equivalent schemes available in Wales and Scotland. Our full policy and more details can be found here.
What to bring
We'll be looking for a big day out in the mountains on the Saturday - have a look at the OutdoorLads kit list below, and ask the leader if you have any questions.
Bedding is provided but you will need to bring your own towel.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
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
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
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: 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.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
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
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Friday night: Please bring at least one item for the buffet. Don't go overboard - think enough for 2-3 people
Saturday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Saturday lunch: Please bring a packed lunch.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost.
Sunday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Tea & coffee: Included throughout the weekend.
Other drinks: Please bring your own.