Cwm Pwll Y Rhyd Cave Warning

Thanks to Juliet Parker-Smith for the following report:  “Leaders using the upper entrance to Cwm Pwll Y Rhyd need to exercise extreme caution. Yesterday a huge boulder detached from the wall at the top of the climb down into the cave. We managed to hold it back until group members were clear of the base, … Read more

Changes to non-AALA requirements for Mellte gorge-walking providers, from 1 June 2025

The current requirement for non-AALA providers wishing to use the Upper Mellte gorge is that they “have been observed using the site in an appropriate and safe manner by an independent Technical Advisor selected by NRW (Natural Resources Wales) and BBNPA – the majority landowners”. In practice, NRW had in recent years delegated to SWOAPG … Read more

REMINDER: could you offer short-notice activities to visitors in Waterfall Country?

We have now issued to the BBNPA wardens our initial list of three ‘short-notice providers’, but there’s room for more! We’ll re-issue the list if-and-when others sign-up… The wardens in Waterfall Country occasionally get asked by visitors “how can we get to have a go at activities like caving or gorge-walking while we’re in the … Read more

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

Gorges sign-up reminder

We have updated the list on our website of (and sent out ID cards to) current registered gorge-walking providers (see Gorge Walking) – if you’re not listed it probably means you’ve missed one of the steps below (or you’ve asked us not to publish your details)… Just to remind you, you’ll only be covered to … Read more