Miskin Mill Scout Village

There has been a water driven corn mill on this site for most of the last 400 years. Since 1929 the site of the mill and the area around it has been in continuous use by Scouts for camping and training purposes. At first a nominal rent was paid to the Lord of the Manor for the use of the site and then in 1965 it was purchased by the Welsh Scout Council. In 1985 it was handed over to the joint ownership of the Mid and South Glamorgan County Scout Councils.

There are two buildings over 250 years old, the Mill and the Miller's Cottage set in about 3 acres of flat, tree lined fields which are kept in good condition for camping by regular mowing These fields are bounded to the south by the River Ely across which a permanent footbridge, built in 1992, provides access to about 4 acres of wood-land known as Mill Wood.

The campsite is well provided with brick dining shelters and barbecue style fireplaces.There is also a permanent campfire circle.More recently a fully appointed centrally heated accomodation block has been added, and toilet block facilities improved.

The Mill and Miskinfolk

We have been enjoying the Mill Village Site increasingly since 1996. We had been using the Scout Hall across the car park for some time but as the weekend grew we started to gain the use of the Mill buildings. At first just The Cottage, stone built and about the size and shape of a small church, the acoustics are wonderful. The voices just ring and the choruses go on for ever! With the addition of a small bar, we really did feel at home.

At the end of 1999 the Miskin Arms was sold and extensively changed. This was the cue for the next expansion - we secured the use of the entire Miskin Scout Village Site as well as the Scout Hall.The small bar we had provided previously at the Mill was replaced by a much more extensive bar within the Mill proper, providing a wide choice of quality real ales. Transforming the Mill into our own bar lounge created the perfect setting for music and song sessions. The purpose built kitchens in the Mill allowed us to provide full catering throughout the weekend, and the only reason to leave the site is for dance displays and the procession ! The changes and additions prompted both by the changes at the Miskin Arms and the move to Easter weekend proved so successful that Miskin at Easter has become a regular fixture.

I am grateful for the support and help from The Miskin Mill Committee and Llantrisant Scouts, without whom an important weekend in the Folk calendar would not be possible.

Your first view of the Mill

Looking back at the Mill Cottage and Scout Hall, from across the car park.

The Mill itself and the accomodation block are along the path to the left.

Looking towards the campsite from the Mill

(Please Click For Full Size Image)
Looking along the river towards the Mill

The Mill and accomodation Block

And inside - 32 bunks in various sized rooms, toilets etc. Fully centrally heated

The courtyard empty

Now it comes to life !!