Category Archives: Outdoors

Mid Wales, News, Outdoors, Wales, Wales News

Charlotte Church narrates film to promote The Outdoors Capital of Wales

A promotional film is being launched this morning (January 2) to share the rural market town of Rhayader, branded The Outdoors Capital of Wales, with the rest of the world.

Situated in Powys, in the middle of Wales and heart of the Cambrian Mountains, an Area of Astounding Natural Beauty, Rhayader punches way above its weight and now has Welsh celebrity Charlotte Church singing the town’s praises.

The ‘Voice of an Angel’ star has narrated the new film – which promotes the range of exciting outdoor activities and events that the town and nearby, spectacular Elan Valley have to offer.

A singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter, Church shot to childhood stardom as a classical singer and now runs a wellness retreat, The Dreaming near Rhayader.

She was happy to add her voice to the film when approached by Rhayader 2000, the organisation that promote tourism in partnership with the town council.

“It was wonderful narrating the excellent promotional video for Rhayader The Outdoors Capital of Wales,” said Charlotte. “This really is a magical part of Wales with incredible countryside, spectacular landscapes and warm and welcoming people, which encouraged me to open The Dreaming Retreat near the town.

“I wish Rhayader 2000 every success with this video and hope it helps to attract many more visitors to the area where there’s so much to do, see and enjoy in the magnificent outdoors.”

Rhayader town centre from the air.

The film and two shorter social media clips were made by Tremio over the past year, with supplementary photography for Rhayader 2000 website https://rhayader.co.uk/ captured by Mogwai Media.

 

Kerena Pugh, of Rhayader 2000, thanked everyone who had contributed to the film which she described as a huge community effort. “The work that has gone into rebranding ‘Rhayader the Outdoors Capital of Wales’ has really made a difference and will continue to help the town to grow,” she said.

“Film is a great way to showcase what Rhayader has to offer visitors. The combination of superb aerial footage from Sam Cook at Tremio and contributions by local people has produced something magical.

“With Rhayader already internationally famous for the Hafod Hardware Christmas adverts produced by owner Tom Jones, we wanted to continue the creative use of film to show the varied activities, breathtaking scenery and the welcoming community spirit that we have here all year round.”

The spectacular landscape which is ideal for cyclists, runners and walkers.

Mr Cook said he had been inundated with volunteers during the making of the film, which he described as being “special”.

Rhayader’s Mayor Councillor Rhys Thomas added: “This is another step on the exciting journey to make Rhayader a destination in its own right.”

He congratulated Rhayader 2000 for working with the town council to create a vision for local tourism and thanked MWT Cymru and the Cambrian Mountains Initiative for helping to promote Rhayader.

 

MWT Cymru chief executive Val Hawkins said the film not only promotes Rhayader as the Outdoors Capital of Wales but also captures the strong community spirit.

The film is dedicated to the late Liz Lloyd, a Rhayader 2000 founder who died in 2022. She served the organisation for 22 year and helped to promote local tourism, businesses and the community.

“Liz was very passionate about Rhayader and was part of many organisations and volunteer groups that do great work in the town,” added Kerena. “A donation to Rhayader 2000 made by her family from the funeral memorial service contributed to making the film.”

 

Rhayader 2000 is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

Exercise, Health Tech, Outdoors

Suunto steps up to the plate – new releases: Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition

Suunto is a company that specialises in sports watches and navigation tools. Recently the brand has launched three new models: Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak, and the Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition. All the devices offer advanced features as well as stunning design and quality workmanship.

Suunto 5 Peak – versatility in a small package

Suunto 5 Peak is a remarkable addition to Suunto’s line of sports watches, combining sleek design with advanced features for outdoor enthusiasts. The device is ideal for people who want to carry a practical and functional tool to monitor their workouts with them at all times. It features a minimalist and elegant design, making it suitable for any outfit.

Suunto 5 Peak has built-in GPS that allows you to accurately track your route while running, cycling or climbing. It’s equipped with optical sensors to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This allows the athletes to keep track of their fitness and choose the appropriate intensity level for their workouts.

Suunto 5 Peak also has a number of additional features to make using the device easier. The intuitive user interface allows you to navigate the menu quickly and easily. In addition, it lets you receive phone notifications and listen to music. The smartwatch is made of durable and lightweight materials to ensure durability and resistance to mechanical damage. It’s also water resistant to 50 metres, which allows it to be used when swimming or diving.

Suunto 9 Peak – a watch for demanding athletes

Suunto 9 Peak is a sports watch for discerning athletes who value not only aesthetics, but also functionality and durability. The device offers advanced features that allow you to control and analyse your training.

The smartwatch has precise navigation features, including an integrated GPS system and barometric altitude measurement to track your route and plan your workouts in mountainous areas. The watch can last for up to 170 hours on a single charge, so it’s perfect for long hikes. As a result, athletes do not need to worry about battery charging during longer adventures.

Suunto 9 Peak also has an advanced workout monitoring system to track heart rate, calories burned and acceleration. The device is able to automatically adjust its settings to suit you, allowing you to make the most of your workout time and improve your performance.

Suunto 9 Peak is made of sturdy materials that provide durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The watch case is water resistant to 100 metres, allowing the athlete to use the watch while swimming or diving.

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition – a luxury limited edition

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition sports watches stand out not only for their design, but also for their high functionality. They are made of the highest quality materials, such as titanium and ceramic, which provide an exceptional appearance, durability and resistance to mechanical damage.

The smartwatch boasts advanced outdoor features such as automatic barometer calibration and weather tracking. These are extremely helpful tools for extreme sports and mountain hikers who want to know what awaits them on the trail.

The smartwatch is water resistant to 100 metres, which makes it suitable for swimming or diving. This is the ideal watch for water sports enthusiasts.

The Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition watch keeps going for days on just one charge. This is extremely convenient for those who travel frequently or anyone who’s not always near a charger.

Suunto – the perfect watch for any active person

Suunto has been providing its customers with top-quality sports watches for years. New models such as Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition are further steps on the road to perfection. Suunto 5 Peak is a versatile watch for people who play a variety of sports, Suunto 9 Peak is for discerning athletes, and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition is a luxury series that combines functionality with exceptional design. All three models stand out for their advanced features, accurate measurements and high-quality workmanship.

Events, News, Outdoors, Training

Dropjaw Ventures Announces an “Exciting New Phase” in the growth of Spartan Survival

DROPJAW Ventures has extended their investment in one of the country’s leading bushcraft survival courses.

As part of “an exciting new phase” in the growth of Spartan Survival, Dropjaw has also acquired a majority stake in the company based in Cholmondeley, Malpas.

It offers bushcraft courses to families, schools, charities, NHS Trusts and corporate team building days from their site at Cholmondeley Castle.

The extended investment comes after two years of growth and development in the business – which Dropjaw first started working with in 2022.

From this Summer, Ash Kirkham will replace Ian Huntington as Managing Director, and will be supported by a small team of bushcraft, survival and adventures specialists.

Ashley said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be offered this role and I now have the ability to move forward and further enhance some of our proven courses.

“Having worked alongside Ian as an instructor, I have a deep understanding of the mental health benefits our courses deliver. I am excited about future”

Roy Shelton, Managing Partner of Cheshire-based DropJaw, said: “Working with Ian and the small dedicated team at Spartan over the past two years has been so rewarding and exciting.

“I have actually completed all of their courses too. We feel Ash is a natural progressor to Ian, who has done a brilliant job in making Spartan the success story it is today.

“It presents Ash and his team with a great opportunity and I have been impressed by the great vision they have to continually develop the business. This is an exciting new phase for Spartan Survival. And we look forward to working alongside them in terms of our valued added investment model.”

Last year Spartan Survival was named one of the north of England’s most exciting businesses by trade bible The Business Insider. Since forming it has welcomed hundreds of guests. It has also supported people in helping raise tens of thousands for good causes.

Furniture, News, Outdoors

Companies embrace the outdoors with reimagined office spaces

With more companies reimagining workplaces post-COVID, one company has seen a sharp uptick in clients wanting to utilise outdoor spaces.

Ministry of Furniture, one of the most forward-thinking suppliers of loose and fitted furniture in Wales, had already seen a change in the way in which clients use premises. A shift to hybrid and flexible working prompted many firms to reconsider the nature of their office environment – and how much space they need. Hotdesking and mixed working environments are being introduced as companies reimagine the office, scrapping outdated principles of set desks and offices.

Some of the designs it can implement include flexible and informal breakout and workspaces incorporating pods and booths, which can also be powered by cutting-edge portable power banks, eclipsing the need for building costly fixed partitions and rewiring buildings based on new sets of plans.

But in addition to reimagining the internal workplace, companies are also looking outside for inspiration and reconsidering how they can use the wider environment in an innovative way that can drive creativity, teamwork and culture – and enhance the wellbeing of employees.

The last of these drivers is a key topic in larger companies, from facilities management to HR, there is a growing realisation that wellbeing, including physical, mental and emotional health, is an increasingly important consideration in office design and workplace management. Getting it right can significantly impact employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall performance.

For companies with the luxury of land attached to their premises, Ministry of Furniture is designing in outdoor furniture options, canopies and other amenities that can allow the workforce fresh air and a change of scenery. Some companies are leveraging previously ignored rooftops as accessible outdoor spaces, which some are landscaping, and some are even planting fruit and vegetables to help engage and destress employees.

For companies without the luxury of easily accessible outdoor spaces there is another option. Ministry is also working with some clients to create biophilic office spaces – a term that refers to the idea of bringing the outdoors indoors. From living walls to office gardens, there are a number of ways plants and other greenery can be incorporated into office design.

Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said:

“The working environment fundamentally changed during the COVID pandemic, but many companies are now embracing the positives of that. We had already seen a big change in how clients wished to use their internal space – now we are seeing more enquiries where they also want that transformation to extend to the outdoors.

“This represents a fascinating new challenge for us – but one we are embracing. Getting the workplace environment right can be positive in so many ways, from enhancing wellbeing to increasing productivity, creativity and driving a positive culture within firms. Employees want to feel their workplace is inspiring and commute-worthy – and we relish helping our clients achieve that.”

Education, Law, News, Outdoors

Sam Hawking Property Lawyers Sponsor Coronation Mountain Challenge

Port Talbot legal expert, Sam Hawking Property Lawyers, has been announced as the lead sponsor for Christ College Brecon’s epic Coronation Mountain Challenge.

The Coronation Mountain Challenge, which takes place on the King’s coronation May bank holiday weekend, is part of the school’s ambitious 2041 Mountain Challenge which launched last year.

It will be held annually up until 2041 which will mark the school’s 500th anniversary and aims to raise money year-on-year for the Christ College Brecon Foundation and Brecon Mountain Rescue.

The challenge invites competitors to take on one of three different hiking routes around the Brecon Beacons: a low level 10 mile, a high level 13 mile and a more challenging high level 23 mile route which covers some iconic peaks such as Pen y Fan, Corn Ddu and Fan y Big.

Last year, Sam Hawking, Principal at Sam Hawking Property Lawyers, completed the challenge with his whole family. He said: “Christ College Brecon held a fantastic inaugural event last year with the different routes catering for all abilities. My wife and 10-year-old daughter completed the 10 mile walk, my eldest daughter the 13 mile route and myself the 23 mile race, and we all had a fantastic day enjoying the stunning views of the Beacons.

“We are so pleased to be sponsoring the event for the second year and my family and I can’t wait to face the challenge again.”

Father and daughter Graham (70) and Alison Rees also completed the 10 mile low level route last year. Alison said: “The Mountain Challenge was great fun, following a pleasant route along the canal towpath with some beautiful scenery along on the way. Pupils cheered us on at the checkpoint giving us a boost to finish, completing in good time with a burger awaiting us at the end! It was a fantastic day out.”

Sign up to the Coronation Mountain Challenge at https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/our-community/coronation-mountain-challenge/

Outdoors, Tourism, Travel

How To Book A Luxury Ski Holiday

A quick guide to booking a luxury ski holiday:

  1. Get your group together and decide on dates. Remember, the most expensive weeks with accommodation will be Christmas and new years. The most negotiable rates will be at the start and end of the season (as well as last minute bookings).

  2. Set a budget. When it comes to skiing, it’s best to know your total budget for the trip before enquiring.

  3. Decide on your ski resort. If you’re unsure which resort will suite you best, speak with a luxury ski holiday expert like The Luxury Chalet Company who will guide you on the best resort for your vacation (they know which resorts are best for all groups; family’s, beginners, corporate retreats, off piste skiing, advanced skiers, ultimate luxury getaways and special occasions).

  4. Decide on your luxury chalet. These days, anything is possible! Rental properties with hot tubs, saunas, cinema rooms, private bars and private chefs are standard. There is no limit to any other requirements for your chalet.

  5. Get your luxury chalet booked. A deposit (usually 25%) will be required to secure the property for travel dates further than 60 days. The remainder of the balance or the full amount will be required for bookings under 60 days away. A security deposit usually held on credit card will also be required. Remember, they may be options for negotiations for last minute bookings.

  6. Get your flights and transfer sorted. Private jet and helicopter transfer will always be the quickest and easiest way to arrive, however some groups like the benefits of having their car in resort.

  7. Get your custom itinerary. From heli skiing to restaurants bookings, it’s always a wise idea to have at least a rough itinerary for your holiday. A ski guide on the first day is always recommended (rough cost £500 per day per group). Your itinerary may also include lift passes on arrival and recommended ski gear rental shops as well as best mountain lunches and evening activities.

  8. Pack your bags and go! Don’t forget suncream for those blue bird days!

Make sure you’ve got winter sports insurance. With the average cost of 20,000 for on piste evacuation by heli, the bills keep adding up from there.

The Luxury Chalet Company are experts when it comes to organizing luxury ski holidays and matching clients with their dream luxury chalet. A booking with them will ensure all of your holiday is taken care of, from start to finish and everything in between.

A luxury skiing holiday is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of skiing with the comfort and extravagance of a five-star resort. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner, a luxury skiing holiday is the perfect way to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains. The first aspect that sets a luxury skiing holiday apart from a regular ski trip is the quality of the accommodation. From grand chalets to opulent suites, the lodgings available in luxury ski resorts are nothing short of spectacular. They are equipped with every modern amenity you could imagine, including plush bedding, fireplaces, saunas, hot tubs, gyms, cinemas, spa areas, swimming pools, wine cellars, cigar lounges and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

The second aspect that defines a luxury ski holiday is the level of service provided. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by friendly and attentive staff who are always on hand to ensure that your stay is as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. Whether you need help with your ski equipment, a recommendation for a restaurant, a massage, or a warm blanket for après ski, the staff are always happy to help.

Another defining feature of a luxury skiing holiday is the quality of the ski slopes and facilities. The best European ski resorts have well-groomed slopes that are suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The slopes are also equipped with multiple gondoliers and numerous ski lifts that take you effortlessly to the top of the mountain, allowing you to spend more time skiing and less time waiting in line.

In addition to the ski slopes, luxury ski resorts also offer a variety of other activities for guests to enjoy. From snowmobiling to ice skating, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. For those who prefer to relax and be pampered, there are also on-site spas that offer a range of treatments, from hot stone massages to aromatherapy.

After a day on the slopes, a luxury ski holiday offers a variety of dining options that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. From michelin star chefs inside your own private chalet to gourmet restaurants serving exquisite local cuisine, there is something for everyone. The best ski resorts also offer après ski options, including bar crawls, live music, and dancing, for those who want to keep the party going into the night.

Finally, a luxury skiing holiday provides the opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy. From designer boutiques selling high-end clothing and accessories to quaint local shops selling handmade crafts, the ski resorts offer a wealth of shopping opportunities.

In conclusion, a luxury skiing holiday is the ultimate way to escape the stress of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the mountains. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience filled with luxury, comfort, and adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your skis, and head to the mountains for a holiday you will never forget!

 

News, North of England, Outdoors

Live For Today Launches Discount for Archery in York

Live For Today, a leading provider of outdoor adventure activities, is excited to announce a new special offer for quad biking in York. The offer, which is available to both individuals and groups, includes a thrilling quad biking experience through the beautiful woodland surrounding York, as well as all necessary equipment and instruction. Additionally, as a special add-on, customers can now book either axe throwing, archery, rifles or crossbows for just £15pp when booked with quad biking.

Marc Wise, the owner of Live For Today, said, “We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for individuals and groups to experience the thrill of quad biking in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. Our quad biking excursions are perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush, as well as for those looking to explore the beautiful woodland surrounding York. And now, with the added option of axe throwing, archery, rifles or crossbows for just £15pp, customers can make their experience even more exciting and memorable.”

The quad biking special offer is available for a limited time and can be booked by visiting the Live For Today website or by calling the company directly. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience quad biking in York like never before!

For more information on Live For Today and their quad biking special offer in York, please visit Live For Today’s York Archery page.