New Year in North Wales (just!) 2025
32 people attending
0 places left
4 people waitlisted
THREE NIGHT break for New Year!
Ditch the over-priced bars and crowded house parties to see in the New Year in the beautiful countryside of the North Wales/Shropshire border.
The place: we will be staying on a farm/riding stable, just over the Welsh border, north west of Oswestry, and a little south of Llangollen. Both those towns are within easy reach for simple day walks and their respective tourist attractions. Alternatively, some more dramatic mountain walking can be found within a short drive.
The activities: as we'll have two full days at our disposal, there will be an opportunity to take maximum advantage of this varied, beautiful region. Exact walks on offer will depend upon leaders attending, but will likely include at least one easier and one tougher walk each day. Wales' highest waterfall (Pistyll Rhaeadr) isn't far, with the adjacent Berwyn Mountains. Llangollen is always popular, as is the fascinating Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
New Year's Eve: while this event is not intended to be a "party event", we will, of course, mark the arrival of the new year. Think dinner with friends, silly games, and general merriment :)
The accommodation: Our accommodation is well-equipped and comfortable, across a bunkhouse and cottages, with shared rooms of varying sizes (max. 8). Bedding is provided, but you'll need your own towel.
Dogs: This venue is not suitable for dogs.
OUTDOORLADS FOUNDATION Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
WANT TO PAY IN INSTALMENTS? You can arrange to pay in instalments if that helps. Please contact the office on support@outdoorlads.com who will help you to secure a place and set up paying in instalments. The event must be fully paid up a week before the event takes place.
Photos: accommodation with permission of Springhill Farm.
Others: Llywelyn2000; Espresso Addict; Chris Downer - under creative commons licence.
What to bring
In addition to the standard mountain walking kit set out below, please remember all your usual hostel weekend gear, including a towel.
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
You need to bring:
1) An item to contribute to the bring-and-share buffet dinner on the first night.
2) Packed lunch and snacks for the next two day's walks. A flask for a hot drink can be great if you're someone who feels the cold.
3) Any drinks you would like on each evening, like wine, beer, alcohol-free alternatives, soft drinks, etc... or something bubbly for NYE!
We'll provide:
1) Breakfast on all three mornings (cereal, toast and jam, etc.).
2) Dinner on the second and third nights.
3) Tea and coffee throughout the weekend.