Running from Saturday, October 29 through to Sunday, November 4, Splash Week aims to inspire people of all ages to take an interest in water and nature through activities including canoeing, gorge-walking, electric boating, waterside walks and bird watching in and around the canals, lakes and rivers in the National Park.
There will also be a number of events held as part of the continuing celebrations to mark 200 years of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, including canoeing for beginners at Goytre Wharf, a lantern procession and children’s activities along the canal beginning at Gilwern and spooky Halloween stories at Clydach Gorge.
Another highlight of the Splash programme is bird watching at the new ‘super hide’ at Wales’ largest natural lake – Llangors Lake – which was opened by HRH Prince Charles earlier this year.
A River Usk and Beacons Water Trail clean-up will also be held to help conserve waterways in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park – all you need to do is turn up at Brecon Promenade with your canoe or kayak at 10.00am on Sunday, November 4.
Gez Richards, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Splash Project Officer, said: “The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is renowned for its scenic mountains and hills, but it’s also home to some fantastic rivers, lakes and canals. Splash Week is about encouraging people to get out there and enjoy water activities under the guidance of expert instructors – so come and join us for some outdoor water fun during the October half term.”
David Morgan, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal 200th anniversary Co-ordinator: “This half term we are offering a host of activities on the water to open people’s eyes to the opportunities that having the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal provides for the community. We’d love to see as many people as possible down on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal taking part in waterside walks, bird watching, even having a go at canoeing. Most activities are suitable for even beginners, so for family fun this half term there’s no better place than Splash Week.”
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Member Cllr Ann Webb, a Director of the Mid Wales Tourism Partnership, added: “We want to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our waterways responsibly, and Splash Week is an excellent way to educate people on how to do that and have fun on the water at the same time.”
Full details and a programme of Splash Week activities can be found at www.breconbeacons.org/splash. For more information on how to get involved contact Gez Richards on 01874 624437 or email him here.
-ENDS-
Splash Week 2012
Half term events in and around water
Saturday 27th October
Canoeing for beginners
Goytre Wharf Gwent Outdoor Centres
10.30 – 3.30
Free – just turn up but bring a change of clothes
Mon and Brec 200
Try canoeing for 5 minutes or an hour – however long you last!
Sunday 28th October
Walk – towpath and surrounding area
Goytre Wharf Monmouth Walking Festival
9.30 – 2.30 £5 pp – booking essential. Book with www.walkinginmonmouth.org
Tuesday 30th October
Gorge walking – two sessions
Dinas Rock
Call of the Wild Start: 10am and 1pm
Free – booking essential. Book with Jayne in Reception at BBNPA 01874 624437
Meet at the Dinas Rock car park
Wednesday 31st October
Lantern Procession and children’s activities along the canal
Gilwern (start at Church Rd bridge). Hope Centre 6pm
Bring a lantern! Kids -dress as Pirates! Just turn up – bring your family.
Mon and Brec 200 Event
Info from Nigel : 01873 831582
Weds 31st October
‘Spooky Stories’ up the Gorge
Clydach Gorge Blaenavon WHS
2pm – 3.30
Free – booking essential
Mon and Brec 200 event. Book through Blaenavon WHC – 01495 742333 info: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
Thursday 1st November
Bird – watching at the Prince’s Hide!
Llangors Lake
Start at Llangors Common car park BBNPA
10.30 – 1pm Just turn up – donations.
A great walk with our wardens to see the fantastic new bird-hide at Llangors
Saturday,Nov. 3rd
Have a Go – canoe or electric boat
Brecon Theatre Basin
Beacons Park Day Boats
10am – 1pm
Free – booking required
Book with Nick at : 07966 461819
Mon and Brec200 event
Sunday Nov. 4th
River Usk and Beacons Water Trail Clean up
Brecon Prom – Brynich
BBNPA and KWT
10am – 2pm
Free – but canoeing ability and boat required
Info from paul.kent@keepwalestidy.org