South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group

Fri 17 Jan 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…LLangattock escarpment and Eglwys Faen cave
2025-01-17 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London) | Llangattock Quarry Car Park, 51.831556, -3.149136
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) and our local Cave Instructor(s) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Llangattock escarpment and its caves. We’ll meet at Llangattock Quarry Car Park then walk to Eglwys Faen for an underground tour of this popular group cave. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a walk and caving trip in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £52 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2025, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

10 Feb 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoirs
2025-02-10 00:00 - 23:59
First of two repeated workshops – second on Fri 7 March

In conjunction with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), the aim of this workshop will be to enable instructors who use reservoirs; particularly those in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; to both appreciate them better and be able to educate their clients about them – but will also serve to build a stronger SWOAPG relationship with DCWW and help us secure continued access to reservoirs for paddlesport. This ‘pilot’ workshop, if successful, could become a regular fixture and perhaps even a requirement for users of the Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Scheme. The workshop will take the form of a ‘short day’ (9.30am-2.30pm), based at Pontsticill and including a presentation, a reservoir visit and a tour of a local water treatment works (e.g.Talybont, since the Pontsticill works itself is now unable to accommodate us that day). Each workshop will be restricted to a maximum 12 participants. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors, for whom the following fees will apply:

Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Holders (we will ask for evidence!): one FREE place (employed staff only) for each 2024 passport held

Other SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 1 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.

Wed 26 Feb 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Black Mountain
2025-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-Cae, Swansea, SA9 1GL, United Kingdom
Rescheduled from 14 Feb

Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Black Mountain and its famous lakes. We’ll meet at Craig y Nos Country Park to get ourselves organised, then re-locate for a circular walk taking in Llyn y Fan Fawr, Llyn y Fan Fach and the Mynydd Du ridge to Fan Brycheiniog. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

7 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoirs
2025-03-07 00:00 - 23:59
Second of two repeated workshops – first on Mon 10 February

In conjunction with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), the aim of this workshop will be to enable instructors who use reservoirs; particularly those in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; to both appreciate them better and be able to educate their clients about them – but will also serve to build a stronger SWOAPG relationship with DCWW and help us secure continued access to reservoirs for paddlesport. This ‘pilot’ workshop, if successful, could become a regular fixture and perhaps even a requirement for users of the Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Scheme. The workshop will take the form of a ‘short day’ (9.30am-2.30pm), based at Pontsticill and including a presentation, a reservoir visit and a tour of the water treatment works. Each workshop will be restricted to a maximum 12 participants. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

Fri 14 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Central Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
2025-03-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Pont ar Daf Car Park, https://w3w.co/hiker.steps.purifier
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the ‘central Beacons’ (aka Bannau Brycheiniog – or the Pen y Fan massif!). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

3 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), starting on 3 Nov with further work on the next 2 Mondays if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he is away from 26 Oct to 2 Nov with limited admin time to get short-notice messages out if needed, so having everyone’s contact details in one place will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

10 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), hopefully on 10 Nov with further work on the following Monday if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the 10th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

17 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following a great start last Monday, BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level) – with big chainsaws – next Monday.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the morning of the 17th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

2 Dec 2025 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (face-to-face / hybrid)
2025-12-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Up and Under, 490 Cowbridge Road East, Victoria Park, Cardiff, CF5 1BL, United Kingdom
TEAMS LINK FOR THOSE JOINING US ONLINE

This year’s SWOAPG AGM will be hosted by Up and Under in Cardiff, although we hope (technology permitting) to be able to offer a hybrid option as well. The papers will be published in due course, but in the meantime Up and Under have confirmed that they will:

provide brews, drinks, nibbles and staff to chat to;

donate some sort of prize raffle or similar;

give us a short presentation around new products and/or other equipment-related matters; and

offer “professional” pricing on all products in all departments, so attendees can do centre top-ups or family Christmas present shopping!

Please RSVP on our website event listing so we know who to expect; we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!

Draft Agenda:

Welcome & Apologies – apologies received from Pete Jeffery
Matters arising from 2024 AGM – see 2024 AGM Minutes
Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning.
Annual Report & Accounts – see 2025 Annual Report and Accounts.
Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chair – Mark Davies to be confirmed; Pete Jeffery, Ant Morgan and Mark Soanes to be re-elected as Steering Group Members. Steve Bird to be re-elected as Director. Mike Smith to continue as Chair.
2026 Membership Fees – ‘default’ inflationary increase agreed previously: Full Membership £100 & Associate Membership £34.
Q&A Session
Paddle Cymru Update – by Jethro Moore, Interim CEO.
Equipment Update – by Up and Under.

2 Feb 2026 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Llygad Llwchwr
2026-02-02 09:30 - 16:30
***NB This event is currently fully subscribed. Please book tickets only if Steve has already confirmed your place(s) by e-mail – or book an ‘expression of interest’ ticket to be added to the reserve list***

Come and join local cave leaders and Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of Llygad Llwchwr – starting with an exploration around the Black Mountain Quarries (from where water is known to flow to the cave). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s caving (and some walking) in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £35 (which will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

Tue 10 Feb 2026 Welsh Water Workshop (1-hour, online)
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Click here to join the Teams Meeting

This online workshop (being repeated on Wed 25 Feb) is an opportunity for watersport users to learn more about how Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wants us to work with them to protect and secure water sources for our future recreational use. All Reservoir Passport holders and instructors who work on our reservoirs and rivers are strongly encouraged to attend!

23 Feb 2026 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Central Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
2026-02-23 09:00 - 17:00
***Re-scheduled from 23 Jan***.
NB individual MTA Members may also now book onto this event at the SWOAPG Members’ rate – please enter ‘MTA’ and your membership No in the Business/Organisation box.

Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the ‘central Beacons’ (aka the Pen y Fan range). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £35 (which will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

Wed 25 Feb 2026 Welsh Water Workshop (1-hour, online)
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Click here to join the Teams Meeting

This online workshop (being repeated on Tue 10 Feb) is an opportunity for watersport users to learn more about how Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wants us to work with them to protect and secure water sources for our future recreational use. All Reservoir Passport holders and instructors who work on our reservoirs and rivers are strongly encouraged to attend!

6 Mar 2026 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Cribarth
2026-03-06 09:00 - 17:00
NB individual MTA Members may also now book onto this event at the SWOAPG Members’ rate – please enter ‘MTA’ and your membership No in the Business/Organisation box.

Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of this iconic mountain rising above the Swansea Valley. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £35 (which will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.

This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.
