Representing providers of Outdoor Adventurous Activities in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation (WATO) (including SWOAPG) has in partnership with Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) conducted extensive research to explore the socio-economic value of outdoor activities in Wales. The study, entitled Economic and Social Evaluation of the Outdoor Activity Sector in Wales was undertaken by Miller Research and funded by the Welsh Government Coastal Capacity … Read more
Our recent post on Abseiling at Dinas Rock unintentionally but incorrectly stated that Adventure RMS had issued ‘advice’ to users of the venue. Tim Morton (Head of Service at Adventure RMS) has pointed out that it is not the role of Adventure RMS, or that of inspectors who undertake work on their behalf, to issue … Read more
It’s been a long time since we provided a general update to SWOAPG Members on the situation for paddlesport launching at Glasbury Bont – because nothing much has changed since April 2021 (!) when launching was prohibited while Powys County Council undertook a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) to ascertain whether paddlesport might cause damage to the … Read more
Further to our recent post (below), we are investigating the possibility of running a workshop for all SWOAPG Members to explore / recommend / train possible ‘solutions’ for this issue. Watch this space for further updates – or feel free to contact us in the meantime to express interest… The following advice has recently been … Read more
The following advice has recently been given by AdventureRMS to providers undergoing AALA licence renewals: ‘It is highly likely that the big abseil on the bolted slab at Dinas Rock (i.e. not the main face but the highest point on the left side of the slab) is outside the scope of RCI, as RCI excludes … Read more
There has long been an informal ‘agreement’ among providers – which not all SWOAPG members may be aware of – not to leave trailers or buses parked at Pencelli canal slipway, but instead to park 2 minutes’ away in the nearby layby on the B4558 (SO094247, https://what3words.com/listed.sometimes.allergy). Parked vehicles can make it very difficult for … Read more
NRW have been made aware of the panels missing from the female changing screen at Dinas Rock (presumably taken for firewood by inconsiderate visitors?!). Thanks to Steffan Davies for alerting us to this…
This is just a reminder to Porth yr Ogof users to continue to book in over the summer holidays if you want to use the cave, so the wardens can reserve parking spaces for you. This system seems to be working well, with 25 buses accommodated yesterday! To reserve group minibus spaces, please call 01639 … Read more
We’ve received the following message and photos from Alan Bowring of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority: “I’ve spent some time this week in and around the limestone escarpment from Craig y Cilau east to the Clydach gorge, in the course of which I came across a recent rockfall affecting the quarried crag at Darren Disgwylfa … Read more
Visit Wales have received funding for tourism and hospitality training through the FSP partnership scheme again for 2023/24. The fund can pay 50% towards the cost of bespoke training, online or face to face. Businesses must have approval before the training takes place. More info can be found on the website (see below): Funding is … Read more