Courses
We are pleased to be able to offer you new and exciting courses this year led by new local experts as well as a wide range of other popular courses led by our regular team of enthusiastic tutors who have a wealth of experience and knowledge on different subjects between them.
Our courses are open to everyone, and no background knowledge is required in most cases only an interest in the subject and a willingness to learn.
Below is a list of links to all of our courses, and are categorised in groups according to subject. They are:
« Craft
« History and Archaeology
« Wildlife
« Painting and Illustration
« Photography
« Special Interest
« Professional Training
Walking
26 July to 31 July 2020
Walk some of the most dramatic sections of the Coastal Path and learn about the wildlife, local history, smugglers, shipwrecks and much more in the areas visited.
NEW! Exploring Snowdonia from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
14 September to 18 September 2020
A short course exploring the area using the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways to join up walks. Your leader will give an insight into some of the history, landscape and fauna and flora along the route.
18 September to 20 September 2020
This course is to give participants the opportunity to learn something about the history of the area and some of the folklore while practicing their Welsh. The course leader is a professional Welsh tutor and will take time to explain words, their meaning and use.
Craft
3 April to 5 April 2020
A weekend of embroidering with: Joanne Frankel – ‘Design 2 Stitch’ Amanda Clayton – ‘A Little Book of Leaves’ Jenny Pepper – ‘Spiky Vessels’ For further information and booking forms please contact Shirley Williams. shirleywilliams@puffinperch.co.uk
1 May to 3 May 2020
Spend the weekend creating your own Inkle braid. The Inkle Loom is an amazingly portable piece of weaving equipment and the variety of braids and bands possible is almost endless. During the weekend the following aspects of Inkle weaving will be covered - how the loom works, choosing threads, pattern drafting, warping the loom, weaving and ways to use your braid. There will be a small charge for the threads used. Inkle looms will also be provided and available for purchase once the course is over.
Spindle Spinning for Beginners
17 July to 19 July 2020
Join one of the foremost spindle spinners in the UK for a weekend mastering the ancient art of spindle spinning. You will be guided through the steps needed to produce a yarn from spinning a single to plying. Everything you need will be provided.
17 July to 19 July 2020
Leather is a wonderful medium to work with and personalisation can be as broad as an individual’s imagination. You will learn about leather and how to use the various tools. We will make various items and a project of your choice. Selections of leather, suede and studs, fasteners etc will be available to purchase.
31 August to 4 September 2020
An opportunity to design and stitch your own cross-stitch in inspirational surroundings. Although there is an emphasis on design and originality, you are welcome to bring along projects that you enjoy which are not necessarily original. Visits to skilled needlecraft enthusiasts in their own surroundings will further enhance and contribute to your enjoyment, skills and knowledge.
9 October to 11 October 2020
The long is Linen/flax and the short is cotton. Each have their own challenges and beauty. Spend the weekend discovering the techniques needed for preparing and spinning each. Learn how to dress a distaff and try your hand at charkha spinning.
History and Archaeology
11 August to 18 August 2019
A long-established and friendly course, which offers the opportunity to spend a week travelling and exploring the preserved railways of North and Mid Wales.
16 February to 21 February 2020
A look at the earliest slate quarries in the various slate districts of North Wales.
13 March to 15 March 2020
Wales’ Tales of the Mabinogion feature prominently among the most important mythologies of ancient Europe.
24 April to 26 April 2020
During childhood, student days and as eminent scientist Charles Darwin spent time here in our part of the world. He 'entomologised' and 'geologised '. We shall visit some of the key locations that influenced his thinking.
NEW! Thomas Telford and his Road
1 May to 3 May 2020
Thomas Telford's post road was one of the greatest engineering achievements of the early nineteenth century, and put Snowdonia on the map. Its bridges were built of wrought and cast iron as well as of stone, and it embodied much contemporary thinking about road-building. This course provides an introduction to its history and engineering. Site visits will enable us to examine some of its many remarkable features, and illustrated talks will provide the political and technical context to the road's development.
Signalling the Narrow Gauge II
8 May to 10 May 2020
The return of this popular course taking a look at the signalling on the Talyllyn Railway. For those interested in how single-line railways are controlled with specific focus on the Talyllyn Railway. No Prior knowledge required – just an interest in railways. Course members will get a behind the scenes look at how it works.
Practical Industrial Archaeology
21 June to 27 June 2020
There is still much to learn about the all-important slate industry, now nominated for World Heritage status.
NEW! Sacred Places in Snowdonia
10 July to 12 July 2020
From prehistoric megaliths to chapels and churches our exploration of these religious and ritual spaces will include visits to ancient Ardudwy and the cluster of exceptional places of Christian worship in the Conwy valley.
24 July to 26 July 2020
Are you looking for a gateway into the Welsh language, literature and song from earliest times to the present day? This course will explore some quirks of the Welsh language and literature in a fun and accessible way. It is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of Welsh, but also aims to give new insights to welsh speakers of all levels.
9 August to 15 August 2020
A long-established and friendly course, which offers the opportunity to spend a week travelling and exploring the preserved railways of North and Mid Wales. Visits to the railways together with behind-the-scenes visit to the workshops. The course will look at current and proposed developments of the railways, which are located in spectacular scenery. There will also be Illustrative evening talks on relevant railway topics.
NEW! In the Footsteps of Robert Graves
4 September to 6 September 2020
R. von Ranke Graves (1895 - 1985), poet and historical novelist, rock climber and Army officer has strong links to Snowdonia. His family holidayed in Harlech, He wandered the foothills of the Rhinogydd and climbed in Snowdonia. We shall visit some of 'his places' and explore the presence of this terrain in his early life.
NEW! The Slate Industry of Gwynedd
11 September to 13 September 2020
The slate industry of Gwynedd is now under consideration by UNESCO for World Heritage status. This course examines how it’s powerful and impressive landscapes and its hardy people have been depicted in paintings, engravings, photography, film and other visual media, and how they made possible a strong indigenous artistic tradition reflected in the slate carvings and in modern artistic forms.
9 October to 11 October 2020
Are you looking for a gateway into Welsh language, literature and song from earliest times to the present day? This course will explore some quirks of welsh language and literature in a fun and accessible way. It is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of Welsh, but also aims to give new insights to welsh speakers of all levels.
Wildlife
Springtime in the Gardens of Snowdonia
30 March to 3 April 2020
A fascinating springtime course on the gardens of Snowdonia and North Wales led by gardens expert Tony Russell. Gardens visited will be chosen from the following, dependent on season, flowering and weather conditions. Bodnant, Crug Farm Plants, Penrhyn Castle, Plas Brondanw, Plas Cadnant, Plas Newydd, Plas Tan y Bwlch, Plas Yn Rhiw and Portmeirion'.
1 June to 5 June 2020
A series of walks in different habitats, coastal, woodlands and mountain, at the best time of year for wildlife. Variety will be the name of the game, with plentiful references to the history and folk-lore of what we see.
10 July to 12 July 2020
This is an informative, entertaining and enjoyable introduction into the world of trees. Aimed at non-professionals it will cover native trees, evergreens, deciduous trees, ornamental garden trees and conifers.
20 July to 24 July 2020
Enjoy this opportunity to see many late summer butterflies on the Great Orme, Llandudno including Wall Brown, Grayling, Brown Argus and a chance of Silver Studded Blue and Dark Green Fritillary. Electric observation lights will be operated in the grounds at Plas in the hope of attracting Barred Chestnut, Dusky Thorn, Black Arches, Canary Shouldered Thorn and Sallow Kitten. Over 100 species of moth are frequently recorded on courses at Plas.
9 August to 14 August 2020
Why not join World Fly Casting Champion and TV presenter Hywel Morgan on this wonderful fishing experience in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.
Painting and Illustration
13 March to 17 March 2020
A painting course/workshop, which will enable you to relax and enjoy a few days exploring a variety of subjects and painting media.
Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course
3 May to 8 May 2020
This course will give a guide to skills required for botanical painting from the fundamentals of using a sketchbook and working in the field to final artwork drawing, colour and paint application techniques. Two tutors will be providing demonstrations and practical guidance Simon Williams SBA GM and Claire Ward SBA. The course is open to those not undertaking the SBA Diploma.
Botanical Art in Coloured Pencil: Late Spring Favourites
8 May to 10 May 2020
A chance to capture some of the plants at this time of transition from the bulbs and blossoms of spring to the burst of early summer colour.
Buildings and Gardens in Pen and Wash
5 June to 7 June 2020
The aim of this painting course is to explore techniques with watercolours and ink.
NEW! Creative Landscape Painting
10 June to 14 June 2020
A short enjoyable course that provides opportunities to paint from aspects of the landscape at a beautiful time of the year. Encouraged to work with confidence and style in any media and with a diverse and imaginative approach to instruction, demonstration and practice, and the aim is that students of all abilities find the combination of tuition and landscape rewarding and enjoyable.
Drawing and Painting in Pen, Ink and Watercolour
10 July to 12 July 2020
A lovely combination of black outlining and transparent colour washes, pen work gives added strength to a picture and sharpens detail and textures. A steel nib can be loaded with watercolour as well as ink. Pen and watercolour is an excellent combination.
Painting Flora and Fauna – Plants and Pollinators
26 July to 31 July 2020
If you are interested in combining botanical art with natural history and wildlife painting, then this is the course for you. Back by popular demand Simon will be giving a practical course showing painting techniques in both gouache (preferred for wildlife) and watercolour.
“Outside the Box” Transforming Your Art
2 August to 7 August 2020
Mae'r gweithdy hwn yn arddangos dull creadigol i fyfyrwyr sy'n teimlo bod eu gwaith paentio angen bywiogrwydd a'r egni a ddangosir mewn celf gyfoes gan gynnwys gwaith haniaethol
31 August to 4 September 2020
A course of painting and drawing out doors in the varied Snowdonia landscape, with the accent on its weather – from sunny calm to cloud-filled drama. A chance for you to find an artistic response to nature’s changing moods in the hills, on the coast, along the estuary and river banks. Outdoor studies will serve as inspiration for studio compositions and experiments.
Drawing and Painting in Mixed Media
18 September to 20 September 2020
The emphasis will be on the colourful autumn scene. With woodlands, lakes and gardens all around us, there is much to entice the artist inside us. Work with any media you like, be it watercolour, pen & ink, acrylic, pastel, oils, collage, the choice is yours and you can combine various media as well. We will work in beautiful surroundings. Build up confidence and skill with one to one tuition.
Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course
4 October to 9 October 2020
This course will cover botanical drawing and painting techniques. Observational skills are a very important part of botanical art so students will be encouraged to work from life by making detailed studies of plants, leaves, fruit or vegetable specimens. Course organizer Simon Williams will tutor on a practical one-to-one basis giving guidance on observations, colours suggestions and how to paint from initial base coats to more controlled techniques in rendering textures, contour definitions and colour transitions. Watercolour and gouache mediums can be used on this Course. Please feel free to make the most of this opportunity whether you are a current SBA Diploma student, past student or an aspiring artist not part of the Diploma course and keen to learn new techniques.
Botanical Art in Coloured Pencil: Nature’s Patterns
9 October to 11 October 2020
A chance to study the plant structures and patterns left in autumn by observing the lingering skeletons of flowers and leaves or the variety of nuts, seed pods, seeds or lichen covered branches.
16 October to 18 October 2020
This exciting course is for painters who are willing to explore new ideas and experiment with a variety of media. Working on paper and canvas and by combining paint, craft papers, tissue papers, inks, acrylics, textured materials and organic materials, interesting and exciting results can be achieved. Landscapes, flowers and still life are subjects that will be covered. Composition, planning tone and colour, painting skills and techniques are all areas that will be demonstrated and practiced throughout this course.
Photography
Creative Landscape Photography
13 March to 15 March 2020
Bring your camera, come, and explore the magnificent Snowdonia landscape, with the early greens and clear light of spring.
27 April to 1 May 2020
This spring course aims to the many facets of Snowdonia with a camera. Mountains, coasts, forests and rivers are all exciting visual elements of this beautiful National Park. Come and improve your photography and get a little closer to the beauty of Eryri.
Special Interest
NEW! Toy Trains and Model Railways
7 August to 9 August 2020
Playing with toy trains and building model railways have been popular activities for nearly two hundred years. Many model railways have been inspired by the landscape of Snowdonia and by its slate industry. This course takes a serious and unsentimental look at having fun and learning about railways through miniature versions, and will examine gender, childhood and growing up - and an often cut-throat industry!
2 October to 4 October 2020
Over the weekend, there will be a choice of activities: a chance to relax, entertainment and an opportunity to catch up with old Friends, as well as the AGM.
Professional Training
Access and Public Rights of Way, Law and Management
2 March to 6 March 2020
This course is presented through the medium of English
We are thankful for the continued support of our customers, new and old over the last few years and hope that we can welcome you on one of the courses included on this site.
Plas Tan y Bwlch Team
Most courses, except those obviously held indoors, involve walking at various levels of strenuousness. Our experienced course leaders can assess the ability of participants and pitch the activity accordingly, taking into account the vagaries of the weather and other conditions. The individual detailed course programme indicates the level of fitness required.
Our Courses
The fee for your course covers accommodation, all meals from dinner on the day of arrival to lunch on the day of departure, tuition and transport on field visits. A few courses may incur additional charges for admissions and extra travel; this will be clearly indicated on the individual course programme.
Bookings
Bookings can be made online or by completing the official booking form and sending it with a non-returnable deposit of £50 (cheques to be made payable to Snowdonia National Park Authority). You will receive acknowledgement of your booking and a programme for the course. The balance of the course fee becomes due six weeks before the start of the course.
Non Residents
Non Residents are welcome to join any course for whole or part days if it is not full. The day fee is £45 plus optional meals - lunch £15.50, packed lunch £7.15 and dinner £18.50.
Cancellation Conditions
In the event of cancellation the following charges will be applied.
- Cancelling more than 6 weeks before the course - deposit only
- Cancelling between 6 and 4 weeks before the course - 60% of the course fees
- Cancelling less than 4 weeks before the course - 80% of the course fees
- Non-arrival or curtailment - full fees
We recommend that you take out your own holiday cancellation insurance. If it becomes necessary for us to cancel the course you will be informed in good time and a full refund of fees and deposit will be made. Recreational courses include V.A.T. at the standard rate.
Discounts
Return visit - this is available on your second and subsequent residential attendance on a public course.
Introducing a friend - to qualify, introduce a friend as a first time attendee to any residential course chosen from this programme. Send your friend’s booking form with your own. To claim either discount tick the appropriate box on your booking form.
The following discounts are available:
- £20.00 off courses up to 3 days
- £50.00 off courses of 4 days or more
