FAQ
1) When is the centre open?
Llain is open from April until late October. During peak holiday times such as Easter, Summer and half-terms we offer daily activities and small groups or individuals can join in. Please ring or e-mail to check availability. Bespoke activity days are also available throughout the year and are tailored to your groups requirements.
2) Where is the centre located?
Llain Activity Centre is in the county of Ceredigion. It lies just to the north of the village of Llanarth, 20 miles south of Aberystwyth. Our nearest train stations are Aberystwyth (20 miles North) and Carmarthen (30 miles South East). There are frequent buses from Aberystwyth to within ½ a mile of Llain.
Suggested Routes (These routes are the quickest but we take no responsibility for hold-ups caused by tractors, stray sheep, big hairy Welshmen and red dragons)
From Pembrokeshire: Drive to Fishguard, then Cardigan and follow the A487 north.
From South Wales: Follow M4 and dual carriageway to Carmarthen then onto the Lampeter road. Cut off through Pencader, through Llandysul, Ffostrasol and onto Synod Inn. Turn right onto A487, through Llanarth and then first left, following our brown signs.
From N. Wales: Head for Porthmadog (from NW Wales) or Bala (from NE Wales), by-pass Dolgellau on the A487, through Machynlleth and onto Aberystwyth. Follow signs for the A487 South to Cardigan, we are 1 mile beyond Llwyncelyn but before Llanarth. Follow our brown signs and turn right.
From Birmingham: Head for Shrewsbury then Welshpool, Newtown, Llangurig and onto Aberystwyth. Follow signs for the A487 South to Cardigan, we are 1 mile beyond Llwyncelyn but before Llanarth. Follow our brown signs and turn right.
From NW England: Follow M56 to J15, exit onto M53, by-pass Chester on A55, and follow A483 to by-pass Wrexham, Welshpool and through Newtown. Head for Llangurig then Aberystwyth. Follow signs for the A487 South to Cardigan, we are 1 mile beyond Llwyncelyn but before Llanarth. Follow our brown signs and turn right.
3) What are the main activities?
We can offer a whole range of activities depending on the needs of you and your group. Climbing, Abseiling, High Ropes Course, Zip-Wire, Kayaking, Canoeing, Adventure Courses, Orienteering, Archery, Sailing, Team Building and Problem Solving are our main activities. Off-site activities are offered to adults and groups requiring a greater element of adventure. These include Hillwalking, River Trips and climbing on a crag. We are also ideally placed for walking the coastal path and following the Dylan Thomas trail.
4) Are you Insured?
Yes, Llain has Public Liability Insurance of £5 Million.
5) Are your activity programmes flexible?
Yes, we pride ourselves on ensuring that all groups that come to Llain have an input into their programme and that each activity programme provides the elements that they want.
6 ) Do you have a licence?
Yes, we have an annual inspection by the AALS and have held a licence (R0613) since the introduction of the scheme in 1997. We hold a licence for Abseiling, Rock Climbing. The scheme also checks Health and Safety issues such as staff qualifications, equipment and emergency procedures. Our details can be found on the industry database at www.aals.org.uk
7) Are your staff qualified?
Yes, we choose our staff very carefully and are fully aware of the qualifications that they must hold. We also have a policy of further training and assessment by independent technical advisors for Climbing, Archery, Sailing and Kayaking.
The ability to relate to, and communicate with, clients of all ages is also an important part of staff makeup. We take into account experience and character when new staff are employed.
8) Can you take groups with special needs?
Yes, we have experience of group with special needs. These have ranged from physical disabilities to people with learning difficulties. We would discuss your particular needs and requirements before preparing a programme for your group.
9) Can you cater for special diets?
Yes, we have qualified catering staff who can cater for any special diet. We do ask that you give us a little bit of notice for unusual dietary needs.
10) What experience and qualifications do you need to work at Llain?
Whilst we require staff to hold a variety of qualifications, some of our best instructors have had few qualifications but have had an interest in outdoor sports and just relate to, and enjoy working with, our groups of young people, adults and families. If you’ve got the knack of bringing out the best in people and you’re in your element working in the outdoors and being around groups then a 1st aid ticket may be all that you need.
Instructors over the years have come from a variety of backgrounds and courses and worked at small and large activity centres such as PGL, Robinwood, Acorn Adventure, NST, Barnabas & Kingswood. Generally Llain staff are looking for a smaller centre with a family feel which offers a great range of activities and where they can make a real difference and have an impact.