Category: Accommodation

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.hampshiremountaincentre.co.uk/index.html

CONTACT: 01874 622914

The Hampshire Mountain Centre

The Hampshire Mountain Centre, run by Hampshire County Council,  is a fully staffed, self catering , outdoor activities centre, occupying two sites, situated at in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park near the market town of Brecon in South Wales. Argoed Lwyd is a converted 19th Century traditional Welsh farmhouse can sleep up to 46 in two units, ideal for larger schools groups. Birchgrove is a four bedroomed house in the small village of Heol Senni and sleeps 18, ideal for smaller schools or specific small groups of children.

Both sites provide ideal environments to promote the personal development of your group through adventure experience, within a caring residential setting. There are also many opportunities for curriculum-based study through geography, biology, history and the environment. Full instruction of activities is provided, or you can lead your own activities if qualified to do so.

The centre can also be used as a base for youth groups and those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for expeditions and training. Whatever the reason for your visit you are guaranteed to have a fabulous time whilst working as part of a team.

Group sizes
Bed spaces for up to 46/18 (Argoed/Birchgrove).

Age ranges
Key stage two onwards.

Teachers packs
Teachers packs and pupil/parents packs are available from the Centre.

Risk Assessment
All activities are fully risk assessed. The Centre is  AALA licensed and MLTB approved. Teachers are encouraged to make pre visits to the centre to discuss course requirements and to assess generic risk factors associated with being at a residential outdoor centre

Contact
Mike Davies, Director, Hampshire Mountain Centre on above number

Cost
Rates are course dependent. Free teachers ratio is 10:1. Contact centre for fees and costs.

All activities available from Year 4 (8 years old) onwards.

Programmes can be designed to mix both Adventurous and Educational Activities during the week for all ages.

Popular adventurous activities for all ages include:

• Summer and winter walking
• Gorge walking
• Caving (some of the best in the British Isles)
• Expeditions
• Canoeing/ kayaking
• Orienteering
• Rock climbing
• Mountain Biking

Educational activities are available for KS2 to A level. Please contact us to discuss your requirements:

• Stream surveying
• Woodland study
• Moorland study
• Coastal study
• Environmental walks
• Trailblazer programme

Popular adventurous activities for all ages include:

Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award

The area offers many opportunities within the Award Scheme at all levels. The Brecon Beacons are designated as ‘wild country’ for Gold Award Expeditions and exploration. The Hampshire Mountain Centre Director can advise group leaders on routes and campsites in the area. The centre can also provide a residential base for training activities.

Adult Training

A number of adult courses are held throughout the year at Hampshire Mountain Centre for National Governing Body Award training and assessment. Please contact Hampshire Mountain Centre Director for details.

NGB Award Courses training and assessment

• Walking Group Leader
• Mountain Leader Award
• Single Pitch Award
• Local Cave Leader Level 1 and 2

Specific clothing specified for some activities, but most (eg; boots, caving suits, waterproofs, etc) are supplied by the centre. Please discuss with centre staff as part of course development.

All  staff are fully trained in first aid

The Mountain Centre provides residential accommodation with all facilities. The Centre is self catering, so groups will need to prepare and provide their own food. External catering can be provided. Groups should discuss their needs with staff

Featured Listing: No

Age of Children / Pupils:

• 8 – 10 years
• 11 – 13 years
• 14 – 16 years

Region:

• Wales

Type of visit:

• Caves & Caverns
• Climbing
• Outdoor Education
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Personal Development-Mentoring
• Residential School Trips
• Science & Technology
• Sports
• Team Building
• Wildlife and Nature

Curriculum topics:

• Citizenship
• Engineering
• Geography
• History
• PE
• PSHE
• Science

Months Open:

• All Year Round
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Disabled Facilities: Yes