Outdoor centre officially open

To mark the occasion, Councillor George Hughes, Mayor of Llangollen unveiled a special commemorative plaque and complimented UCLan on its work to bring the facility back to its former glory.

To coincide with the opening, an ambitious new outdoor degree programme has been launched. While having its base at the Preston Campus - with great study, sport and leisure opportunities - the course will also allow students to spend one week in every four at Tyn Dwr Hall.

Nigel Garratt, Division Leader for the Outdoors at UCLan, commented: “Our Outdoor degree students will benefit hugely from Tyn Dwr Hall, its world-class equipment, and the surrounding countryside. They will be able to take part in tasks and challenges which will help them develop both personal and team skills, which they can relate back to their academic studies.”

The new campus in Llangollen has put UCLan right at the heart of the UK’s leading outdoor pursuits arena, offering top class accommodation and facilities for outdoor education. Nigel Garratt added:  “Now that we have completed the upgrade at Tyn Dwr Hall, the Centre is in a position to provide superb facilities to both higher education students and established clients. It will also have a positive impact upon the local area generating custom for local businesses as well as economic activity in the region.”

The grade II listed building was built in the 1860s covering around 1,200 acres including much of the Berwyn Mountains. This year, more than 1,000 UCLan students will be able to use its world class facilities, which include a high ropes course, mountain bike skills track, archery and social activities. The surrounding countryside provides first class delivery venues for climbing, walking, kayaking, mountain-biking and other outdoor activities.

To service the wider community, UCLan works in partnership with Pro-Active Adventure, which offers activities such as day sessions, school and corporate visits and youth projects. Participants can stay in Tyn Dwr Hall, which offers a range of accommodation from a Yurt campsite to shared or single rooms in the Hall.