Crafting tradition, one stick at a time

Want to make your own walking sticks?

Tucked away in the heart of the Swansea Valley, The South Wales Stickmakers are keeping a proud rural tradition alive — and giving it a creative twist. This friendly club brings together people who share a love for making beautiful, functional walking sticks, each one a unique work of art.

Whether it’s a shepherd’s crook topped with a hand-carved ram’s horn, a thumbstick crowned with a lifelike animal head, or a sleek hiking staff with intricate inlays, every stick tells its own story. Members use a variety of materials — from seasoned hazel and blackthorn to antler, horn, and exotic woods — and often add decorative flourishes such as carved wildlife, polished collars, or engraved details along the shaft.

The club meets weekly at the Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre’s fully equipped workshop, where newcomers and seasoned makers work side by side. Sessions are held:

• Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Two Saturdays a month: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

It’s more than just a craft group — it’s a place to swap skills, share stories, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. You don’t need prior experience; just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn. The club’s members are always happy to guide beginners through the process, from selecting the perfect shank to adding the final polish.

With Mr Roy Noble OBE as its patron, the group is proud to represent a craft that’s part of Welsh heritage, yet still evolving with each maker’s imagination.

If you’ve ever admired a finely made walking stick — or fancied making one yourself — why not drop in and see what the South Wales Stickmakers are up to? You might just leave with a new hobby, new friends, and a stick you’ll treasure for life.

Contact details for the Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre are at the foot of the page.