Refurbished toilets at Cwm Porth

BBNPA has informed us that the toilet block at Cwm Porth will be re-opening today and has asked us to pass on thanks to providers for their understanding and patience while the work was being done, which did over run a bit due to extra work being identified. The good news is, there will now … Read more

Ogof y Ci access suspended

The owners of Llwyn Cilsanws Farm have requested that people refrain from accessing Ogof y Ci through their farm, as they are finding this intrusive and they gain no benefit from cave users. Staff at Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer are in discussions with them to try to find a mutually acceptable solution for all users, but … Read more

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal petition

We’re sure that most of our Members will by now have seen the latest news about the canal – that CRT has agreed short-term to fund water top-ups following NRW restrictions on abstraction from the Usk which threatened the canal’s imminent closure (see Emergency water supply for at-risk Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – BBC News). … Read more

Possible pollution in Sychryd

Not for the first time, we’ve recently received from one of our members a report of poor water quality in the Sychryd gorge: “The pool was distinctly cloudy and had a bluey green tinge. On those levels it should have been completely clear with our favourite peaty brown tinge. Visibility was zero. Conversely we could … Read more

Sgwd y Pannwr access

Following our recent Waterfall Country Update regarding the Sgwd y Pannwr path, we have received the following additional information from NRW: “Following successful helicopter operations last week, the plateau by Sgwd y Pannwr Waterfall (marked in blue on map below) is now covered with helicopter bags full of block sandstone for upcoming path works commencing … Read more

Loonies’ Leap NEW unstable stonework

We’ve been advised by one of our members that some of the stonework supporting the jumping platform at Loonies’ Leap is loose. This is much more significant than the odd ‘loose stones’ that we’ve seen previously at the top of the jump site; these are some of the large blocks forming the pillar itself (on … Read more

Waterfall Country Update – Loonies’ Leap bridge, Sgwd y Pannwr path & Cwm Porth toilets

BBNPA has provided us with the following updates: The footbridge at the Pontneddfechan Gunpowder Works is now open following the completion of the deck repairs – so Loonies’ Leap is now accessible again to gorge-walking groups (although the river-left ‘dam wall’ is still out-of-bounds due to structural instability; and the hill-fort path is still the … Read more

LAST CALL for SWOAPG CPD Workshops (reservoirs and central Beacons)

Book your places before midnight 6 Mar by clicking on the links below: 7 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoirs, exploring their role and operations, with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water – only 3 spaces left! Fri 14 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Central Beacons, exploring the geology and history of Bannau Brycheiniog’s central … Read more