Preseli Venture Ramblings...

Our Top 10 Travel Bloggers

2011-04-06T11:27:00.002+01:00

In the past few years we’ve been lucky enough to host and befriend a big bunch of lovely travel bloggers. I know what you’re thinking, the popular perception of a travel blogger is someone that hops from country to country, on a permanent holiday – pausing in their neverending wanderlust only to upload some piccies and tap some words into their flashy laptop…

The reality, it appears, is somewhat different – it’s not all beaches and pina coladas for this lovely lot! Writing a spot-on blog, growing a following and coming up with the goods time and time again is no mean feat. To this end, here is Preseli Venture’s list

of our top 10 favourite travel bloggers:

Catherine Mack

Catherine is a freelance travel writer specialising in responsible travel. She graduated with a Masters degree in Responsible Tourism Management in 2007, and since then has combined travel writing and blogging with full time parenting. She has also recently written the Green Travel Ireland app – check it out!

Blogs: Catherine has her own website, Ethical Traveller, where you can read her travel articles, and she blogs over on the Green Traveller website.

Twitter: @catherinemack

Our favourite post: Ok, trumpet blowing alert – but it was when Catherine reviewed the PV eco lodge on Green Traveller. She doesn’t mince words, she tells it like it is, and we love her for that.

Read the rest of the Top 10 UK travel bloggers post over on the Preseli Venture blog.

Surfing 101 - How to get the most out of surfing for beginners

2011-03-22T12:16:00.005Z

Like countless others before you, your first encounter with surfing is likely to be either with a group of experienced surfer friends on a day trip. There they are, suited and ready to go, with all the equipment, confidently discussing the terminology. There you are – borrowed ill-fitting wet suit compared to their sleek second skins, giant garish yellow ironing board dwarfing their short, purpose-built trendy fibreglass stallions, wondering whether a pipeline is something to do with the sewage pipes or the shape of the waves.

Alternatively, your first encounter might be as part of a stag or hen do, taking a surfing lesson after a night of partying, feeling like death warmed up. Whichever it is, to get the most out of the experience, there are a few very simple but important rules-of-thumb you’re never told that could really help…

Hydration – you’re likely to be in the water for around two hours if you’re with experienced surfers or on a beginners’ lesson. During those two hours, you’ll be exercising unfamiliar muscles and fighting the considerable might of the sea almost continuously. Drink plenty of water (not seawater, although you will end up swallowing plenty of that); and don’t be macho and do it on an empty stomach.

Suncream – A giant red head and sunstroke is not a good look, but is sported all too often on campsites in Woolacombe. You, however, know you’ll be going surfing, so try and get hold of a surfer-specific type of suncream, or at the very least, a commercial brand that reassures you it’s waterproof. One major advantage is that the surfer-specific waterproof gel-style suncream won’t drip down from your forehead and sting your eyes – surfing is hard enough to learn already, without being unable to actually see the sea.

Board – you’ll be advised which board to use as a beginner. Either an 8-foot fun board or a bigger Malibu board catch waves more easily, but they’re harder to manoeuvre. Make sure it’s waxed so your ill-fitting suit sticks to it.
Youtube has countless 'learn to surf' videos - no, I know we're not in Australia, but we can always fantasize that on some days in the UK it's warm enough to surf in boardies :) and if you adopt a Ozzie accent people might think you know what you're doing!

Leash – It’s an unwieldy, restrictive feeling at first, being tethered to a massive board. But the first few times you spill in the waves and it goes flying out behind you, you’ll be glad of that leash round your ankle.

Rash vest – While you’re at it, hire one of these, or wear a T-shirt. Unless you’re used to rubber and grit, your skin will thank you for it.

Boots – Hire or borrow some boots the first time you surf. They’ll save you the hassle of worrying where you’re treading and what you’re treading on (including the dreaded Weaver fish and they don’t actually make learning to stand much more difficult.

The waves – When you’re first confronted with the waves, never have your board in between them and you. Remember, never point the board fins-first, and be careful not to rest your weight on the fins in the shallows.

Surfing etiquette – A holiday in North Devon is ridiculously popular in the Summer, and that means crowded seas. Keep at least the length of you, your leash and your board away from others in the sea. And remember, the first surfer standing close to where the wave is breaking has right-of-way. Follow the lead of other experienced surfers and be respectful to those who are more experienced than you.

Rip tides and lifeguards – Listen to everything you’re told about these, find out what the flags on the beach mean, and listen carefully to the distorted megaphone warnings the lifeguards shout out. Stick close to your mates to begin with, too – and if you’re feeling tired, there’s no shame in sitting out and getting your breath back.

Finally, for extra points, memorise the following phrase for when you’re out of the water: “The surf was all chop, but I was stoked. It was epic!”

This post was written by our friends at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, who specialise in offering short breaks in North Devon.

Outside the confines of concrete and Costa signs: coasteering in Pembrokeshire

2011-03-22T12:07:00.003Z

When it comes to having talented, social media savvy, and quite frankly LOVELY guests Preseli Venture appears to have struck lucky – even if I do say so myself

When Monday morning came around this corker of a post found its way into my inbox:

"Copenhangin in Copenhagen and

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales"

With a headline like that – who wouldn’t click ‘read more’? I put on my super sleuth hat and tracked down Kate Miller, who is a self confessed city living afficionado who found herself in need of some fresh air and green grass, outside the confines of concrete and Costa signs (I love that bit).

To cut a long story short I asked her if she’d be happy to put together a guest blog post for Preseli Venture. She was lovely enough to say yes, so without further ado, here it is…

Read the full post on the Preseli Venture blog.

Camping in North Devon

2011-02-07T11:35:00.002Z

So, as you’ll have guessed from the title, this blog is something of a departure from normal Preseli Venture articles, in geographic terms at the very least. The truth is that I really liked Claire’s blog on the best spots to go camping in Pembrokeshire and, as I’m something of a camping enthusiast, I thought that I’d jot down a few notes about why I like camping in North Devon, a region that has a good deal in common with southwest Wales.

North Devon is really only just across the Bristol Channel from Pembrokeshire and there are notable similarities between the two regions. These include spectacular coastal scenery, vast expanses of sweeping sandy beaches (like Broad Haven and Saunton Sands), and rugged moorland in the form of the Preseli Mountains and Exmoor. Add to this great mix of natural beauty the potential to pursue any number of adventurous (and not so adventurous) activities – from coasteering to kayaking, horse riding to hiking, and surfing to sunbathing – and it’s no wonder that holidays in North Devon and Pembrokeshire are so popular.

Of course, the two areas aren’t the same in every respect. I think it’s fair to say that if you’re after quiet seclusion, Pembrokeshire has the edge. However, if you’re going on a family camping trip and are more in need of a greater range of entertainment and family-friendly facilities then North Devon is definitely worth a look.

One of my favourite spots is Woolacombe, which is perfectly suited to family holidays, due in a very large part to its fantastic beach - widely regarded as one of the best in Britain. As it sits pretty much halfway along the North Devon stretch of the famous South West Coastal Path, the resort is also a good base from which to explore the rest of the region. While it’s a great place for family holidays, the range of campsites in Woolacombe means that you’ll easily find one to suit you.

The Golden Coast Holiday Village is very much a family-focused park, with a massive range of activities on offer, including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, 10-pin bowling, coarse fishing, and a cinema. By contrast, Easewell Farm, just up the hill in nearby Mortehoe, offers a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere with open camping fields and stunning views across the sea to Wales. I’ve stayed at both (at Golden Coast with family, Easwell with friends) and the both fitted the bill perfectly.

So, much as it’s difficult to drag yourself away from holidaying in the ever-glorious Pembrokeshire, if you are looking for a bit of a change, then I couldn’t recommend camping in North Devon more heartily.

Read more about Woolacome Bay Holiday Parks in our aboutus page

Our top spots for a night under canvas

2011-01-19T10:44:00.001Z

There are some awesome campsites in Pembrokeshire…

Of course we love it when people come and stay with us in the eco lodge, but there is just something about a night spent out under the stars, with just the thin shell of the tent separating you from the elements.

Combine that with the rustle of the trees, or the boom of the crashing surf, and our little corner of West Wales definitely has the pick of inspirational spots for setting up your canvas home.

So, whether you’re after some glamping, tipi or yurt holidays, or some campfires, here are some of our favourite places to camp in Pembrokeshire...

Read more in the full post on camping in Pembrokeshire.

Au revoir blogger, bonjour (and I love you) to wordpress!

2010-08-27T10:30:00.004+01:00

Sorry for the radio silence on the ole' blog, but we've been beavering away on our new website,which should be up and launched by the end of today, gulp!

We're saying 'so long blogger, it was fun while it lasted'. Our new blog is powered by wordpress (all the best things are - if I could have a wordpress powered husband I would - so malleable, so sexy - gah!).

So - we hope you'll come and see us soon on the new Preseli Venture Ramblings...
We should be there by tomorrow at the latest, and here's a sneaky peak of the new site...

Lovely.

Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2010

2010-04-28T12:01:00.013+01:00

Pembrokeshire Fish Week has always been one of the highlights of our gastronomic year - and for 2010 it seems that they're gone all out to put together a programme brim full of demonstrations, foodie celebs, and the best in local Pembrokeshire cuisine. And for 2010 ‘adventure’ has been added to this delicious menu!

Our friend Cathryn Nicholas has been working super hard getting the programme of events together, and we've asked her to write some words on the festival so we can see what's new and exciting for 2010.

Preseli Venture are excited to be involved in Pembrokeshire Fish week 2010, we'll be offering a day of adventure on Wednesday 30th June - join us for a full day or half day of coastal foraging, and fishy adventures!

In the morning we’re offering a half day sea kayaking adventure on the North Pembrokeshire coastline, we’ll take in sandy beaches, rock arches, echoing sea caves and tiny traditional fishing harbours. In the afternoon we’ll be going coasteering with a foraging twist ;) All the regular coasteering hijinx will be included (climbing, swimming, travsering and cliff jumping), but this time your coasteering guide will also introduce you to many of the ‘edibles’ that exist along our special stretch of coastline, yum!

So, without further ado – Cathryn’s details of all of the things that we have to look forward to at the festival …

“The countdown for Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2010 is on with only 9 weeks to go till our seriously fishy festival begins. Kicking off on Saturday 26th June at Milford Haven Docks, this really is a date for your diary that is a must for all!

There will be filleting demonstrations & competitions, children’s activities, live music walkabout entertainment, various stalls, a heritage trawler and lots, lots more as well as our new bistro style restaurant marquee where celebrity chefs Mitch Tonks and Matt Tebbutt will be cooking up a feast of fish with several local chefs from the county including Mel & Debs from the Blue Ball, Tenby and Andrew Swales from The Swan Inn, Little Haven.

If celeb chefs are your thing then why not join Valentine Warner of ‘What to Eat now’ on Wednesday 30th June at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven where he will entertain and encourage you with seasonal fish & shellfish dishes from the Welsh Coast

You can tantalise your tastebuds throughout the week with many opportunities for food lovers to enjoy seafood extravaganzas, locally-caught fish barbecues, freshly dressed crab salads and seafood chowders.

Sea Anglers and Coarse Fishermen will be in their element with two major competitions. The Stena Line Sea Angling Competition on Sunday 4th July and the Coarse Fishing Championships at Llyn Carfan from Monday 28th June – Friday 2nd July. There are big bucks to be won from both so if this is your sport then get hooked and get involved!! There are plenty more fishing events on throughout the week including learn to fish days and improve your skills events.

On Monday 28th June there'll be a screening of the controversial film ‘The End of the Line’ where host Simon Wright and a selected panel will be debating about the future sustainability of our fisheries! Grab your tickets now from the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

Don’t miss crabbing with the kids at Lowertown and Porthclais harbour, as well as craft opportunities in Fishguard, Tenby and Haverfordwest! Also, visit Goodwick beach when the Sea Trust South & West Wales shoot their seine net out and see how fishy Fishguard harbour is on Saturday 3rd July. This is a great way of discovering what marine life is in the tide.

Finally, how about getting your teeth into the Pembrokeshire Fish Week Photography Competition? This years theme is Coast and if your 15 years and over then why not give it a try. Entries need to have a title and can be emailed to: Cathryn.nicholas@pembrokeshire.gov.uk The deadline for entries is Wednesday June 9th. By entering you will be in with an opportunity to win £100.00 and a day in the studio with Ian Richards of Pembrokeshire Photography.

With over 250 events taking place there really is something for everyone as well as opportunities to try something you have never done before. "

For more details of the fishy fun you can connect with Pembrokeshire fish week on twitter and via their facebook page.

The story of today at Preseli Venture - cherry pickers, roof carpets, bluebells and dog walking

2010-04-22T18:44:00.008+01:00

It was a beautiful Pembrokeshire day today so Libby got snap happy with the camera and put together a little photo blog - sweet!

This is where is starts, with a big cherry picker parked up outside the new office.

The cherry picker means that we get access to carpet the roof, something that we've always wanted to do (not really, it's because we've got a man coming to plaster the wall with a special splattering approach and we want to keep the roof nice).

It's a lovely view down to Abermawr from up on the roof.

...So Libby and Rob decide to take a walk down to the beach. And look what they found - one of the first bluebells - lovely :) It's going to be a carpet of bluebells down there soon, magic.

Ah bless em. They are allowed out of the office sometimes - and when they do it makes them feel v. happy :)

Oh, and Lily looks happy too.

Knarled tree down in the dingly dell.

A refreshing drink for Lily, the little stream that marks the end of the Abermawr woodland walk.

The END!

Preseli Venture poster girls for British Tourism Week

2010-03-11T16:19:00.004Z

When we got a little email from VisitBritain saying that they were after some photos for the British Tourism Week poster I thought 'why not' and emailed a couple through.

Well, just imagine my suprise when they chose our little pics, and Sophie and Libby appeared on the poster in all of their glory. Ah, look at their happy faces. Libby is resplendent in the eco lodge courtyard, with Abermawr beach in the background. Sophie is donning a very fetching helmet, fair enough, she is coasteering, so we will excuse her choice of headwear on this occasion. Here we are ladies - you are the poster girls for British Tourism Week 2010 - enjoy ;)

Kayak Kingdom - sea kayaking on the Pembrokeshire coast

2010-02-24T12:19:00.004Z

How did we miss this one?! In September 2009 OE magazine ran a fab article by Rebecca Corbally on Preseli Venture's Sea Kayak Odyssey on the lovely coast of Pembrokeshire.

Here is is, in all its beauty:

"Bathing in the warmth of late afternoon sun, we glide sinuously out in the still water past the pastel-coloured cottages as a gaggle of gulls eyes us suspiciously from above".

"Kayaking gives you an entirely different perspective to life on land. Suddenly we are in a world of undiscovered caverns, inaccessible beaches, fishermen's 'keeps' bursting with shiny red lobster and gargantuan spider crab, the bald silhouettes of soft, slick seals popping up from time to time as they follow us unpeturbed. Arches, caverns and lonely needles stand proud among the white blasts of spray punctuating the black and silver granite beckoning us closer as the hours on the water pass."

"Our evenings are spent sitting in the cosy Preseli Venture eco lodge and tucking into well earned food which surpasses expectation every night. Candles are lit and a log burner nestles in the corner. A small bar serves much-needed red wine and cold beers..."

Rebecca has a lovely way with words, and she spends much of her time adventuring around the uk and further afield and writing super stories about it - you can live vicariously through her adventuring pleasure on her website - http://www.rebecca-corbally.co.uk

Happy reading!

An American abroad...and in Pembrokeshire!

2010-02-17T13:43:00.014Z

On of our favourite groups of visitors to Preseli Venture has to be our American study abroad students who come and stay with us - we promise them that they'll love coasteering on a weekend of adventures away from the city, we promise them frolics on the beach...and most of all we promise them that they will fall in LOVE with Wales and Pembrokeshire.

And you know what? They do fall in love with Wales - they blog about it, they make little films about it, and they hook up with us on facebook. We never forget a face and we love to stay in touch when they hop back over the pond to resume their lives and start their careers post graduation.

When Michael Flatt got in touch with a sweet little note about how much he had enjoyed his stay at Preseli Venture and to ask us to spread the word re. the lovely website that he'd developed we said 'yes, we'd love to!' So, here are Mike's ramblings on being an American in London, how Wales changed his life and some words on his new website...good luck Mike - and if you're a study abroad student in the UK check out the website as it's a terrific resource :)

"The old saying about Americans is we are generally oblivious to what goes on in the rest of the world. When you live in a nation as vast and isolated as the United States, it can be very difficult for citizens to conceptualize the cultural, social, and philosophical differences of faraway countries. However, studying abroad affords one the opportunity to live in a foreign city for an extended period of time and break out of his or her protective home shell. I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in London, England during the spring semester from January to May 2009.

As an American study abroad student in London, I found myself in a unique situation because of the extensive historical past shared between the British and American people. The United Kingdom is the homeland for many Americans, which lends an unexplainable fascination between the two countries. In Winston Churchill’s famous “Sinews of Peace” speech, he spoke of a fraternal association between the British Commonwealth and the United States of America. I can now look back on my study abroad experience and wholeheartedly agree with Churchill’s sentiment. Throughout my time in London, I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the royalty and tradition that defines British culture while interacting with other students who were just as interested in learning about American society.

This experience taught me a very important lesson: as a study abroad student you have a tremendous amount of responsibility in representing your home country in a positive way because those you interact with will retain your information in their mind forever. I discovered when you have the opportunity to converse with someone from a different country on a regular basis you begin to break away from your own labels and realize that most people generally hold the same core values at heart.

One of the more enjoyable perks of studying abroad was the ability to travel at will. My most memorable weekend trip was with Preseli Venture in Wales. Preseli Venture is an outdoor adventure venue located on the edge of a national park off the majestic Wales coast. It offers students, travelers, and companies an adventure filled weekend complete with both individual and team building activities. While studying abroad is often fun and exhilarating, it can also be emotionally draining on a student who is living a new life abroad.

Therefore, Preseli Venture was critical to the success of my overall study abroad experience because it allowed me to escape the city life and regroup in a relaxing coastal environment. Through the help of positive and upbeat guides who obviously enjoyed their jobs, I was motivated to try adventurous activities I normally would have been reluctant to partake in, such as sea kayaking and coasteering. With sea kayaking, I learned how to paddle through traverse surf while successfully staying in my kayak. In coasteering, I learned the proper techniques of rock climbing and rock gully swimming before proceeding to jump off cliffs into the arctic-like February temperatures of the Wales coast. Now, whenever I tell myself I can’t do something I just remember what I did in Wales. I can’t thank the people at Preseli Venture enough for providing me with such a rewarding life experience.

After my study abroad semester came to a close, I felt compelled to share my learning experience with others. Before going abroad, I had very little information available to me in terms of what to expect while living in London, adjusting to the British education system, and dealing with unforeseen events that may arise. As a result, I created the website AbroadinLondon .net both as a resource to alleviate some of the initial anxiety future London study abroad students may face and as a way for me to document my unforgettable memories from abroad."

Activity weekend break in Wales

2010-01-21T14:20:00.003Z

At the end of 2009 we had a couple of visits from some lovely students who made a bunch of films about their activity weekend break in Wales. Here's one of our favourites, from Robin Pagnanelli:

It's got everthing, a cute little soundtrack, Libby being adorably enthusiastic, Steve putting the girls through their power lunging strides down on the beach pre surf session, some kayakers exploring in caves, some sheep being cheeky on the coast path, hot chocolate drinking in the eco lodge, and lots of happy looking people!

Thanks Robin, come and see us again soon :)

We welcome Rob into the bosom the PV office

2009-12-10T12:13:00.004Z

Waaaay back in September we advertised for a new post at PV...for that 'special person' to come and join us in the office and share the thrills and spills of our day to day lives; the coffee, the cakes, and all that malarkey.

Well, after 50 application forms, a job seminar attended by 20 potentials, and then a gruelling interview process (arm wrestling, push ups and some very tricky questions) we've found someone we hope will be just the ticket!

Here he is, our Rob - with Sophie and Libby, all looking very chipper and excited about getting on with it all in January. Yay! Welcome Rob, we're sure you're so going to love working with all these crazy women in the PV office :)

Sophie, Rob and Libby all looking excited about 2010, and also about the lovely new pool table lights that Nick made - go Nick!

Please note - we use a Plagiarism Checker on all of our content.

what to wear coasteering...what not to wear coasteering

2009-12-03T14:48:00.007Z

Public information posters from Preseli Venture...

What to wear for surfing
What to wear for sea kayaking

What to wear for coasteering

What not to wear...ever

VisitBritain coasteers with Preseli Venture

2009-11-18T09:54:00.006Z

Last Saturday, despite the wind and the rain, a valiant group of VisitBritain staff from all over the world braved the conditions to discover the joys of coasteering on the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Here's are some piccies of our audacious crew:

and there are more on the Preseli Venture eco lodge and adventure s facebook page. Thanks for coming along to see us VisitBritain, hope that you enjoyed your Wales trip, and come see us again sometime soon :)

Preseli Venture in Parklife!

2009-11-05T13:22:00.006Z

Preseli Venture in Parklife! um, no I'm not talking about Damon Albarn (I once saw him on an escalator in H&M on High St Ken don't you know), and this.

I mean 'ParkLife' magazine, winter 2009/10. It's a lovely piece about people who live and work and play in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. And yes, the picture of me is rather old, climbing Sinecure back in the day - but hey, you gotta grab your 15 minutes where you can!

Here it is:

Packed full of 'money off' park attractions, where to go and what to do, plus details of walks in the National Park you can pick up your copy in local shops or tourist info centres! :)

An American Adventure in Wales

2009-10-29T14:54:00.003Z

Found this lovely blog post from Alexis who came to visit us a couple of weeks ago - thanks Aexis, glad you had a fun weekend :)

"On the early afternoon of Friday, October 16, I was on a train to Haverfordwest, Wales. It was a long train ride… about 5 hours.

When we arrived in Havenfordwest, Libby, a really crazy and energetic person, picked us up and took us to Pembrokenshire, a tiny town about 20 minutes away. Right away, I knew I would need lots of energy for the weekend.

I was very impressed with the accommodations. Come to find out it’s a 5-star eco-friendly lodge. I enjoyed delicious and healthy food the entire weekend! Probably the best I’ve had since I have been in Europe.

Our group wanted to kick off the adventure early and head to the beach, about a 20 minute walk, but since it was black out, Charles, our group leader told us it wouldn’t be a wise decision. Instead we sat around a bonfire and looked at the vivid stars.

Surfing was my morning activity on Saturday and we were all pleased to have beautiful weather. After struggling to put on 5mm winter wet suits, my group headed off to the beach to catch some waves! I was able to stand up a few times, but it wasn’t long until I lost my balance and jumped off. We all had an incredible time and didn’t want to leave. I will probably have to hit up the surf in Hawaii soon. : )

After enjoying hot chocolate and soup for lunch, my group went on a seven mile hike. The leaders gave us map and dropped us off. We trekked up and down mountains, through fields and pastures and along the coastline. It was gorgeous! We even heard and saw an Atlantic Gray Seal.

As we made our way back to the lodge, my hands were freezing so Sarah and I enjoyed tea by the fireplace. After dinner, we made s’mores the English way with Digestive cookies, Galaxy chocolate and mini marshmallows. Another group at the lodge was a bachelor party. We were able to make them s’mores and had an intellectual conversation comparing the UK and the US.

On Sunday I went coasteering. It is probably the coolest thing I have ever done. The sites were absolutely stunning as we swam through caves and climbed and jumped off cliffs. My first jump was only six feet high to get used to the technique, but we finished our journey by jumping off of a 15 foot jump and finally a 20-25 foot jump. It was so exhilarating!

I wasn’t as sore as I thought I would be, but it was nice to get a lot of outdoor exercise. It was also nice to breathe clean air. Wales Adventure Weekend was a fabulous time; it’s going to be hard to top this excursion!

I’m still waiting on the coasteering pictures, but I will put them up once I get them. If you’re really interested, you can check out their website: http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/"

Read more about Alexis's adventures in Europe

New coasteering piccies!

2009-10-27T15:55:00.005Z

A Sunday afternoon training session at a new coasteering location starts normally enough...today the crew includes Ant, Libby, Jon K, and Paul, joined by Nick, Lucy and Sam. Oh, and this guy too, what's his name?

Ah yes, Charles - resplendent in a longjohn wetsuit. I can almost hear him say 'Come on coasteering....do your worst...I feel NO FEAR and I tweak the nose of death'. Erm, ok Charles.

Setting off and traversing around...

Splashing fun...

Professional coasteering stance, as demonstrated by Paul and Sam...

Happy faces. Charles - digging your blue helmet...

Paul with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Oh no, it's just Sam.

Happy Lucy in a cave...

resting on a rock...
Look at those faces (yes, I mean Charles).

They found a natural coasteering jacuzzi, awesome!

...waaa big wave!
most coasteering piccies from the weekend just posted on the Preseli Venture eco lodge page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/preseliventure

Want to come and join us in the office of eternal fun and happiness?

2009-10-15T16:48:00.008+01:00

Tomorrow is the cut off point for applications for the lovely 'customer services and marketing' role that we have advertised.

We have had some corker CV's and we're really looking forward to meeting people at the job seminar in a couple of weeks time. In the meantime, if you're interested in hearing more about the role pop us a CV to info@preseliventure.com because it's not too late and we'd still love to hear from you!

Go on....who wouldn't want to to come and work in an office with these lovely peeps?

Libby

Sophie
Claire

Yes, I did deliberately choose these 'special' photos. Sorry Libby and Sophie :)

We hope to see hear from you soon :)

Preseli Venture want you!

2009-09-24T11:45:00.003+01:00

Preseli Venture are after someone lovely to come and work with us in the PV office! email us info@preseliventure.com for more information, hope to hear from you soon :)

A big pat on the back...

2009-09-15T12:14:00.002+01:00

...for all of our lovely guides and lodge staff. Had a super email from John who was here for his stag weekend, I'll let John do the talking:

"Please pass on a huge thanks to everyone at Preseli for a brilliant stag do this week end. It really was perfect in every way. The centre itself is terrific - the rooms were all different, clean and comfortable, showers warm and plentiful and the main room set the place off. The food was to everyone's liking and all of the people who work there are a credit to you. All were friendly and helpful and made it extra special. And then the activities!

The coasteering was the best thing I have done! Unbelievable. And again the instructors were great as we diced with certain death. Kayaking was also spot on and I thought the walk would be an anti-climax. But no, the wonderful Pembrokeshire countryside came in to steal the show! I am running out of superlatives now. Only one complaint. The wedding may be over shadowed by the stag do! So well done to all of you and a massive thank you!!!
Cheers, John 'The Groom'"

Thanks John, we hope your wedding day is just as awesome and exciting as your coasteering adventure! :)

Concur Technologies chooses Preseli Venture

2009-09-09T15:19:00.006+01:00

August C & IT magazine featured a fab case study of Concur Technologies team development event at Preseli Venture back in February - check out C & IT online, or find out more about PV's leadership training and team development programmes

Coasteering this bank holiday - as featured in the Guardian last weekend :)

2009-08-26T17:08:00.004+01:00

Lovely snippet from The Guardian at the weekend, who were covering 'Wacky Bank Holidays Days Out' and decided that coasteering at Preseli Venture would be a corker for this category! Here 'tis...

"Deep breath, open your eyes, peer over the edge, step back, deep breath, count to 10 ... and finally, when you're ready, jump! Making yourself do something scary is a surefire way to end the day on a high. Coasteering combines a few scary jumps with easy rope-free rockclimbing through caves and rock arches, scrambling along coastal rocks and sea swimming. Preseli Venture in west Wales has availability for half-day adventures next weekend in the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal national park, where guides will point out local wildlife such as seals and oystercatchers - though being quiet enough to avoid scaring them off may prove difficult. You'll be kitted out in wetsuits, helmets, neoprene gloves and socks and life-jackets - and despite the cliff jumping, it's not too extreme for most people..."

We do have just afew spots available this BH weekend, please do give us a bell on 01348 837709 if you'd like to join us for some cliff jumping, cave swimming, rock clambering fun :)

2009-08-22T18:15:00.003+01:00

PV new staff uniform as modelled by Ant - hot...in more ways than one!

Caty turns 20 in Wales

2009-07-14T09:54:00.003+01:00

aahhh....another wander round the blogosphere turned up this lovely blog from Caty - who came to see us on the weekend 10-12 July and celebrated her 20th birthday with us - happy belated birthday Caty! The crumpet covered in squirty cream, with a candle stuck in it, made by Charles, that I found in the fridge at PV last weekend must have belonged to you - I'm not suprised you didn't eat Charles' creation :)

Anyways....lovely blog. Caty braved the 'sheep poop', as well as facing her fears regarding the eating of vegetables. But most of all I love her Abermawr swimming experience, I've seen the photos on facebook and well done for proving that the sea in Wales is actually FINE for swimming in in your bathers - go girl!

"Abermawr Beach is my perfect beach and we were there at the perfect time. The sun was setting making the clouds yellow and pink and purple. There was a cliff on the right side and on the left side and the beach was rocky instead of sandy. I fell in love immediately. Those of us brave (read: stupid) enough stripped to our bathing suits and ran into the water. Let me tell you, if I thought the Channel in Cornwall was cold, the Irish Sea in Wales is even more so.

After dunking my whole body under, I came up screaming. Your skin goes numb eventually but for a few minutes there, it is intense. After wave jumping and allowing our bodies to get used to the water, some of us swam over to some rocks and went climbing. Not the best idea in bathing suits and bare feet especially since the rocks were covered in barnacles and thus very sharp.

It was really fun though and I got to sing "Part of Your World" from a rock similar to the one in the movie where the ocean crashes up behind her. We left the rocks and Phil and I stayed in the water some more before going and sitting on the sand right at the water line and just staring around us in wonder. The sky looked like a gorgeous still painting because there was no wind."

You can read this and more about Caty's coasteering adventure on her blog.

VisitWales blog competition

2009-07-02T16:03:00.001+01:00

Yay! Check out our badge

Inspirational Adventures in Wales

We're nominated in the VisitWales blog competition, and very pleased we are too.

If you have written lovely words about Wales, or if you have an online collection of great Welsh piccies, you can enter the blog comp too - and win a swanky weekend of love for 2 :)

Family Adventure Holiday feedback

2009-06-17T12:50:00.007+01:00

Here are our guests on our inaugural Preseli Venture Family Adventure Holiday. What a lovely bunch. Gina is on the far left, what a super lady, hopefully she'll be back for some more coasteering and sea kayaking adventures soon. I did try and convince her to relocate her and her husband here...watch this space :)

This is what Gina had to say about her week with Preseli Venture:

"From day one PV made you feel really welcome and that good times were ahead. We were greeted by Libby who was our host and her effervescent personality left you feeling as though you had been given a glass of champagne on arrival.

Lunch was served and we were provided with hearty and wholesome food that was perfect for fuelling us for our surf session in the afternoon. We were greeted by our instructor Jon who had humour and professionalism that quickly reassured us that we were in good hands. He explained to us about the surf and weather conditions and gave instruction that was tailored to individual needs. Having worked in adventure tourism and seen a multitude of teaching styles it was great to see someone who was in the job to enable others to enjoy the outdoors rather than just to boost their ego.

We relaxed in the evening full of gertitude and plumptiousness after Helen and Libby’s cooking and a nice fire stoked to the brim so that we could get toasty after our exertions and watch the greater spotted woodpecker devour nuts through the window on the bird feeder. It was like watching springwatch but without the cheesy jokes. There wasn’t any need for TV because chatting about the days events with drinks from the bar was the way forward.

On Tuesday we kayaked out of a beautiful harbour, exploring inlets and learning new paddling skills. The magic hot chocolate that is provided on every trip was bought out as we stabilised each others kayaks whilst looking out to the blue yonder and being rocked gently by the waves.

In the afternoon after refuelling with more great lunch we went coasteering; scrambling through rocks and seaweed and swimming between rocks as the waves came in was awesome. We got up close and personal with sea creatures and learnt about them as well as getting a buzz from jumping off rocks of increasing heights. We were shown a cave that had the most amazing colours due to its geology and it seemed very surreal supping hot chocolate as we wallowed inside it.

Jumping off a wall of a disused mine, into a blue lagoon rounded off our day nicely and 26ft was high enough for me but others jumped 30ft and it was smiles all around especially as there was no pressure to do a jump but I would recommend getting out of your comfort zone to anyone – it makes you feel more alive.

Wednesday was chill out day and we could do what we wanted which was nice as we got to explore the surrounding area independently and St Davids is well worth a visit with all its history and amazing architecture. As I ventured onto the nearby country lanes, I even got to see coloured horses and foals galloping around at the local stud farm because a loose horse had decided to pay them a visit.

On Thursday we had a group hike along the local coastal path and were dropped off by PV at a start point so that we could do a circular walk back to the centre for lunch. The coastline is breath taking with all its varied flora and fauna and it gave all of us a chance to get to know each other better as we walked and talked.

In the afternoon it was surfing again which we had all chosen to do again rather than mountain biking. The flexibility within PV’s organisation makes it all the more special and we were completely hooked on surfing by the end of the week.

Friday morning was a sad morning; I didn’t want to leave as I’d had such an amazing time and found my wild woman within me! Strangely I’d joined the family week as a lone ranger not fancying a lazy beach holiday and it didn’t matter that I hadn’t bought any family with me because PV made you feel like you were with family (the relatives you actually like!)."

Thanks Gina, we LOVE you too :)

May piccie round up

2009-06-11T17:13:00.008+01:00

I've just been ferreting round in my piccie folder and found a load of May pictures - some I took for the VisitWales guest blog but decided they were too 'random', and some - well - Libby get holds of the camera and takes inappropriate photos in the office. We don't mind though.

So, in no particular order - scarey moth, woodpecker on PV bird table, Sophie table dancing in the office, Michelle's hen group, silver guitar man (found him by chance on Newgale hill), miniature horses, miniature horse riders, handsome Daf, and Jackie pics. Just another month in Pembrokeshire :)

Guest blog a go go!

2009-05-19T16:13:00.003+01:00

Paul asked me if I'd write a guest blog on the www.travelwales.org site. With some trepidation I said 'yes please' and then spent a whole weekend wibbling about it and taking lots of random photos.

This week Preseli Venture ramblings became 'Pembrokeshire ramblings' and also featured on the Wales facebook page - so if you are a big fan of WALES you can be a 'fan' of Wales - yay!

More lovely words, and I mean lovely

2009-05-12T15:07:00.005+01:00

It's nice to get back to work after the weekend and check out the guest book...when someone takes the time to jot a little jolly note down it's much appreciated and gives me a good idea of how the weekend went - while I was watching Daf fall off a horse at the dog show, and trying to stop Billy the dog from humping (too graphic?) other dogs at the dog show it's nice to know that guests here are having a lovely time!

Sarah's words filled our hearts with joy; "Thanks so much for a lovely weekend - loved the food, the activities, the accommodation, the ecover and the compost - everywhere should be like this :) lovely staff, lovely scenery, thanks"

Lovely, lovely, lovely. We love you too Sarah!

Porthgain ladies rowing victory!

2009-05-06T15:13:00.004+01:00

Mel paints a lovely picture of the Porthgain ladies Ella Rose team trip to the Scillies this year on the howies blog.

This is a girl that trained like a trooper in preparation for the racing and then found herself with a dicky back and physically unable to compete. Nonetheless - she came along - goddamit she:

-drove us there
-supported us start to finish
-took piccies of us from a boat
-gave up her Scillies howies t shirt to Hannah - our lastminute rower from Bristol gig club

and even bought the champagne and cakes for after the last race!

What a girl. Mel - we LOVE you, you are a star - bring on Scillies 2010 :)

Old crabby legs...and I don't mean Daf

2009-04-28T16:21:00.004+01:00

Perfect morning at the beach before work. Billy and I skipped along the sand until Daf was ready to head out on his kayak, and then we watched him power his way through the surf. We followed him over to a secret spot, where he lifted his pot, and then headed back into the beach.
Here he is looking handsome.

Billy was keen to check what was in the tub - a big fat lobster perhaps?

No, a couple of crabs, which make great eating too. My mouth is watering. It's nearly 4.30pm, and nearly time to leave the office....and home to a delicious supper. Yum.

Thanks to my celebrity stalker and infamous cat botherer friend, Jackie Morris, for the lovely photos.

Andrea's coasteering adventure!

2009-04-21T12:26:00.004+01:00

Hiya, rambling through the blogosphere as I am prone to do, I found Andrea's rather delightful description of her coasteering adventure here at PV over the Easter weekend,

"The next morning we had breakfast and then got suited up to go coasteering! Coasteering involves swimming, climbing rocks and then jumping off them! We wore wet suits, additional shorts and vests for extra warmth, socks, sneakers, gloves, life vests and helmets.

It must have been a funny sight - there were other people on the beach - watching 10 people in wet suit gear striding into the water and awkwardly trying to climb over slimy rocks while not letting the current take you away. It felt like we were on a secret mission and were trying to sneak through the water. It was really fun though, and once we got in we started to swim around the coast and stopped at various rock formations.

We started off small - first 5 ft jumps and some small climbs and then onto bigger jumps. I think the highest jump I did was about 12 ft - pretty good, considering I had a hard time jumping off the tower at camp. But it's really hard to do all the swimming and climbing and then not jump off - it's a really strange thing to be in all this gear and a helmet and jumping into turquoise water. Along the way our instructors talked about various birds and where the seals come to lay their pups. We also swam into a little cave opening that is open or closed depending on the tide.

It's really cool to be inside a rock and hear the waves crashing and feel the current drag you along. After swimming and jumping we got out of the water and climbed up a big hill that connected to a bath that lead us back to the beach where we started. Again, I think we startled 2 hikers who saw us soaking wet in all our gear walking along a field. But all in all it was really fun and something I would never have done on my own!"

And here she is , our happy little adventurer! Lovely stuff :)

Love and sea kayaking on the Pembrokeshire coast

2009-04-16T17:52:00.009+01:00

Libby and Ant, Preseli Venture's resident star crossed lovers, managed to have a day off work together and set off for their own adventure. Sea kayaking was the order of the day, and they departed from Fishguard Lower Town and headed North up along the coast to a little deserted bay. There they lay out their picnic blanket and stared dreamily into each others eyes, as they enjoyed their sandwiches. Ah, bless. And here are some piccies they took.

If, like Libby and Ant, you would like to explore the Pembrokeshire coastline by sea kayak you might like to check out our SEA KAYAK ODYSSEY sea kayaking events. Sandwiches are of course provided, but doe eyed loved up moments and snogging are of course completely optional :)

Easter a go go

2009-04-09T17:05:00.004+01:00

Easter weekend is upon us, it's shaped up to be a busy one, with 33 guests arriving tomorrow evening for a weekend of fun, adventures, sunshine and....chocolate, yum!

The lodge is fully booked but we do have some spots on adventure days for the following:

Friday 10th April PM family coasteer session
Saturday 11th April AM adult coasteer session
Sunday 12th April AM adult coasteer session
Monday 14th April AM family coasteer session, adult kayak session
Monday 14th April PM coasteer session

If you're up for joining us on one of these sessions give us a bell on 01348 837709!

Spare a thought for the bunnies, and have a lovely weekend.

Lastminute Easter Family Adventure Week availability - 10% off

2009-03-31T11:08:00.012+01:00

We have lastminute availability on our Easter Family Adventure Holiday on the 13-17 April, and we're offering a 10% discount to family groups on this date.

Our new family adventure holiday offers five days of discovery, fun, and exploration on the Pembrokeshire coastline. Family groups stay at the VisitWales graded 5 star eco lodge, enjoy healthy home cooked and locally sourced food, and get the chance to experience adventure activities including coasteering, sea kayaking, surfing, and biking.

Active time is balanced with the chance for families to explore the Pembrokeshire National Park coastline at their own pace; local sandy beaches provide the perfect location for chilled out family time – from beachcombing and rockpooling to safe swimming and unspoilt tranquility. Local attractions include dolphin spotting boat trips around offshore islands, fishing trips, horse riding on sandy beaches, through to bat detecting and badger watching!

This family adventure break will give families the chance to get more active together, and offers the perfect opportunity to renew and refresh family bonds and experience some quality family time.

Family groups are welcome to stay for one or two days through to the whole week. We have limited spaces still available on the Easter adventure event on the 13^th – 17^th April and are offering a 10% discount for family groups on this date.

For more info on the event check out family adventure holidays, call us on 01348 837709 or email us info@preseliventure.com

Windsurfing in Pembrokeshire

2009-03-24T11:55:00.001Z

Just found this video, our handsome and friendly National Park ranger Ian Meopham explains the joys of windsurfing in Pembs..is there anything that this man can't do :) ?

Here he is, some lovely climbing (Trevor Massiah anyone?) and surfing (lovely Tonia) vids too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t130BEBijKE

sunny beach to ourselves...just Billy and I

2009-03-19T10:16:00.003Z

It really doesn't get much nicer than this...Billy and I this morning - first footsteps and paw prints on the beach, so warm that it feels like summer. It's going to be a lovely weekend.

Press releases reach into some nooks and crannies...

2009-03-18T16:35:00.003Z

Our 5 star eco lodge press release is still popping up here and there and everywhere!

Energy Saving Trust, as well as eon have both blogged about Preseli Venture's eco credentials, they've picked up on the fact that we run our minibuses on bio diesel - used chip oil.

We like running the buses on chip oil, but it does make us hungry :)

Take your family for a workout in the wild in Pembrokeshire, Wales

2009-03-12T13:43:00.011Z

2009 just might prove to be the year of the 'staycation'; the economic climate combined with a growing environmental awareness could result in families eschewing their flights and holidays abroad and replacing them with a family seaside break closer to home. The central message of the VisitWales 'Holidays Unpackaged' campaign is that holidays are changing, and more people are waking up to the fact that holidays in Wales can offer a real alternative to the formulaic packaged holiday.

Preseli Venture’s new family adventure holiday offers five days of discovery, fun, and exploration on the Pembrokeshire coastline. Family groups stay at the VisitWales graded 5 star eco lodge, enjoy healthy home cooked and locally sourced food, and get the chance to experience adventure activities including coasteering, sea kayaking, surfing, and biking.

Active time is balanced with the chance for families to explore the Pembrokeshire National Park coastline at their own pace; local sandy beaches provide the perfect location for chilled out family time – from beachcombing and rockpooling to safe swimming and unspoilt tranquillity. Local attractions include dolphin spotting boat trips around offshore islands, fishing trips, horse riding on sandy beaches, through to bat detecting and badger watching!

According to the Preseli Venture team the family adventure break gives families the chance to get more active together;

‘There is so much in the media about the need for families to move more and eat better; this is a great opportunity to take some exercise in an amazing environment. At home kids might spend a lot of time in front of their playstation or wii – this holiday will give the whole family the chance to get close to nature, have a great workout in the wild, and it’s pretty much the perfect way to renew and refresh family bonds and experience some quality family time’ says Claire Carlile, Preseli Venture's marketing manager.

To find out more about family adventure events and activities visit http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/, email info@preseliventure.com, or call 01348 837709.

To find out more about local Pembrokeshire attractions visit things to do in wales

ENDS

EDITORS NOTES

About Preseli Venture
Preseli Venture is a well established Pembrokeshire based adventure operator which has offered adventure events and comfy ‘out of the way’ lodge accommodation for over 21 years. 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, stand up paddle boarding, and nature watching.

In 2008 Preseli Venture won Pembrokeshire Tourism’s ‘Greenest Achievement’ award in recognition of their commitment to good environmental practise.

Full details of Preseli Venture staff, background and events.

Find out more about the pro-environmental features of the Preseli Venture 5 star Eco Lodge.

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

coasteering photos from Allison's trip

2009-03-09T12:31:00.003Z

Stumbled upon Allison's coasteering photos from her Preseli Venture Weekend - fab :) It's true that wetsuits aren't always the most flattering ensemble...but Allison manages to pull it off with aplomb. Some great jumping piccies too, thanks for sharing Allison :)

lovely words on wales

2009-03-03T13:28:00.001Z

"I wish my pictures did Wales justice. It's honestly the most spectacular place I have ever seen. Even when I was covered in mud or kayaking in the snow, it was one of the best times I have ever had. If I lived in Wales, I would spend everyday I could either in the ocean or on the coast (which is definitely not normal). When I told Mom about this trip, she thought I was crazy...who would have thought that I would be swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and climbing rocks; or sea kayaking in the Irish Sea; or doing a 7 mile hike covered in mud. This weekend was definitely a character building experience and I couldn't have been more blessed to see this beautiful place and experience the things I have. I cannot wait to go back to Wales!"

Read Ellie's UK blog

Western Telegraph a go go

2009-02-26T13:15:00.001Z

"Double dragon? That sounds Japanese"

2009-02-19T10:06:00.002Z

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.

I've been away for a while....

2009-02-17T14:03:00.002Z

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/

Press Release - Eco Lodge Achieves First 5 Star Grading in West Wales

2009-02-04T14:40:00.006Z

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

Lovely coasteering piece in the Sunday telegraph

2009-01-26T15:28:00.002Z

Thanks Gary King for a sooper dooper piece on winter coasteering in the Sunday Times - we liked it very much! See - it's true, it's plenty warm enough to coasteer in December, especially with a toasty warm winter wetsuit :)

Life
25 Jan 2009

Back in the homeland...and a nice suprise

2009-01-20T11:35:00.003Z

After the hustle and bustle of London I got back home late on Friday...ahhh it really is nice to be back home.

After spending the best part of 2 weeks meeting study abroad students and chatting with them about the fun and adventures we have on tap at Preseli Venture it was a lovely suprise to find this email in the inbox:

"Hi Preseli Venture, In 1993 and 1994, my friends and I were studing in London from the University of Notre Dame in the USA and we took in 2 of your adventure weekends. I came across your website and it just brought back so many memories. I have never forgotten the kayaking, coasteering and hiking and the biking. It was wonderful I never forgot your dog, Teg, either.

You were a small operation back then--just 2 of you and the place was wonderfully rustic. I also remember being paralyzed with fear hiking up a steep part of the hike and Sophie coaxed me up and I was so proud.

I am so glad to see how successful your adventures have become and I just wanted to drop a line to let you know how much I enjoyed Wales and still remember it fondly years (and years) later.

Maria Bilotti

Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA"

It's nice to be thought of in such a fond way, after all of those years!

Frosty and bright

2009-01-05T13:34:00.002Z

First day back in the office for 2009, and another perfect crsip wintery day with blue skies. Yes, it's true that the sea is not super warm at the moment - but once you're kitted out in a winter wetsuit you'll be toasty and ready for action! Our friend Gary King came along for some 'winter coasteering' at the end of December - I'll post a link to his coasteering piece once its published, and you'll be able to read for yourself that jumping into the sea in January is a GOOD thing!

Christmassy Feelings...

2008-12-18T17:33:00.009Z

That's it - we're off now until the 5th January - woo hoo! Sophie and I have lugged everything out of the old office....and into the new. So, whereas before we were spread out over rather a palatial space, we are now all cwtched up together in the old booze cupboard...hic.

It's nice, we like it. So, off I go now, and back to work on the 5th. This will always be known as the year of the 'build' and here we are, all finished, pleased as punch, and ready for a happy 2009 (we are taking an optimistic tack on this, we've had enough of gloom mongerers).

Oh, and for me, it was definitely the year of the 'dissertation', my friend and fellow student Bev likened it to giving birth to a very large baby without any pain relief......so all the 'bearing down' paid off and this Monday I was the proud recipient of a scroll, and I got to wear a silly hat too. Piccie of Amy and I on our graduation day below. Have a SUPER CHRISTMAS!

A happy day...a very happy day!!

2008-12-11T14:40:00.004Z

Yay! We got it!

It's taken us nearly 3 years - but all of the hard work has paid off. This morning we've just had our Visitwales grading and....the Preseli Venture Eco Adventure Lodge is now officially West Wales and Pembrokeshire’s only 5 star activity centre.

Big cheers to everyone involved and well done all round - Nick and Sophie for their vision, Nick for all the actual real hard work of building and supervising the project, Jon K for his painting skills, Sheldon for being such a special electrician, Tony and Kevin for their woodwork, Peter our plasterer extraordinaire and too many other friends and willing workers to mention by name. Thanks to all of you...blub!

A sad day...but a good day

2008-12-10T13:24:00.003Z

Our lovely, lovely Loz is off to pastures new! After 5 years at Preseli Venture she's packed up her spotted hankie, mounted it on the end of a long stick, and she's following the yellow brick road to WOOKEY HOLE of all places, where she has heard the streets are paved with gold...

We will miss her so much, but we wish her LOTS of luck at the Wookey Hole Inn with Rich and the rest of the gang, and maybe we'll see her there! So, tomorrow night, that's Thursday, we're going along to the Duke at Newgale to say 'au revoir' to Loz, we'll be there from 6.30pm, because we plan to eat egg and chips and play pool and drink pints. Come along too, if you fancy :)

Random acts of kindness

2008-11-10T12:43:00.003Z

Sometimes people you don't even know do lovely things...a chap called Dan sent me an email with some snaps of our group sea kayaking at Abercastle and asked me to forward them to the group. Was very sweet of him, he was just here on holiday, and must have seen Preseli Venture written on the side of the bus! What a nice thought though - I'm going to try a random act of kindness every day - we'll see how it goes, karma and all that :) Anyway, thanks Dan.

Coasteering ad furore

2008-10-23T16:33:00.002+01:00

You might have read of the furore created by the Isle of Man's most recent ad - featuring one of their key adventure providers jumping off of a cliff:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/3234447/Isle-of-Man-tombstoning-advert-under-fire.html

Well, he's wearing a wetsuit, a helmet, a buoyancy aid, I'm sure that he has all of the correct kit, is well trained, and affiliated to the relevant governing bodies. I bet he even told his wife/mum/partner what time he'd be back for dinner.

You see, tombstoning is not coasteering. So, whether you're in the Isle of Man, or here in Pembs, if you want to jump off some cliffs, best do it with someone who knows what they are doing. Yes?

Preseli Venture updates....

2008-10-01T15:54:00.004+01:00

I am back at PV after three long weeks that consisted of;

-finishing off a long stint in London, met some lovely folks, more of that below
-finishing my dissertation, it's done and handed in - yippee!
-going to Jon K and Angharad's wedding, and also Tootall and Louise's wedding. That's 2 of our hunkiest instructors all married off
-cutting a dodgy fringe in my hair
-shaving off aforementioned fringe, and the rest of it too

So, back at the desk and ready for getting PV all sorted for 2009!

So, met some great folks in the big smoke and told them to get themselves here for some fun times and frolics! Well, they did come and see us, just found some nice blog posts:

http://kourtneyintheuk.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/catching-up/

http://blairrmiller.blogspot.com/2008/09/welsh-adventure.html

Thanks for coming ladies!

off to the big smoke!

2008-08-26T16:49:00.003+01:00

I'm off again on Wednesday to London, looking forward to it! Catching up with friends old and new, see you there if you're around, let me know. Last time I saw Damon Albarn on the escalator at H&M, I tell you, thrill a minute in the big smoke!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (lodge), Jon K is off on our second sea kayak odyssey, with another gang of bright eyed and bushy tailed sea kayakers. He drove all the way back from the Alps to take them out, thanks Jon :)

Ouch!

2008-08-05T16:17:00.002+01:00

Ouch indeed! Rowed around Ramsay Island on Sunday in our annual longboat race. Hands now in a dreadful mess, was horrid at the time, but looking back on it - it was splendid to be part of such a wonderful event. Flat sea for next year though please.

Inaugural Sea Kayak Odyssey

2008-08-05T16:01:00.004+01:00

The week of 21-25 July will probably go down in Preseli history as being the week that the sun shone, that the sea was like a mirror, and that we had the loveliest bunch of guests come to stay.

The inaugural sea kayak Odyssey event went down a storm, our kayakers slept under the stars, fished for their supper, cooked afore mentioned fish, kayaked into caves, spotted seals, circumnavigated offshore islands, and left their footprints on secret sandy bays. Thanks Martin, Shella, Jeremy, Pam and Robin for joining us.

TruTourism

2008-07-10T17:08:00.002+01:00

'Can jumping into the sea really benefit your business?' asks our good friend and tourism consultant Andrew Lloyd Hughes. You can read what he thinks about Preseli Venture's corporate teambuilding and leadership offering here:

http://trutourism.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/can-jumping-into-the-sea-really-benefit-your-business/

as well as Andrew's other very relevant tourism musings.

Cheesey Grins all round

2008-06-19T16:49:00.003+01:00

Following on from the award ceremony post - here is a piccie of Sophie and I at the Pembrokeshire Tourism awards - grinning like loons and recieving our 'Green Achievement' award. Thanks to Pembrokeshire Photography for the photo, they've got lots more at http://www.pembrokeshirephotography.com/

Sophie and I must be kneeling down, in real life we're much taller.

Is that really where I live?

2008-06-06T16:44:00.002+01:00

Sophie just walked into the office and looked at my computer, where I was taking a look at Antonio's photos from the weekend. 'Is that New Zealand?' she asked. This was last weekend, at a bay just round from Solva, where I live. Antonio and his friends took a full day trip with Jon Kellie, and rocked up on this little bay for their lunch. Really, you couldn't ask for much better than this. And it's just on our doorstep - not in New Zealand! Thanks for the photos Antonio, and good luck with the wedding.

PV on TV!

2008-05-30T14:49:00.002+01:00

Did you want big country last night on BBC2 Wales? I missed it, but watched it on iplayer.

It was handsome National Park ranger Ian Meopham, and Nick, and the lodge, and Loz, Sophie, Helen, Jackie, all the guides - and me too! Climbing, of all things.

Pembrokeshire never looked so lovely. This is a great series, looking at the stories and the people in all of Wales' National Parks. Well worth a look.

Award Winners!

2008-05-20T16:59:00.002+01:00

Sophie and I went along to the Pembrokeshire Tourism 2008 awards on Friday night, we were one of the 3 finalists for 'Green Achievement' award.

Well - we're not really girls for glamming up, but we cleaned our teeth, brushed our hair and generally tried to make ourselves look presentable. No mean feat.

On the way to the awards, we talked about what we'd say if we'd won - 'thanks very much - say no to the dualling of the A40', or perhaps 'thanks very much - remember to lobby your local MP for better public transport to west Wales' - go radical girls go!

As it turned out we did win - woo hoo! We sort of stumbled up on stage and said 'thanks very much' and then ran away.

It was a good night, and we got a lovely award plaque, and some nice photos of us recieving the award. Except I look like an overstuffed sausage, c'est la vie eh?! Photos to follow, for all you saucisson fans.

Wee Wee Monsieur!

2008-05-15T15:27:00.003+01:00

I just found the Porthgain ladies interview, it's available via Radio Scilly, where they have an archive of the gig championship coverage:

http://radioscilly.com/gigs/

It wasn't as bad as I remembered, although was sufficiently embarassing to make my cheeks redden. This link might take you straight there, if you don't have a problem with your 'plug in' (whatever that is):

http://radioscilly.com/files/porthgain_west_Wales.mp3

And another funny thing - the chap running Scilly Radio is none other than Radio Pembrokeshire's Keri Jones - who has obviously upped sticks to move from one beautiful place to another. Good luck in the Scillies Keri!

Welsh ladies rowing victory!

2008-05-09T10:08:00.005+01:00

Just got back from our 4th year competing in the World Pilot Gig Rowing Championships in the Scilly Isles. I row for Porthgain ladies - and as the only ladies gig rowing team in Wales - we always come first for Wales, every year - so technically we are the Welsh ladies champions - yay!

This year we came 51st - out of 108 ladies teams who came from all over the South West, and also Holland, and a team from the US. 108 6 oared gigs, out at sea, jostling for a space on the start line is a pretty impressive sight, and when you're sat in the boat, heart beating fast waiting for the starters orders, it's actually a scarey place to be.

After the 4th race of the weekend, a gruelling slog from Nut Rock Tresco to the beach on St Marys, we fell out of the boat and onto the golden sand. Ffion had kindly offered my services to a radio reporter, who interviewed me about the races and about being on the only Welsh team in the championships. Instead of doing us proud, I spoke about weeing into a dry bag on the start line. Well, when a girls gotta go, a girls gotta go.

And after the rowing is finished there are islands to explore, beaches to comb, and pink champagne to be drunk.

Thankyou mystery person....

2008-04-30T13:32:00.002+01:00

who nominated us in the 'Green Achievement' category for the inaugural Pembrokeshire Tourism awards, that was very nice of you. We're one of three finalists in the category, and we'll find out who was won on the 16th May.

The bluebells...

2008-04-24T17:09:00.002+01:00

...have arrived at Abermawr and they look beautiful - they're just starting to come out, so we'll have a carpet soon! We have spots on the May 2-4 Bank Holiday weekend, let us know if you're up for some bluebelltastic adventures.

Distracting View

2008-04-09T15:24:00.003+01:00

This is the view from the new lodge dining area;

Lovely, isn't it?

roof on

2008-04-04T11:25:00.005+01:00

Tristan is back! I haven't yet tested him to see if his geographical awareness has improved, but he managed to find us again, so that's enough for us. He's roofing the new bedrooms, and it's a lovely day for it.

And a roof on the new corridor too - it's all coming together and looking great. Here are the boys, mid discussion, and not a builders bottom in site. Which is a shame.

Preseli Venture - fuelled by coffee

2008-04-03T15:59:00.006+01:00

This is what keeps Lorraine and I going:

Ah, coffee. I dread to think how many cups a day. And the nicest thing? Sitting out in the sun, supping up the rays - and the caffeine.

Another busy day at Preseli Venture, honestly!

Trusty Steed

2008-03-27T10:23:00.004Z

I've never had a road bike, and today I borrowed Pete's bike to bike to work - 10 miles. It's got one of those saddles that probably makes you infertile - and even my padded pants didn't really take the edge off of the pain.

Anyway, cycling to work was quite nice, the sun was shining and the lambs were gambolling in the fields. So - cycling to work when the weather is nice is a good idea I've decided and also;

-it makes you fit, I am hoping for muscular calves as a result (how long will this take?)

-it saves money

-if you are of a 'green' persuasion you'll be interested to know it's better for the environment than driving - doh

I read that as a business you can offer a tax exempt loan scheme to encourage employees to cycle to work, there's some info here:

http://www.petrolprices.com/cycling.html

Just imagine the kit that you could persuade your employers to buy! And all in the name of good environmental practise - yay! Though no doubt they'd probably draw the line at spokey dokeys.

Something different for the weekend?

2008-03-13T13:42:00.007Z

A VERY long time ago, when I first started working at PV, I can remember a gentleman called Andrew Eames coming for a visit. He was writing a piece on our Adrenalin Cocktail weekends for the Evening Standard. He was nice, a little taciturn, one of those guys who doesn't give much away.

Anyway, the piece was fantastic, the write up of the weekend 'awesome' (ha), in fact it's still on the wall in the lodge, still makes me laugh when I read it.

'Something different for the weekend - 52 seasonal breaks for the imaginative traveller' is the name of the new book he's just written, and I was honoured and touched when I saw he'd included the Adrenalin Cocktail as one of these breaks! Even more so when he writes;

"In 25 years as a travel writer I'm lucky enough to have been to a lot of places myself, but many of them didn't make the cut as far as this book is concerned. This collection centres on those which really rocked my boat; those that had the tingle factor, that changed my opinion of something, someone or somewhere. I'm fairly convinced that some of them will rock your tingle factor, too."

We do hope so - we do like the idea of being purveyors of the tingle factor!

It's a great book with a load of ideas for exciting weekends away - you can read about it, and buy it here; http://www.bradt-travelguides.com/

And Andrew, if you ever get to read this, thanks very much, and please do come and tingle with us again soon.

More gushing....

2008-03-06T11:06:00.006Z

I'm having another moment I'm afraid. I read Kimberly's blog and Rachel's blog and they made my feel and warm and squishy inside.

Here they are:
http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/United-Kingdom/Wales/Pembrokeshire/blog-252309.html

http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/United-Kingdom/Wales/Pembrokeshire/Haverfordwest/blog-252468.html

and maybe they will make you feel all warm and nice too.

I promised them frolicing...it appears they went ahead and froliced!

Honey Fungus on youtube

2008-02-25T15:29:00.003Z

I know Jon Kellie's name pops up alot, it's because we love him! Himself and Angharad are off in the Alps, playing music for the snowy fans out there. If you want to experience honeyfungus for yourself, here they are, here. Come back soon you two, we miss your mellow tunes!

Caitlin in London, in Wales!

2008-02-19T10:07:00.000Z

http://caitlinlondon.blogspot.com/2008/02/weekend-in-wales.html

adventures in Wales - nice helmet Caitlin!

Our famous friends

2008-02-14T15:36:00.002Z

Nigel and Alun have written a lovely book on sea kayaking - you should definitely check it out! Don't know where Nigel has found the time, in between building our new lodge and landscaping the courtyard area. He truly is a man of many talents - and a really nice guy to boot! Anyway, this would be a really great purchase, to read up, before you come along on a PV sea kayak weekend - we already have our copy,and it's fab.

Busy day today...

2008-02-07T16:05:00.001Z

It’s sunny and beautiful outside, so I went for a little walk outside, tosample the air. The lodge and grounds are a hive of activity, I even caught a glimpse of a lesser spotted Sheldon. I'm not sure where the loveheart came from, I must have pressed a special button on the camera.And then I found a special wooden statue that used to be in a hidden place around the side of the sunroom, and now it has pride of place in the new courtyard.
It sort of reminded me of someone, see what you think...
I took a piccie of the new courtyard from upstairs. The view down to
Abermawr is fabulous.

Jacie's blog

2008-01-29T10:58:00.000Z

Jacie came to see us last weekend along with about 20 of her friends. The weather was fab, crispy with blue skies, the best that Pembrokeshire gets in January. Anyway, they had a blast - you can read about her adventures here:
http://jacieinlondon.blogspot.com/
Thanks Jacie - have an adventurous semester in the UK!

STA travel...so hot right now

2008-01-28T10:51:00.000Z

One nice thing about the stints in the big smoke is familiar faces.
Simon and Kate at STA always make the days more fun. Here they are, looking special as ever. Did you know you can book Preseli Venture weekends through STA? Well, you can!

Ah, Brian. Every year I see him. He always asks me how the horses are, and I have to explain to him we don't keep horses at Preseli Venture. The memory of a goldfish - but definitely one of the jollyest and most likeable characters I know.

And then there are new people too. Here is Erica, fresh off the plane from the good old US of A, finding her feet in London and settling in to a whole new world. She LOVES cows. But in a good way.

Adventures - London stylee

2008-01-13T17:32:00.000Z

I'm in the big smoke , meeting lots of lovely people, and telling them all about Pembrokeshire! I feel abit of a bumpkin, a country mouse, pulling bits of straw out of my hair.

In an attempt to glam up and fit in to the London set - I paid someone to put goop on my eyebrows and then wax them off. Ouch.

It's all abit overawing! Hamming it up in Chinatown, shortly before we saw Pete Burns chowing down outside Ed's easy diner. London's fun, but gosh it's expensive. Home soon!

Love at Preseli Venture - a historical perspective

2008-01-10T11:17:00.000Z

Just got this email from a lovely lady that came to stay with us, a good few years ago now;

"Just wanted to drop all at Preseli Venture an email with what will hopefully be an interesting update!

In 2005, I came to your centre as a lone female to join the 'Adrenalin cocktail' weekend over the May bank holiday.

One evening round the campfire I attempted to slip back to my caravan for a cardigan. I never made it back to the campfire as I was intercepted on route by one of the stag party, Chris... And as it turned out, his bold move was the right one to make - we have been together ever since, and are now expecting a baby in June!

We obviously have very fond memories of that long weekend in Wales, and wish you all well. Maybe we will come back one day as a little family!"

Aaah! Find love at Preseli Venture!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-08T11:21:00.001Z

Ah...it's good to be back! First day back at work yesterday. This was home for part of December - camping on the beach in Oman, snorkelling by day and campfiring by night. Just like Pembrokeshire - only hotter!

But it's nice to be back, and we're all ready for action. See you soon!

Roof going on!

2007-11-22T14:30:00.001Z

Here is Tristan, he's from Sydney and he's putting the roof on the new toilet and shower block. We just picked him up from the train station, brought him here, and now he's getting busy on the roof. I asked him - 'what do you think of Pembrokeshire so far?'

He said 'is that where I am?' Bless him, I don't think he's feet have touched the ground yet. Here's the roof going on

and inside where the swanky new suites will be. Very space age.

Preseli Venture December Pin Up

2007-11-19T14:00:00.000Z

It's hard to believe this is the PV hunk that the girls swoon over at the weekend - but here he is in all his glory - Jon Kellie. Check those gloves. Looking good Jon. We love you!

Big balls

2007-11-14T14:36:00.000Z

I love this photo of Joanna, she looks like she is on a rollercoaster ride.

And this one, because she has a real taste for the absurd. Here is a boat she found at Abercastle. Big balls. Gosh.

More green eyedness for me

2007-11-08T16:15:00.001Z

I found another one! Oh Laura, lovely words.

http://laurenvalentine.blogspot.com/2007/09/adventure-weekend-in-wales.html

Travel Diary

2007-11-08T09:15:00.000Z

I like it when I'm just trawling around the blogosphere and I find something nice about us. I like the fact that someone came to see us, and had such a good time, and met such nice people, and enjoyed the landscape so much - they just had to write about it.

Also, I'm sort of jealous of people's travel diaries, when I read they've been flitting here and there, hanging out with new and old friends, seeing new things, having new experiences, and generally doing all that stuff you do when are young and free! Does that make me sound old? But then I remember I live here year round, and that I love it. That gets me feeling kind of smug.

Anyway - here is Lisa's travel diary, she came to see us at the start of November, and it sounds like she is having the time of her life. Go girl!

Sharing the secrets

2007-10-31T08:57:00.001Z

Met a lovely guy yesterday, Jan Klin, he sat us down and demystified much of the secret world of SEO. So many people like to keep the secrets of their success close to their chest - but Jan made intelligible a whole lot of mumbo jumbo in a few short hours. Woke up in the early hours of the morning after dreaming of meta tags and title tags - aaargh!

Pouring down

2007-10-24T13:46:00.000+01:00

This morning the nice man arrived.

He had his special concrete pouring apparatus, that looks like an elephants trunk

and from below like a missing piece from the game of mousetrap.

I'm not sure that the dog should be in charge of the controls though.

Our silky friends

2007-10-22T15:31:00.000+01:00

The seals are still here - the pups on the beaches have started to practise their rolling turns in the sea.

A little note on seal sexual behaviour; frisky seals in part 1 will lead to fluffy seals - part 2!

Thanks to Jackie and the ginger darlings for the photos

When technology conspires against you

2007-10-19T11:27:00.000+01:00

Katie sent me a cut out from 'The London Paper' - they listed coasteering at Preseli Venture as one of their top 10 teambuilding activities - Yay for us! Then I checked our website, and the server was down - so the keen beans checking out the coasteering piccies on the site will not find them. Blast! Fingers crossed Mr Tim will get it back up and running soon.

Crispy morning

2007-10-18T10:03:00.000+01:00

Sunny and bright this morning, a perfect October day. Nick and Jon are building the new shower block - sun on the Beko blocks could lead to snow blindness they tell me - hence their fetching eye wear!