Rali Ceredigion is set to return on September 2 and 3. Image: Jakob Ebrey Photography One of Wales’ highest-profile international motorsport events, Rali Ceredigion, will take place over the weekend of September 2 and 3, with JDS Machinery confirmed as the new title sponsor. As it did in 2019 and 2022, the event will start and finish in the Mid Wales coastal town of Aberystwyth, with a new route taking competitors into the Cambrian Mountains where they’ll experience some of the best closed road Tarmacadam stages in the world. Once again, Rali Ceredigion will host a round of five major domestic and international championships - British Rally Championship, Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship, JD Tyres Welsh Tarmacadam Championship, TER (Tour European Rally) Series and FIA European Trophy - a line-up that is destined to attract top-level national crews and international entries. The organisers are building on the success of the 2019 and ‘22 rallies to create a weekend festival of motorsport that is set to provide even greater benefits and opportunities for all involved. Last year’s rally generated more than £2 million of additional income for Aberystwyth and surrounding areas. As it grows in reputation and status, the event is expected to provide increased economic benefits to local businesses this year. Rali Ceredigion has pioneered a range of sustainability and environmental initiatives, including a ground-breaking carbon offset programme that saw last year’s event return a more-than carbon neutral outcome. It’s the first ever rally to introduce a class for fully electric vehicles and the only event in the UK to achieve FIA environmental management accreditation. This year’s event will see a ceremonial start take place on Friday evening and the competitive distance increased to 100 stage miles, whilst the entry fee has been held at 2022 prices. New stages that provide fresh challenges and explore previously unused stretches of road have been included. Cwm Ystwyth, with its classic moorland surroundings within the enchanting Elan Valley, Clywedog that utilises roads surrounding the famous Hafren Forest and Cwmerfyn, with its famous sequence of hairpins. The route also sees the return of previously established stages such as Nant y Moch and Devil’s Bridge. The return of the spectacular Aberystwyth street stage will see competitors perform two runs, starting from the Promenade, heading through the town and past the castle to finish on the sea-front road. This high-profile feature provides entertainment for families and fans, whilst delivering benefits to the local retail and hospitality sector. Organisers will continue to provide and develop a series of strategically positioned fan zones designed to offer spectators safe and premium viewing areas, accessed via an innovative park-and-ride scheme. A comprehensive range of corporate hospitality packages, coupled to extensive branding, marketing and promotional opportunities, will be available to commercial partners, sponsors, local businesses and their guests. Having supported both previous editions of Rali Ceredigion as a main sponsor, JDS Machinery has increased its involvement this year to become the event’s title sponsor. “Having been associated with the rally since 2019 and seeing first-hand how much of an asset the event is on both a local and wider scale for West Wales, we are proud to become its title sponsors this year,” said JDS Machinery director Gary Davies. Chairman of the rally’s organising committee Phil Pugh is excited by the prospect of this year’s event. “A big part of the event’s success has been our focus on sustainability. It’s helped drive innovative approaches to reducing its environmental impact and, with further initiatives in store for this year, we’re intending to continue to lead the way in this area. “I extend a warm Rali Ceredigion welcome to JDS Machinery as our new title sponsor. It’s great to have such a successful local business on board and we look forward to working with them at such an exciting time in our rally’s history.” For further news and information about this year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, visit: www.raliceredigion.co.uk .
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It was between 11,000 and 6,000 years ago, after the last ice age, that the coastline of Cardigan Bay became what we know today. As the ice melted, the sea level rose, sand and pebble beaches became rocky shorelines, salt water gradually encroached into low-lying land and river estuaries, habitats changed, plant species altered and the seasonal migratory paths of animals and birds shifted. Billie, a former student of Aberystwyth University and visual artist with a practice deeply rooted in discover, vulnerability and nature, will hold a series of workshops at the museum. Carrie Canham, Ceredigion Museum curator, said: “Billie is drawn to spiritual, ritualistic and sacrificial methods of creation, often reflecting on the power of motherhood and connection to place. “She makes temporary land interventions, slow vertical format films and charcoal sculpture that reveal transformation and transience.” On May 27 and June 17, from 10:30am to 2:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm, two family workshops will be held. Children must be accompanied by an adult and participants should be prepared to get a bit messy as they will be using charcoal, chalk and ochre to make Mesolithic magic with sticks, stones, feathers and bones. Billie said: “Drawing fun with natural and ancient materials to discover the Mesolithic world and connect to today’s threatened flora and fauna, participants will also make their own brushes and mark making tools from found and gathered materials. “They will explore marks, symbols and motifs past and present using charcoal, ochre, chalk and bone. Bringing everyone's creations together, a sculptural offering will be made to the powerful elements of land, sky and sea and to connect through materials amidst the climate crisis.” Pre-school age family workshops for children and their parents or carers will take place on June 13 from 11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm. Family workshops will be held on June 1 from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm with the Mesolithic Orchestra. Explore the sounds of Mesolithic times, create instruments and perform in a Mesolithic orchestra with sound artist, Tim Beckham. On June 3, there will be two opportunities to see a dance inspired by the Portalis project at 3pm and 6pm. The dance collective Sandpaper & Mash, made up of dancers Friederike Anna Zinn and Alexandra Bierlaire, exploree the journey of migration between Wales and Ireland, taking experiences from personal stories of travelling round Europe. For more information on events at museum, visit ceredigionmuseum.wales/ The Portalis project is supported with €1.5m funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme, www.irelandwales.eu . The project is led by SETU and supported by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Ceredigion County Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce. Deputy Minister meeting with staff at Bluestone Resort Staff who work in Wales’ tourism industry play a vital role in ensuring visitors receive a big Welsh ‘croeso’ and return home with great memories of a wonderful experience, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said today to mark Wales Tourism Week. As part of a series of events to mark the annual Wales Tourism Week, the Deputy Minister visited Pembrokeshire’s Bluestone Resort to meet some of the staff who make unforgettable holiday experiences for visitors. The Deputy Minister also got a sneak-preview of the resort’s new developments for the summer. The Bluestone Resort, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, now employs more than 750 people. In 2021 the resort launched the Bluestone Academy, which aims to inspire people to pursue long-term careers in tourism and hospitality. The academy advocates for a mix of traditional and bespoke, high quality, industry-led courses delivered alongside paid work experience opportunities. Bluestone Director of People Services, Stuart Davies-Jaynes, said: “Our staff are integral to the success of the business and we’re extremely passionate about investing in the current and future workforce to ensure we are able to provide an exceptional service and experience for our guests. “The Bluestone Academy is one of many ways we are able to provide employment opportunities for local people to progress their career. In the last year, we’ve recruited five new apprentices and applications are now open for an additional twelve placements. “We were delighted to be able to welcome the Deputy Minister and introduce her to some of our fantastic staff who are the future of Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry.” Later today, the Deputy Minister, who has recently assumed responsibility for tourism issues within the Welsh Government, will address the industry at a Wales Tourism Alliance event at the Senedd to celebrate Wales’ tourism industry. Featured at the event will be films and case studies developed as part of #theexperiencemakers, which is a skills and recruitment campaign supporting the sector by raising awareness of meaningful careers in tourism and hospitality. Businesses across Wales, including Bluestone, have worked on the campaign and all the films can be viewed on the Working Wales website. Speaking ahead of the event, the Deputy Minister said: “During Wales Tourism Week, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the sector here in Wales. I know how hard the industry works to ensure everyone who visits Wales returns home with great memories. “The value of the tourism sector as part of our visitor economy in Wales is recognised as a priority by the Welsh Government. More than a tenth of the Welsh workforce are employed in tourism related industries, with expenditure reaching more than £6 billion. “I recently had the pleasure of visiting Bluestone Resort in Pembrokeshire. Speaking to the resort’s staff, it is clear they see a strong future career for themselves within the tourism sector in Pembrokeshire and Wales. “It really is amazing to hear about all the different career opportunities available to people working in Tourism and Hospitality and to talk to individuals who have progressed in their roles - they really play a special part in people’s experiences of Wales.” The Deputy Minister concluded: “We are ambitious for Wales as a tourist destination and will continue to work with communities, visitors, and businesses to achieve sustainable growth for tourism across Wales. “It is incredibly important we continue to work together and I look forward to continuing the conversation with the sector on how we do just that, to ensure Wales continues to be celebrated as a world class tourist destination.” Nant y Gro Dam today and during the testing of the Barnes Wallis ‘bouncing bomb’. Few people are aware of the significant role played by a Mid Wales beauty spot in the RAF’s famous Dambusters Raid on Germany during the Second World War – 80 years ago yesterday (May 16). The Elan Valley near Rhayader was chosen for secret testing of the explosives used in the ingenious Barnes Wallis ‘bouncing bomb’, the key weapon deployed in the raid. On the night of May 16-17, 1943, crews from 617 Squadron, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, took off in 19 Lancaster bombers from RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, each carrying the ‘bouncing bomb’ and dropped them in Nazi Germany’s Ruhr industrial heartland. The mission, which left German factories and mines badly damaged, was later immortalised in the 1955 film, The Dam Busters. However, eight of the Dambuster crews did not return and 53 men were killed. Three more, who were presumed dead, spent the rest of the war in prisoner of war camps. The idea for the Dambusters raid originated in 1940, when aeronautical designer Dr Wallis, assistant chief designer for Armstrong Vickers, calculated the explosive power required to breach the Ruhr dams and discovered that no existing bomber could carry a large enough bomb. However, he realised that smaller bombs accurately positioned at the foot of the dam could have the same effect. To make this possible, Dr Wallis designed the “bouncing bomb” that would skip across the water and hit the dam. In July 1942, the prototype charge was proof-tested at a small dam in the Elan Valley, where 280lbs of high-explosive destroyed the central portion of the masonry dam. The experiment was a complete success. The evocative remains of the bombed Nant-y-Gro Dam can still be seen today and are protected as one of Cadw’s Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Walkers can follow a footpath from the Caban Coch Dam, on opposite side of the river from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. The Elan Valley was chosen to test the ‘bouncing bomb’ explosives because it was already being used as a firing range by the military. Due to its remoteness, away from the prying eyes of any Nazi spies, the picturesque valley was deemed to be the ideal spot. Michael Booth, Elan Valley attractions manager for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said local people were proud that the valley had played such an important role in the development of the ‘bouncing bomb’. The remnants of Nant-y-Gro Dam are the focus of a popular self-guided trail and guided tour in the valley. Elan Valley Visitor Centre also has a video and photographs in its exhibition of the dam being blown up in preparation for the Dambusters Raid. “Nant y Gro Dam was a fifth scale of the Ruhr dams which is why it was chosen to test the bouncing bomb explosives,” explained Michael. “It was an abandoned dam in a quiet, isolated spot which fitted all the requirements of the RAF and Barnes Wallis. “They needed to work out how much explosive was required and at what depth to cause maximum damage. There were three parts - the explosives, the bouncing bomb and the aiming system - and they all needed to work perfectly. The bouncing element was to ensure that the explosives detonated underwater and close to the dam structure.” “Part of the rich heritage of the Elan Valley, Nant y Gro Dam played a crucial role in the nationally significant events of May 16, 1943 during Second World War. “There are quite a few protected wartime remnants, such as pillboxes, around the valley reservoirs. During the war, Birmingham Corporation employed 600 special constables to ensure that the water pipeline from the valley to Birmingham was protected. “These constables were each presented with a medal which features the Foel Tower at Garreg-ddu Reservoir in the valley.” Elan Valley Visitor Centre and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water are members of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. The Elan Valley is just three miles from Rhayader, on the southern edge of the Cambrian Mountains, covers an area over 72 square miles and is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The area is famous for its spectacular chain of six dams and Victorian architecture. From April 26 2023, non-domestic customers that operate in energy and trade intensive industries (ETII) will be able to apply for additional support through the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme portal. A list of those sectors eligible for the additional support can be found on GOV.UK. This includes museums, libraries and archives, historical sites and similar visitor attractions.
The portal for applications for this additional support is now open: Apply for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Eligible organisations will have 90 days from the scheme introduction date of 26 April to apply for the higher support. This letter from from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero team also includes information on the documentation required to support an application. If you cannot apply online, contact the EBDS customer support team: Email: support@ebds.beis.gov.uk Telephone: 030 0400 5251 Matthew Hirst and Mark Glennerster (Ford Fiesta R5). Image: Paul Mitchell Photography Matthew Hirst will be aiming for his third straight 2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship victory on the Bala-based Plains Rally on Saturday, May 20. This time he will be without his regular co-driver Declan Dear, who is on his long-awaited honeymoon. The defending Welsh champion and 2022 Plains Rally winner will be partnered for the first time by Mark Glennerster, who is stepping into Hirst’s Delta Salvage-backed Ford Fiesta R5. Organised by Knutsford & District Motor Club, the Plains Rally contains two loops of four stages - Aberhirnant, Llangower, Alwen North and Alwen South - totalling 44 stage miles. The first car starts at 8.30am and finishes back at Ysgol Y Berwyn at 3.35pm, while the midday service will be located at the Bala Enterprise Park. Hirst and Glennerster will face stiff competition, not least from Perry Gardener who returns to the Pirelli Welsh Championship in his Ford Fiesta R5. The Ludlow driver scored maximum points on last year’s Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages and will be aiming to do the same on the Plains. He’s partnered by Jack Bowen, who finished runner-up in last year’s Welsh Junior co-drivers’ category. Bob Morgan, who finished an impressive third on both the Plains and in the overall Pirelli Welsh drivers’ standings last year, is contesting his first event of 2023. Together with co-driver Ade Williams, the experienced Cinderford pilot will be at the wheel of his Winner Garage Škoda Fabia R5. Simon Rogers had a good top 10 result on the Plains last year and has started this season even better as he arrives in Bala leading class W13 and lying third in the overall drivers’ standings. The Hertfordshire driver will be co-driven by James How in his MacWhirter Motorsport-prepared Mitsubishi Evo 6. Rogers beat Martyn Andrews by 15 seconds on the opening Get Jerky Rally North Wales and by four seconds on the recent Rallynuts Stages. The two will resume their close battle when Steve Greenhill co-drivers for Andrews, who leads the Welsh Challenge category, in his Opie Oils Subaru Impreza. Coverage from the Plains Rally will be live streamed on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and Special Stage TV’s Facebook pages during the event, featuring action from all the registered competitors. The Smallholding and Countryside Festival, a popular family event, is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on the weekend of May 20-21. A celebration of rural life and country living with smallholding pursuits at its heart, the festival showcases the diversity of the Welsh countryside. Visitors can expect an array of display ring attractions, competitions, children's activities, shopping trade stands, live music and delicious food and drink. The Smallholders Centre will be the main port of call for those wanting to learn more about the smallholder’s way of life. It’s an ideal place to stock up on the essentials from the agricultural and smallholding themed trade stands. A variety of activities will be held in the Country Life Area, including the Premier Open Dog Show (Crufts 2024 qualifier), The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Camp, BASC Gun Dogs Demonstrations and British Army Health and Fitness. Forestry competitions, sporting and countryside activities, all accompanied by live music from the bandstand, complete the programme. Those looking for family fun can get involved in the biking activities and tackle an obstacle course. Children can give cycling a go, with helmets and bikes provided. Also featured in the Country Life Area, The Panic Family Circus returns to entertain with circus skills, workshops and traditional puppet shows. For animal interactions, Pentre Pop-Up Farm will have a variety of small farm animals and a Forest School discovery area will offer craft and sensory activities. The display ring will be jam-packed with displays, including three times world champion Steve Colley’s Motorbike Stunt Show. The Little Nippers Lurcher and Terrier Show, Gentle Giants Shire Horses, Hackney Horse and Pony Driving display, the M.A.D Team Mountain Bike Aerial Display and show jumping and working hunter competitions also feature over the weekend. For dog lovers, The Welsh Premier Open Dog Show is held all weekend with the opportunity to see thousands of dogs competing for a chance to qualify for Crufts 2024. Visitors are welcome to bring their own dogs along to the festival and the RWAS feature county of Glamorgan will be hosting a novelty Fun Dog Show in the Country Life Area. For garden and plant enthusiasts, Farming Connect Horticulture will be taking over the Members Centre with a Growers Market. Experienced growers, representing a cross-section of the horticulture industry, will share their knowledge and expertise and showcase their products. The Meirionnydd Shearing Centre will become the Wool Zone, an area to promote the versatility and wonderful creations which can be made from wool, with demonstrations and wool-related trade stands. Wool handling competitions will be held as well as blade shearing, which is new for this year's event. The festival will feature a vintage and classic theme throughout, including the Welsh Festival of Land Rovers 75th Anniversary Display, a vintage tearoom in the Country Life Area, vintage cars and bikes, Glamorgan Tractors, a vintage dairy demonstration and the Meirionnydd Vintage Shearing Display. It wouldn’t be a Royal Welsh event without showcasing the best food and drink produce that Wales has to offer. Visitors can sample delicious goods in the renowned Food Hall or grab a tasty bite at one of the food stalls dotted around the showground and Street Food Area. Tickets for the festival are available on the RWAS website - www.rwas.wales. Earlybird online tickets are £18 for adults, £5 for children, or £40 for a family. Helen Booth in her studio. (Image Leia Morrison). Artist Helen Booth will present her solo exhibition, We All Share the Same Sky, at Oriel Davies Gallery in Newtown from July 28 to October 4. The exhibition will show her largest-scale abstract paintings to date and oscillate between impulsive gestures and intricate repetitive mark-making that celebrates and explores the actual medium of paint. Her work is firmly rooted in the landscape and teeters on the edge of the void, asking questions of the sublime, beauty and brevity of the human condition. Her residency and subsequent visits to paint and draw in Iceland are central to her exhibited works. “My affinity with the cold north led me to visit Iceland in 2018, ‘19 and again in 2023, said Helen. “The visits changed my life. I know it sounds dramatic, but how the landscape affected me fundamentally impacted how I look at my life and make my work. “I have a palpable fear of this landscape, but it makes me feel so alive. Something magic happens in all the solitude.” Steffan Jones-Hughes, Oriel Davies Gallery director, said: “When I first saw Helen’s work, I could see that it was on a journey, the trajectory was limitless space and time. These new works are ambitious in scale and are her strongest paintings to date. “There is something about the layers of mark that takes me beyond the process, which itself is fascinating, and allows me to empty my mind and focus on the ever-changing space within the work. The feeling is transcendental. “There is a sense of weightlessness as the work absorbs you into its own universe. As I meditate on these statements, I think I sound ridiculous, but the truth is the work allows you to feel transported to somewhere else, somewhere other. “Helen’s ability to create this sensation comes from its galactic connotations; the dream-like mapping of dark skies; imagining the grains of black volcanic sand on the beach in Iceland, or the bubbles in the ice. “In some ways these are landscape paintings. They’re created with urgency and a frenetic energy, they are elemental, embodying the tumult of tectonic plate shifts and glacial flow, at the same time providing a Romantic idyll of peace and natural harmony. “The sensations Helen describes on her trips to Iceland are embodied in the canvas. Immersive, calming, unpredictable. The wholeness of life is there in front of you.” Like many female artists, Helen has often struggled financially to produce her work. However, a hysterectomy five years ago, followed by six weeks of convalescing, forced her to face her own mortality and sharpen her drive. She won two major awards - Pollock Krasner Award for Painting and Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Award - followed by a residency in Iceland which completely honed her creative practice. Steffan invited Helen to exhibit at Oriel Davies two years ago and she has spent this time creating work, mostly in isolation, during the Covid pandemic. “There is nothing like waiting for hospital results to focus your mind on what is important,” added Helen. “Thankfully, my health scare was just that - a scare, but I realised I had so much more I wanted to do creatively. “Winning both American awards, followed by my visit to Iceland, felt like I was literally rising from the ashes.” Her exhibition will show large-scale monochromatic paintings accompanied by works on paper and film. Helen was born in Burton on Trent in 1967 and works in West Wales. She studied at Wimbledon School of Art, graduating in Fine Art Painting in 1989. A residency supported by Wales Arts International at the Hafnarborg Arts and Culture Centre in Iceland has greatly informed her practice. Her work is in private collections worldwide. Helen will also be speaking to several artists, curators, academics and publishers as part of a digital offering to accompany her exhibition. These include Phoebe Smith, writer and explorer, Richard Davey, writer, academic and university chaplain and Rebecca Morrill, head of art publishing at Phaidon Books. These conversations can be watched at helenbooth.com/in-conversation.
The letters reveal the importance of the railway in connecting Fred and Rosemary. Rosemary, an undergraduate evacuee from Chelsea Physical Education College, was stationed at Borth and used the University’s teaching rooms in Aberystwyth during the war. Fred would write letters to Rosemary from the train, describing his longing for Wales – Hiraeth. Claire Williams, Partnership Development Officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership, said: “We were captivated by Rosemary and Fred's story and thrilled to collaborate with Alison to retell their emotional tale. It highlights the important role that the railway played during their time in Aberystwyth and Borth.” The guided walk will take place during Community Rail Week, organised by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group. Community Rail Week is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role Community Rail Partnerships, like the Cambrian Railway Partnership, play in connecting communities by rail. Walks will start in the waiting room at Aberystwyth Railway Station and last approximately 2 hours, covering a distance of 1.7 miles, with an interval where The Chai Bike will visit for a free mug of freshly roasted Masala Chai. Alison will be getting into character with her 1940s attire, and you are welcome to join her. Tour dates are 20th May and 27th May both starting at 4:15pm. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. To book your space e-mail alisonpierse@gmail.com or visit aberdabbadoo.com For more information about Community Rail Week (Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May 2023) visit communityrail.org.uk/communityrailweek/
To celebrate National Walking Month in May, there is a series of events taking place in Mid Wales, which has so much to offers walkers all the year round, as the seasons change. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve physical and mental health and stay connected to our community, helping people feel less lonely and isolated. By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger, save yourself money and keep active in the process. Did you know that a 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of a number of preventable health conditions, including certain cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes? Here’s a list of walks compiled by MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) to get you out in the glorious countryside of Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Check out the following link for other walking routes in Mid Wales: https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/things-to-do/wellbeing/walking-routes RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve Dawn Chorus Walk – May 6 https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/rspb-dawn-chorus-walk-p1874011 Join RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve, Eglwys-fach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8DQ to experience the sound of the birds as dawn breaks. Visitors such as pied flycatchers, willow warblers and redstarts join in with blackbirds, chaffinches and blue tits. This walk will last up to two hours as it goes through various habitats from woodland to reedbed. Not suitable for children under eight years old. Due to the nature of the terrain this event is not suitable for people with mobility issues. RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve where walkers will hear the dawn chorus. The Bala Challenge Charity Walks - May 13 https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/bala-challenge-2023-p1900451 Join the Bala & Penllyn Rotary Club for a scenic or challenge walk. Seize the opportunity to experience the marvellous scenery of southern Snowdonia with views of Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales, surrounded by three mountain ranges (Berwyn, Aran and Arenig), and encounter the local wildlife, including buzzards and red kites. The route has been chosen to maximise the views over a variety of terrain including farmland, moorland and forest. Participants may wish to raise funds for their own charity, good cause, or recognised club or just enjoy the walk knowing that the entry fee will contribute to charities such as North Wales Air Ambulance, Mountain Search and Rescue Services and other local good causes. There is a choice of route and distance covering 20, 14 and eight miles. Bala Lake, one of the attractions of The Bala Challenge Charity Walks. Image: © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales Montgomery Canal Guided Wildlife Walk – May 14 10am to 1pm https://www.montwt.co.uk/events/2023-05-14-montgomery-canal-guided-wildlife-walk Organised by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust as part of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project, this walk along the scenic Montgomery Canal will be led by passionate local conservationist and experienced walking guide, Andy Davies. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the relaxed rambles are the perfect way to find out more about what makes this waterway so special for wildlife. Walkers will discover interesting facts about particular birds, mammals and amphibians that use the canal, as well as connecting with nature. There are different ways to explore the Montgomery Canal. Here canoeists take to the water but you can also join a Guided Wildlife Walk with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust on May 14. Folk and Footpaths – May 22 Strata Florida, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion SY25 6ES 10am until 5pm Cost: £70 with lunch from Y Talbot , Tregaron included Book at: info@strataflorida.org.uk Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Strata Florida. Explore the rich history of this fascinating site on foot, on a guided walk led by Arfon Hughes, and be captivated by folk performances by Owen Shiers, drawing inspiration from the ancient landscape Strata Florida grand medieval abbey is where generations of Welsh princes are buried. The abbey of Strata Florida – Latin for ‘Vale of Flowers’ – has stood on lush meadows beside the banks of the river Teifi since 1201. It was established by white-robed Cistercian monks as part of a movement that spread like a tidal wave across the whole of western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Soon it became the most famous church in Wales after St Davids, a place of pilgrimage and a linchpin of Welsh culture. The 2023 Sabrina Walk – May 27 https://www.llanidloes.com/sarn-sabrina Since its inaugural launch in 2006, the Sabrina Walk has been popular in the walking community across the UK and is a firm favourite of walkers who frequent the Cambrian Mountains in the spring. The 25 mile Sarn Sabrina can be undertaken as a one day challenge on this fully supported event, or used as an established trail that can be walked over a number of days to savour the beautiful views the route encompasses. The Semi Sabrina is a slightly less challenging, 12-mile circular route from Llanidloes taking in Glyndwr's Way and Llyn Clywedog with equally spectacular views on route The River Severn, the longest river in the UK, rises nine miles to the west of Llanidloes, high up on the slopes of Pumlumon, the highest point in the central range of the Cambrian Mountains. The type of view walkers can expect on Pumlumon if it’s a clear day during the Sabrina Walk. Dyfi Walking Tours - May https://www.facebook.com/TeithiauCerddedDYFIWalkingTours/services Professional tourist guide Arfon Hughes will lead the Dr John Davies Mallwyd Tour and Owain Glyndwr and Machynlleth Tour every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during May. Dr Davies was a 17th century vicar, translator of the Welsh Bible and architect of three bridges in the wilds of Dyfi Valley. The walk is of three hours plus, meeting at the Brigands Inn, Mallwyd. Booking in advance only with a minimum four people paying full price. Bespoke tours can be organised for schools and parties The Owain Glyndwr and Machynlleth Tour includes the history of Owain Glyndwr, Parliament House and Machynlleth town. Owain Glyndwr was the last native Welshman to hold the title 'Prince of Wales' in the 15th Century. Most of the tour is on level ground, starting at Parliament House and is available by booking in advance only with a minimum four people paying full price. Bespoke tours ca be arranged for schools and parties. Arfon Hughes who will be leading Dyfi Walking Tours during May and the Folk and Footpaths walk at Strata Florida. Good Day Out – available during May www.gooddayout.co.uk Tel: 01874 749092 Good Day Out offers two walks with animals, both of which run throughout May. Dinky Donkey Walks in the Brecon Beacons Spend a couple of tranquil hours in the company of Maverick and Goose, two Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys with big characters, taking a stroll through Brecon Beacons farmland with views towards Pen y Fan and the central Beacons. Walk through stunning bluebell fields in late May / early June. All Good Day Out activities and experiences donate to a good cause with every experience attendance – in this case, Brecon Mountain Rescue. Piggy Walk with a Pig-Nic Take friendly KuneKune pigs for an amble along a scenic valley, then enjoy a pig-nic of tea and cakes. The pet pigs love snuffling in hedgerows then coming back for treats as well as scratches and interaction along the way. Although children can attend, it’s mainly adults who do. A donation for every experience attendance will be made to Retiremutt, a charity that helps support retired police dogs with medical bills. Join in groups from £35 per person or private walks from £140 for up to four people. Larger groups also possible. Walks are available during the month, apart from May 27 and 28. Try Dinky Donkey Walks in the Brecon Beacons. Alpaca My Boots – available during May
https://alpacamyboots.com/your-experience When you arrive at the farm, it won’t take you long to spot the herd of affable alpacas roaming freely in the field. They love making new friends and will often trot over to say hello. Visitors are matched with their own alpaca, who’ll accompany them across the fields and hills on a scenic trek. Countryside views continue whilst crossing the fields and hills, eventually reaching a trig point with epic 360 degree views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Treks every Saturday and Sunday during May. |
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