Thursday, 26 February 2009
Thursday, 19 February 2009
"Double dragon? That sounds Japanese"
Thanks Aubrey for this...feel like I was here with you!
February 17, 2009...4:12 am
“Double dragon? That sounds Japanese.”
I am rejuvenated.
I have returned from a weekend of adventure in my homeland, Wales. We went to an extreme sports camp in the Pembrokeshire area of South Western Wales, and spent the weekend revving up our adrenaline and taking in the countryside.
Welsh roads are the funniest things, because they keep you from ever knowing where you are until you stumble upon your destination; they’re hedged in, literally, by massive brambles, bushes and the occasional sheep.
I became acquainted with the National Ale of Wales: Double Dragon. I see a beautiful friendship on the horizon, if I’m able to find it anywhere but in Wales, which I highly doubt. All in all the atmosphere at the camp was one of relaxation and I think a thankfulness to get out of the city mindset. Things slowed down once we got to the rolling green hills, smelled the salt water and saw that clear sunshine.
We took a quick drive over to a little fishing village, Abercastle, and launched in their cove. We did a few quick lessons in basic kayak technique, then headed out to the open water. We hugged the coast, but not too closely because there were jagged rocks and crags along the way. We got to paddle around in the waves, launch ourselves over rock outcroppings at the right moments, and were dared to generally be “fearless” in the water. Our instructors were really fun guys, both so down to earth and into fun, so the smiling was contagious. As we got back into the cove and dragged our kayaks up onto the shore, a neighborhood dog trotted down to greet us, going to each of us, checking we were okay, pausing to be adored, and then trotted back to his spot lying in the middle of the one way road.
For our last day there, I took a seven mile hike along the coastal cliffs with a few other adventurers. My walking buddy was Keely, and we had a great time exploring, taking in the sights, and making sure we got off the beaten path occasionally. I got to frolic multiple times, which, in my book, counts as a major win. I took some incredible landscape shots, communed with the ocean, chatted with a sheep, and got to slosh through incredibly satisfyingly squishy suctiony mud.
After a quick lunch and time to clean up and get our stuff together, we headed back towards London, past Cardiff and Bristol, etc. although this trip was much quieter because we were all exhausted. I was sad leaving the rolling green hills and the sheep and the countryside smell. I let myself daydream about working on a farm for the summer, being able to fully immerse myself in the Welsh countryside and small town culture.
Maybe some day."
Read more of Aubrey's blog.
February 17, 2009...4:12 am
“Double dragon? That sounds Japanese.”
I am rejuvenated.
I have returned from a weekend of adventure in my homeland, Wales. We went to an extreme sports camp in the Pembrokeshire area of South Western Wales, and spent the weekend revving up our adrenaline and taking in the countryside.
Welsh roads are the funniest things, because they keep you from ever knowing where you are until you stumble upon your destination; they’re hedged in, literally, by massive brambles, bushes and the occasional sheep.
I became acquainted with the National Ale of Wales: Double Dragon. I see a beautiful friendship on the horizon, if I’m able to find it anywhere but in Wales, which I highly doubt. All in all the atmosphere at the camp was one of relaxation and I think a thankfulness to get out of the city mindset. Things slowed down once we got to the rolling green hills, smelled the salt water and saw that clear sunshine.
We took a quick drive over to a little fishing village, Abercastle, and launched in their cove. We did a few quick lessons in basic kayak technique, then headed out to the open water. We hugged the coast, but not too closely because there were jagged rocks and crags along the way. We got to paddle around in the waves, launch ourselves over rock outcroppings at the right moments, and were dared to generally be “fearless” in the water. Our instructors were really fun guys, both so down to earth and into fun, so the smiling was contagious. As we got back into the cove and dragged our kayaks up onto the shore, a neighborhood dog trotted down to greet us, going to each of us, checking we were okay, pausing to be adored, and then trotted back to his spot lying in the middle of the one way road.
For our last day there, I took a seven mile hike along the coastal cliffs with a few other adventurers. My walking buddy was Keely, and we had a great time exploring, taking in the sights, and making sure we got off the beaten path occasionally. I got to frolic multiple times, which, in my book, counts as a major win. I took some incredible landscape shots, communed with the ocean, chatted with a sheep, and got to slosh through incredibly satisfyingly squishy suctiony mud.
After a quick lunch and time to clean up and get our stuff together, we headed back towards London, past Cardiff and Bristol, etc. although this trip was much quieter because we were all exhausted. I was sad leaving the rolling green hills and the sheep and the countryside smell. I let myself daydream about working on a farm for the summer, being able to fully immerse myself in the Welsh countryside and small town culture.
Maybe some day."
Read more of Aubrey's blog.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
I've been away for a while....
I've been away for a week gallivanting in the snow elsewhere - and I missed all of the snow here :( I'm just catching up on what's been happening here at PV while I've been away, found some wonderful blogs from our guests over the last weekend.
Despite travel disruption the snowy weather appears to have MADE the weekend for some people! Check these out:
http://flaggphoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/wales.html
http://alondontraveler.blogspot.com/2009/02/4-weeks-and-trip-to-wales.html
http://jennaslondonadventure.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/lots-of-snow-oxford-wales-adventure-weekend-and-a-21st-birthday/
Despite travel disruption the snowy weather appears to have MADE the weekend for some people! Check these out:
http://flaggphoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/wales.html
http://alondontraveler.blogspot.com/2009/02/4-weeks-and-trip-to-wales.html
http://jennaslondonadventure.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/lots-of-snow-oxford-wales-adventure-weekend-and-a-21st-birthday/
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Press Release - Eco Lodge Achieves First 5 Star Grading in West Wales
For immediate release
Eco Lodge Achieves First 5 Star Grading in West Wales
Preseli Venture Eco Lodge in Pembrokeshire has become the first activity centre in West Wales to gain 5 stars.
After two years of hard graft by staff and local craftspeople, the lodge received the coveted 5 star accreditation.
The renovations invested in extensive low-carbon technology to cut emissions and to help protect the delicate balance of the National Park environment.
“Investing in the future was a key priority for the Eco Lodge’s new build and upgrade” says Nick Hurst, Preseli Venture’s owner. “All the hot water and heating in the lodge comes via our new ground source heat pump, and we source our electricity from Ecotricity, a company which has a real commitment to renewable energy”.
“As unpleasant as it might sound, dealing with the human waste created by our guests in our remote coastal location was a challenge. So we invested £14,000 into a BioDisc system, which rotates a biomass through the effluvia, meaning that we can be confident the waste released into the environment is completely and thoroughly treated, free from solids and pollutants,” says Nick.
According to Claire Carlile, Preseli Venture’s marketing manager, the new eco lodge has proved popular with both new and returning guests and offers the chance to show visitors that sustainable living practices are accessible to everyone and not just the remit of the few.
‘We’re not big fans of greenwash and we don’t believe in taking a preachy stance with our guests, but we do embrace the opportunities that exist for sharing more environmentally responsible practises with our customers. We transport them to their adventures in buses that run on local bio diesel made from used chip oil, we put on a free bus and train transfer to the lodge to encourage people to use public transport, and we source our food as locally as possible” she says.
She adds “We’ve found that we have a growing client group that are considering eco credentials as part of their decision making process, and so we’re as much responding to demand as following our own hearts and environmental beliefs”.
Jonathan Jones, Director of VisitWales, said: "I'm delighted that Preseli Venture has gained a 5 star for their Eco Lodge. This achievement is testimony to the hard work and drive of the staff and their commitment to quality. Preseli Venture's Eco Lodge really does prove that you can have an eco-friendly activity holiday without compromising on luxury and quality. I wish the team all the best for 2009."
The VisitWales grading scheme assures visitors that their chosen accommodation has been checked out before they check in, and the stars reflect the facilities and the overall quality of experience. A 5 star grading denotes accommodation that is ‘exceptional with a degree of luxury’ and the new eco lodge enjoys under-floor heating and plush new bathroom facilities with individual wet-rooms.
Preseli Venture is additionally accredited with the Green Dragon Environmental Standard, which means that all living and working practises are monitored with a view to continuing to improve the organisations’ pro-environmental practises.
To find out more visit http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/, email info@preseliventure.com or call 01348 837709.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES
About Preseli Venture
Preseli Venture is a well established Pembrokeshire based adventure operator which has offered adventure events and lodge accommodation for over 21 years. In addition to eco lodge accommodation Preseli Venture specialises in offering all inclusive adventure breaks to adult and family groups, as well as a range of experiential team and leadership solutions for corporate clientele.
Preseli Venture offers coasteering, sea kayaking, surfing, biking, and hiking adventures, and also works closely with a range of local service providers to offer a full portfolio of additional activities to their clients, including high ropes courses, golf, and stand up paddle boarding.
In 2008 Preseli Venture won Pembrokeshire Tourism’s ‘Greenest Achievement’ award in recognition of their commitment to good environmental practise.
For full details of Preseli Venture staff, background and events visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/
To find out more about the pro-environmental features of the Preseli Venture Eco Lodge visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/lodge/lodge.shtml
Contact Details and Media Opportunities
Media Contact
Claire Carlile, Marketing Manager, Preseli Venture
T: 01348 837709 E: claire@preseliventure.com M: 07813 242436
Interview Opportunities and Press Visits
If you would like to arrange an interview or a press visit, please contact Claire Carlile – contact details above
Photos and Photo Opportunities
As above
Eco Lodge Achieves First 5 Star Grading in West Wales
Preseli Venture Eco Lodge in Pembrokeshire has become the first activity centre in West Wales to gain 5 stars.
After two years of hard graft by staff and local craftspeople, the lodge received the coveted 5 star accreditation.
The renovations invested in extensive low-carbon technology to cut emissions and to help protect the delicate balance of the National Park environment.
“Investing in the future was a key priority for the Eco Lodge’s new build and upgrade” says Nick Hurst, Preseli Venture’s owner. “All the hot water and heating in the lodge comes via our new ground source heat pump, and we source our electricity from Ecotricity, a company which has a real commitment to renewable energy”.
“As unpleasant as it might sound, dealing with the human waste created by our guests in our remote coastal location was a challenge. So we invested £14,000 into a BioDisc system, which rotates a biomass through the effluvia, meaning that we can be confident the waste released into the environment is completely and thoroughly treated, free from solids and pollutants,” says Nick.
According to Claire Carlile, Preseli Venture’s marketing manager, the new eco lodge has proved popular with both new and returning guests and offers the chance to show visitors that sustainable living practices are accessible to everyone and not just the remit of the few.
‘We’re not big fans of greenwash and we don’t believe in taking a preachy stance with our guests, but we do embrace the opportunities that exist for sharing more environmentally responsible practises with our customers. We transport them to their adventures in buses that run on local bio diesel made from used chip oil, we put on a free bus and train transfer to the lodge to encourage people to use public transport, and we source our food as locally as possible” she says.
She adds “We’ve found that we have a growing client group that are considering eco credentials as part of their decision making process, and so we’re as much responding to demand as following our own hearts and environmental beliefs”.
Jonathan Jones, Director of VisitWales, said: "I'm delighted that Preseli Venture has gained a 5 star for their Eco Lodge. This achievement is testimony to the hard work and drive of the staff and their commitment to quality. Preseli Venture's Eco Lodge really does prove that you can have an eco-friendly activity holiday without compromising on luxury and quality. I wish the team all the best for 2009."
The VisitWales grading scheme assures visitors that their chosen accommodation has been checked out before they check in, and the stars reflect the facilities and the overall quality of experience. A 5 star grading denotes accommodation that is ‘exceptional with a degree of luxury’ and the new eco lodge enjoys under-floor heating and plush new bathroom facilities with individual wet-rooms.
Preseli Venture is additionally accredited with the Green Dragon Environmental Standard, which means that all living and working practises are monitored with a view to continuing to improve the organisations’ pro-environmental practises.
To find out more visit http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/, email info@preseliventure.com or call 01348 837709.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES
About Preseli Venture
Preseli Venture is a well established Pembrokeshire based adventure operator which has offered adventure events and lodge accommodation for over 21 years. In addition to eco lodge accommodation Preseli Venture specialises in offering all inclusive adventure breaks to adult and family groups, as well as a range of experiential team and leadership solutions for corporate clientele.
Preseli Venture offers coasteering, sea kayaking, surfing, biking, and hiking adventures, and also works closely with a range of local service providers to offer a full portfolio of additional activities to their clients, including high ropes courses, golf, and stand up paddle boarding.
In 2008 Preseli Venture won Pembrokeshire Tourism’s ‘Greenest Achievement’ award in recognition of their commitment to good environmental practise.
For full details of Preseli Venture staff, background and events visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/
To find out more about the pro-environmental features of the Preseli Venture Eco Lodge visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/lodge/lodge.shtml
Contact Details and Media Opportunities
Media Contact
Claire Carlile, Marketing Manager, Preseli Venture
T: 01348 837709 E: claire@preseliventure.com M: 07813 242436
Interview Opportunities and Press Visits
If you would like to arrange an interview or a press visit, please contact Claire Carlile – contact details above
Photos and Photo Opportunities
As above
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