South Wales LDWA

One Little Fan, 15 miles, Sunday 2nd January 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:04. At: Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre west of Libanus, SN976262
• Description: Bring change for car parking.
• Notes: A cold dry day. Route was completed anticlockwise
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 976 262, Start: SN 976 262
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Alun Jones

In Search of Shakespeare, 18.5 miles, Saturday 15th January 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Radyr railway station for train to Barry Town station., ST134805
• Description: Meet at Radyr P and R station to catch the first available train after 8.30am to Barry Town station. Contact leader after January 1st for the train time. A linear walk back to Radyr including parts of the VMHT.
• Notes: Weather: Overcast but dry. A linear walk from Barry to Radyr passing Dyffryn House and St Fagans.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 134 805, Start: ST 106 672, Finish: ST 134 805
• Map(s): Explorer: 151
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Fatter than Hot Iron, 20.6 miles, Saturday 5th February 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Pontypool Leisure Centre car park, SO285007
• Description: Variations on the Taith Torfaen North. Direction anticlockwise. It follows parts of the Taith Torfaen North and the proposed Valleys 100 route, passes the historic Blaenavon ironworks with its Stack Square, used by BBC Wales in the Coal House series and goes through the recently created Garn Lakes nature reserve.
• Notes: Total ascent 3600ft. Weather was damp and extremely windy.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 285 007, Start: SO 285 007
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Gerry Jackson

Star Trek 4 - The Penultimate Voyage, 24 miles, Sunday 20th February 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park under the railway viaduct arches in Mill St, Pontypridd, ST069902
• Description: A visit to old friends.
• Notes: Photos provided by Trevor White
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 069 902, Start: ST 069 902
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Craig yr Allt and Mynydd Machen , 22 miles, Saturday 5th March 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: The A469 car park by the snack bar on Caerphilly Mountain, ST156853
• Description: 22 miles. Meet 8:30am from the A469 car park by the snack bar on Caerphilly Mountain.
• Notes: Photos by Dave Morgan. Around 4400ft ascent. The weather was dry and cold, with a sunny morning and a cloudy afternoon, with generally decent views.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 156 853, Start: ST 156 853
• Map(s): Explorer: 151, 166
• Leader: Dave Williams

North of the Pond, 17.7 miles, Sunday 13th March 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet 9:00am from Pen-y-Fan Pond., SO199006
• Notes: Photos by Graeme and Claire. 2.7 mph, 3000 feet of climb, clockwise, 14 on the walk + 2 dogs
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 199 006, Start: SO 199 006
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Claire Murray

Pontypool to Maesycwmmer - The Valleys 100 Part 1, 17 miles, Sunday 27th March 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet 8:00am at Maesycwmmer Community Centre. Minibus to West Monmouth School in Pontypool (£3)., ST155942
• Description: 2842 ft of ascent back to Maesycwmmer. A walk on Stages 1 and 2 of The Valleys 100. Walkers must book themselves on the walk either via phone or email. Just turning up will end in disappointment if all places have been taken. Bookings MUST BE IN 2 WEEKS BEFORE the walk at the VERY LATEST
  Map: Landranger 171. GR: ST 155942.
  Leader: Dave Morgan. Tel: 01633 881690. email: morgs4m
• Notes: 2842 feet of ascent. A cloudy day to start but this improved to a warm hazy afternoon.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 155 942, Start: SO 283 002, Finish: ST 155 942
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Dave Morgan

Up and Under, 19.2 miles, Saturday 2nd April 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Near the Information Centre, Pontneddfechan, SN900075
• Description: Meet initially near the Information Centre, Pontneddfechan, for a final decision on parking.
• Notes: Damp start but the weather soon improved. Visits to Bwa Maen, Silica mines, Sgwd yr Eira, Sgwd Clungwyn, Porth yr Ogof, Henrhyd and Sgwd Gwladys.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 900 075, Start: SN 913 079
• Map(s): Landranger: 160
• Leader: Alun Jones

Rhondda Rollercoaster Marshals' Walk 2011, 26.5 miles, Sunday 24th April 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: 8.30am from 'Barry Sidings' Countryside Park, Trehafod. Take M4 J32 and A470 Follow brown signs for Rhondda Heritage Park. 500 yds after Hopkinstown TL into B.S. Countryside Park.
  Map: LR 170 Start GR ST054908., ST054908
• Description: 5,000 feet of ascent. Take M4 J32 and A470 Follow brown signs for Rhondda Heritage Park. 500 yards after Hopkinstown TL into 'Barry Sidings' Countryside Park.
• Notes: Fine warm day.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 054 908, Start: ST 054 908
• Map(s): Landranger: 170
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Doethe Valley, 18 miles, Sunday 1st May 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llyn Brianne Dam car park., SN793484
• Notes: 18 miles
  Leader: Jason Winney Tel: 07798 521550.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 793 484, Start: SN 793 484
• Map(s): Landranger: 147
• Leader: Jason Winney

LLangattock by Torchlight , 23 miles, Sunday 22nd May 2011, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Park Drive, Llangattock, opposite The Black Horse Inn., SO212177
• Description: Via Llangynidr, Bwlch, Cwmdu and Crickhowell, taking in sections of the Usk Valley Walk and The Beacons Way. Torch and whistle ESSENTIAL.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 212 177, Start: SO 212 177
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Hugh Woodford

Over the Woods and up the Tump, 17 miles, Sunday 5th June 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Rogerstone Welfare Ground car park., ST265884
• Description: Over the woods, up the Tump, down the Welfare and along the canal.
• Notes: Weather overcast with a few drops of rain. As usual Gwyn tried to pull the birds.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 265 884, Start: ST 265 884
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Claire Murray

Walks near Efenechtyd(1), 14 miles, Thursday 9th June 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:30. At: Based at Plas Efenechtyd Cottage B&B the walk started from Moel Famau lower car park, SJ172611
• Notes: This 5* walk starts with a little over a mile of quiet lanes. It then follows the Clwydian Way through wooded valleys and returns via Moels Llys, Dywyll and Famau. Views from the tops are spectacular.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SJ 172 611, Start: SJ 172 611
• Map(s):
• Leader: Alun and Liz

Walks near Efenechtyd(2), 19 miles, Saturday 11th June 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:15. At: Based at Plas Efenechtyd Cottage B&B the walk started from Moel Famau lower car park, SJ172611
• Notes: A reasonable walk with good views. The Clwydian Way is not as well marked as the northern section.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SJ 172 611, Start: SJ 172 611
• Map(s):
• Leader: Alun and Liz

Llantrisant Figure of Eight, 27 miles, Saturday 18th June 2011, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Car park Radyr railway station, ST134804
• Description: 27 miles. 08.00 Start car park Radyr railway station. Map: Exp 166 Start GR ST134804. Skirt round Pentyrch, through Llantrisant, Llantrisant forest, Mynydd Meiros, Coed-Ely, Llantrisant Common, Creigiau, Garth Mountain, Morganstown, Radyr. Phone walk sec. for latest information.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 134 804, Start: ST 134 804
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Arny Williams

Tour Des Cross Keys, 20 miles, Sunday 26th June 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST209891
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 891, Start: ST 209 891
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Jason Winney

A Walk on the Wild Side, 24 miles, Sunday 3rd July 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Layby on A470 near old Merthyr road junction., SO024089
• Notes: A lot of tussocky grassland.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 024 089, Start: SO 024 089
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Jason Winney

Maesycwmmer to Abercynon - The Valleys 100 Part 2, 20 miles, Saturday 9th July 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in the free car park outside the Abercynon Community Centre, which is situated at the junction of Margaret St and Station Rd. Minibus to Maesycwmmer (£3). , ST082948
• Description: The Valleys 100 covering sections 3, 4 and 5. Walkers must book themselves on the walk either via phone or email (see Strider). Just turning up will end in disappointment if all places have been taken. Bookings MUST BE IN 2 WEEKS BEFORE the walk at the VERY LATEST.
• Notes: Weather, rain in morning, but a brighter afternoon.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 082 948, Start: ST 155 942, Finish: ST 082 948
• Map(s): Landranger: 170, 171
• Leader: Dave Morgan

Star Trek 5 - The Final Frontier, 19.5 miles, Sunday 17th July 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park under railway viaduct arches in Mill St, Pontypridd., ST069900
• Notes: Damp day with frequent showers.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 069 900, Start: ST 069 900
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Star Trek - All Five Routes, 5 x ~20 miles, Sunday 17th July 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : From car park under railway viaduct arches in Mill Street, Pontypridd., ST069900
• Description: Routes of the five Star Trek walks combined into one file
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 069 900, Start: ST 069 900
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Gwyn Matthews

Six Fans, 22 miles, Saturday 30th July 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:35. At: The Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad layby on A470, 1.6ml N of Storey Arms., SN971222
• Notes: 5300 feet of ascent. The weather was cloudy in the morning with hazy views. There were sunny spells later followed by cloud again, but it didn't rain. The going was wet and boggy in some places but generally dry.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 971 222, Start: SN 971 222
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Dave Williams

All around the Central Beacons, 26 miles, Saturday 13th August 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: 8.30am car park at Talybont Dam., SO103205
• Description: A tough walk taking in multiple summits around the Brecon Beacons, 5 climbs of various ascents on good paths and some off the track walking on easy terrain. Will be harder if the weather is hot. Approx 7000ft of ascent, bring plenty of drinking water.
• Notes: Photos taken by Trevor White. The weather was dry in the morning and deteriorated on the higher hills so that visibility was nil on Pen y Fan and Corn Du. Limited visibility from the lower hills. Completely at odds with the Beacons forecast.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 103 205, Start: SO 103 205
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Jason Winney

Where Ravens Dare Marshal's Walk, 26.5 miles, Sunday 21st August 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST209891
• Description: Walking the long route for the WRD challenge walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 891, Start: ST 209 891
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Leader: Jason Winney

Black Mountains Volume 1, 20 miles, Sunday 28th August 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanthony Priory car park, SO288278
• Description: Four Climbs of various levels, plus some long tricky descents, good paths all way round otherwise.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 288 278, Start: SO 288 278
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Jason Winney

Gower Weekend (South Walk), 19 miles, Saturday 3rd September 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park on Cefn Bryn, Gower., SS491900
• Description: First of two walks covering the Western end of Gower on Saturday and Sunday.
• Notes: Dry slightly cloudy morning, but cloud building during the day and the walk ended in the rain.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 491 900, Start: SS 491 900
• Map(s): Explorer: 164
• Leader: Alun Jones

Gower Weekend (North walk), 16 miles, Sunday 4th September 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park on Cefn Bryn, Gower, SS491900
• Description: Second of two walks covering the Western end of Gower on Saturday and Sunday.
• Notes: A clear day with good visibility and the rain held off until we returned to the car park.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 491 900, Start: SS 491 900
• Map(s): Explorer: 164
• Leader: Alun Jones

Black Mountains Volume 2, 22 miles, Sunday 11th September 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Beneath Darren Lwyd by cattle grid, SO244339
• Description: Three large climbs over mountains with good tracks, one tricky down climb where terrain is very steep, but only for a moderate distance.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 244 339, Start: SO 244 339
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Jason Winney

AGM and Walk at Rogerstone, 15.5 miles, Sunday 18th September 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Rogerstone Welfare Ground car park, ST265884
• Description: Along the Sirhowy Valley. Followed by AGM.
• Notes: A wet walk, but the tea and cakes at the AGM made up for it.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 265 884, Start: ST 265 884
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Claire Murray

Taith Torfaen - South Wales own Anytime Challenge Walk, 50 miles, Saturday 24th September 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Pontypool Leisure Centre car park, SO285006
• Description: 50 or 25 miles. Fifty mile route will be the southern loop followed by the northern loop. Twenty-five mile loop will be the southern loop and finish, only to watch the fifty milers walk off on the northern loop! Certificates will be provided to all who complete the full fifty mile walk. Please note that this walk will be led as a social walk for its full duration. All to bring a torch and suitable clothing for being on the hill at night.
• Notes: THANKS to Andrew and Rod for the photos. A marvellous day out for the southern loop but the conditions later on the night section could only be described as atrocious. A decision was made on safety grounds not to lead the group along the Coity Mountain ridge for 7 miles towards the end of the walk. Instead the old railway line that is now a cycle path from Blaenavon to the finish was followed. 17 walkers started on the 26 mile walk. 12 started the 50+ mile walk from Pontypool on the northern of which 9 finished. The first loop was completed in 10:10 and the 53 mile walk in 23:05.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 285 006, Start: SO 285 006
• Map(s): Landranger: 161, 171
• Leader: Dave Morgan

Black Mountains Volume 3 , 18 miles, Sunday 9th October 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Cwmdu Village Hall car park, bring change for parking, SO180239
• Description: Four Climbs of various levels, walking along good tracks and over long ridges.
• Notes: The cloud base at about 2000 ft for the morning, and so the group were in cloud until after lunch, but the afternoon cleared to give great views.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 180 239, Start: SO 180 239
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Leader: Jason Winney

Cefn Coed - The rocks and the lost place, 18 miles, Sunday 16th October 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Cefn Coed, SO024089
• Description: Climbs with quite a bit of off the track walking, some tall grass land areas otherwise good terrain. Boots advisable. Will be wet underfoot in moorland areas.
• Notes: First hour saw mist below in the valley. The sun came out for a fine autumnal day.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 024 089, Start: SO 024 089
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Jason Winney

Ystradfellte Big Little Bimble, 16 miles, Saturday 22nd October 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Ystradfellte main car park, SN929134
• Description: Climbs over remote mountains, in remote countryside, some paths will be faint, tracks often slippery in lowland areas.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 929 134, Start: SN 929 134
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Leader: Jason Winney

Tour Des Llanbradach, 18 miles, Saturday 29th October 2011, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Ystrad Mynach railway station car park, ST141942
• Notes: It was a good day out to start with, lovely Autumn morning weather. We mainly followed a series of ancient Cart Horse tracks over on the Mynydd y Grug side of the walk and Eglwysilan side also, quite cold, then the weather closed in to become very poor later in the afternoon with visibility down to around 100yds. 8 of us out, all finished ok. We skipped Cefn Eglwysilan summit and the moor on Mynydd Eglwysilan and escaped via the Nelson-Senghenydd mountain road due to the very poor visibility and weather in general. On the way up to Cefn Eglwysilan we encountered a party of fox hunters with hounds which was interesting. 3663ft Ascent
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 141 942, Start: ST 141 942
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Jason Winney

2 Parks or not 2 Parks, 21 miles, Saturday 5th November 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in (LDWA signposted) car park on south side of A46, the one with the nature trail sign and not the one shown with a 'P' on OS maps. Height restriction 2.2m (vehicles not people). Only 3 miles from M5 junc 11A., SO885140
• Description: A hilly walk aimed at taking in the autumn colours of the central Cotswolds while encompassing the parks of Prinknash and Miserden. Bring a torch, it gets dark early in the woods!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 885 140, Start: SO 885 140
• Map(s): Explorer: 179
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

Twmbarlwm Dash, 17.5 miles, Saturday 12th November 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Ystrad Mynach railway station, ST141942
• Description: Bring Headtorch.
• Notes: Photographs by Rob R. and Jason. An interesting day out on the hills, smashing views from the Breast of Mynydd y Lan looking down on Wattsville and across to Mynydd Machen. We had lunch in the lost valley and explored new parts of the Machen ridge by Cwmfelinfach.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 141 942, Start: ST 141 942
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Jason Winney

Rhymney Ridgeway and Mynydd Dimlaith, 18 miles, Sunday 20th November 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Ystrad Mynach Railway Station, ST141942
• Description: A fast paced walk along the Rhymney Ridgeway, please bring a head torch and a whistle, likelihood of finishing in darkness. Good tracks, way marked route.
• Notes: Photos by Dave Morgan.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 141 942, Start: ST 141 942
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Jason Winney

Abercynon to Tredegar - The Valleys 100 Part 3, 19 miles, Sunday 27th November 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Tredegar Leisure Centre car park., SO143082
• Description: The Valleys 100 covering sections 6, 7 and 8. Walkers must book themselves on the walk either via phone or email. Just turning up will end in disappointment if all places have been taken. Bookings MUST BE IN 2 WEEKS BEFORE the walk at the VERY LATEST.
• Notes: On leaving the road to turn into the Leisure Centre, park on the left hand side just past the small cottage which is on the right hand side.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 143 082, Start: ST 082 948, Finish: SO 143 082
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13, 166
• Leader: Dave Morgan

Alun's Back Yard , 19 miles, Saturday 10th December 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Llangeinor Church, SS925879
• Description: 4660 feet of ascent.
• Notes: Photos 18-35 by Aine Kenny
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 925 879, Start: SS 925 879
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Leader: Dave Morgan

Claire's Christmas Special, 17 miles, Sunday 18th December 2011, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Car park at Parc Penallta, Ystrad Mynach, ST132954
• Notes: Photos by Grae and Rob R.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 132 954, Start: ST 132 954
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Leader: Claire Murray