The Red Ridge Activity Centre began in June 1978 under the initial company name Youth Outdoors, founded by Pete and Sue Jones. The very first residential involved Leominster Primary School, requiring the founders to erect and dismantle family frame tents in a rough field at Bryntail Farm, Llanidloes, across two challenging, storm-ridden weekends—a task so arduous that the school's teacher on that trip would later become one of Red Ridge's long-term customers.
The Red Ridge Activity Centre began in June 1978 under the initial company name Youth Outdoors, founded by Pete and Sue Jones. The very first residential involved Leominster Primary School, requiring the founders to erect and dismantle family frame tents in a rough field at Bryntail Farm, Llanidloes, across two challenging, storm-ridden weekends—a task so arduous that the school's teacher on that trip would later become one of Red Ridge's long-term customers.
In 1979, the operation moved to a field near the Cefn Coch Inn, where groups camped and used caravan site facilities in exchange for using the inn's pony trekking services.
A significant shift occurred in 1980 when Pete and Sue decided to buy the dilapidated Plas Y Drain farmhouse, the future site of the centre, marking a leap of faith from their teaching careers.
After rebuilding the old stone structure while living in a mobile home through a tough winter, the business formally became a limited company in 1981 and was renamed Red Ridge Holidays Ltd, derived from the Welsh translation of the local area, 'Cefn Coch' (Red Ridge). The centre initially consisted of a basic toilet block and a "permanent marquee" for the kitchen and dining room, with guests still sleeping in tents.
The centre then focused on upgrading its facilities to support year-round activities and comfort. In 1986, a purpose-built lake was constructed for kayaking, demonstrating a commitment to expanding water-based activities.
Major structural improvements began in 1988 with the construction of the first floor, which added six new bedrooms. This constant upgrading policy, driven by experienced staff, has transformed the site from a basic tent-based camp into the modern Red Ridge Activity Centre of today, offering extensive on-site and off-site activities while continually adapting to the needs of educational and corporate groups.
