Alerts

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

Following a question raised with us about social distancing with under-11s, we’ve done a bit of digging! The Welsh Government Guidance currently states that: “In circumstances where young children mix with others, it may not be practical to attempt to maintain continual 2 metre distancing (between children, or even between children and adults). This is … Read more

We have received a report today that the stone which forms the ‘launch platform’ at the very corner of the top jump at loonies’ Leap on the Lower Mellte is LOOSE! Please undertake your own risk assessment as to whether it is still safe to jump from this point… Stay safe out there!

From 8 August, all Providers operating in the Dinas / Sychryd and Mellte gorges under the SWOAPG Concordat with NRW must become certificated with “We’re Good to Go”. This condition is being applied by NRW and BBNPA, who wish to ensure that groups fully understand the evolving Covid recovery situation and its implications for their … Read more

Further to our recent reminder that gorge-walking groups should not use the private lane between Loonies’ Leap / the Gunpowder Works and Pontneddfechan Village Hall, we are delighted to report that NRW will now permit groups to use the path on river-left from the lower Mellte footbridge (near SN915081) to Dinas Rock car park, subject to … Read more