Alerts

We have received the following message from Natural Resources Wales: “In line with new Covid 19 local lockdown restrictions affecting Rhondda Cynon Taff, and bridge maintenance works scheduled to start on 28 September, Dinas Rock car park will be closed to vehicles for the foreseeable future, starting from 24th September”. Any groups using the Sychryd … Read more

The local lockdowns announced recently in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taff will all affect outdoor activity to some extent, since the general guidance for visitors is that “you can drive through these Counties without stopping but cannot visit them without reasonable excuse”. Our understanding is that no-one may visit these … Read more

We have received the following update from Powys County Council: Powys County Council have now appointed a contractor (Kaymac) who will undertake a portion of the works at Dinas Bridge, Pontneddfechan. Our intention now is to undertake only the Emergency works rather than including the less urgent parapet repairs. The works will begin on the … Read more

The lockdown in RCT that takes effect from 6pm on Thu 17 Sep will affect outdoor activity taking place in the County, including Dinas Rock and Sychryd Gorge (which are both entirely within the County); the River Hepste (inc. Sgwd yr Eira) and the Mellte Gorge south of the Hepste confluence (since both rivers form … Read more

Paid-up SWOAPG Members (and their employed staff) can book now for: Gorge-Walking and Covid-19: A Practical Workshop for Providers and Instructors to Share Good Practice, Tue 15 Sep 1-4pm at Dinas Rock – £10 for one person per business / organisation if booked by midday Fri 11 Sep (£20 each for additional staff or for … Read more

Firstly, this is a ‘final reminder’ of our free, online Zoom session, open to ALL Outdoor Activity Providers and Instructors in South Wales – Tuesday 8 Sep 3.30-5pm – to share experiences, lessons and ‘good practice’ for the whole range of outdoor activities operating in the new and unfamiliar environment of social distancing (RSVP using … Read more

We have been informed by NRW that the temporary toilets in Dinas Rock Car Park are due to be removed on 7 September, so Providers will need to make alternative toileting arrangements for their clients after this date (NB the Village Hall remains closed for the time-being).

Powys County Council has informed us of emergency engineering work on the bridge over the Mellte at Dinas Rock, scheduled to take place from 14 Sep to 9 Oct. During this period they will endeavour to minimise disruption and to maintain pedestrian access to the car park whenever possible – but there will be times … Read more

There is a large, fallen tree branch hanging precariously above the path at the zig-zags between the Dinas Rock Hill Fort and Loonies’ Leap – please beware that it could fall at any time (if it hasn’t already!). We have informed NRW, the landowner. Thanks to the providers who brought this to our attention!

The Outdoor Alliance Wales and BCA Qualifications Management Committee have been trying (unsuccessfully!) for several weeks to get a definitive answer from the Welsh Government as to whether / under what circumstances Provider-led caving is currently permitted in Wales, since it is not explicitly covered by the Covid regulations and guidance.  The latest information we … Read more