Autumnal Penpont 2024 - Last of the Summer Wines!
38 people attending
0 places left
1 person waitlisted
Join one of OutdoorLads' most popular events - camping in the walled gardens of a stately home, beside the meandering River Usk set at the foot of the Brecon Beacons.
Many of you will know and love Penpont but for those who don't it truly is a magical place.
We plan to be running a range of beautiful day walks, spectacular mountain walks on the Beacons, canoeing down the Wye, mountain biking from Wales' premier MTB centre, as well as the opportunity to just chill and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most peaceful and exclusive 'walled garden' campsites in Wales. This late Summer event is for two nights.
If you're feeling adventurous, you will have the opportunity to scale the Bannau Brycheiniog | Brecon Beacons, with some of the finest views that South Wales has to offer. If you'd like a more sedate weekend, we have plenty of less strenuous activities planned. For day trips and local exploring we're within easy reach of Brecon and Abergavenny, as well as the world famous book town of Hay - where ODL member Tom has recently set up 'Gay on Wye' and will be offering an especially warm welcome with discounts for visiting ODLers! Alternatively you can spend the weekend relaxing within the Penpont Estate: exploring the remarkable buildings, gardens, the woodland art, hedge maze, tennis courts, croquet lawns, dower house and the 2000 acre estate that surrounds you!
After dusk we will gather together around a campfire, relax and be merry.
The overall capacity of this event is 40; however some places will need to be reserved for the event leaders, so we can run all the various daytime activities! Capacity will be reset once all are sorted, but please do add yourself to the waiting list .
Campervans: Small campervans are welcome at the site, but limited to two in number and so subject to availability. They must be pre-booked with the OutdoorLads office on support@outdoorlads.com and there will be an additional charge. Unfortunately this site does not accept motorhomes or caravans (there is insufficient space to squeeze in to the walled garden).
Dogs: Penpont also welcomes well behaved quiet dogs, but they must be kept under control and with you during your stay on site. There is an additional charge of £6 per dog for the weekend, to be paid in cash on arrival.
Campfires & BBQ's: This event will include a campfire/BBQ at the site. Whilst our event leaders will take safety precautions there is still a risk to members. Please consider your behaviour around the campfire for your own and others safety.
Images: Site maps used with many thanks to Penpont Estate. All other images taken by OutdoorLads members and permission is given for their use.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
What to bring
The kit list!
For those of you who are not seasoned outdoorlads, there is an extensive typical list of possible kit below however you can get away with minimal kit and do not necessarily need everything listed below. This depends what you are planning to do over the weekend.
For example if you are planning on joining a long mountainous walk you will definitely need hiking boots.
For camping you will need a tent and something warm to sleep in as a minimum.
Message the event leaded if you need any advice .
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Change of Clothes: A full change of clothes should be brought and kept in waterproof bags, as well as multiple pairs of socks.
Large Rucksack/Bergen: A large rucksack of around 60 litres is required. This rucksack should be capable of carrying all necessary equipment on the inside, as well as providing back support.
Tent: A tent if of course essential when sleeping out in the open. Walker’s should make sure that they have pitched the tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs. The tent should also be light enough to carry as well as being able to stand up to the weather. A 3 season tent is recommended as a minimum level of protection.
Sleeping Bag / Mat: A sleeping bag is of course required for camping. Walker’s should look for one that provides adequate warmth, below the temperature that they expect. If in doubt walkers should bring a sleeping bag for colder conditions than they expect.
Cooking Equipment: Walkers should bring some kind of cooking equipment so that they can cook hot meals, and enjoy hot drinks when cold. Being able to cook hot food is essential during the colder months
Food & drink
Please plan and approach this as an ordinary, fully self-catering camping weekend, bringing what you need.
Members in some previous years may have experienced a variety of approaches at Penpont - from organised group banquets to 'big gay picnic' & BBQ! However, for 2024 thus far we have no BBQ available nor will we have use of the kitchens - so you will need to bring your own food for the course of the weekend.
Notwithstanding this, if ODLers muck in (as we often do at our finest), there may be some communal meals organised nearer the event - look out for pre event messages!
You are welcome to use disposable BBQs, please take care to use the materials provided to prevent damaging the lawns. A number of larger containers that can be used for BBQs are present on site, available on a first come first serve basis.
There are supermarkets and butchers in Brecon for collecting supplies, not to mention the onsite farmshop (although supplies fluctuate, depending how recently Daisy has been milked / recycled, fruit picked, or fruit punnets picked clean by a passing RangeRover full of mothers). If you're into foraging, we should be surrounded by enough blackberries to start a WI branch (great for salads, puddings or just straight into a gin & tonic...).