Bwlch with Altitude 2010 challenge this August Bank Holiday

Challenge your body and your mind this August Bank Holiday and join in 'Bwlch with Altitude'. Buoyed by the success of the inaugural 'Bwlch with Altitude Challenge' last year it's time to pull your walking boots on for a second time - especially if you're looking for a breathtaking walk with its very own integral pub quiz for all the family.

You might not automatically imagine that a 12-mile circular walk along one of Wales' most beautiful lakes and a tricky quiz are a marriage made in heaven but if last year's success is anything to go by - it works! Join us for a day of mind-testing fun at the Llangors Lake circular walk dubbed 'Bwlch with Altitude' that offers a challenge (besides the 12-mile walk) on Saturday 28th August. The walk will involve answering a series of clues and puzzles along the way – a great new way to exercise both your body and your mind.

Cllr Eric Saxon, a Member from Monmouthshire County Council has been elected as the new Chairman for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. In an Annual General Meeting held on 31st July, Cllr Eric Saxon from Monmouthshire County Council was elected as the new Chairman for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Cllr Saxon succeeds Mrs Mary Taylor – the Park's longest serving Chairman - who steps down from the National Park Authority officially on 31st August 2010 after 13 years of dedicated service. Mrs Julie James, a Welsh Assembly Government appointed Member has been elected as Deputy Chairman for the Park Authority.

Cllr Saxon is well known in the county of Monmouthshire, where he has been a County Councillor for the last 6 years and a Community Councillor for the last 14 years. He brings a wealth of experience in areas such as business, the environment and public service governance and excellence.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is inviting everyone to grab their walking boots (or wellies, possibly) and join them for a step back in time at Garn Goch Iron Age Hill Fort, overlooking the stunning Tywi Valley on the weekend of 31st July – 1st August. As part of the National Festival of British Archaeology, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has teamed up with the Dyfed Archaeological Trust to host a series of archaeological and historical themed activities at the largest Iron Age Hill Fort in Wales. It's a free family fun day out that runs from 10.30am – 4.00pm.

Starting at Bethlehem Village Hall visitors will be guided along a time trail up and around the hill fort learning about the landscape and hearing tales of the past along the way. Within the stone ramparts of Garn Goch visitors will be treated to demonstrations of some of the crafts practised locally through the ages. Children and adults can investigate the site themselves by taking part in a history hunt. Other activities on offer include surveying the Hill Fort, archaeological and guided walks, face painting, storytelling, pot making, spinning, spear throwing, flour milling and bread making – there's even a hog roast!

With stunning views overlooking the central Beacons, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority runs the National Park Visitor Centre to help visitors and residents learn more about the opportunities for fun and enjoyment in the National Park and also increase understanding of why this area is so special.  The public will now have until 4^th July to view and comment on the proposals which include future options for a new visitor centre. 

Ruth Nicholson, Visitor Services Manager for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said:  “The Mountain Centre is the much loved and highly used visitor centre for the Brecon Beacons National Park. The centre was built in 1960 and whilst it’s still very popular, we want to meet the needs of the modern day visitor and ensure we can serve the numbers of people visiting the site. We want to improve the centre and we are working in partnership with the Brecknock Wildlife Trust to look at the future opportunities.  It’s an exciting project and we are keen to hear what our residents, visitors and local businesses would like to see.”

Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, Member Champion for National Park Visitor Centres, said: “We are looking forward to hear the responses from residents, visitors and local businesses which will help us further develop the future opportunities for the Visitor Centre.  This two week consultation is an early part of the process, but we will continue to listen to and work with all those people who have ideas for improving the Centre we have and the opportunities it can deliver in the future.”

The consultation runs from Tuesday 22^nd June until Tuesday 6^th July and there will be a small exhibition at the centre highlighting some of the possibilities open to site and a chance for the public to let us know your views.

The Visitor Centre is located just five miles outside Brecon off the A470, near the village of Libanus, and is open every day 9.30am to 5pm.

The exhibition materials and feedback forms will also be on our website at www.breconbeacons.org

With funding support from the Community Welcome Scheme and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, the Tawe Uchaf Community Council initiative involved working in partnership with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to provide vital improvements - including the installation of exciting new audio boxes and interpretative panels - to the Nant Llech Trail which runs down from the Henrhyd Falls to the confluence of the River Tawe and Lech above Abercraf.

Hosted by the Cardiff Astronomical Society, stargazers were also able to see demonstrations models and telescopes inside the Visitor Centre. They were also treated to a range of talks on the night sky, black holes, the solar system, star gazing equipment and how to become more involved with astronomy.

Richard Levy, National Park Visitor Centre Manager said: "It was a wonderful moment when we spotted Orion's belt. With our eyes trained on the crescent moon we also got to see Mars, our next door neighbour in the solar system.

"It was a fantastic night for astronomy and just wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Cardiff Astronomical Society."

For further information on star gazing in the National Park please contact the National Park Visitor Centre on 01874 623 366 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the National Park Visitor Centre, near Libanus, the two day event runs from 10am -4pm, offering complete beginners or those who wish to brush up on their craft an ideal opportunity to learn more about traditional rural skills.

Made possible with funding from the Sustainable Development Fund and Powys Sense Ltd, ‘Made in Wales' is a taster event for the ‘Big Skill' weekend which is being held at the Penpont Estate on 17th -19th September.

A wide selection of bridal exhibitors will be housed in marquees in the beautiful Visitor Centre grounds, representing various aspects of a wedding from your photographs to the flowers to the venue. As you make your way through the exhibitors you will gain valuable wedding tips and ideas - not to mention free coffee and petit fours.

With the appointment of its new ‘Splash' Officer, Gez Richards and with funding from the Environment Agency, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is aiming to broaden the potential for locals and visitors to enjoy some of the wonderful waterways in the Park.

The Beacons Splash Project is part of the Environment Agency's Wales-wide project on water recreation. The Environment Agency is providing a £100,000 grant to fund initiatives but the National Park is hopeful that other funders will be found to help the project along its way.