Newbridge school had an action packed two days of fun and adventurous activities on a residential course at Elan Valley Lodge.
A glorious bank holiday weekend saw the Lodge hosting Mayfield Tennis Club for a predominantly walking weekend with some Kayaking and Archery to break up the warm walking.
RSPB groups from Leicester and East Grinstead had a superb weekend of birdwatching in cool but dry spring weather. They saw a total of 68 species:
Bird List 28-30th April 2018
1. Grey Heron
2. Greylag Goose
3. Canada Goose
4. Mallard
5. Goosander
6. Osprey
7. Red Kite
8. Hen Harrier
9. Buzzard
10. Sparrowhawk
11. Kestrel
12. Peregrine Falcon
13. Merlin
14. Pheasant
15. Coot
16. Common Sandpiper
17. Stock Dove
18. Woodpigeon
19. Collared Dove
20. Cuckoo
21. Tawny Owl
22. Green Woodpecker
23. Great Spotted Woodpecker
24. Skylark
25. Sand Martin
26. House Martin
27. Swallow
28. Meadow Pipit
29. Tree Pipit
30. Pied Wagtail
31. Grey Wagtail
32. Wren
33. Dipper
34. Dunnock
35. Robin
36. Redstart
37. Wheatear
38. Whinchat
39. Stonechat
40. Song Thrush
41. Mistle Thrush
42. Blackbird
43. Garden Warbler
44. Blackcap
45. Willow Warbler
46. Wood Warbler
47. Chiffchaff
48. Goldcrest
49. Spotted Flycatcher
50. Pied Flycatcher
51. Great Tit
52. Coal Tit
53. Blue Tit
54. Marsh Tit
55. Long-tailed Tit
56. Nuthatch
57. Treecreeper
58. Magpie
59. Jay
60. Jackdaw
61. Rook
62. Carrion Crow
63. Raven
64. House Sparrow
65. Chaffinch
66. Goldfinch
67. Siskin
68. Reed Bunting
A group of 17 walkers from North Yorkshire enjoyed three days of walking in varied Welsh weather conditions. Being hardy sorts a bit of rain never put them off, however a somewhat loose interpretation of an 8 mile walk was beginning to tell by the third day!
Enjoying "first lunch" at Dolymynach.
"Ryedale Walking Group have just returned from a terrific walking break at Elan Valley Lodge. Seventeen members stayed for 4 nights, enjoying walks led by Steve on three days.
The walkers were of mixed ability, and Steve managed splendidly to organise the walks so we could all take part. Many thanks to Steve for his patience and the local knowledge he imparted. Also thanks to Holly the dog for providing entertainment on the walks! Being Wales, we didn't expect dry weather all the time, but we had a lovely sunny day on Saturday.
The lodge is ideal for a group holiday, and the catering and service was first-class.
The Elan Valley area is full of interest and the members who needed a rest day found things to do. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is almost next door, and Rhayader is an easy 3 mile stroll on the old railway path." Eric Wesson, Ryedale Walking Group walks coordinator. Photos below by Eric.
After a very wet start to the weekend, some great walking, of varying lengths was enjoyed by all.
Some rare sunshine for our first High Ropes Challenge session of the year. For other dates see Activities section.
