Operating Hours
The Centre is Open 7 days a week at the following times:
Booking Office & Reception – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Activity & Hire Session Times – 9:15am to 12:30pm | 1:15pm to 4:30pm | Full Day – 9:15am to 4:30pm
Gorge Walking & Caving Times – 10:00am to 12:30pm | 1:15pm to 3:45pm | Full Day – 10:00am to 4:00pm
The centre closes over the Christmas period (dates will be published on our website near the time)
Bookings can be made by telephone or safely and securely online through our website.
All bookings require either a deposit or full payment at the time of booking to hold the date and time requested, you will be advised amount required at time of booking. Provisional bookings do not hold firm until the required deposit/full payment has been received.
On receipt of your required payment, you will receive full confirmation of your booking via email along with activity details, directions, clothing requirements and other details relevant to the booking such as the deadline for final payment; do remember to read any additional attachments your email might have and let us know if you have any questions.
Please allow 48 hours to process your booking. After this time if you do not receive these details, please contact us immediately. We can be contacted by phone between 9:00am to 5:00pm – seven days a week. Please see our booking office hours outlined above. Please have the organiser name & booking ID to hand.
It is the organiser’s (client’s) responsibility to check that the details on all booking confirmations and itineraries are correct and they must advise Black Mountain Activities of any inaccuracies within 7 days of receiving the confirmation. After this period Black Mountain Activities will amend the booking details where possible but the client will be liable for any cancellation or administration fees.
By making a booking you are agreeing that you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions and, to the best of your ability, have provided us with accurate information regarding that may affect your adventure. Clients booking by telephone will be deemed to have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
Once booking is complete you will be send joining and clothing requirement for the chosen activity or directed to our website where clothing recommendations are also available. All group organisers are responsible for ensuring that all participants are aware of joining and clothing requirement.
Gift Vouchers – all gift vouchers must be paid for in full at time of booking.
Payments for your booking can be made either by card over the phone (Most major credit cards are accepted with the exception of American Express and corporate credit cards), securely via our online booking system (powered by bookinghound) or by Payment link (sent upon request). ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
As party organiser, you are responsible for all payments regarding your booking such as deposits, final payment, damage to equipment etc.
In the event of a cancellation of a member of the party or complete booking, the following charges apply:
| 14 days or more prior to activity date | Loss of fee equivalent to deposit (£10pp per half day activity, £20pp per full day activity or £5pp for hire) |
| Between 7 – 14 days prior to activity date | Loss of 50% of activity fee |
| Between 2 – 7 days prior to activity date | Loss of 75% of activity fee |
| Within 48 hours of the activity date | Loss of full payment |
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure that all organised activities run, we reserve the right to vary or cancel any activity if this should become necessary, due to dangerous or unsuitable conditions beyond our control.
In the most unlikely event of cancellations by Black Mountain Activities, an alternative activity or course date will be offered.
White water rafting is run on a natural river during the winter months only and rely fully on rainfall. If Black Mountain Activities are unable to raft because of unsuitable river conditions, your chosen alternative activity will take place.
White water kayaking/canoeing courses are dependent on minimum numbers and water levels. In the event of insufficient numbers or low water levels, kayak/canoe courses may be postponed or cancelled.
Packed lunches – Full payment is required for any cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the activity date.
Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard Hire If the river conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable for your party on the date of your activity, all hire will take place on the Brecon Canal. Please feel free to contact us 24 hours before arrival to check river levels.
A no show for any booking on the day forfeits all payments.
1. Right to cancel your order/booking
Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel your order/booking within 14 calendar days of your order/booking. If for any reason you wish to cancel your order/booking please contact us on:
Black Mountain Activities Ltd
Three Cocks
Brecon
Powys
LD3 0SD
TEL: 01497 847 897 | Email: bookings@blackmountain.co.uk
2. Covid-19 Pandemic Cancellations
In the event that we, Black Mountain Adventure, are unable to perform any of our obligations relating to your booking as a result of Covid-19, we will endeavour to reschedule the booking to a date convenient to the client. If the booking cannot be rescheduled, for any reason, a credit voucher for the value equal to the amount paid by the client will be issued.
Should the client be unable to attend their booking due to Covid-19, a postponement will be offered to a date convenient to the client. If the client is unable to reschedule, for any reason, NO REFUND will be issued.
Credit Vouchers will be valid for 1 year from date of issue.
1. Numbers on Adventure Activities (instructed) All our adventures require a minimum of 4 people booked on to the session in order for the activity to run, with the exception of White-Water Rafting, Land Carting, Raft Building & Orienteering which all require a minimum of 6 people. If there are insufficient numbers booked on to your chosen activity, an alternative activity will be offered, you will be given the option to transfer your booking to another date at no additional cost or, will be given a full refund.
2. White Water Rafting takes place on a natural river and is fully dependent on water levels to run therefore, in order to book, all participants are asked to choose an alternative activity at the time of booking. In the unfortunate circumstance that the water levels are insufficient on your chosen date, you will take part in your chosen alternative activity. Bookings for white water rafting are made with this understanding and it is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure all members of the party are aware of these terms & conditions and of the alternative activity.
3. White Water Canoe/Kayak Courses (introductory courses) take place on natural rivers and are dependent on water levels to run. Participants must have experience of paddling a canoe or kayak on moving water to BCU 3-star standard or have attended a moving water course with Black Mountain Adventure. The choice of venues will be chosen near to the time of the course.
4. Canoe/kayak Hire takes place on the river Wye, therefore participants must have experience on how to paddle a canoe/kayak. For hire to run the river levels must be below our set cut off point. If at or above this level, then we will offer an alternative venue such as Brecon Canal. All participants of canoe, kayak, paddleboard or bike hire will be required to complete a Hire Agreement Form prior to taking part in the activity. Any person who does not complete the agreement form may be refused participation (please refer to section 9 for river environment & to section 11 for full T&C’s when hiring)
5. Paddleboard Hire & Instructed sessions take place on sheltered water such as the Bont in Glasbury, Promenade Brecon. If river levels are too high then you will be taken to bason on the Brecon Canal for the duration of hire/session . Paddleboards cannot be hired and taken on any river journeys. (please refer to section 9 for river environment section 11 for full T&C’s when hiring)
6. Mountain Bike hire – our routes are of a moderate level and take place within a mountain range, involving a mixture of on-road and off-road tracks where sections can be steep and uneven. We strongly advise being of reasonable fitness and being a competent cyclist. An understanding of British road rules is required.(please refer to please refer to section 9 & section 12 for full T&C’s when hiring)
7. Safety Instructions at the start of each session a safety briefing will be given to participants taking part in their chosen activity by one of our instructor/staffs prior to activity commencement. All participants must comply with safety instructions given by Black Mountain Activities staff. Should an instructor/member of staff find that any participant is being disruptive or jeopardising the safety of others and themselves, that person(s) will be asked to leave the activity session and no refund given.
8. Weight Black Mountain Activities have a weight restriction of 114kg (18 stone) on most of our activities please contact the centre for more information. Black Mountain Activities have the right to refuse to allow you to take part in the activity If you are over 114kg (18 stone), and have not informed the centre.
9. Personal Belongs Black Mountain Activities will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to any personal items or equipment whilst on activity centre or on activities. Clients must accept personal responsibility for any equipment rented or lent to them by Black Mountain Adventure and agree to pay for any loss or damage arising through misuse, carelessness or negligence.
10. Responsibility The organiser is responsible for ensuring that each member of the group is aware of and agrees to these Terms and Conditions. For Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard & Bike hire a hire agreement waiver will be provided and required to be submitted by all participants taking part this waiver will need to be signed by a responsible adult for any participant under the age of 18 years. For all other activities a Medical & Consent form will be provided & required to be submitted prior to taking part in any adventure activity operated by Black Mountain Activities Ltd.
All Adventure Activities including equipment hire, take place in the outdoors and contain an element of danger of personal injury or death. Our activities by their very nature are hazardous and despite our attention to risk management there are inherent dangers involved beyond our control. We endeavour to minimise any such risks whenever possible, but some adventure elements are simply beyond our control. You should be aware of this and accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions.
If you are booking on behalf of a group, then it is your responsibility to inform your group of inherent dangers involved. The person who booked the activity will be sent a suggested clothing link to our website where recommended clothing for the activity is available, as party leader you are responsible for ensuring that all your party has this information. You are all expected to wear suitable footwear and clothing for the activity on the day.
1. Health – The adventure activities offered by Black Mountain Activities Ltd & Canoe Hire Wales can be physically demanding and you should ensure that you and all members of your party have an adequate level of fitness for the activities you have booked. If you or any member of your party have a medical condition that may impede you on the activities, you have chosen. e.g., Heart conditions, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or are pregnant we strongly advise to seek medical advice prior to booking, and to inform us as soon as possible. All Information given is strictly confidential.
2. Medical & Consent Form. All participants taking part in adventure activities with Black Mountain Adventure and Canoe Hire Wales must complete a Medical & Consent form. And advise the centre of any pre-existing medical conditions, any pre-existing injury or physical condition or are undergoing any medical treatment.
3 Alcohol & Substance abuse – Alcohol and other illegal substances are strictly prohibited on all activities (including canoe, kayak, paddleboard & bike hire). Anyone under the influence, will not be permitted to hire our equipment or participate in the activities we offer, and will be asked to leave the activity site immediately. Under these circumstances you will not be entitled to a refund.
If the river or weather conditions are unsuitable on the day of your booking such as river level being too high, your canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding hire will take place on the Brecon Canal. If the mountain bike route and/or weather conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable for your party on the date of your activity an alternative route or date will be offered. Please feel free to contact us 24 hours before arrival to check conditions.
1. Canoe & Kayak hire – Normally take place on the river Wye which is a natural flowing river. Your canoe trip will be from Glasbury to Whitney for a full day, Glasbury to Hay for half days. Due to current restrictions at Glasbury, we will only be offering half day canoe hire from Hay to Whitney. In high water we will use the Brecon Canal as an alternative venue.
2. Paddleboard hire – takes place on a sheltered section of the river Wye or Promenade Brecon with gentle flow where you will stay in a localised area. In high water we will use the Brecon Canal as an alternative venue.
3. White Water Canoe/Kayak Courses take place on natural rivers, and rely on correct river level to run the courses.
4. Mountain Bike hire – our routes are of a moderate level and take place within a mountain range, involving a mixture of on-road and off-road tracks where sections can be steep and uneven. We strongly advise being of reasonable fitness and being a competent cyclist. An understanding of British road rules is required.
As a matter of safety, Black Mountain Activities Ltd reserves the right to refuse entry on to the river or mountain bike course to any booked party if it believes the party does not have adequate experience for the conditions and/or adult: child ratios are not met, and an alternative route will be offered.
All activities / services provided by Black Mountain Activities Ltd & Canoe Hire Wales take place in the outdoors where conditions may be wet, slippery & hazardous.
1 Liability Whilst we are dedicated to the safety of all our clients and endeavour to ensure all activities & services are operated to a very high standard of safety, there is always an element of unforeseen risk with a danger of personal injury or death attached. Participants of activities (including canoe, kayak, paddleboard & bike hire) should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. By accepting these Terms and Conditions you are confirming that you are aware of this and accept the risks associated with your organised activity. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any personal injury or death. However, nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall affect the statutory rights of any client or exclude or restrict any liability for death or personal injury arising from the negligence or fraud of Black Mountain Activities Ltd.
2 Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) we are licence holders for AALA which means that we have been inspected, to ensure that we meet the required standard, have adequate public and employees insurance, qualified and experienced instructors, equipment under 10 years old and a maintenance schedule. All staff are first aid trained, and are adequate first aid around the centre. All vehicles meet current standards, MOT, insurance and servicing records. To check you can call the Adventure Activities Licencing Services on 029 20755715 or write to AALA Cardiff Business Park, Lambourne Cres, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GG
3 British Canoeing Bronze Deliver partner…… The Delivery Partner Scheme is aimed at both promoting and providing first class paddling experiences. The Delivery Partner will work to achieve the appropriate high-quality standards. allowing us to help you develop and grow your paddlesports activity in canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
1. Minimum Numbers. A minimum of 2 adults will be required in order to book and take part in the canoe, kayak and paddleboard hire. We do not allow solo paddlers.
2. Minimum Booking Age all booking for hire must be over the age of 18 years
3. Minimum Age on Kayak and paddle boarding Hire. a minimum age on kayaks 14 years when accompanied by an adult over 18 years.
4. Experience– Canoe & Kayak Hire all persons should have some experience on how to paddle a canoe or Kayak before placing the booking.
5. Risk. Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboarding can be dangerous with an element of risk involved (but not limited to) personal injury, possibility of capsize, exposure to cold water (and associated effects such as Hyperthermia), risk of entrapment and drowning. By signing and agreeing to our T&C’s all participants agree to accept the risk.
6. Slips, Trips & Falls Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboarding take place on a water body where conditions are wet & slippery (at all times) and can increase the risk of slips, trips & falls when entering / exiting the water and at any point mounting & dismounting your craft whilst on your journey. Please consider this when preparing for your trip & refer to our clothing suggestions page for appropriate clothing & footwear advice.
7. Confident in Water. All participants must be able to swim and be confident in water.
8. Health & Fitness Canoe/Kayaking and paddleboarding can be physically demanding, therefore all participants should be competent to paddle and of reasonable health & fitness to partake.If you or any member of your group has a medical condition that may affect your ability or impede you in operating a canoe/kayak or paddleboard. e.g. broken bones or dislocation, Heart conditions, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or are pregnant we strongly advise to seek medical advice prior to booking, and to inform us as soon as possible. Information given is strictly confidential.
9. Medication. Any participants taking any prescribed drugs/medication at the time of hire that may affect their ability to paddle should seek medical advice from their GP. And contact the centre.
10. Age. Persons over the age of 65 should be physically fit and active and should seek medical advice from their doctor before participating.
12. Alcohol & Drugs Black Mountain Activities & Canoe Hire Wales have a strict no alcohol and drugs policy, any participant found in the possession of any drugs or intoxicated will be refused hire and no refund will be given.
13. Loss & Damage Participants will be liable for loss or damage to any equipment whilst on hire to them from Black Mountain Activities Ltd to the full replacement value, whether it’s as result of their own action or of others.
14. Trespassing. All participants except responsibility for their actions while on hire such as trespassing & antisocial behaviour. Black Mountain Activities Ltd. will not be held liable for any misconduct.
15. Rubbish/Litter. It is the responsibility of the Participants/hirer to ensure all litter/rubbish is stored securely and not thrown or left on the side of the river and disposed of on your return.
16. Late Returns. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that they are off the river at the agreed location at the correct time. Any persons late back will be charged £5.00 per item for every 15 minutes passed the agreed time.
17. Weight Black Mountain Activities have a weight restriction on sit-on kayaks of 140kg (22 stone) please contact the centre for more information.
18. Mobile communication all hires should carry a mobile phone with them in the event of an incident or they need assistance form the activity centre. Black Mountain Activities cannot be held responsible for mobile networks coverage in our area.
19. Responsibility The organiser is responsible for ensuring that each member of the group is aware of and agrees to these Terms and Conditions. A hire agreement waiver will be provided and required to be submitted by all participants taking part in canoe, kayak, paddleboard or bike hire, this waiver will need to be signed by a responsible adult for any participant under the age of 18 years.
20. Personal Belongs Black Mountain Activities will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to any personal belongings & equipment.
21. Child to Adult Ratios when hiring canoes/kayaks We operate all hire services with a strict adult to child ratio policy. It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure there is the correct number of competent adults to children under 16 years of age within the party prior to booking and on the date of activity. Our minimum ages and ratio policy is as follows:
Adult : Child Ratios when hiring canoes
| Age of child | Number of adults required |
| 5-11 years | 2 adults per child (in same boat) |
| 12-15 years | 1 adults per child (in same boat) |
| Minimum Age: | 5 years |
Adult : Junior Ratios when hiring sit-on-top kayaks (single & tandem)
| Age of Junior | Number of adults required |
| 14-15 years | 1 adult per junior |
| 16 years + | Must be able to swim & accompanied by competent adult within party |
| Minimum Age: | 14 years |
Adult : Junior Ratios when hiring Stand Up Paddleboards
| Age of Junior | Number of adults required |
| 12-15 years | 1 adult per junior |
| 16 years + | Must be able to swim & accompanied by competent adult within party |
| Minimum Age: | 12 years |
If booking with children in the party, be honest about your ability and ensure you are competent and confident to manage their safety in a river environment. Please refer to the weather & environment section below.
1. Minimum Numbers. A minimum of 2 adults will be required in order to book. We do not allow solo bikers.
2. Experience all persons taking part in mountain biking, need to have some experience and know how to peddle a bike safely. By signing our agreement you are stating that you have this experience and will ride responsibly.
3. Health You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically fit enough to undertake mountain biking. Black Mountain Activities does not accept any responsibility for your failure to complete your Hire period due to lack of fitness, illness or injury. Nor do we accept liability for death, personal injury, loss, damage to personal effects or to any participant. You should not take part in mountain biking if you or any member of your group have a medical condition that may affect your ability or impede you in operating a bicycle safely. e.g. broken bones or dislocation, Heart conditions, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or are pregnant. We strongly advise you to seek medical advice prior to booking, and to inform us as soon as possible. Information given is strictly confidential.
4. Risk Mountain Biking contains an element of danger of personal injury or death. By its very nature biking, on roads or off roads, is hazardous therefore there are inherent dangers involved beyond our control. You should be aware of this and accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions such as excessive speed, collision with inanimate objects or other bikes, rider inexperience. If you are booking on behalf of a group, then it is your responsibility to inform your group of inherent dangers involved. You accept that mountain biking on a public highway as such carries its own risks and you have made your booking on the basis that you undertake the hire at your own risk.
5. Helmets all participants taking part in mountain bike hire must wear a cycle helmet at all times.
6. Loss or damage the hirer is responsible for all mountain bikes and equipment hired. It is the responsibility of the hirer to keep these items safe from damage, loss or theft and treat it in the appropriate manner and not subject it to any misuse or unfair wear and tear. Any damage caused due to crash or neglect or loss of the bike, is the customer’s responsibility and will incur charges equivalent to the replacement value.
7. Map reading skills when hiring a mountain bike all participants must have knowledge of how to read a map, as all our routes are not sign posted and rely on using the map as a guide.
8. Punctures As with all biking there is a possibility that you may get a puncture.. You should therefore have the necessary skill to remove the tyre and repair the puncture and reinflate the tyre.
9. Alcohol & Drugs Black Mountain Activities have a strict no alcohol and drugs policy, any participant found in the possession of any drugs or intoxicated will be refused hire and no refund will be given.
10. Trespassing. All participants except responsibility for their actions while on hire such as trespassing & antisocial behaviour. Black Mountain Activities will not be held liable for any misconduct.
11. Rubbish/Litter. It is the responsibility of the participants/hirer to ensure all litter/rubbish is stored securely in a rucksack, and not thrown or left on the hillside or road.
12. Late Returns. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that they return to the centre by the given time agreed. Any person late back will be charged £5.00 per item for every 15 minutes passed the agreed time.
13 Mobiles all hires should carry a mobile phone with them in the event of an incident or they need assistance form the activity centre. Black Mountain Activities cannot be held responsible for mobile networks coverage in our area.
14. Responsibility The organiser is responsible for ensuring that each member of the group is aware of and agrees to these Terms and Conditions. A hire agreement waiver will be provided and required to be submitted by all participants taking part in bike hire, this waiver will need to be signed by a responsible adult for any participant under the age of 18 years.
15 Personal Belongs Black Mountain Activities will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to any personal equipment
16. Minimum age for bike hire is 12 years. We operate all hire services with a strict adult to child ratio policy. It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure there is the correct number of competent adults to children under 16 years of age within the party prior to booking and on the date of activity. Our minimum ages and ratio policy is as follows:
Adult : Junior Ratios when hiring Mountain Bikes
| Age of Junior | Number of adults required |
| 12-15 years | 1 adult per junior |
| 16 years + | Must be cycling proficient and understand road safety and accompanied by competent adult within party |
| Minimum Age: | 12 years |
If there is a problem during any of the activities you must report it to, in the first instance, the senior staff member on duty, or alternatively to a manager in our office. We will endeavor to resolve any problem as quickly as possible.
We believe our Terms and Conditions to be fair. The law of England and Wales governs them, and the Courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any matters arising out of them.
We reserve the right to make amendments to these Terms and Conditions without notice. The full and latest version of our Terms and Conditions are on our website and can be provided upon request.
Black Mountain Activities Ltd treat all customer information as strictly confidential. Information will not be passed on to third parties however, Black Mountain Activities Ltd may use information relating to any purchases you make of our goods and/or services or any other transactions that you enter into through our website (including your name, address, telephone number & email address) ignored to contact us with future promotions or purchases.
For more detailed information on our privacy policy, click here.
Trading Name: Black Mountain Adventure | Canoe Hire Wales
Registered Name & Address: Black Mountain Activities Ltd, Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SD
Company Registration: #4659715
V.A.T Number: #647 1291 34
Email: bookings@blackmountain.co.uk
Tel: 01497 847897
