South Wales LDWA

The Pudding Puncher - The Emergence of Major Splatt Pudding, 22 miles, Monday 1st January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Machen Village Hall Car Park, ST20978910
• Description: An incongruous and allegedly, a circuitous route, of the Sirhowy Area
• Notes: Possible Winter Conditions
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 2097 8910, Start: ST 2097 8910
• Map(s): Explorer: 166,152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5500
• Leader: Jason Winney

'Nothing Else Matters' (84), 14 miles, Wednesday 10th January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Street parking near the Lancaster Arms Guesthouse, Pandy, SO333218
• Description: A winter exploration of Hatterall & Longtown
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 333 218, Start: SO 333 218
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2128
• Leader: David Morgan

Llangynidr Shuffle, 15 miles, Saturday 13th January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at the free carpark in Llangynidr, SO15581958
• Description: A 'quiet' shuffle around Llangynidr, Tor-y-foel and Twyn Disgwlfa
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 1558 1958, Start: SO 1558 1958
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2800
• Leader: Jason Winney

Memories of Water, 20 miles, Saturday 20th January 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontben Llwyd (just south of Penderyn on A4059). Pull into Pontpren road parallel to A4059 and find parking - please be quiet/ discreet as residential. Carshare if possible. Meet outside Penderyn Community Centre at north end at 08.30 to start. Check eternal roadworks on A465 before setting off. , SN95050800
• Description: A nice mix of lots of forest/ waterfalls with a couple of low hills and moorland, wandering around Waterfall Country.
• Notes: Main hazard is slippery and muddy in places (esp. if icy) and needing to take care over footing. Good boots, gaiters, walking pole go a long way. This is a winter hillwalk - it is your responsibility to be properly equipped and prepared to self-navigate back if you choose to drop out. Expect 1-2 hours walking in the dark.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 9505 0800, Start: SN 9505 0800
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Mike Batt

'Fade To Black' - CANCELLED DUE TO INJURY, 15 miles, Wednesday 24th January 2024, Location

• Changes: This walk is now cancelled due to a knee injury to walk leader. Rest is required and all things being equal, normal mid week service will soon be resumed.
• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Foresters Oaks car park, ST429939
• Description: A winter exploration of an ancient forest.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 429 939, Start: ST 429 939
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2900
• Leader: David Morgan

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 27th January 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: This will be supplied to pre-booked walkers. There is only parking for about 10 cars at the start point, so numbers on the walk need to be limited. Please let walk leader know if you are lift sharing when booking on - as this will allow more attendees., SO2921620026
• Description: Circular route in the Sugar Loaf area taking in 3 little peaks (all below 600m). Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 29216 20026, Start: SO 29216 20026
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4250
• Leader: Henny Clare

Usk Valley Saunter, 16 miles, Saturday 3rd February 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: School Car Park - Crickhowell, SO21651854
• Description: A saunter around the Crick area, Glan Usk Estate, Llangattock Escarpment.
• Notes: This is the easier walk for the Essex & Herts LDWA Group on the 23rd March, most of you will no doubt be on the harder walk that day, so by putting it in as a walk on the planner, it gives you a chance to do both walks
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2165 1854, Start: SO 2165 1854
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Jason Winney

'Enter Sandman' (85), 12.5 miles, Wednesday 7th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
• Description: A circuit of Sugar Loaf and a visit to the top.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2569
• Leader: David Morgan

Bath Time, 19 miles, Saturday 10th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Goytre Wharf - Pay & Display car park (£1 - cash). What Three Words ranch.applauded.presuming, SO312065
• Description: Exploring the mixed terrain north-east of Pontypool, we’ll traverse the shoulders of Mynydd Garnchochdy and Mynytdd Garn-wen, as well as the pastoral land and woodland it looks down upon.
• Notes: The pastoral sections have a number of stiles and some areas are likely to be boggy. Please bring £1 coin (correct as of 22/1/24) for parking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 312 065, Start: SO 312 065
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Of Mines and Men, 18 miles, Saturday 17th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: Walk shortened due to weather
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Speculation Car Park, about 1/4 mile North of Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. See https://gridreferencefinder.com/os.php#gr=SO613135 for exact location; click on icon to get What3Words (but ignore postcode given). Website for Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is www.forestryengland.uk/forest-dean-cycle-centre (quoted postcode is the nearest reliable postcode to Speculation Car Park)., SO6130013500
• Description: A meander along tracks and pathways to visit the sites of some of the more than 200 disused coal- and iron-mines and quarries in this heavily exploited area of the country.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 61300 13500, Start: SO 61300 13500
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14 (Wye Valley & F
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

'Master Of Puppets' (86), 18.5 miles, Wednesday 21st February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pontypool Leisure Centre Car Park, what3words - passively.electrode.passage, SO285006
• Description: An old favourite repeated. Visiting the hills to the south west of Pontypool.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 285 006, Start: SO 285 006
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: David Morgan

Wild Camp Walk, 44 miles, Saturday 24th February 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Meet at Hafod Nature Reserve Car Park - on the Cwmystwyth Road, SN76807365
• Description: Three days walking in Ceredigion - we have options to wild camp or use the various bothies that are nearby if the weather is not too good. Day 1 is approx. 13 miles, day 2 is approx. 14 miles and day 3 is approx. 16 miles
• Notes: If the weather is really bad I won't run the trip and postpone until summer - please kindly check the walks program for updates nearer the time....
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7680 7365, Start: SN 7680 7365
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 8500
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wild Camp Walk, Sunday 25th February 2024, Route: (, download)

• Meet/Start time : Continuation of the three day trip in Ceredigion
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wild Camp Walk, Monday 26th February 2024, Route: (, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : Final day of the Wild Camp Walk in Ceredigion
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Leader: Jason Winney

Merthyr Madness - CANCELLED, 22 miles, Saturday 2nd March 2024, Location

• Changes: CANCELLED - we're sorry to cancel this walk due to leader illness; it will be rescheduled for another date.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Merthyr Leisure Centre carpark. Park at the rear where we can meet up., SO050055
• Description: We'll head out to Mynydd Aberdare and then down Mynydd Merthyr and Twyn Brynbychan to Abercynon. Return via Mynydd y Capel and Merthyr Common.
• Notes: It's early March, so you'll need to be prepared for four seasons and winter hill conditions. Bring a headtorch in case we finish late.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 050 055, Start: SO 050 055
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Mike Batt / Norma Lloyd

'Mind Your Manners 2' (87) , 26 miles, Saturday 9th March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llynfi Road Car Park (free), Maesteg. What Three Words: thing.shower.ledge, SS851914
• Description: Exploring the hills near (and not so near) Maesteg. A repeat of the 04.11.23 walk that was truncated due to bad weather.
• Notes: This is an exposed route. Please ensure that you have spare clothing, head torch and equipment that will ensure that you are equipped for winter hill walking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 851 914, Start: SS 851 914
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5550
• Leader: David Morgan

'Promise' (88), 19.5 miles, Saturday 23rd March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell what3 words - brushing.fuse.allows, SO216185
• Description: This is a joint walk with our friends from Essex & Herts LDWA Group. An exploration of the western Black Mountains via lesser known paths and a ridge finish.
• Notes: Please ensure that you have spare clothing. Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains and this walk will be exposed when on the mountain ridge on return to Crickhowell. Please also ensure that you have a head torch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4200
• Leader: David Morgan

Usk Valley Circuit, 15.5 miles, Saturday 23rd March 2024, Location, Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell what3 words - brushing.fuse.allows, SO216185
• Description: A second offering for our friends from Essex & Herts LDWA who don't wish to participate on the walk called 'Promise' due to distance and height ascent.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2343
• Leader: Jason Winney

Both Sides of the Storey, 20 miles, Saturday 30th March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad layby on A470, 1.6ml N of Storey Arms. What3words: briskly.dugouts.attitudes ., SN971222
• Description: A visit to a number of the hills and surrounding areas to the north of Storey Arms. The itinerary includes Fan Frynych, Daudraeth Illtyd Nature Reserve, Cefn Llecid, Cwm Llwch and Y Gyrn.
• Notes: Some areas of rough ground and some areas likely to be boggy. A number of ascents.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 971 222, Start: SN 971 222
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12. Landranger: 160
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4200
• Leader: Simon Pickering

'For Whom The Bell Tolls' (89), 33 miles, Wednesday 17th April 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Fedw Woods Car Park, ST506984
• Description: A repeat of a walk that I led in March 2022. Bring a headtorch and enough food for the day. It will be possible to top up water at miles 10 and 27. Please do not contact the walk leader and just turn up on the day. Please note the walk grading and only attend if you are comfortable walking the distance advertised. Led at a brisk pace.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 506 984, Start: ST 506 984
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4600
• Leader: David Morgan

'Dr Alibi' (90), 37 miles, Saturday 27th April 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, , SO297141
• Description: A spring training walk that will see the Group follow an undulating route west from Abergavenny and into the Valleys. We will visit locations used on the 2014 Valleys 100 route and we will even visit the Alps.
• Notes: There will a shop to resupply at approximately 18 miles into the walk. You MUST be an experienced walker to come on this walk. If you are not a regular member of the South Wales LDWA Group, please email the walk leader and provide information that will reassure that you are able to complete a walk of this nature. Brisk pace and if you feel that you will not be able to complete the distance, you must make arrangements to return yourself to Abergavenny.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12, OL13, 152. Landranger: 160, 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 7377
• Leader: David Morgan

Back to Black, 32 miles, Saturday 4th May 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Start in the lay-by by the Tafarn-y-Garreg pub. Limited parking, so please car share if possible., SN849171
• Description: A somewhat epic loop of the Black Mountain. Generally fairly good walking, with short sections of bog or tussock in places. Out to Brynamman, up to Pen y Clogau and back roughly along the Beacons Way.
• Notes: This is exposed and the second half is wild and remote. Bring appropriate mountain walking kit, can be surprisingly chilly even in early May. Boots/ gaiters if you want dry feet!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 849 171, Start: SN 849 171
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5500
• Leader: Mike Batt

From the Archives - Torfaen Toddle, 22 miles, Saturday 18th May 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pontypool Carpark, SO28520065
• Description: A walk led by Peter Davies in November 1984, a route that goes over to the Cwmcarn area
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2852 0065, Start: SO 2852 0065
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

From the Archives - Wye Valley Meander, 24 miles, Saturday 8th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Wire Works Free Carpark - Forge Lane, SO52650009
• Description: A repeat of John Short's Wye Valley Meander from back in December 1990
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 5265 0009, Start: SO 5265 0009
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4700
• Leader: Jason Winney

Somewhat Moorish, 22 miles, Saturday 15th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Park at Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell., SO216185
• Description: Over to the Lonely Shepherd, and then a meandering walk across Llangattock and Llangynidr moors as far as the Chartist's Cave, linking some points of interest, legend and history as we wander across an empty land
• Notes: Often faint, sometimes non-existent, paths, but generally ok walking apart from one impressive bit of bog we have to get through (serious splodge potential) and some tussocky goodness (four star for this). Maybe not for those who don't like off-path walking, but it isn't that bad. Exposed most of the day.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2400
• Leader: Mike Batt

Over the hills and near away, 18 miles, Saturday 29th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llanvihangel Crucorney, by the church, SO32532056
• Description: A meander around the Mid Range of the Black Mountains
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 3253 2056, Start: SO 3253 2056
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

Post-Election Day Detox - CANCELLED, 24-30(approx.) miles, Saturday 6th July 2024, Location

• Changes: Walk cancelled - the minimum number of walkers has not been reached.
• Meet/Start time : 20:30. At: Forest Holidays, Forest of Dean, Bracelands Drive, Christchurch, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7NN, SO5684712977
• Description: A night walk to experience the sounds of the forest when the tourists and locals are tucked up in bed. I am keeping to main forestry tracks to avoid getting lost (things look different at night). Shop/cafe at start (closes 8 p.m.) and at finish (opens 9 a.m.) This walk will be at a casual pace and is based on time (12 hours), not distance*. So, distance and elevation gain will be dependent on our speed but we'll be finishing at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday morning regardless. Head- and/or handheld-torch absolutely necessary. IMPORTANT: It's essential to let me know if you want to come so I can monitor the numbers and inform people if we do not reach the minimum of 6. *As a broad guideline, I anticipate between 24 and 30 miles.
• Notes: Please note: there is a maximum number imposed by Forestry England of 25 including the leader. For safety reasons, a minimum of 6 for the walk to go ahead.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 56847 12977, Start: SO 56847 12977
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14 (Wye Valley & F
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

Not the CSF 20, 20 miles, Saturday 20th July 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Changes: Start time updated and route notes added - please read these.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanfoist Crossing Car Park (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time), SO2857213330
• Description: Same circuit as CSF 20 but different route, (mostly). Going up to the side of Blorenge to cross the Tumble to go down then up Gilwern Hill. Then dropping down, via Carreg Maen Taro, to meet the CSF 20 and cross the B4248 and climb up to Coety Mountain, leaving the CSF to continue to Bobby’s Helmet and across to the Dog Memorial Stone and down to Varteg. To cross the A4043 to follow CSF 20 for a short while before turning towards Blorenge, via Carn y Defaid. Then up to Blorenge and direct route down to return down the steep track to the Car Park.
• Notes: Some overgrown sections, particularly for 100yards around mile 1 is very overgrown, if you wear shorts you will get scratched. The descent from Varteg to A4043 has some very loose gravel, so sticks are advised for those that use them and caution for those that don’t. The descent from Blorenge is zigzag not straight down! Due to lack of suitable spots I am thinking of , 11ses at ~4.4 miles, lunch at ~11.3miles and 3ses at ~17.6 miles so you may want to plan your snacks accordingly. Great views for most of the route which is a mixture of sheep tracks, wide paths, some road and some rutted tracks and stony paths. At the moment the surfaces are very loose as it is so dry so some caution needed. Have made it “Hard” grade due to amount of climbing.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28572 13330, Start: SO 28572 13330
• Map(s): Explorer: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: Philippa Crocker

6 plus 2, 26 miles, Saturday 3rd August 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: The upper car park at the north west end of the Pontsticill Reservoir, SO05421436
• Description: A circular walk visiting the 8 reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons. It might be August but likely to be some boggy stuff plus a lot of rough terrain. I strongly advise you to bring walking poles if you have some.
• Notes: Distance and ascent mean this is a three star walk. Due to the serious amount of rough underfoot terrain I have moved it to 4 stars.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 0542 1436, Start: SO 0542 1436
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12. Landranger: 160
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4800
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

The Road Less Travelled, 57 miles, Saturday 10th August 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Dinas Powys. Details to be provided once signed up. , SO0483128491
• Description: By popular demand, a linear walk from Brecon to sunny Dinas Powys. We train/bus to Brecon (cost approx. £11ish) and start midday. Hit the heights early at Pen y Fan and then a long descent to the coast, over various ridges and hills. One resupply point at about 19 miles in Merthyr Tydfil. Finish Sunday morning.
• Notes: To join this you'll need to contact the walk leader to sign-up - convince him that you can do a 50 mile walk unsupported. Not easy to bail-out as trains don't run at night/ early Sunday.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 04831 28491, Start: ST 14637 71054, Finish: SO 04831 28491
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12, OS166. OS151
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 8200
• Leader: Mike Batt

Forest of Dean Pixie Search (booking required), 19 miles, Saturday 17th August 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: New Fancy (plenty of free parking) SO 62749 09587, SO6274909587
• Description: We'll be searching for pixies* in the forest whilst we walk between several of the area's ponds - e.g. Mallards Pike & Speech House Lake. Plenty of trees to hug for those so inclined. No stiles; mainly forestry tracks so certified "Safe for Shorts"; no great inclines to contend with. *no guarantee of sightings but please report any to the walk leader who will arrange appropriate action.
• Notes: Route may vary due to forestry operations. Forestry England limit the number in a walking group to 25, therefore it's essential to let me know via email if you intend to come so that I can monitor numbers.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 62749 09587, Start: SO 62749 09587
• Map(s): Explorer: Outdoor Leisure 14
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2200
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

To begin at the beginning, 22 miles, Saturday 24th August 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Rhyslyn free car park at Pontrhydyfen., SS800943
• Description: A varied walk taking in areas between the Afan and neath valleys. Quite an up and down walk on tracks, lanes, open hills and some seldom used paths. No huge climbs but a lot of small inclines coming to about 3400 ft
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 800 943, Start: SS 800 943
• Map(s): Explorer: Os Explorer 165 and
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3400
• Leader: Tony Alcock

In the Army Now, 24 miles, Saturday 31st August 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Larger of the two lay-bys on the East bound carriageway of the A48 between Penhow and the Rock and Fountain Pub. , ST4191891104
• Description: A walk around the South West area of Monmouthshire visiting the World War 2 resistance bunkers, Caerleon Roman Town, Stonehenge! A stone plaque to a Roman soldier at Treddunnock church and Wentwood forest.
• Notes: Undulating route over fields, foresty tracks and a little road walking. There will be a few stiles! This route is similar to one Simon led in July 2017 - 'In Compliance with the Declaration of Sports'.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 41918 91104, Start: ST 41918 91104
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14, OL152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3700
• Leader: Sian Knight

From the archives - Star Trek 5, 19 miles, Saturday 14th September 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Sardis Road Car Park, Pontypridd (a £1 coin is needed to park for the day). Grid ref for meeting point and start is ST 06931 89880 What 3 words// tribune.shut.spared, ST0693189880
• Description: A circular walk to the south of Pontypridd, visiting Old Llantrisant and Garth Hill. Much of the walk is over fields and forest tracks, but there will be some urban road walking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 06931 89880, Start: ST 06931 89880
• Map(s): Explorer: 166 and 151
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3400
• Leader: Judith Fox

The New BDC, 19 miles, Saturday 21st September 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Dinas Castle Inn (formerly the Dragon's Back Inn) walkers carpark, Pengenffordd, LD3 0EP. £2 for the day - paid via the honesty box., SO174296
• Description: Circular route heading out up Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse, and returning via Pen Allt Mawr, Waun Fach and the Dragon's Back. Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows. The walk includes a couple of large ups, both are quite big pulls as the total ascent for the walk is over 4000ft. (The walk is based on the new standard route for the Black Dragon Challenge, but in reverse).
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 174 296, Start: SO 174 296
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4100
• Leader: Henny Clare

Another Friendless Pilgrimage - the Third Crusade, 22 miles, Saturday 28th September 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Chepstow Road car park, Raglan, SO414076
• Description: An updated version of a walk last held in November 2020, which links together three Grade I listed churches looked after by the Friends of the Friendless Churches - St Jeromes at Llangwm Uchaf, St Michael and All Angels, Gwernesney; and, St David's, Llangeview. A bonus visit to St Aeddan's at Bettws Newydd (currently under repair) - also Grade I listed and home to one of the oldest Yew trees in Britain. The churches are also currently part of an art trail.
• Notes: The walk is in a very rural area, with many seldom used paths. This means there are lots of stiles (several awkward), locked gates to climb, an irrigation ditch to hurdle and other impediments - fun if you like that sort of thing. Not suitable for dogs or shorts!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 414 076, Start: SO 414 076
• Map(s): Explorer: 13, 14, 152. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Tiptoe Through The Turbines, 18 miles, Saturday 5th October 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Start at rough ground opposite Aber Houses - SS 936 916. CF32 - 7SL. (Extra parking available at SS 935 917.), SS936916
• Description: A circular of the Ogmore Valley,skirting Clydach Vale and Gilfach Goch, and a return via Llangeinor mountain. A mixture of fields, woodland,forestry paths and some lane walking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 936 916, Start: SS 936 916
• Map(s): Explorer: OS166
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2500
• Leader: Paul Mills

South Wales Autumn Gathering - walk, cake, a meeting..., 12 miles, Sunday 13th October 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Byfield car park, Abergavenny, SO29691405
• Description: A lower level route around the side of the Sugarloaf and over the Deri
• Notes: A day of activities to enjoy being a Leekie - and our Annual General Meeting. Jason will lead a walk in the morning, and in the morning we will meet up at St Michaels Centre for a walk-themed talk, cake and chat - and attend to the business of the AGM. Please come and support our group.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2969 1405, Start: SO 2969 1405
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Jason Winney

'Sad But True' (91), 20 miles, Saturday 19th October 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
• Description: A joint walk with members of Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA. Members were unable to enter the full Cymoedd Sir Fynwy 50 mile event and wanted to see the southern loop. This walk takes guests on the 20 mile southern Cymoedd Sir Fynwy loop.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12, OL13, 152. Landranger: 160, 161, 171
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4355
• Leader: David Morgan

'Wherever I May Roam' (92), 12.5 miles, Sunday 20th October 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
• Description: A shorter walk provided for our guests from Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA who are visiting Abergavenny for the weekend. This walk will take our guests around and over the Sugar Loaf prior to their journey home.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2569
• Leader: David Morgan

More Merthyr Madness, 24 miles, Saturday 26th October 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Merthyr Leisure Centre carpark. Park at the rear where we can meet up., SO050055
• Description: Looping down via Mynydds Aberdare & Merthyr and Twyn Brynbychan to Abercynon. Return via Mynydd y Capel and Merthyr Common. A second attempt at the cancelled MM walk from March.
• Notes: Exposed ridges, so be prepared for wintry conditions in the hills and bring a headtorch just in case.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 050 055, Start: SO 050 055
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Mike Batt / Norma Lloyd

Wight LDWA visit - Sugarloaf, 15 miles, Saturday 9th November 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Bye-field Car Park Abergavenny, SO29681404
• Description: A walk around Sugarloaf area
• Notes: Jason has kindly stepped in to lead this for me
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2968 1404, Start: SO 2968 1404
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney

Isle of Wight LDWA- Iron Mountain Circuit, 7 miles, Sunday 10th November 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Keepers Pond Car Park, SO255107
• Description: A circular walk around the Blorenge
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 255 107, Start: SO 255 107
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Leader: Angela Williams