About

WALKING

At Pwll Du you have a full range of choice of walks between those fancying a gentle stroll across the uplands to the network of footpaths and bridleways through the local woodland and surrounding farmland. There are a number of published circular walks in the area. Details of each route are held at the Centre or at the local Tourist Information Centre.

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND CYCLING

The area gives mountain bikers a natural trail experience, exhilarating and satisfying. There are single track mountain bike routes through forests, over mountains through streams and open commons.

Close to Sustrans routes perfect for cycle touring and exploring around Abergavenny, along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and to the industrial heritage of Blaenavon.

CANOEING AND/OR KAYAKING

• Guided tours on the nearby Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or the River Wye, about 30 minutes drive away.
•Instruction and improver coaching, including optional BCU (British Canoe Union) 'star' awards.
•Unaccompanied canoe and kayak hire on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal or Rivers Wye and Usk.

CLIMBING AND ABSEILING

We aim to introduce participants to this exciting sport in a controlled yet stimulating environment.

Using the security of a top-rope system, beginners can quickly get to grips with moving around on the rock face and trying out various methods of safeguarding their climbing partners.

Abseiling is introduced as a fun activity in itself as well as being an important part of the wider climbing skills.

ORIENTEERING AND WAYFARING

A 'Wayfaring' day offers an introduction to map and compass skills and is a great way to learn the rudiments of navigation.

It is an ideal introduction to pastimes such as hill-walking. And it's FUN! Mountain and Water is an approved provider for the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS).

Orienteering is a more competitive experience. Working in pairs or small teams and with an atmosphere of friendly competition you will plan your route and collect the control points to complete the circuit in the best possible time.

BUSHCRAFT

Learn to build a shelter using what is available in the surrounding area; forage for food, prepare and cook it in the open; even build a raft or rudimentary boat and try it out! Due to the seasonal availability of materials, at times we may need to substitute for the 'real thing'.

ARCHERY

The longbow is said to have originated in Wales, and Gerald of Wales noted in the 12th Century that the men of Gwent "are more skilled with the bow and arrow than those who come from other parts of Wales." What better place to try archery?!

Archery can be taken as a fun activity or 'taster' session; learning the basic skills in a half-day session. We use a range of targets, including a modern version of the medieval wand.

Archery is also available as part of one of our heritage-themed-activity days.

CAVING

A typical caving trip is an adventurous journey exploring large caverns, tight squeezes and submerged streams.

All trips are led by knowledgeable guides who will make your time underground as rewarding and entertaining as possible. - usually at Llangatwg, but we may travel to other caves.

Our 'Off the Peg' team days: 'Treasure Hunt', 'Mission Entirely Possible' and 'Adventure Trail' are designed to provide a team building challenge in an informal setting, and can be used by mixed age and ability teams.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES

In addition to the AALA licence, ‘Mountain and Water' are an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh's award, and the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS). A graduate instructor with teaching qualifications can assist you with field studies.