Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre

Wales
5-16+
Communication Skills, Confidence Building, Engineering, Geography
, History, Leadership, Problem Solving, Reward, Science, Team Building
+6 more

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What will students see and do?

The Argoed Lwyd centre offers groups a home away from home in the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons).

Its charming farmhouse accommodation sleeps 49 people inside, extending to 60 with camping, and boasts unparalleled vistas of Pen y Fan.

All adventurous activities are delivered off-site, making the most of the dramatic landscape on the centre’s doorstep and the many stunning rivers, caves and mountains.

The centre delivers a wide range of adventurous activities, including gorge walking, real rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing, caving, waterfall walks, mountain walks, overnight expeditions, and team-focused tasks at the centre.

Argoed Lwyd is fortunate to have easy access to walking trails, allowing groups to explore the local area. A popular evening activity on the first night is to walk up onto the hillside behind the centre and observe the stunning vistas!

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How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Schools can choose between a variety of tailored programmes to suit all needs, budgets, specific aims and objectives.

Whether you want a curriculum-focused trip, a team-building focused residential to encourage communication between students, or a challenging week designed to build resilience, Argoed Lwyd can deliver it all.

The experienced instructors not only deliver safe and fun sessions but also take the time to review each activity to reflect on the learning and development that has taken place, taking into account your pre-agreed aims and objectives.

PE

Curriculum topics available: Orienteering

The diverse range of activities offered encourage all core skills involved in PE, including balance, coordination, stamina, problem solving and strength. Activities include climbing, canoeing, walking and gorge walking (with aided swimming).

Biology

Curriculum topics available: Plants, Living things and habitats, Ecology and environment, Life cycles, Habitats

Outdoor sessions are the perfect opportunity to introduce young people to the natural environment. For KS2 and KS3 students, Argoed Lwyd deliver the academic content for these courses. For KS4 and above, the instructors deliver the activities, but the teaching element will be delivered by school staff.

Physical geography

Curriculum topics available: Rivers, Mountains, Environment, Fieldwork, Glaciers

Field studies

Watersports

Curriculum topics available: Canoeing

Canoeing is offered at the centre either on canals or rivers. A progressive skills programme is delivered to suit beginners or more advanced paddlers.

Subjects covered

Communication Skills

Confidence Building

Engineering

Geography

History

Leadership

Problem Solving

Reward

Science

Team Building

Teaching resources provided

Argoed Lwyd has teaching resources for on-site sessions.

Minimum and maximum group size

The centre can accommodate up to 46 people. In the warmer months, Argoed Lwyd also offers camping for groups, extending its capacity to 66.

Details of risk assessment

The risk-assessing processes at Argoed Lwyd are rigorously checked by external providers and internally through Hampshire County Council departments. As Argoed Lwyd is an approved supplier through the Evolve system, you can rest assured that all procedures and policies are thoroughly analysed.

Taking guidance from the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel and other industry boards, Argoed Lwyd provide a risk summary instead of activity-specific risk assessments.

However, if you do have any queries, the bookings team will be on hand to provide support.

PLANNING

Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

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Facilities on-site

The centre is laid out as two separate but connected units, each with its own kitchen and dining room. The Farmhouse sleeps 49 inside, extending to 60 with camping. Both units are attached to the annex, which sleeps another 10.

Groups tend to book the whole accommodation offering, meaning they can make the most of the many chill-out spaces.

There are toilets and showers allocated to each floor as well as drying rooms, a classroom space, and a patio area overlooking the scenic hills.

Opening times

The site is open year-round, and opening times are suited to whichever groups are on-site.

If you want a guided tour, please get in touch at bookings.hoc@hants.gov.uk or on 02380 884 930.

Pricing

Prices vary per visit, based on your requirements and the time of year that you’re looking to visit, with significant reductions during the winter months.

Get in touch at bookings.hoc@hants.gov.uk or on 02380 884 930 to discuss your requirements, and the team will be happy to give you a price.

Travel arrangements

School groups can arrive by coach or in their own minibuses.

If arriving by coach, the centre offers to pick up students and staff in its own minibuses near Brecon, as the lane to the centre is steep and winding.