Brecon Residential 2026

Thursday 4th June

The day they'd all been waiting for had finally arrived. Discussion about it had been ongoing since we left Bishopstone for Brecon – yes, it was shopping day!

After poring over various weather apps and trying to find the forecast we liked best, while rain poured down outside, the decision was made to walk the Taff Trail into Tal-y-Bont-on-Usk before lunch, as it looked to be the most promising part of the day weather-wise.

Relinquishing map reading duties and handing them over to a select few children proved inspired. We only took one wrong turn, which even joined the road we were supposed to be following!

Hill racing, horse spotting and hiding behind random branches (and twigs) entertained the group before we reached the canal, where we were met by a flock of ducks expecting to be fed. It felt like we were back home.

When a pair of red sunglasses slipped from a tired head, off a bridge and into the river below, they looked to be lost forever. However, a nearby beer garden was spotted with steps leading down to the water, and they were soon returned to their gleeful owner.

A quick chocolatey snack restored depleted energy levels, and a final push for home ensued.

Following a quick lunch back at the hostel, the children's purses were ready to be emptied. Our friends at Welsh Delights in Brecon remembered us from previous trips and welcomed us in once again. We also made new friends at Beacons Crafts, where the children found some lovely gifts to go along with their other interesting purchases.

A stroll along the canal was followed by one final downpour before our journey back for another fantastic dinner.

All bags have now been packed and rooms tidied, ready to say goodbye to our wonderful week in Wales.

Wednesday 3rd June

A later wake up for the group this morning, following a good night's sleep, saw the children excitedly discussing today's activities over breakfast with our instructors. They wanted to know every detail of how the day would unfold.

The weather helped our decision making. With a wet forecast and rain showers expected throughout the day, it was decided that we would spend the morning gorge walking. 

After everyone was kitted out with a snug fitting wetsuit to wear on the minibus, we set off for Ddinas Rock, the venue for our day. Following a wonderfully scenic drive over the mountains and past the steam train of the Brecon Mountain Railway, we arrived and completed our outfits with a buoyancy aids and helmets. 

After a short walk to our entry point and instructions from Rob on how to traverse the edge of the river, known locally as 'Lightning', it wasn't long before we entered the water. The wetsuits did their job and kept us warm, although at certain points of the day I couldn't feel a couple of toes! 

The group tried out wading across a section of fast flowing water, climbing up and through an area know as the Brown Squeeze, although it had been cleaned out by the recent heavy rainfall. The children enjoyed jumping into the deeper parts of the river before taking an early shower under a waterfall! 

With rain continuing to come down throughout the afternoon, it was decided to continue in the gorge adding some climbing elements, as the rock face we had been due to climb was very slippery and would not have been as enjoyable as the activities we were already doing. We finished with jumps, trust falls, climbs and a bit of floating downstream before our journey home.

Our instructors commented that we were a really good group who embraced challenges and gave everything a go. Jamie even said it was the best day he had ever had with a school group!

Everyone enjoyed a hot shower on our return to the Youth Hostel before dinner. With a break in the rain the children have managed to get out around the grounds before we begin to settle down for the evening. 

Please see below pictures of day 3:

Brecon 2026 Day 3

Tuesday 2nd June

Amazingly, we weren't woken by the children this morning, they all slept really well. A wonderful cooked breakfast was served by our fabulous hosts, Wayne and Sue, as well as a variety of cereals and fruit for children to fuel their day out on the River Wye. A few firsts were had at breakfast, Hash browns and the buttering of toast were celebrated amongst our group. 

Once our activity guides, Rob and Jamie, had arrived bags were soon packed into the minibus and we were on our way to Hay-on-Wye for a day of canoeing and dodging rain storms as we meandered down the river. 

The shallow waters gave the children an opportunity to practise their manoeuvring techniques, and the discussion over whether we call it a push or a pull to move the boat backwards and forwards lasted for the majority of the day. The idea that a pull backwards moves the boat forwards and a push forwards moves the boat backwards caused much hilarity and confusion in all three craft.

Some tired arms welcomed the dock just before the sun decided to retire for the afternoon. Hot showers, a visit to the drying room and dinner was the hot topic of conversation between some tired and soggy children. 

Following diary writing, we had hoped to get out for some cricket in the field, however light showers seemed determined to keep us inside. Fingers crossed it won't last long and we can burn off what little energy we have left! 

Day 2 Brecon 2026

Monday 1st June

Good evening everyone,

We arrived in Brecon just after 4.30pm this afternoon, following a stunning journey over the Welsh hillside and a wonderful afternoon spent exploring the magnificent buildings around the grounds of St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life. 

With historical buildings relocated from all across Wales, spanning the last 1000 years (and beyond), including The Vulcan Hotel, Oakdale Workman's Institute and a row of houses from Rhd-y-Car, the whole group were amazed by the beauty and splendor of the 13th century church. The walls of the church were decorated with detailed biblical stories covering every space on its walls - these had only been unearthed when it was moved to St Fagans.

The journey to our Youth Hostel was wonderfully  picturesque, with shouts of quick take a picture, heard above the wonderful playlist curated by the children, in between a count down of miles and time to arrival.

Once all the children had located their bags, suitcases and belongings and unloaded them into their rooms, dinner was soon ready. Dinner time saw the 'best jacket potato ever' served up to the children and the most amazing curry! 

As I type the children are currently writing up today's adventures in their diaries, before a little bit of free time (dodging rain showers) and hot chocolate before bed.  

All are very happy and have settled well into their rooms, it's now 10.30pm and all asleep!! 

Please click the link below for day 1 pics: 

https://www.bishopstone.swindon.sch.uk/inc/gallery/?SSID=4692