South Wales LDWA

Mixing Business With Leisure, 15 miles, Sunday 11th January 2009, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pontnewydd Park car park, Cwmbran, ST290963
• Description: Around 15 miles. Some of Torfaen's hidden gems and lesser visited locations. One Local Authority, two jobs - a canal and a local nature reserve, plus a golf course, over 200 years of industrial history, a waterfall and a Community woodland. Start 9:00am from Pontnewydd Park car park, Cwmbran.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 290 963, Start: ST 290 963
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 171
• Leader: Hugh Woodford

Bridgend to Llantwit Major, 16 miles, Saturday 17th January 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llantwit Major railway station to catch the 9:20am train to Bridgend, SS970690
• Description: 16 mile linear walk along Afan Ogwr, across Newbridge Fields and over some of the best parts of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast (Ogmore, Southerndown, Dunraven Bay, Cwm Nash, Nash Point and St Donats), returning to Llantwit Major. (Phone walk leader beforehand to confirm if any amendment to train time).
• Notes: WEATHER: Initially sunny but with forecast of heavy rain by afternoon. Cloud built during the day but broke up for a period during the second half of the walk. In the end the rain did not materialize until after the walk finished. A linear walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 970 690, Start: SS 970 690
• Map(s): Explorer: 151
• Leader: John Cunnane

Blackmill and Abergwynfi Roundabout, 16 miles, Saturday 7th February 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:41. At: Car park by church in Cae Abbot, near Blackmill, SS924878
• Description: Sunset 5:04pm so bring a torch just in case.
• Notes: WEATHER: Reasonably sunny but with variable cloud cover. There was a very cold NW wind and snow could be seen to the west but apart from one short snow flurry it remained dry. Snow cover varied from none on valley floor to drifts several feet deep. This resulted in poor progress and a decision was made at the Bwlch to reduce the walk to 16 miles.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 924 878, Start: SS 924 878
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Dave Williams

Amble Around Gower, 21 miles, Sunday 8th March 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:59. At: Wernffrwd, Llanmorlais., SS515941
• Description: 15 to 25 miles depending on weather. Tea and cat food at Bob's afterwards!
• Notes: The group met at 8:30am for refreshments before start. Car transport was then taken to Cefn Bryn. WEATHER: The day started sunny but deteriorated. There was a very strong West wind with frequent prolonged showers. Walk was completed anticlockwise.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 515 941, Start: SS 491 900
• Map(s): Landranger: 159
• Leader: Bob Smith

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, 16 miles, Sunday 22nd March 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pen-y-fan pond, SO199006
• Description: A high level walk heading north to Ebbw Vale and Y Domen Fawr.
• Notes: Sunny day with little cloud cover. Walk was completed clockwise. A high level walk heading north to Ebbw Vale and Y Domen Fawr.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 199 006, Start: SO 199 006
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Claire Murray

Epynt Way - Last Section, 20 miles, Saturday 11th April 2009, Location

• Changes: Walk cancelled.
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Free car park in Sennybridge - turn south off the main road opposite the Post Office, SN923288
• Description: A linear walk at a leisurely pace - unavoidably cancelled last year. In Sennybridge - turn south off the main road opposite the Post Office. Minibus to the start at Tirabad so let Carl know in advance if you're coming. Celebratory drink in pub at the finish.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 923 288, Start: SN 923 288
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Carl Edwards

Caerphilly Summits Marshals' Walk, 25 miles, Sunday 19th April 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST20968911
• Description: Checking the completely new route.
• Notes: A clockwise walk on a warm sunny day. Walk completed anticlockwise. N.B. Sections of this route not on rights of way were walked by limited permission of the landowner. If you intend walking the route then you must divert as required to stay on rights of way.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 2096 8911, Start: ST 2096 8911
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Dave Williams

Radnorshire Hills, 18 miles, Saturday 25th April 2009, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Minor road North of Bryngwyn (NNE of Painscastle), SO188504
• Description: Over little frequented moorland and valleys.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 188 504, Start: SO 188 504
• Map(s): Explorer: 188, 200
• Leader: Robert Smith

Mynydd Machen, Coed Craig Ruperra, Craig Llysfaen and Mynydd Rudry, 12 miles, Saturday 2nd May 2009, Location, Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST209895
• Description: Checking out the completely new short route for the Caerphilly Summits Challenge.
• Notes: Photos by John Cunnane.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 895, Start: ST 209 895
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: George Baugh

Surfeit of Parks, 23 miles, Sunday 10th May 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Bryngarw Country Park car park, SS905854
• Description: Access through Margam Park is not a right of way and is subject to restriction by the park authority. If closed use the right of way 1km to the North.
• Notes: Warm sunny day. Walk was completed clockwise.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 905 854, Start: SS 905 854
• Map(s): Landranger: 170
• Leader: Alun Jones

Mynydd y Lan, Mynydd Machen and Twmbarlwm, 16 miles, Saturday 16th May 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Bikers' car park at Cwmcarn Forest Drive, ST231937
• Description: Checking the hilly northern section of the Caerphilly Summits long route.
• Notes: Walk was completed anticlockwise. The walk visited Mynydd y Lan, Mynydd Machen and Twmbarlwm with a total ascent of around 4200ft.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 231 937, Start: ST 231 937
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Leader: Dave Williams

Star Trek 1 - The Voyage Begins, 19.5 miles, Sunday 7th June 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Mill Street, Pontypridd, the car park under the railway viaduct arches., ST069904
• Description: The first walk in a series 'starring' out from Pontypridd.
• Notes: Some 3,500ft ascent. WEATHER: Sunny intervals. Very few showers. Walk was completed in a clockwise direction.
  Watch Sphagnum Moss Video
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 069 904, Start: ST 069 904
• Map(s): Explorer: 151, 166
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Clamber Around Giedd Basin, 25 miles, Saturday 27th June 2009, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Car park opposite the Tafarn y Garreg pub, SN848173
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 848 173, Start: SN 848 173
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Bob Smith

Variations on the G String, 22.5 miles, Saturday 11th July 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Lay-by on A4109 at Aberdulais, Neath, SS772994
• Notes: A similar walk was completed almost exactly 20yrs ago(August 1989), the 'Afan Argoed Amble'. Gerry commented on that walk that I had used knicker elastic to measure the distance. This is a variation on that G-string elastic. The pipes are gone but we now have a wall instead. Though the slight hurt me deeply I kept the elastic. Like me it is getting a little frail, but you will be happy to know that I disposed of the rest of the garment a long time ago. 2. WEATHER: Low cloud with occasional showers in the morning. At about 14:00 rain set in. To allow for an expected deterioration in the weather the first climb up Hirfynnydd was cut out. The walk was completed in a clockwise direction.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 772 994, Start: SS 772 994
• Map(s): Landranger: 170
• Leader: Alun Jones

Walkies with our Welsh Friends, 20 miles, Sunday 19th July 2009, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Castle Street long stay car park (free), Abergavenny, SO298141
• Description: Around Abergavenny - a joint Walk with Bristol and West Group.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 298 141, Start: SO 298 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Brian and Barbara Williams and Suzy

Bryngarw Country Park to Caerphilly Mountain, 23 miles, Sunday 2nd August 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in the Caerphilly Common Mountain car park by the snack bar on the A469.Bryngarw Country Park, ST155853
• Description: Car shuttle to the start of the walk at Bryngarw Country Park. Along the Ogwr and Taff Ely Ridgeway.
• Notes: A linear walk. Sunny with a light breeze.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 155 853, Start: SS 904 853, Finish: ST 155 853
• Map(s): Explorer: 151
• Leader: John Cunnane

Splendid Views in the Black Mountains, 18 miles, Saturday 15th August 2009, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Blaen-y-Cwm car park., SO254285
• Notes: No dogs please
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 254 285, Start: SO 254 285
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Malcolm Winney

Cwm Llwch Cwm Crew and Cwm Du, 22 miles, Saturday 5th September 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Nant Cwm Llwch car park, SO006244
• Notes: 5900ft ascent. Low cloud. The walk was completed in a clockwise direction and visited Corn du, Cwm Crew, Fan Llia, Cwm Du, Fan Frynych and Pen Milan. Terrain varied from rough pasture and paths to tussock grass.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 006 244, Start: SO 006 244
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Dave Williams

Echoes, 23.5 miles, Sunday 20th September 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Car Park at Pen-ffordd-goch pond on B4246 Blaenavon to Abergavenny road., SO254107
• Notes: Some 5800ft ascent. Early cloud but most of day sunny. A clockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 254 107, Start: SO 254 107
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Leader: Gerry Jackson

RMB, 23.5 miles, Sunday 4th October 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Lay-by at the T-junction outside Llanbedr village., SO234203
• Description: Black Mountains Roundabout in reverse without the road sections.
• Notes: Some 6,000ft ascent. Sunny intervals with a cold wind on the hill tops. A clockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 234 203, Start: SO 234 203
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Hugh Woodford

The Highs and Lows of the upper Ebbw Valley, 20 miles, Saturday 24th October 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pen y Fan pond car park, SO197008
• Notes: Rain in the morning which cleared to showers for the afternoon. Anti-clockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 197 008, Start: SO 197 008
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Sue Neal

Abertillery, 16.5 miles, Saturday 31st October 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Car park in Abertillery Town Centre, SO215041
• Notes: Dull and damp for most of the walk. A clockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 215 041, Start: SO 215 041
• Map(s): Explorer: 152, OL13
• Leader: Robert Smith

Walk in Cwmcarn and Annual General Meeting, 13.5 miles, Saturday 7th November 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Large gravel car park just before the Visitor Centre at Cwmcarn Forest Drive., ST231936
• Description: The walk will be followed by the AGM at 2:30pm in the Visitor Centre where light refreshments will be provided (but bring a packed lunch for the walk).
• Notes: Bright, clear frosty start, but heavy showers from lunchtime on. An anticlockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 231 936, Start: ST 231 936
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Leader: Wendy Winney

21 on 21, 22 miles, Saturday 21st November 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:33. At: Car park on the west side of A46. Minibus to the start (0.3 miles south of junction 18 on the M4)., ST755777
• Description: Following the valleys and edges in the Cotswolds. A Mini bus to get to the start, £3 per person. Seats available on a first come first served basis; phone walk leader to book seat.
• Notes: Linear walk. Ascent approx. 2000ft. Wet.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 755 777, Start: ST 845 971, Finish: ST 755 777
• Map(s): Explorer: 155
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

3 Fine Summits in Fforest Fawr, 16 miles, Sunday 6th December 2009, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pont ar Daf car park on the A470, SN986200
• Description: Up to 4000 feet of ascent and some rough ground through the quiet hills of Fforest Fawr.
• Notes: Showers for the morning, more continuous rain towards finish. Anticlockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 986 200, Start: SN 986 200
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Dave Bingham

Parc Penallta and Rhymney Valley Ridgeway, 17.5 miles, Sunday 20th December 2009, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park at Parc Penallta, Ystrad Mynach, ST132955
• Notes: Dry, fine cold day. Anticlockwise walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 132 955, Start: ST 132 955
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Claire Murray