Geofest 2017 is now underway in the Brecon Beacons National Park, running until Saturday 3rd June. The festival is a celebration of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Geopark in the west of the park and includes walks, talks and the popular family Activity Day at Craig y nos Country Park next Wednesday 31st May, 10am-4.30pm.
This year visitors can expect even more from the family activity day in the central meadow at Craig y nos Country Park. New for 2017 is a chance to have a go at canoeing on the lake or caving in a fibreglass cave as well as the ever popular zip wire. You can also meet hawks and bees. Bring the dog too as behaviourist Theresa Toomey will be on hand to offer expert advice on all your pooch related questions, just remember to keep your pet on the lead. There will be orienteering, geocaching, stone carving, weaving, muddy play areas and hands on geology, wildlife and archaeology activities. Please note there is a car parking charge of £5 for cars.
If you prefer a programme of walks is available throughout the festival week, perfect for those wanting to explore the Geopark. It has been 480 million years in the making with a varied landscape sculpted by ice and further changed by those who live in it. further. Trace the early inhabitants and seek out the many Bronze age cairns on the ‘Cadlan’s Cairns’, walk Thursday 26 May or find out how geology influences the vegetation by joining the ‘Carreg Cennen to Garreg Las’, walk on Tuesday 30 May. To view the full programme and to book visit www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk.
1. Tuesday 30 May 2017 10am – 4.00pm
Carreg Cennen to Garreg Las
An exploration of the wildlife and landscape near Carreg Cennen Castle via the Beacons Way, through limestone and sandstone territory visiting the best example in the park of geology influencing vegetation.
Book your place on this walk now through Eventbrite.
A walk with Brecknock Wildlife Trust exploring the natural history of Craig y Rhiwarth and the Allt Rhongyr nature reserve.
Book your place on this walk now through Eventbrite.
A walk in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Park Society (BBPS) and the National Trust via Cefn Cwm Llwch, Pen y Fan, Corn Du and visiting Llyn Cwm Llwch before returning around Twyn y Dyfnant. Join Rob Reith, the Trust’s lead ranger, to explore the landscape, history, management and conservation of this special place.
Book your place on this walk now through Eventbrite.
An exploration of a newly aligned section of the Beacons Way in a lesser visited part of the Black Mountain, visiting Blaenllynfell, Cefn y Cylchau and Cefn Truman. Plenty of circular depressions along the way.
Book your place on this walk now through Eventbrite.
Ian Rowat, the National Park Authority’s Member Champion for Biodiversity and the Environment commented;
“This annual celebration of the Geopark is extra special this year thanks to the success of Fforest Fawr in retaining its prestigious title as a UNESCO Global Geopark earlier this year. Geofest gives everyone the chance to learn more about the area, its geology, wildlife and the people who have shaped it.”
