Wet and Wild in Wales Weekend
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The Spectacular Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons make this a dramatic, and wet, weekend. At the end of Winter, the rivers should be running full so the falls themselves will be at their most powerful. They should be pretty wild....
Where are we going?
We'll be staying in a bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons, situated in the heart of waterfall country, and very near to the famous caves & waterfalls of Ystradfellte. The waterfalls of Clyngwyn are literally on our doorstep. Sgwd Clun Gwyn waterfall, the first of the falls on the Afon Mellte is only 500m from the farm so a short 5 minute walk away. We are close to the famous Sgwd Yr Eira waterfalls which are the ones renowned for being able to walk behind them.
Outside the bunkhouse there is a circular area with large fire pit and eating area (weather permitting) from where there are beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons. There's also a small stone built roofed building seating 6 people with a log burner. So we will have plenty of space both inside and out.
On Sunday we need to check out of the bunkhouse by 11am, but there will be the option to then head out for a Sunday walk, including a pub lunch, for anyone who is interested
Bedding
Whilst quilts and pillows are provided, you'll need to bring linen (or a sleeping bag and sheet) and towels. Everyone must use their own linen and/or sleeping bag.
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 to explore the Waterfalls. The route is roughly 10 miles, including at least one point where the path will be walking behind the Sgwd Yr Eira waterfalls. So, expect to get a bit wet and muddy!
We'll be aiming to reach Pontneddfechan for lunch where there's options for a pub lunch if you wish (The Old White Horse in particular is a recommended pub). Be warned! After lunch will be doing most of the uphill walking back up the River Neath to the Hostel. So maybe don't have too many chips at lunchtime!
Saturday Evening: Relax, socialise, and chillout. Dinner is included in the event cost, and if the weather is suitable we'll get the fire pit going outside.
Sunday: After breakfast we need to check out by 11am. As a final 'stretch of the legs' before the drive home, there will be a short walk up onto the Brecon Beacons themselves with some amazing views of the mountains and to clear your head after the drama and noise of the Waterfalls yesterday.
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 or plan for a pub lunch)
Tea, Coffee and Cake: Will be provided throughout the weekend.
Other Drinks and snacks: Please bring your own.
Dogs
A maximum of two well behaved dogs are welcome on this event. They must be neutered and vaccinated and on a lead on site although there is an additional charge of £25 per dog payable direct to the owner on arrival. Please let me know in advance. It's a maximum of 2 dogs, so please mention in the comments for the event if you're bringing yours so that we can make sure there's not too many planned to join us.
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What to bring
Sleeping:
Whilst quilts and pillows are provided, you'll need to bring linen (or a sleeping bag and sheet) and towels. Or you can hire linen at £2.50 per set from the owner of the bunkhouse. All guest must use linen and/or sleeping bag.
Walking:
The Brecon Beacons at the end of Feb is likely to be very wet and muddy with a possibility of snow and ice. You will need walking boots, hat, gloves, 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
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
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
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
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.
Saturday Lunch: We'll be aiming to reach the town of Pontneddfechan for lunch where there's options for a pub lunch if you wish (The Old White Horse in particular is a recommended pub). Or if you wish to bring a packed lunch, there should be picnic tables to eat at around the town.
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 and snacks: Please bring your own