5th November 2020
Summer is over, autumn’s in full swing and already our season is ending when it feels like it only just began. What a year it’s been… We could never have predicted just how popular our outdoor adventure activities were going to be following the end of lockdown. We reopened in July offering just a few activities to begin with and focussed on taking small groups out, but we were quickly overrun with enquiries and were very sorry to have to turn so many people away wanting to book with us this summer. Thank you to everyone who came out on an adventure with us over the last few months, we really appreciate your custom and hope you will come back out with us again next year.
What our 2020 summer adventures were like
The small group sizes meant we were able to spend more time coaching and teaching during activities. We took groups of just 4 or 5 rock climbing at Symonds Yat which meant that families and individuals really benefited from having an instructor to themselves. With stand-up paddleboarding we kept groups to a maximum of 10 with two instructors so that we could split the group down to accommodate differing ages and skills levels again allowed for a more in-depth experience. Gorge scrambling was a max group size of 8, again giving our instructors more time to support people as they traversed the river valley and climbed waterfalls.
This area proved to be a popular choice for many looking for a rural holiday destination and a much needed getaway. The Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons are vast, wild and beautiful, ideal for getting back to nature and escaping day to day routines. We had many families coming to us who were holidaying nearby and there are definitely now lots more people who have discovered what an incredible area this is. We even had several families that returned many times and really progressed with their activities. In fact we had many repeat visitors who wanted to learn more and progress their skills levels and try the other activities we offered this year. Plus there were plenty of daytrippers from not far away looking for a change of scene too. We’re just a short drive from Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and other cities and we had many day visitors coming to discover what they could do on the doorstep that they hadn't realised was here before. So many of us were stuck indoors for so long during lockdown that being out in nature was exactly what we all needed.
Planning ahead – bring on 2021!
We’re all hopeful that next year will be a better year all round. So we thought it best to remind you that booking ahead is still the best way to avoid disappointment.
We’ve now added dates for many of our activities to our online booking sessions too so if you would like to book a specific activity please take a look at what’s available next year. Our online booking system means that you can book your chosen activities any time of the day or night and you’ll be provided with all of the information you need instantly.
We can also arrange private bookings for you and already have several booked in for the 2021 Easter and summer holidays. If you would like to book your outdoor adventure activities with us in advance just get in contact so we can make sure you don’t miss out next year. We can run half-day, full day or multi-day experiences and normally begin in March/April and run through to October so let us know what you’re interested in and we can do the rest.
Why the Wye Valley
All of the locations used for our activities are in picturesque beauty spots and are ideal for making a day of it and enjoying exploring our beautiful area for the rest of your day or stay here. After rock climbing at Symonds Yat you could picnic amongst the trees and then go walking along the river valley to Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint. The cafe there sells snacks and drinks and it’s then a short walk down to Symonds Yat East with riverside pubs and places to stay. We run stand-up paddleboarding at Monmouth and you can picnic afterwards next to river, walk into Monmouth or walk along the river to Biblins Bridge where you can then cross and continue to Symonds Yat East and the lovely Saracens Head pub. After gorge scrambling you could head into the town of Abergavenny which is close by, climb Sugar Loaf mountain for fabulous views or venture into the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains for excellent walking routes. If staying near Abergavenny remember to make the most of it being in a Dark Sky Reserve and spend your evening star gazing, you’ll be amazed how much you can see. This area is perfect for making the most of the long summer evenings.
We’d love to have your reviews
Have we taken you out on an adventure? Did you enjoy it?! Please take a couple of minutes to leave us a short review on Trip Advisor, Google or on Facebook. These mean so much to us and really help other people when they are considering booking with us. And thank you, we couldn’t keep doing what we do without you. Stay safe and have a very Happy Christmas and New Year!
