Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch reviews

Dawn Davies reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre Nebo North Wales

"Fantastic course. In the 2 days we removed a section of wall that needed repair and rebuilt from the foundation up. Excellent instruction and worked at a steady pace. Some of the stones were very heavy but with the instructor’s muscle power we managed to get them in place. Felt great to admire all the work we had done . Great group of people on the course."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for this Dawn. It was a very good section of wall and great working with nice people. I really enjoy these courses and meeting the people. Regards Paul "

Oliver reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"Fantastic experience learning how to build a drystone wall with an experienced instructor. The wall we dismantled and rebuilt is part of a conservation centre, and is used to keep sheep in/out to ensure they graze sustainably. We learnt the ins and outs of dry stone walling, with a practical approach to learning, and plenty of opportunities to make and then learn from mistakes."

Timothy Evans reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre near Betws y Coed, North Wales

"Fantastic. Very informative but yet a relaxed atmosphere"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Timothy. I’m glad you met up with them eventually. Colin is a nice fella and good with trainees. I was not able to make it - I was on holiday. Regards Paul "

Dr. Vince Leonard reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"An excellent course in a beautiful location with an outstanding instructor in Iolo. Although physically demanding and challenging in very hot weather, because it was led by an expert, who worked harder than anyone else, it was stimulating and rewarding. I highly recommend the course and wish I had done it forty years ago! It is nice to think that we have contributed a little something positive to the Welsh landscape. Please sign up for a course and keep these important craft skills alive. Thank you for the experience, even the bruises. "

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"What a lovely review Vince. I gave this on to Iolo. The boulders at Pensychnant are really brutal but they enable a wall to be built quickly because of their size. Regards Paul "

Howard B reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre near Betws y Coed, North Wales

"Great Course run by Colin the Instructor and my fellow course members. Good location with toilets and catering at the Field Studies Centre! Interesting and fun! Enjoyed the flap jacks! Thanks H"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Howard. I wish I could have been there but I was away. Regards Paul"

Ingvild Engvik reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"I really enjoyed my two days at the dry stone walling course, and learned a lot. Beautiful surroundings and welcoming hosts. Iolo was patient with us, and it was very cool to see the wall finished. "

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Ingvild. It was a very good course despite the weather on Saturday and the mud. The wall looks very good and when the whole length of all the previous courses is viewed as well it is very impressive. Regards Paul"

Ashley Lynch reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"A very good two day course with excellent levels of teaching of various levels of skill. The day was well structured and guided throughout, showing the complete build from a poor condition existing wall to a fully built wall. An enjoyable course, good for all levels of skill and strength. All equipment provided and explanations throughout. Fully enjoyed meeting the teachers and working with others as a team with the aim to start to learn this skilled art. Good venue, lovely location to learn and good facilities with easy direction. "

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for that Ashley. You were certainly up for the challenge of those huge boulders. It was a very good weekend and a very good length of wall achieved. Regards Paul"

Daniel Jacobs reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"What an amazing experience. In a nicely low key way we spent two days taking down a wall, and then rebuilding it. On the second afternoon i think we all stood back amazed at what the group had achieved. The organisers were all very patient and supportive, and the other participants were such a nice bunch of people. This course changed my perception of what can be done - and this has massively helped us with our plans for our own walls."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thank you Daniel. It was a very good weekend and a very good section of wall at the end. It was good that we had the younger, stronger ones to handle those huge boulders. Best wishes to you and Becky. "

Somei Back reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant near Conwy, North Wales

"Attended course in July 2022 with Colin and thoroughly enjoyed the two days where we dismantled and rebuild a wall and learned to repair another. Colin’s quiet and hands-on teaching methods quickly put me at ease and enhanced the learning experience. I recommend this course to anyone who is curious about the heritage crafts and want to find out how they are built. Many thanks from Somei Back"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Somei. I will pass your review onto Colin. I hope you found some shade. Paul. "

Fiona reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant near Conwy, North Wales

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience, great tuition, relaxed environment and very rewarding weekend."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for that Fiona. It was a very nice course with lovely people. Iolo misjudged how much we would get done as we were all so quick and competent but it was nice to have a leisurely tea and cake at the centre and chat. Regards Paul"

Mick reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre near Betws y Coed, North Wales

"Had a great time on the course. I didn’t think that dry stone walling would be so rewarding. Lovely location and great course leaders. Feel like I got a lot for my money. Thanks very much!"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for that lovely review Mick and so glad you enjoyed the course. I like to come on them and see those who have booked and also to keep my hand in. Regards Paul"

Philip Burrows reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre near Betws y Coed, North Wales

"Both my wife and I attended the course and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. We now have the courage and knowledge to dismantle our decrepit and ageing dry stone wall and rebuild it. Fab two days and Colin and Paul the instructors were, knowledgeable, pleasant and approachable. Highly recommended if you are interested in dry stone walls."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for that lovely review Philip. I am just a keen amatuer and not a qualified instructor. I like coming on the courses to meet those who have booked and keep my hand in. So glad you and Cath enjoyed the course. Regards Paul"

Will Williams reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant near Conwy, North Wales

"Fancied having a go at dry stone walling for over ten years, my wife got me the course as a gift. The setting was idyllic and the weather held, the course itself was very informative and the course tutor was excellent at explaining and showing us how it was done. Would definitely recommend and would go again. You do need to be reasonably fit and some of the stones are heavy, but the experience was well worth it."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks for this review Will. I have passed it onto Iolo. To say some of the stones are heavy is an understatement - they are monsters. I`m glad you enjoyed the course. Paul"