Experiences on the Estate
You can enhance your holiday by taking part in a special experience on Cabalva Estate. If you’d like to know more about any of these experiences please email us.
Pottery classes
Owner and potter Corisande Albert converted a potting shed in the kitchen garden into a beautiful ceramics studio overlooking the Black Mountains and Hay-on-Wye.
With pottery teachers including Lucy Baxendale, Nancy Frost and Simon Hulbert, Corisande can create a bespoke and fun pottery activity during your stay with us. From beginner’s introduction to clay to family sessions and throwing workshops for experienced potters and private lessons .
Prices range from £65 per person
Fishing on THE WYE
We are blessed with multiple pools that are home for many species, whether it be an Atlantic salmon resting up before continuing its journey upstream, or the shoals of chub and barbel that find comfort in oxygenated water of the pools.
The rental price of Mill Cottage includes a rod fee for fishing downstream of the cottage. Exclusive private fishing can be arranged for you including guided fishing with manager, Dave Roberts.
Rod fee £25 -£35 per day.
COPPIcing at Cabalva
We are re-starting the ancient art of coppicing . This is a traditional way of managing woodland which provides maximum benefit for wildlife as well as supporting local craft and fencing products.
You will spend a day working in the woods at Cabalva practicing the ancient woodland management technique of coppicing – cutting & processing small diameter trees.
Prices start from £60 per person
Kitchen Gardening
With no-dig, organic gardener Katie Hardy, learn how to get the best from your seedlings and plants using traditional organic methods, companion planting and natural pest control.
Every season brings different projects and you will join Katie, sample our fruit and vegetable produce and take home a young plant to grow on in your own garden or window sill.
Prices from £50 per person
Farming tour
Cabalva Farm is on a journey to be a species rich diverse landscape where our grass-fed Aberdeen Angus and sheep live in harmony with nature. We believe there is a way to farm that is sustainable for the farmer and for the environment. We don’t have all the answers but with Geraint Powell, Nuffield Scholar, at the helm as our farm manager we are proud to be part of the regenerative farming movement.
Prices start from £50
Forest bathing
Forest bathing is a way to deeply connect with Nature. It’s about slowing down and soaking up the forest atmosphere – bathing all the senses, whilst walking slowly or sitting in the woods. Forest bathing at Cabalva is a slow practice, involving walking; no more than 2km whilst taking in the forest atmosphere. There will be moments of stillness to help the brain switch off from life’s daily pressures.
Prices start from £50 per person
Mushroom hunting
Join Daniel on a leisurely 3 hour stroll through the woods. You will begin with a short introductory talk, followed by a walk around the estate identifying the edible and poisonous mushrooms that we come across. This is a fascinating chance to discover the wealth of fungi food at our feet. There will be breaks along the way for some wild food tasters!
Prices are around £80 per adult.
Foraging with kids
Expert forager Adele will take your children on a walk around the Cabalva estate - and you get to come along too! You’ll be amazed by the diverse uses for their finds - from making soap from conkers to stopping minor cuts from bleeding with hedge woundwort. This is the ideal experience for anyone wanting to unlock nature's larder and learn about the glorious abundance of the natural world.
Prices start from £20 per adult.
All these experiences need to be arranged in advance of your stay with us and are subject to availability.
Please contact us sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment!
More activities further afield
Walking
Explore the Black Mountains or follow in the footsteps of famous local curate Francis Kilvert. www.breconbeacons.org. Discover the beautiful Elan Valley: www.elanvalley.org.uk, and hike along the ancient Offas Dyke path: www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Canoeing
The River Wye is one of the premier destination for canoeing in the UK. Why not have a go right from your own river frontage
Horse riding
Bryngwyn riding centre. www.ridinginwales.com
Reading & Mooching
Spend hours in the second hand bookshops of Hay on Wye. www.hay-on-wye.co.uk
Cycling
Noted as the destination for one of the UK's best bike rides, Hay really does make for the perfect two-wheeled base. Bring your own or rent locally, and enjoy the stunning surroundings an a few hills! Bike hire: www.drovercycles.co.uk.
Activities Galore!
Gorge walking, archery, team building, climbing abseiling, raft building, canoeing and many more activities to choose from www.interactivities-uk.com
Dining Out
Here is are just a few of the great places to eat out when in the area.
The Cider Barn in Pembridge is a lovely, family friendly pub with a garden and local ales.
Tomatitos, is a new tapas bar and restaurant in Hay-on-Wye
Shepherds Ice cream parlour is a coffee house and ice cream parlour in Hay. The ice-creams are all made from local sheep’s milk.
...and when you're back from a busy day.