Self catering

Self catering Booking

https://www.groupaccommodation.com/properties/the-firs-at-pendarren-house-crickhowell-powys

Bed linen is supplied but you do need to make your beds and bring towels.

If you prefer to eat out there are many eating establishments within a few miles of The Firs. The Dragon’s Head pub is at the bottom of the drive.

You can bring your food with you or purchase it when you arrive in the area. There are supermarkets in

• Abergavenny (5 miles: Waitrose, Morrisons, Aldi, small Tesco)

• Beaufort (10  miles: Asda)

• You can get supplies including local produce in Crickhowell (2 miles).

Some supermarkets will deliver to The Firs. You must ensure you have a member of your party on-site to receive the order. Use same postcode as Pendarren House, access is via the Pendarren House drive.

There is a garage with coin operating washing and drying machines. There is access to a drying room if needed at a small cost.

The Firs is a self-catering facility. The other facilities of Pendarren House are not available to the occupants unless the activity is led by Pendarren House staff. Pendarren House take does not any responsibility for your self-programmed activities.

Pendarren House can run an activities. Please complete the application form at the time of booking. We try to accommodate your request but is often impossible to arrange activities at short notice.

Please note there is a no smoking policy on the Pendarren site. This also applies to the Firs bungalow and the surrounding grounds which are owned by Haringey Council.

Self-catering facilities

The kitchen is equipped with a large electric cooker, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. This enables you to cater for up to 16 people and has all the necessary cutlery, crockery and utensils.

Eating out options

If you prefer to eat out there are many eating establishments within a few miles of The Firs including The Dragon’s Head at the bottom of the drive.

Activities provided by Pendarren

Pendarren House may be able to offer adventurous activities to users of the Firs. Activities need to be booked in advance of your visit as it is often impossible to arrange at short notice. We include specialist equipment including waterproofs and footwear is included. Instructors are qualified first aiders.

Activities are booked by the day – to fill your day you can choose a full day activity or two half day sessions.

If you have booked activities, check the kit list to ensure you bring adequate clothing.

Caving 

• Caving is a long half day or a full day activity. Clothing – we will provide lights, helmets, over suits, wellies, and wetsuits as required. You need to provide to provide old clothes (they will get muddy). 3 layers on top and tracksuit and thick socks. Synthetic material or wool is better as cotton feels cold once it becomes wet. If you choose a half day cave then choose a suitable activity for the remaining 1/3 of the day. An on site activity such as climbing or orienteering is a good choice to fill the remaining 1/3 of day. Alternatively choose a mountain or waterfall walk that can be done near the cave.

Walking 

• Table Mountain, Sugarloaf, Pen y Fan, Black Mountains – there are many to choose from. There are also some beautiful walks along the river valleys with impressive waterfalls. Clothing – Pendarren will provide walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks. You need to bring suitable clothing. Warm clothes for cool conditions (including hat and gloves). Clothing to protect from sunburn in sunny weather.  Half or full day.

Canoeing and Kayaking

• We have miles of superb canoeing venues. Quiet canals, large reservoirs, rivers with gentle rapids to white water canoeing at grades 2-3. We have fleets of canoes and kayaks. Clothing – Pendarren will provide safety equipment. such as buoyancy aids, protective clothing as required e.g. wetsuits, waterproofs. You need to provide footwear, clothes to keep you comfortable should you get wet. Synthetic material or wool as cotton feels cold once it becomes wet. Half day or full day. River trips need a full day.

Climbing

• We have our onsite 12m climbing and abseiling tower that can be used with our 300m zipline for a half day

• For a full day we are within reach for to the Gower, Symonds Yat and the Wye Valley climbing areas. There are many inland limestone and sandstone cliffs as well. Clothing – Pendarren will supply safety equipment and waterproofs. You need to provide comfortable clothes, trainers.

• Half day for on-site climb/abseil/zipline, full day for off site climbing.

Gorge walk

• Scramble, swim, slide, jump as you journey along the river. You will get wet. Clothing – Pendarren will provide protective equipment. You will need to provide old clothes and trainers. Half day, although we can extend it to provide a full day of adventure.

Orienteering    

• Around the grounds or local woods and forests. Half day.

Bushcraft  

• Shelter building, making fire, cooking over an open fire, use of knives,  wild foods, purifying water. Half day.

Activities not provided by Pendarren (at your own risk)

• Mountain Biking – big ascents and descents from the Centre into the Black Mountains. Try the man made runs at the mountain biking parks in the local area. There are family trails in the Forest of Dean, or head north to explore the hidden gems of Radnorshire. Pendarren does not offer this activity but there are local bike hire companies.

• Paragliding – the mountain across the valley from Pendarren, Blorenge, has been purchased by a local paragliding club.

• Pony trekking – there are several local trekking centres, details available on request.

• Local festivals – Hay on Wye book festival (May half term), Abergavenny cycling festival (July), Green Man music festival (August), Brecon Jazz festival (August), Abergavenny food festival (September).