Dry Stone Walling Association - Wales Branch reviews

17 Oct 25'

Steve Ashurst reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Autumn- Vale of Glamorgan

"Cracking couple of days which exceeded expectation. Really interesting bunch on the course and 2 great instructors who built confidence and really encouraged us to have a go. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of having a go. "

12 Sep 25'

Jeremy Bolwell reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"The beginners taster course at Mynydd Illtyd Common, Libanus, Brecon in Sept ‘25 exceeded my high expectations. Outstanding instructors in Dave and Simon, reinforcing basic principles with patience tact and encouragement they coached us to a successful completion of a walk section in just two days in difficult weather. I’ve got the bug."

11 Sep 25'

Katja Schwarz reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"We did the unimaginable - we re-built 10m dry stone wall with no previous experience and were the proudest bunch of people after two days when we stepped back and looked at this beautiful piece of art we just created. We were muddy, we were smiling and felt a very strong sense of achievement. We all just wanted to go home and do some work at our walls in our gardens. David and Simon were great instructors, focused on safety, helped and explained and answered our questions tirelessly always with a smile and a good sense of humour. Highly recommend this course! "

7 Sep 25'

Huw Meyrick reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Very enjoyable & informative. Our course tutors Simon & David, were friendly & happy to answer questions & give help where necessary. We were all very proud of what we achieved after just two days. "

11 Jun 25'

Phil Davies reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Fantastic course. The instructors were knowledgeable and encouraging. Can't recommend enough. "

9 Jun 25'

Ian Creek reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Completely agree with Penny, a great weekend despite Saturday's weather. Jamie and David clearly explained the basics of DSW making an extraordinary skill in reach of a group of novices. I have recommended the course to friends and I will continue smaller scale projects of my own. Many thanks to all involved for a well planned excellent weekend "

8 Jun 25'

Penny Gregory reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"I can thoroughly recommend the 2 day taster course in dry stone walling! Our trainers Dave and Jamie were very supportive and knowledgeable and helped everyone in the group to undertake all activities safely whilst learning new skills and having fun. "

23 Mar 25'

Tim Nunn reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Spring - Vale of Glamorgan

"A big thanks to Dave and John A fab weekend with 2 patient and very informative instructors. A full 10/10 We were all dead chuffed with what we achieved 👍"

11 Sep 24'

Maureen Thomas reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"A wonderful experience - even the dire weather couldn't dampen our spirits. Very skilful and experienced teachers only too happy to impart their knowledge. They were so encouraging and inspiring, standing back to let us get our hands on the stones, but remaining close to offer advice and guidance. If you get the chance to go on this course, you won't be disappointed."

11 Sep 24'

Mark reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Despite the weather it was a great experience. Hard work, you will ache at the end of the day but you will have a new found respect for dry stone walls. Instructors were brilliant. Clear explanation as to why a task needs to be done a certain way. At the end of the course you will have made new friends."

11 Sep 24'

Julian reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Who knew you could have so much fun in the rain? We loved the course. Richard and Simon were excellent instructors, informative, encouraging and fun. The group dynamic worked really well, and we were all incredibly proud of our wall by Sunday afternoon. We have come away excited about repairing our walls, and confident in the basics of doing so."

9 Sep 24'

Lynne Allbutt reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Fabulous weekend. Informative, inspiring, encouraging - and refreshingly entertaining at times! A lovely group of fellow enthusiastic stone wallers and two brilliant instructors. I'll definitely be pursuing certification after this weekend. Thanks to instructors, Richard and Simon - and to the whole wet, muddy and cheerful group. Highly recommend."

9 Sep 24'

Kent Fyrth reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Very enjoyable course taught by Richard and Simon. Process explained and everyone encouraged to have a go and do what they could. Safety also emphasised. Came away with a good understanding of the basics and interested in exploring further, despite the rain and mud. "

9 Sep 24'

Michael reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Very informative and fun course. There is no pressure to do anything you don't want but plenty of opportunity to do everything you want. I left feeling prepared to start my own dry wall! Plus the instructors are funny and keep you entertained."

4 Sep 24'

Marie reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"This was a fantastic 2 day course! I highly recommend signing up to a taster session and getting stuck in. Both instructors were friendly, patient and highly knowledgable. They provided an opportunity for everyone to get involved and were encouraging and supportive throughout. After completing the taster weekend, I'm looking forward to developing this skill further. It was a great 2 days with good company and a beautiful stonewall to admire afterwards! "

5 Jun 24'

Eirian reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Excellent course with great instructors. A beautiful part of the world, and we had the sun shining all weekend. David and Jamie were both very good at explaining each step and giving us the time to just pitch in and give it a go. An excellent weekend in excellent company."

4 Jun 24'

Tim Prior reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Both myself and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the course and would highly recommend. It was extremely informative, a pleasure to take part and really great to see the end result. Both Jamie and David were excellent instructors and good company throughout."

3 Jun 24'

Chris White reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Excellent 2 days. Covered more than just basics so good insight for me to tackle some walls at home. Easy to follow instructions. Very knowledgeable instructors. Relaxed tuition. Interesting to the point I'd like to learn more."

20 May 24'

Amanda reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

"An excellent weekend spent learning how to dismantle and build a dry stone wall in situ. All hands on learning with incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutors who not only teach you the ideal but the realistic. Very enjoyable. Many thanks to all involved. I am now eyeing up all the stone walls I come across with a new appreciation and hoping to find some in disrepair that I'll be allowed to practice my new found knowledge on! "

15 May 24'

Phil Jones reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

"A brilliant course on a beautiful setting. I learnt so much, got a fantastic understanding as to the science and art of drystone walling and met some lovely people. Will definitely use my new-learnt skills to good use. Thank you to all the instructors and volunteers for being so welcoming, generous and informative and for giving the best experience. "

14 May 24'

Chris reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

"Beautiful countryside views, good weather, nice bunch of fellow wallers and four very good, knowledgeable tutors. Instruction was clear and easy to follow. Well planned day with refreshment breaks and Ginger Cake to die for! Hard physical work, but very satisfying. I think we all learned a lot and were very pleased to see the final result of our combined efforts. Thank you very much for an excellent weekend. "

13 May 24'

Claire B reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

"Great course to get a practical introduction to dry stone walling. Run by a well organised and enthusiastic team. "

11 Apr 24'

CHRIS. W reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Spring - Vale of Glamorgan

"Great introduction to dry stone walling. A lot of knowledge on offer, allowing you to take away a lot of information in two days. Looking forward to learning more, as they run more courses over the summer with different stone."

6 Sep 23'

Rachel reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Fantastic weekend with excellent instructors who were very knowledgeable about the process of building a stone wall and who were also very patient. The fabulous scenery and beautiful weather also added to an experience I would thoroughly recommend. "

6 Sep 23'

Kerry P reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"A really valuable and enjoyable weekend. Great training facilitated by David, Jamie, Simon & John which has further inspired me to go for dry stone walling as my new career. "