What’s your ultimate Welsh Valleys experience? Cycling high up in the Afan Forest? Journeying underground to relive our industrial past at Big Pit, jumping off a waterfall? Maybe it’s the taste of Sidoli’s ice cream? Now is your chance to share your Valleys Essentials.

The Valleys Heart and Soul campaign has teamed up with Rough Guide author Mike Parker to create a list of the Top 50 Valleys Essentials*, including must-see heritage attractions, unmissable eateries and events and scenic walks across The Valleys, which spans from Kidwelly in the west to Pontypool in the east. Call of the Wild are proud to be included the Top 50 Welsh Valleys experiences!

Mike described Call of the Wild as follows

“….there are a few outdoor activity specialist companies out there, but these are one of the best. They offer climbing, caving, biking (mountain or quad), gorge walking, canyoning, kayaking and more, all locally. It just shows how blessed the Valleys are, for they are one of the finest natural places to let off a bit of steam.”

Mike, who is co-author on all five guides to Wales, picked well known attractions including Caerphilly Castle and Blaenavon World Heritage Site as well as new additions such as ‘Guardian’, in Abertillery, alongside the best pubs for local ale and real hidden gems to feature in his list.

Mike’s Thoughts

The 50 Valleys Essentials are not only essential things to see, do or taste, for Mike they are experiences that form the essence of the region. Mike, who lives in Powys, said: “Fifty was a good number of sights to pick, for it gave me chance to highlight all of the many aspects that make The Valleys such a rewarding place to visit.

“There’s raw natural beauty in the shape of hulking mountains, glorious upland commons and thundering waterfalls. Or industrial heritage at some imposing remnants of the coal and iron industries, as well as many of the region’s best little nuggets tucked away well off the beaten track. The option to go back even further is everywhere too, by poking around ancient castles, stately homes or churches.

“There’s physical activity of all sorts, be it walking, running, mountain biking, swimming, climbing or caving. Eating and drinking too, of course – it would be churlish to ignore the area’s many fine options, from home-made Italian ice-cream to prize-winning whisky.

“Best of all, there was space for the quirky and the unexpected, traits in which the Valleys excel. Whether witnessing the venerable Welsh New Year tradition of the Mari Lwyd, or digging around the places associated with revolutionary Victorian druid Dr William Price, there are plenty of things to tick the box marked ‘weird and wonderful.’

“This is just my list; you’ll have your own in no time. And like me, you’ll also have your own amazing memories of this most highly individual part of the world.”

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“There is a wealth of wonderful attractions, activities and experiences that deserve to be celebrated in The Valleys and this campaign aims to bring a sense of pride to communities where they have a local Valleys Essential. And attractions, activities, our natural environment and heritage are key to attracting more tourism, with obvious benefits to the local economy.

“Valleys people are renowned for being warm and friendly with a great sense of spirit, so we’re encouraging local communities to get together and champion their Essential to help get it into the top 10 and to nominate their favourite for the people’s choice. We’ve got a lot to shout about in this fantastic area so make sure you have your say.”

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

Top 10 Things to Do in the Rain in the Brecon Beacons

Ideas for things to do in the rain

It has been known for us here in the Brecon Beacons to experience some light rain from time to time. However that shouldn’t deter you from getting out and about and trying some must do experiences even in wet conditions. In fact many of experiences are heightened in terms of their impact in wet conditions. So here’s our choice. You may have your own.

Top 10 Things To Do in the Rain

1. Dan Yr Ogof Showcaves

The Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses some of the most important cave systems in Europe and is just as spectacular beneath the surface as it is above. The National Showcaves Centre, at Dan-yr-Ogof in the upper Swansea Valley, Dan-yr-Ogof, has three separate cave systems and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the National Park. Voted Britain’s favourite Natural Wonder. Most people just think of the Park as having big mountains, jaw dropping landscapes and big skies but don’t think about the unique environment that lies just beneath their feet. Come face-to-face with dinosaurs or just visit the Shire Horse Centre.

2. Canyoning

It doesn’t matter what the weather as the more the rain the better for this special adventure activity – canyoning. This is white water rafting without the raft so the more water in the river the better as it means we can play around more! So bring on the rain! You descend a stunning steep sided gorge by various ways and means. This can involve sliding down rapids, swimming down rapids, floating down fast flowing chutes and waves, walking behind some breathtaking waterfalls and of course jumping off those jaw dropping waterfalls.

3. Welsh Whisky

Taste the only Welsh Whisky in the World and see how it’s made with a guided tour at the Penderyn Distillery. If it’s raining outside then it gives a new meaning to the phrase whisky with water!

4. Brecon Mountain Railway

Take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, one of the most popular railways in Wales and travel in an observation car pulled by a vintage steam locomotive through beautiful scenery. The station is 1,134 feet above sea level and the line will take you from there into the heart of the Brecon Beacons Mountain Range, along the eastern side of Pontsticill reservoir with commanding views of the highest mountain in southern Britain; Pen Y Fan.(889mtrs).You can sit in enclosed carriages and admire the scenery as it slips past.

5. Visit the South Wales Borderers Museum

The museum collection is comprised of artefacts obtained from worldwide sources that reflect the history and character of the Royal Regiment of Wales that has existed for over 300 years.The Medal Room contains nearly 3,000 medals. The main attraction in the museum is the Zulu War Room. The exploits of the 24th Regiment during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War are legendary. Sir Stanley Baker developed further interest with his film ‘Zulu’ in 1964. The film recreated the events surrounding the heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift by B Company, 2/24th in the Zulu war of 1879. The Zulu War Room tells this compelling story, and contains a fascinating display of artefacts.

6. Play Barn at Brynich

The Play Barn is an award winning indoor play centre, offering adventure, exercise, exploration and excitement for children in a clean, safe, stimulating environment. That’s not all – comfy sofas, delicious coffees, together with tasty homemade meals and cakes means that a trip to the Play Barn is a treat for all the family! A great family venue on a rainy day.

7. Visit the Magnificent Waterfalls

You might ask yourself why would I want to be outdoors on a rainy day in the Brecon Beacons and our answer is why wouldn’t you. This is the best time to experience the awesome force of water by viewing some of the most spectacular waterfalls Britain has to offer. It’s a sensory experience not to be missed. Not only do you get to see this awe inspiring sight but you are also hit by a wall of sound and the clsoer you get the more spray you get on your face!

8.Craig y Nos Castle

Situated in the picturesque upper Swansea valley amidst the grandeur of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Craig-Y-Nos Castle and grounds were once the estate of the celebrated opera diva Madam Adelina Patti. During her lifetime (1843 – 1919) she became one of the worlds most famous and highly rewarded entertainers, the Madonna or Kylie of her day!. She travelled extensively but liked nothing better than entertaining her friends at Craig-Y-Nos. In 1891 she opened the theatre,she had built at the side of the castle, which included state of the art technology for the time and was to be her miniature La Scala, Milan, It is well worth a visit and incorporates features from Wagner’s Bayreuth Festspielhaus opera house in Germany and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. Over the years the castle has taken on the role of family home as well as a hospital and today it is a hotel and conference facility.

9. Brecon Museum

Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, is one of the finest and liveliest small museums in Wales. First established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society, it occupies an historic building at the heart of an outstandingly attractive area with a rich and varied past. It offers fascinating glimpses of this past. The Exhibition programme is exciting, varied.and strongly features the work of Contemporary artists living and working in Wales.

10. Cantref Adventure Farm

There is plenty to do at Cantref Adventure Farm and is a great day out no matter what the weather is. Slide at speed down Europe’s longest sledge ride or take part on the family boat ride,; paddle the children’s paddle boats or test your balance on our wooden agility course. There are a wide range of animals from sheep, donkeys, pigs to lamas and water buffalo. Throughout your visit you will see many of the animals whether it be part of a pet handling show or on a tractor and trailer ride.

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

There are many reasons to visit the stunning Brecon Beacons in Wales and no more so than the great range of festivals and events that take place through the year. The Brecon Beacons are truly a year round destination as you will always find something of interest happening. So take a closer look at what’s happening in 2012

The Brecon Beacons National Park covers almost 520 square miles. It has become an extremely popular location for outdoor activities and is famous for it’s walking. The highest point is Pen y Fan standing just over 2,900 feet above sea level, the highest in southern Britain. Not too far away to the south of the Brecon Beacons are two of the biggest cities in Wales: Swansea and Cardiff. This means that both the weekend activities and the evening nightlife can all take place within a relatively small area, making it ideal for a package weekend of fun.

Not just famous for the stunning landscape and outdoor activities but also for it’s events and festivals. You may want to combine a visit to the the Brecon Beacons try some activities and then visit and experience one of the following festivals, events or markets.

Festivals & Events

Hay Festival

Every year, around 80,000 visitors flock to Hay-on-Wye for the town’s annual literary festival and this year it celebrates it’s 25th festival. To find out more about the event which attracts some of the world’s top writers visit the Hay Festival website. This years event is on 31st May to 10th June 2012. Past visitors include Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu and Cherie Booth/Blair, Jeremy Clarkson and Terry Jones to name but a few. This year you can expect to see people like Simon Callow, Bill Bailey,Anthony Beevor, Monty Don and many many more.

Brecon Jazz Festival

The world famous Brecon Jazz Festival is graced with a wonderful mix of Great Brits and legendary Jazz stars from across the African continent to share the joy of Jazz in 50 concerts over 3 days. What makes Brecon special is the festival audience who are welcomed to the town of Brecon and to the National Park for a weekend of great music and celebration. Come on your own, come with friends, family, lovers or colleagues. Come for fun, and to meet some of the world’s greatest musicians. This is a real party atmoshpere weekend and one not be missed. But book early as it is an extremely busy weekend.

It was announced in May 2012 that Orchard have been picked to run the Festival in 2012 by the Arts Council of Wales, Powys County Council and Brecon Beacons National Park. The Hay Festival Organisation announced in December 2011 it was pulling out of organising the jazz festival and the search has been on ever since to find a replacement. Further details will be announced over the forthcoming weeks but the Festival usually takes place in August

The Royal Welsh Show

The biggest one of the lot and a must for all visitors. The Royal Welsh Show has become one of the most important events in the Welsh calendar attracting some 230,000 people over the course of the four days and is supported by approximately 15,000 staunch members. This show has something for all the family, mum, dad and the children.

This success has allowed for the extensive development of the permanent showground at Llanelwedd, first used in 1963, which is set in the heart of the scenic Mid Wales countryside. This year it takes place on 23rd to 26th July 2012.

The Green Man Festival

The Green Man Festival is a British alternative music festival which was started in 2003. It has evolved from a one day 300 capacity event to a four day festival with three days of music including indie, psych, dance, Americana, and folk across five stages.

Music is at the heart but aspects of culture and living have become central to Green Man. Literature, film, theatre, ceilidhs, all night bonfires, comedy and secret gigs are all part of the festival. As well as fantastic food and drinks. Green Man takes place in the rolling parkland of Glanusk Park, nestled under Sugar Loaf mountain in the Brecon Beacons; “of all the festivals in all the fields in Britain, probably the best field of all has been bagged by the Green Man Festival. This years festival in 2012 takes place over the weekend of 17th to 19th August 2012.

Abergavenny Food Festival

The Abergavenny Food Festival will be held from Saturday 15th September 2012 to Sunday 16th September, 2012. Opening hours: Saturday from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm. It offers visitors a fantastic range of delicious artisan products and an opportunity to meet the wonderful people who make them.

Monmouth Music Festival

Now in it’s 30th year, the Monmouth Music Festival will run from the 17th-25th August 2012 and is one of the biggest free music extravaganzas in the UK. The Festival is a non-profit making project, and is run by a small army of local volunteers. In recent years, it has won a number of awards and expanded it’s reputation as being one of the biggest and best free Music Festivals on the UK Festival Circuit. Attracting bands from all over the uk, the main event will take place at Blestium Street car park, with fringe events being held at the Three Horseshoes Pub, the Green Dragon Pub and St Mary’s Church.

Brecon Food Festival

In an age, where health consciousness plays an increasingly important part, the need for quality food and it’s preparation is fundamental. For the past 14 years the Brecon Food Festival has concentrated it’s efforts on promoting the very best of locally produced food and drink. Centred at the Brecon Market Hall, this iconic event is an opportunity for visitors to experience, not just local and unique tasting products, but a range of foods produced in this part of Wales which are fast gaining an international reputation. This year the Food Festival takes place in October , date TBC, and although centred at the market hall, it also spills out into the town with cooking demonstrations and stalls displaying Arts and Crafts. The growing success of the Festival, is one which makes this an opportunity not to be missed and a visit to Brecon, at any time of year, is always worthwhile.

For more information on the Brecon beacons take a look at our pages on the seven natural wonders of the Brecon Beacons

For more on festivals in Wales click here.

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

If any of the above interest you, contact us now!

A birthday gift voucher can be purchased from us in denominations of £25, £50 and £100. Alternatively you can buy a voucher for a specific activity such as canyoning. A single day canyoning costs £60 per person.

Give us a call now on 01639 700388 or fill in the contact form and we’ll send you a voucher!

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

We all know that the Brecon Beacons has a stunning landscape – but what you don’t know is it also has some of the darkest skies in the UK. The skies above the Brecon Beacons National Park are so outstanding the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, are applying to the International Dark-Sky Association to become Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve.

The highly prestigious status –given to only a handful of international destinations – would be beneficial for both tourism and the local economy and preserve the region’s unique night skies for future generations.

For more information on star gazing opportunities click here

Pen Y Fan

The iconic image of the Brecon Beacons. Situated at the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park and with easy access to the A470, Pen Y Fan is the highest point in South Wales and Southern Britain standing at 886m or 2,907ft. However did you know it’s only the 21st highest in Wales. Due to it’s closeness to the A470 it is probably the most climbed peak in South Wales. There are a number of well defined routes to the summit which are open to people with a wide range of abilities and experience. However, here as elsewhere in mountainous terrain, the weather plays an important part and can change quickly. This can make it very challenging and in high winds, the summit can be difficult to approach.

The mountain and the surrounding area is actually owned by the National Trust . Also famous for its associations with the miliatry and particularly the SAS training course known as the “Fan Dance”

Location – SO012215 / Nearest Postcode LD3 8NL

Henrhyd Waterfall

Situated on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park near the village of Coelbren, Henrhyd Waterfall is nothing if not spectacular. With a height of approximately 90ft Henrhyd is certainly the highest waterfall in the the National Park and perhaps the most spectacular of falls, in an area boasting so many wonderful gorges and waterfalls of sheer aesthetic beauty. You may have a different opinion as there are so many to choose from.

Henrhyd Waterfall is well worth a visit but is accessible only by walking down a very steep footpath and across a wooden footbridge onto another narrow footpath. Particular care should be taken as the path is often wet and slippery the closer you get to the Waterfall. However it is well worth it.

A short journey to the east are a number of outstanding gorges, such as the Mellte, where the sport of Canyoning may be experienced in truly spectacular surroundings. This area of the Brecon Beacons National Park is also the starting point for many memorable Waterfall Walks. This is why it was so difficult to single out Henrhyd when we have other outstanding candidates such as Sgwd Yr Eira and Sgwd Gwladys.

Location – Ordnanace Survey SN854122

Llangorse Lake

One of the reasons the Brecon Beacons National Park is thought to have outstanding natural beauty is the contribution made to the character of the landscape by the large number number of natural and man-made lakes within it’s boundaries. The extraordinary one for us is Llangorse Lake or Syfaddan in Welsh. The second largest natural lake in Wales, second only to Lake Bala, has a circumference of 5 miles and a total area of 327 acres 153 hectares and is one mile long . It was created by the movement of a glacier and the remnants of glacial melt after the last ice age.

It is famous for it’s history, fishing,( particularly Pike) and a variety of other water sports. Steeped in history, Llangorse is one of the most mentioned lakes in Welsh Folklore. At it’s northern end is the Crannog, which is a small island of massive oak planks, behind which was built a dwelling platform from layers of stone. A virtually complete Dugout Boat was found at this site with radiocarbon dating it to the 9th century.

Other lakes which are absolute gems include Llyn Y Fan Fach and Llyn Y Fan Fawr with it’s legend, of The Lady of the Lake.

Location – Postcode LD3 7TR

Caves

The Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses some of the most important cave systems in Europe and is just as spectacular beneath the surface as it is above. The National Showcaves Centre, at Dan-yr-Ogof in the upper Swansea Valley, Dan-yr-Ogof, has three separate cave systems and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the National Park. Most people just think of the Park as having big mountains, jaw dropping landscapes and big skies but don’t think about the unique environment that lies just beneath their feet.

On the opposite side of the valley, situated on the hillside above Craig Y Nos country park, is the headquarters of the South Wales Caving Club. Nearby is, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, (the cave of the Black Spring) this cave system is one of the most complex and deepest in Britain. Here, the largest cave passage in Britain, referred to as the Time Machine can be found within Ogof Darren Cilau. This particular passage is more than 30 metres high and of similar width. Another cave worth a visit is Porth Y Ogof. Porth Y Ogof has the largest entrance of all the caves in the park. Particular care should be taken when visiting many of the caves and it is advisable to be accompanied by a qualified caving instructor/guide.

Limestone Pavements

Not the same as the pavements you find on the side of the road. More than 10,000 years ago, ice carved the landscape exposing areas of smooth limestone in what is now the National Park. Over time, rain has partly dissolved the limestone creating a pattern of blocks and fissures. These fissures are called Grykes and support communities of rare plants, lichens and mosses. This habitat is known as Limestone Pavement and is one of the most scarce habitat in all of Wales.

There is a thin band of Limestone running from East to West across the South of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Particularly on high ground, the limestone is exposed no the surface and forms a network of small scattered pavements, totaling about 20 hectares. Limestone pavement is a prime example of a non renewable resource, which once lost, is lost forever and cannot be replaced. In Wales, much of our limestone pavements enjoy some form of legal protection and disturbance is a criminal offence. It is right that in this age of growing conservation awareness, we should seek to conserve what is left.

One of the best examples in the Brecon Beacons can be found in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu National Nature Reserve above Penwyllt. This lies in the heart of the Fforest Fawr Geopark designated by the UNESCO in 2005. The Geopark is the only example in Wales and one of only five in the UK, and covers much of the western Brecon beacons.

Location – Postcode SA9 1GQ

Rivers – Afon Mellte

There are many rivers and tributaries of famous rivers, such as the Wye and Usk, that flow within the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons National Park. One river that has along it’s course a number of picturesque and spectacular waterfalls, is the spectacular river Mellte (Afon Mellte). The Mellte is formed by a confluence of two other rivers, the Afon Llia and the Afon Dringarth. It then flows south through the village of Ystradfellte and on to Pontneddfechan, where it joins with the Nedd Fechan to become the river Neath (Afon Nedd). The Mellte derives it’s mame from the Welsh word Mellt,(the Welsh for lightening) due to it’s tendency to rise rapidly after heavy rainfall.

At Porth Y Ogof the river disappears as it crosses the Carboniferous Limestone outcrop and runs underground for a quarter of a mile to reappear at the Blue Pool. After the resurgence and down stream of Porth Y Ogof you are in waterfall country, the most significant of which are Sgwd Clungwyn, Sgwd Clungwyn Isaf and Sgwd Y Pannwr; (White Meadow Fall, Lower White Meadow Fall and Fall of the Woolen Washer). Much of the river is accessible to walkers by various footpaths. It also provides sport for canoeists and is extensively used for gorge walking and the extreme sport of canyoning. A large part of the river and it’s valley gorge is a site of Special Scientific Interest.

Fan Hir Escarpment

In the far west of the Brecon Beacons National Park is the Black Mountain, (not to be confused with the Black Mountains situated to the east of the park) of which the high level escarpment of Fan Hir (Long Peak) is a dominant feature. Fan Hir is a great introduction to the beauty and grandeur of the Park in this quieter section of the Brecon Beacons. In our opinion the Fan Hir Ridge walk is one of the best and most spectacular in the Beacons.The walk, which starts near the village of Glyntawe, takes in almost the entire escarpment edge, with stunning views. It is the longest of it’s type anywhere in Britain.

From it’s summit, Fan Brycheiniog, some 802 metres above sea level, on a good day you can expect views as far as Exmoor, across the Bristol Channel, Cardigan Bay, the Gower Peninsular, Pembroke Coast and Snowdonia. This area was mainly formed by glaciation during the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago, and you will see many examples of the effect of glaciation on the landscape. None better than Llyn Y Fan Fawr, a classic Welsh Cwm or glacial lake, which lies directly below the summit of Fan Brycheiniog.
For the seven man-made wonders of the Brecon Beacons click here
NB – Llangorse lake photo courtesy of © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Can’t be bad!

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

In 2011 96.4% of our customers rated their time with us as good or excellent in terms of their overall experience and value for money. This is an increase from the 2010 figure.

The only problem is we have to beat this figure in 2012!

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

A Christmas gift voucher can be purchased from us in denominations of £25, £50 and £100. Alternatively you can buy a voucher for a specific activity such as canyoning. A single day canyoning costs £60 per person.

Give us a call now on 01639 700388 or fill in the contact form and we’ll send you a voucher!

His description the of waterfall country in the Brecon Beacons is great:-

“In full spate these waterfalls look more like something from Hawaii….Defined most simply canyoning is the act of travelling along canyons incorporating various techniques – climbing,scarmabling, abseiling, jumping, swimming, sliding or just floating.”

This is his description of how he felt after overcoming his fear of jumping off a 30ft waterfall:-

“Feeling flakier than a Greggs pasty …I jumped. I surfaced from the water a blink later. I was ecstatic….Dumbfounded I practically levitated back up the banks of the river. I had slain my inner demons.. I walked back to the van feeling like a champion.”

If you’d like to experience this spectacular activity then visit our canyoning page

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

Looking for ideas for New Year’s Eve? Are you seeking that special venue for your New Year’s Eve Party? Problems finding a property which is in the right location, of the right size and more importantly the right price! How does staying in a 19th Century converted stone barn in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales with spectacular views over the Swansea Valley sound?

Great Ideas for New Year’s Eve 2011!

This property sleeps up to 44 people so is excellent value for a five day self-catering booking from Thursday 29th December to Monday 2nd January.

We’ll even throw in a free guided mountain walk in the Brecon Beacons. Our qualified mountain leaders will take you into the stunning mountains around the property so bring your walking boots!

Total Cost £2,500

What To Do Next

If you want more information about the property then click here

To book then give us a call on 01639 700388 or fill in the contact us form

Just pay us a deposit of 25% to reserve the property!

Other Outdoor Adventure Activities Available

There are a range of other outdoor activities available to book which are suitable for all ages and abilities including:

Canyoning, climbing, caving, gorge walking, quad biking, paintballing, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, canoeing, orienteering and archery.

How does this sound as an idea for your office Christmas party this year

Christmas Themed Team Orienteering

You will required with your team to find a number of checkpoints themed around Christmas. You will given a compass and map to find these checkpoints. The event takes place at our spectacular training centre in the heart of Wales – the Brecon Beacons National Park. This is an exciting playground in which to spend your Christmas party with work colleagues. The orienteering day depends on the size of the group but will approximately last between 3 to 4 hours.

Suitable for all ages and abilities and no experience required with a map or compass

Comedy, Dinner and Dancing*

This is the perfect solution for your Christmas Party as it offers a complete night out for one price and in one venue – Comedy, Dinner and Dancing – What more could you want?

This kind of evening will appeal to all age groups and includes seating for a superb comedy show featuring 3 leading Comedians from the UK circuit, a welcome glass of bubbly on arrival, and entrance to the nightclub after the show for some serious dance moves!

Your Two Course Dinner includes:

• Roast Stuffed Turkey Fillet with mini sausages, wrapped in bacon with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables

or

• Goats cheese, red pepper and walnut wellington with a cherry tomato and garlic sauce crushed new potatoes and seasonal vegetables

and

•  Mince Pies

A great value night which ticks all the boxes!

*Available in Swansea and Cardiff and available without the orienteering. price on request.

Cost

Cost of orienteering and comedy, dinner and dancing – £75pp

What About A Cocktail Masterclass for the Evening?

 If the above options aren’t enough for you what about adding in a cocktail making class? This can be chosen without the above options.

The cocktail masterclass offers a 90-minute fun & interactive session including welcome drinks, cocktails, flavoured vodka shots, cocktail demos, games and challenges. Guests experience the history, tools & skills of mixology while they get behind the bar and shake, muddle, strain & stir their way through a range of classic cocktails.
The cocktail masterclass includes

•  A glass of bubbly.
• A toast is made to the host with flavoured vodka shots for the whole group.
•  A brief history of cocktails
• Demonstration from the cocktail master
• Introduction to the bar tools and products they will be using throughout the session.
• The group will be shown how to make 4 or 5 of the following classic cocktail types including Long Island Iced Tea; Raspberry Mojito; Bison Grass Mojito; Cosmopolitan; Russian Bride; Classic Bond Martini; Mudslide; and Strawberry Woo Woo.
• Each member of the group is invited behind the bar to make 2 cocktails. This will include some games, fun and team activities.
• Guests will be presented with a certificate of participation
• Pizza and potato wedges to share

Cost for Cocktail Making

For cocktail making alone £25pp

Available in Swansea and Cardiff

For more ideas on Christmas party packages visit our corporate page

For information on our Christmas parties click here

Not only that you can then watch as our instructor dives down to retrieve the camera. You can see this from 2.25 onwards

See What’s on in the Brecon Beacons 2012 page

The Brecon Beacons National Park is in South Wales. It has become an extremely popular location for staging adventure activity weekends. The park covers almost 520 square miles of natural outdoors heaven. The highest point is Pen y Fan standing just over 2,900 feet above sea level, and there are plenty other high points, as well as low valley points and flat plains too.

Festivals & Events

Hay Festival

See 2012 page

Brecon Jazz Festival

See the 2012 page. The world famous Brecon Jazz Festival is graced with a wonderful mix of Great Brits and legendary Jazz stars from across the African continent to share the joy of Jazz in 50 concerts over 3 days.

The Royal Welsh Show

The Royal Welsh Show has become one of the most important events in the Welsh calendar attracting some 230,000 people over the course of the four days and is supported by approximately 15,000 staunch members.

The Green Man Festival

The Green Man Festival is a British alternative music festival which was started in 2003. It has evolved from a one day 300 capacity event to a four day festival with three days of music including indie, psych, dance, Americana, and folk across five stages.

Abergavenny Food Festival

The Abergavenny Food Festival

Monmouth Music Festival

See the 2012 page.

Brecon Food Festival

For the past 13 years the Brecon Food Festival has promoted the very best of locally produced food and drink.

For more information on the Brecon beacons take a look at our pages on the seven natural wonders of the Brecon Beacons

For more on festivals in Wales click here.

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

If any of the above interest you, contact us now!

Castell Carreg Cennen

Near the village of Trapp in the far west of the Brecon Beacons, perched high on the top of a 100 metre limestone crag, stands the awesome ruin of Castell Carreg Cennen, (Carreg Cennen Castle). One of the iconic images of the Brecon Beacons this castle dates from 1248 and may well have been an Iron Age Hill fort. Finds of Roman coins from the 1st and 2nd centuries also support Roman occupation there. Carreg Cennen Castle, as a masonry structure, was probably built by Lord Rhys who died in 1197.

 In 1283 Edward 1st granted the castle to the commander of the English troops at Cilmari, John Giffard. Cilmari is where Llywelyn ap Gruffudd,(the last Prince of Wales) was killed. The present structure dates from the late 13th or early 14th century and was deliberately dismantled, shortly after the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century as it was thought to be a threat to the monarchy and a Lancastrian stronghold. Ownership of Carreg Cennen passed to the Vaughan and Cawdor families and from the 18th century and attracted artists such as Turner who sketched the castle in 1798. In the 19th century the second Earl of Cawdor began extensive renovations and today it is now maintained by Cadw.

Garn Goch Iron Age Hill Fort

 The Brecon Beacons National Park has many archeological remains including prehistoric settlements known as hill forts, which are found at high level throughout the park. Better or more properly referred to as fortified settlements, they were built by Celtic Tribes during the Iron Age. Situated on a hill top near the village of Bethlehem in Carmarthenshire, Garn Goch is a stricking example of a fortified settlement and is one of the largest,if not the largest in Wales, commanding impressive views over the surrounding countryside. The site at Garn Goch has two forts on the same hill, both of similar construction and both of the same date, with a small gap dividing the lower fort (Y Gaer Fach) from the main summit where the larger settlement (Y Gaer Fawr) sits. Dated at around 300 BC, it measures 700 metres by 200 metres and surrounded by original stone ramparts in excess of 5 metres thick.
SN 690 243

Craig Y Nos Castle

 Situated in the picturesque upper Swansea valley amidst the grandeur of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Craig-Y-Nos Castle and grounds were once the estate of the celebrated opera diva Madam Adelina Patti. During her lifetime (1843 – 1919) she became one of the worlds most famous and highly rewarded entertainers, the Madonna or Kylie of her day!. She travelled extensively but liked nothing better than entertaining her friends at Craig-Y-Nos. In 1891 she opened the theatre,she had built at the side of the castle, which included state of the art technology for the time and was to be her miniature La Scala, Milan, It is well worth a visit and incorporates features from Wagner’s Bayreuth Festspielhaus opera house in Germany and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. Over the years the castle has taken on the role of family home as well as a hospital and today it is a hotel and conference facility.

Reservoirs

The reservoirs within the Brecon Beacons National Park provide most of the drinking water for the population and industry of South Wales. As a result, there are many large reservoirs in the park. All are owned and managed by Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) and provide wonderful landscapes, with walking, fishing and sailing opportunities; although not all offer the same activity. What they all offer is a place of tranquility, away from the beaten track, either to relax, watch the many species of wildlife, enjoy walking in stunning scenery, or simply chill out. Dwr Cymru will have a full list of the activities and facilities provided by each reservoir. The Brecon Mountain Railway, runs from Merthyr along the eastern bank of the Pontsticill and Pentwyn reservoirs, and is well worth a visit. We have included them in this category because of effort and sheer hard work that went in to their creation in some of the most inaccessible places in the Brecon Beacons. Although man-made they, in our opinion add to the character of the landscape.

Maen Llia

There are many prehistoric standing stones within the Brecon Beacons National Park. There are many theories as to their function such as way markers, commemorative stones, territorial marker and sites of religious significance. Maen Llia is a magnificent example, a standing stone measuring almost 4 metres high and it is likely a further quarter or third is buried underground. The magnificent monolith of Maen Llia is sited just a short distance from a minor road leading north east, from Ystradfellte to Heol Senni, following a section of Sarn Helen (Roman Road). Positioned in wonderful and isolated moorland at the junction of two valleys, and visible from a distance, it is thought to be an ancient territorial marker or even mark an ancient track way, guiding the traveller across the moor. Legends regarding Maen Llia abound. The truth however, is that nobody really knows with any degree of certainty and these magnificent edifices will remain a constant mystery.

Canals

You may wonder why we have included the canals in here. If you see the landscape through which they travel you’ll realise why. Firstly the vision required to see through such a project is commendable. You also have to stop and think of the endevaour of the workmen who actually dug the thing! Canals have been an important part of our transport and industrial history and today they play another important role in giving pleasure to resident and visitors alike. In an age dominated by the car and where speed seems to be all too present, why not turn back the clock and enjoy a more leisurely form of transport in beautiful surroundings. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is considered by many to be the most picturesque canal in Britain, for much of it’s length is within the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This landlocked canal runs for 35 miles from the old market town of Brecon to Five Locks, Cwmbran, following the scenic Usk Valley. It offers glorious views of the Brecon Beacons and passes through fascinating small villages including Talybont-on-Usk, Llangynidr, Gilwern, Govilon and Llanfoist. The canal offers so much more with activities such as canoeing, walking, cycling, and fishing. The visitor has the option of day trips or boat hire for longer periods.

Train Lines

As with canals the endeavour of the workmen who constructed these things leaves you in awe when your follow one of the old train routes through the Brecon Beacons. Within the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are a number of active and disused railway lines. So whether your passion is for steam or just walking, then this is the place for you. Take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, one of the most popular railways in Wales and travel in an observation car pulled by a vintage steam locomotive through beautiful scenery. The station is 1,134 feet above sea level and the line will take you from there into the heart of the Brecon Beacons Mountain Range, along the eastern side of Pontsticill reservoir with commanding views of the highest mountain in southern Britain; Pen Y Fan.(889mtrs). Disused railway lines make very good walking and mountain bike tracks. The old Neath to Brecon line is a classic example, as it cuts it’s way high on the eastern side of the upper Swansea valley, past Craig Y Nos Castle, towards Senni Bridge. The views are truly spectacular, with a choice of the Fan Hir Ridge and Fan Brycheiniog,(802 mtrs), to your left and Fan Gyhirych,(725 mtrs), on the right.

For the seven natural wonders of the Brecon Beacons click here

NB – Photos courtesy of © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

If any of the above interest you, contact us now!

For ideas on activity weekends click here and for adventure activity weekend packages with prices click here.

The Swansea Bay Regional Business Awards gala evening was held on 26th November 2010 at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. Call of the Wild were delighted to be named by judges as the winner of the Leadership & Management in Business Award.

These prestigious awards seek to recognise success, innovation and excellence across all industry sectors. Some of Swansea Bay Region’s most outstanding businesses have been judged among the best in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire. Steve Penny Managing Partner of JCP Solicitors commented “Both the quantity and quality of entries received this year has been exceptional and the judging panel faced some very difficult decisions to narrow the field down. The shortlist and winners is made up of some very impressive businesses that are achieving great success, some regionally, some nationally and some on the global stage …a remarkable reflection on the quality of businesses operating in the region and an inspiration to others.”

In the category of Leadership and Management in business the judges were looking for a company that has a clear vision for their leadership and management style, had shown creativity in motivating and inspiring their staff together with measuring the impact of that work.

Call of the Wild Managing Director Geraint Lewis said:

“We are genuinely surprised to have won this award given the high calibre opposition in this category. The team are absolutely delighted. As always with these awards it is a team effort which goes to creating a successful business and it is great recognition for the efforts put in by our staff. It also reinforces our believe part of our success is due to building up a successful business with the local community at its heart. We have shown others that it is possible to create a thriving business in a disadvantaged area. By recruiting locally and providing opportunities for people to develop they take pride in representing not the only company but the community within which we are based.”

For more information on our leadership and management programmes visit the relevant web pages within this site.

Video of Regional Business Awards

The National Tourism Awards for Wales gala evening was held on 21 October at the Vale Resort, Cardiff . Almost 400 applications were received and 53 organisations made it to the final competing for 16 awards . The winners were announced by TV presenter, Sarra Elgan.

The awards are about showcasing the very best that Wales has to offer and showing what can be achieved through hard work, ingenuity and commitment.

Shortlisted in Two Categories

We at Call of the Wild were lucky enough to be shortlised in two categories. The only company to have been shortlisted in two categories. These were:-

• The Best Team in Wales
• The Business Tourism category.

We were delighted to have won the Business Tourism Award especially given the stiff competition from The Vale Resort It was an honour to be in such exhaulted company and to have been selected by the judges.

Judging Critieria

This award seeks to promote the significant contribution made to the tourism industry in Wales by the business tourism sector.

The judges were looking to recognise an operator or venue that caters for and provides packages or specific services to either the corporate or association market. This was for companies for instance who attract national and international conferences and meetings, organise exhibitions or arrange corporate events such as incentives, team building, product launches or hospitality. The first reaction was surpirse followed closely by delight.Although not winning the Best team award we were nevertheless still commended and indeed it was an anchievement to be shortlised with the Wales Millennium Centre and the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.

One Company, One Year Five Prestigious Awards

This tops off a remarkable year for us at Call of the Wild having already won 4 prestigious awards in 2010. In February Call of the Wild was named, not once but twice, as one of Wales’ top leaders. Geraint at Call of the Wild was recognised for his outstanding leadership in the Business Leadership Initiative in the Community and Leading Management and Leadership Skills Development for the Leading Wales Awards 2010. We were the only company to win two awards at the event which is unique

In May 2010 Call of the Wild Ltd was chosen by a judging panel including Deborah Meaden, of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den fame, and other leading entrepreneurs such as Bebo Founder Michael Birch as a winner of Smarta.com’s inaugural ‘Smarta 100’. Not only did Call of the Wild make the Top 100 Small Companies in the UK it was also voted the Top Company in the Uk for its Business Ethics. The Smarta 100 is the ultimate business accolade, recognizing the UK’s smartest small businesses.