My three walks are detailed below
‘Past Presences’, ‘A Night on the Tiles’ and ‘Rosemary’s Legacy‘.
See details below.
These walks are an intimate and sociable experience and eco friendly- all that I do is recycled and sustainable. Visitors enjoy the quirky stories and fascinating facts.
The three themed walks are:
Looking at the heritage mosaics around the town – A Night on the Tiles
Looking at the figurative sculptures and sculpture influences -Past Presences
A love story narrated through letters during WW2 – Rosemary’s Legacy
‘The family loved it – still talking about it’
More details about each walk are found below. Keep an open mind and be ready for some discussions and fun facts. The walks are suitable for all, but good walking legs are a great help. Dates for walks are published as the season progresses. All walks are £12. If you wish to book a bespoke tour I may be able to accommodate you; do get in touch. On booking you will receive a pre introduction letter about where to meet, eat and park. Contact alisonpierse@gmail.com.
Are you not available on those dates? Do you have family visiting or planning a corporate low carbon event? I am happy to run bespoke tours for groups of over 5 people. Keep checking in, I add dates to the site when I have consulted the long-term weather forecast.
Payment through Rezgo guarantees your space. alisonpierse@gmail.com or text me on 07807699118. Walks have restricted numbers. I attained some sponsorship so I am sharing the love and have discounted the walks from £14 to £12.
‘A Summer Night on the Tiles’ – a heritage mosaic tour.
Learn about the mosaics of Aberystwyth town centre through a walking tour, Q and A, conversation, tile nibbling and a bit of history! Put your sleuth hat on and join me meandering around the streets and enjoying a sociable early evening.
Bring something to sit on, warm clothing and wear sensible shoes as we will be standing for periods of time. It is also wise to wear closed toe shoes and something warm as Castle Point is very windy, even on a sunny day! The price includes some tile nipping and a half–time refreshing drink in the castle grounds. £12 per person. 2 miles and 16 mosaics! The tour lasts between 1.5 hrs to 1hr 50 depending upon the group.
July 5th
A World War II love story- Rosemary’s legacy
A war time love story narrated through love letters. A story of love, longing and loss. What was Aberystwyth like in the war years as an undergraduate? What was the significance of the edelweiss? What influence s did Aberystwyth have on Rosemary and Fred?
‘Fab walk, Ali tells this beautiful story so well you actually feel as though you were there.’
‘Two hours flew past as I was at times intrigued, amused, surprised and even moved to tears. Alison brought this beautiful story of love and loss to life for her audience, interweaving it with many WW2 anecdotes and linking it to various buildings and places around the town. A delicious cup of chai, enjoyed with the castle backdrop, provided a welcome interlude. I highly recommend this guided walk.‘
No obligation, but if you want dress up in 1940s attire to get in the mood and join me, feel free. This tour has an interval for a visit from Y Beic Chai serving a complimentary drink. You may need to bring a handkerchief. 2hrs, 6 stops and you walk about 1.5 miles.
7th July 10.15am in the railway station waiting room
20th July 6.15pm
Spaces are limited to 10
Past Presences: A guided walking tour of the statues of Aberystwyth. What influences / presences are considered by artists when making a piece of sculpture? The walk includes discussion, techniques, facts and the quirky stories and a drink. The tour lasts 1.5- 2 hours (depending on the group) You will walk 1.5.miles. Please note; there are a few steps and gradients.
Maximum of 10 people.
‘I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the wonderful tour you gave us on Thursday! I really enjoyed it! I liked how you showed us how all those bits of arts connected to the story of Aberystwyth and other places, it was very interesting. ‘
This tour has an interval and a visit from Y Beic Chai for a delicious drink
11am July 21st
and happy visitors have said…
‘Thank you also for a stunning session on the mosaics of Aber in May 2022. I loved every minute of it, especially your expert blend of history, technique, terminology and anecdotes. Truly inspirational, with the added bonuses of hands on nipping and the delicious elderflower/lemonade/soda drink. Have lived in Aber since 1977 and had neither noticed nor appreciated the consummate craftmanship of the town’s mosaics. Your walk awakened in me a deeper sense of perception. It was like being let out of ‘Plato’s cave’!’
‘Fantastic tour. I love the mosaics in Aber and now I have seen more and learnt loads from Ali- thoroughly recommend.’
Really good tour of mosaics of Aberystwyth with Alison yesterday, who knew there were so many?’
‘Your informative insight into mosaics was absolutely wonderful. Thank you.’
‘ I absolutely loved this tour discovering mosaics I never knew existed. What an awesome treat, listening to the wonderfully enthusiastic stories of the town with Ali. Highly recommend’.
Fee: £12 per person – you can pay on the evening with the correct cash. By emailing to reserve a place you will be given the starting place, where to meet and other information.
If you are interested please text 07807699118 or alisonpierse@gmail.com
Teaching
Fancy learning how to mosaic but never got around to actually doing it?
Aberdabbadoo presents, ‘Nipped in the Bud” – an introduction to mosaics.
This two-day course will cost £115. This workshop has just 6 places.
Alternatively an online version of this course starting in September is delivered as self-paced study and covers similar topics. The cost of this course is £55 but does not include materials; it is heavily subsidised by the Higher Education Council. Please contact Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-learning/courses/search/subjectcode/o/
Other recommendations while you are in our beautiful mid Wales
May I recommend the following businesses that also give walks and outdoor adventures
Teithiau Cerdded Dyfi Walking Tours
VIP Wales tours based in Pembrokeshire
and for outdoor activities:
Llandysul Paddlers canoeing and paddle boarding
Aber Adventures paddle boarding lessons
HolidayNests alpaca healing centre and holiday stays
aberdabbadoo 