Attack of the Pudding Punchers, 22 miles, Sunday 1st January 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Machen Village Hall, ST209890
Description: A re-occuring theme to last year, a good yomp to kick start the year off with an ascent of Mynydd Machen, Twmbarlwm and Mynydd y Lan by rather un-traditional routes
Notes: Bring a headtorch
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Eastington Community Centre (OHMH), Eastington, near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. Eastington is not far from junction 13 of the M5.
The community centre is just after the butchers on the left hand side as you go out of the village towards the A38. It is next to a farm, down a lane., SO770054
Description: Following the River Frome down to the River Severn then through the pretty village of Frampton on Severn before climbing a couple of Cotswold hills. Good views can be had from Coaley Peak on a clear day.
Possible pub stop.
Notes: Please bring a packed lunch.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 770 054, Start: SO 770 054
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Caerwent Roman Town Car Park NP26 5AU, ST467906
Description: A walk through the history of human occupation in southern Monmouthshire. Taking in the Roman remains of Venta Silurum, Dewstow Golf Club, Slade Wood, Penhow Castle, Parc Seymour and Gray Hill, as well as the Giant Stile of Monmouthshire.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 467 906, Start: ST 467 906
The Monmouthshire Way Part 2, 17 miles, Saturday 4th March 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet in side street near Lancaster Arms, Pandy., SO333218
Description: The second of several walks of the Monmouthshire Way, a walk designed by David Morgan that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire.
Notes: A minibus will take walkers from Pandy to Monmouth Cattle Market and we will then walk back to our cars. Please book your space with David ASAP.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 333 218, Start: SO 505 124, Finish: SO 333 218
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Erwood Craft Centre car park (free for walkers), SO090440
Description: An exploration of the glorious countryside east of the River Wye. Llandeilo Hill, Rhulen Hill, Glascwm, Giant's Cave, Cregina, Aberedw Hill and Aberedw Rocks.
Notes: Walk is on good paths and tracks. Approximately 4400 feet of climbing. Moderate B Grading. See Walk Grades for more information.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 090 440, Start: SO 090 440
Dunes, downs and dancing stones, 22 miles, Saturday 15th April 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 00:00. At: Meet at Portobello House CP (free) Ogmore, B4524, SS873763
Description: A Spring walk in and out of the dunes at Merthyr Mawr, Ogmore and Old Castle Downs , inland areas of the Vale, returning to the coast via Monknash for a beach walk back to start (speedos optional).
Grid reference(s):Meet: SS 873 763, Start: SS 873 763
Meet/Start time : 00:00. At: Village hall cp Brockhampton, SO592320
Description: Sections of Wye Valley Walk, Herefordshire Trail, Three Choirs Way, via Haugh Wood, Woolhope, Much Marcle. Includes stop at Westons Cider.
Notes: Back by popular demand.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 592 320, Start: SO 592 320
Weekend Away: A Wimple, Bache, Rhos and More, 20 miles, Saturday 17th June 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs, Details
Weekend Away: A Wimple, Bache, Rhos and More, 20 miles, Saturday 17th June 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Lay-by on A488 at Monaughty, on the right hand side of the road. The parking is located 5 miles outside of Knighton on the A488 Penybont Road, SO238686
Description: A circular route walking out to Bache Hill, Great Rhos & Black Mixen
Notes: The route is made up of bridleways, green lanes, footpaths and forest rides along with some upland trackless area's.
Some steep ground will be encountered midway, and will be sustained, however, these are on good tracks that ascend to the open hillside which will be exposed in poor weather.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 238 686, Start: SO 238 686
Weekend Away: Beacon Hill, 15 miles, Sunday 18th June 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Knighton Railway Station at 09:00, we drive 4 miles to Knucklas where the walk starts. , SO290724
Description: The walk is a circular one with Beacon Hill as the focal point. The area is very wild and remote, however,our walk accesses it by means of a steady ascent over several miles on fine grassy tracks. I expect the duration to be around 7.5 to 8 hours with minimum two or possibly three stops, one of which will be on Beacon Hill itself. There is 2,750' ascent on mostly good tracks with some rough walking (one mile max, spread out over several stretches) around the midway point. There is some walking (just over 1km) on the B 4355 at the end. This road, when I walked it with Emma, seems more traffic free than it's B class status would suggest. There are sheep throughout the walk so dogs must be on leads. Bring plenty of water as there are very limited opportunities to acquire supplies (other than from streams/ponds) on this walk.
Notes: Parking at Knucklas is limited so ideally we need to take full cars to the village to keep car numbers to a minimum. The journey time to Knucklas from Knighton is around ten minutes.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 290 724, Start: SO 252 743
Map(s):Explorer: 201and 214 . Landranger: 136 and 137
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Bethlehem by houses and car share to Llanddeusant Water board Car Park, SN688253
Description: Finishing the Beacons Way walking from Llanddeusant to Bethlehem
Notes: This is the easiest of the 4 sections with around 3400' of climbing. The first climb out of Llanddeusant is the biggest of the day of around 1100 feet; the terrain then gives way to rocky moorland and good tracks, some rough ground on the way. The tops are exposed to weather so please bring the necessary clothing.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 688 253, Start: SN 7765 2455, Finish: SN 688 253
Touching the Epynt 1, 30 miles, Saturday 1st July 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Drive into Brecon, turn left over river towards Cradoc. Ignore first car park on LHS. continue until see small sign for 'promenade' pointing to left hand fork. Road drops down to CP. Charge is £3.20 for the day. Coins only.
, SO036289
Description: Going NW out of Brecon up to the Epynt Way then West along Epynt Way to come back through open access land. Not a lot of strong climbing but a good deal of rough ground that can be heavy going with some boggy ground. Total Ascent 1739m (5400ft)
Notes: Walk may be slighgtly adjusted on the day to get the best of the terrain and the views. Pace will be c. 3mph. Grid Ref for start and finish to follow
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 036 289, Start: SO 036 289
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Rhymney Train Station (Meet at Rhymney Train Station and Catch Train to Lisvane. We then walk back to the cars), SO111074
Description: Repeating a walk from Lisvane to Rhymney via Caerphilly, Rudry, Ystrad, Bargoed, Elliots Town, Phillips Town, Aberywssg and Rhymney
Notes: A long walk, with no real big or overly steep climbing, pace will be varied, deliberately slower on upland areas and a bit faster on lanes and good footpaths. The walk has a lot of undulation, which will prove a little tiring towards the end. 4200' of climbing
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 111 074, Start: SO 111 074
New Bumming around the hills - Black Mountain Circuit, 30 miles, Saturday 15th July 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs, Details
New Bumming around the hills - Black Mountain Circuit, 30 miles, Saturday 15th July 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Tarfarn y Garreg Pub (Park in the dead end road by the pub), SN849171
Description: A tough walk out on the Black Mountain, starting with Cribarth and crossing the pathless massif to reach the Tyle Garw Valley. The route then heads south to reach CwmGiedd and then over to Henrhyd Falls, making our way back to the start via Penwyllt area.
Notes: A mixture of tough rugged upland terrain for quite a substantial distance, then on various tracks and lanes, a bit wet underfoot on lowland moors. There is an hourly bus that can be caught from Ystradgynlais Bus Station back to the cars (T6A), the walk route passes within half a mile of the bus station. (walkers can leave the walk at 17 miles). Terrain underfoot is largely rugged moorland for the first 15 miles, then gives way to easier terrain. The pace is accommodating, but walkers may feel quite tired towards the last 5 miles which is on good tracks.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 849 171, Start: SN 849 171
In compliance with the Declaration of Sports, 25 miles, Saturday 22nd July 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs, Details
In compliance with the Declaration of Sports, 25 miles, Saturday 22nd July 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Foresters' Oaks car park, near Llanvair Discoed, ST428938
Description: A varied walk taking in Wentwood, the Usk Valley and surrounds. Visiting a number of sites of human endeavour including Penhow and Pen-coed castles, Celtic Manor golf course and the Roman Ampitheatre at Caerleon.
Notes: A number of stiles and gates en route.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 428 938, Start: ST 428 938
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Bryndolau Car Park, Abergwesyn, Powys, SN8597553075
Description: Rugged Cambrian Mountains- Mix of track, by-way & indistinct bridleway on upland plateau, moorland & smoothly domed hills. 4852ft of ascent.
Follow Gwyesyn valley to DrygarnFawr, view CabanCoch, GarregDdu reservoirs, cross foot of Claerwen Damn, follow stream fords to Rhiwnant, up Nant Paradwys valley to Carnau& return to car park.
Notes: Toilets at car park.Some rough & wet ground with boggy areas. Exposed in inclement weather, please bring appropriate clothing.
Directions from Builth Wells: Take A483 out of Builth Wells. Straight on approx. 8 miles (12k) to Beulah. Turn right on bend after Trout Inn &filling station onto minor road signposted Abergwesyn. Follow twisty road straight on for 5 miles (8k). Car park on left-hand side 100m after house fronting road.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 85975 53075, Start: SN 85975 53075
Meet/Start time : 08:01. At: Meet Yate railway station. Catch 08:01 train to Cam. Walk back using sections of the Cotswold Way, Monarchs Way and Frome Valley Walkway., ST702826
Description: Catch 08:01 train to Cam. Walk back using various path and sections of the Cotswold Way, Monarchs Way and Frome Valley Walkway.
Notes: Allow time at station for buying ticket from a machine. Train ticket £5.10. Station car park £1.50 all day. Prices at 08/01/2017.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 702 826, Start: SO 753 021, Finish: ST 702 826
Summer in the Sand Dunes, c35 miles, Saturday 12th August 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 07:00. At: The start location of the walk is from Kenfig Visitor Centre at 08:00. Meet at Romilly Park, Barry at 07:00 to catch mini-bus to the start, ST103670
Description: Spend a long summer day seeing spectacular coastline. Kenfig dunes, Merthyr Mawr, Ogmore, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and the seaside delights of Porthcawl and Barrybados. Can cut short if weather really poor by catching a train, but forecast is for sun and a cool wind...
Notes: Park free on the road around Romilly Park. Residential so please be quiet and discrete. Meet at eastern entrance of park (obvious) for the minibus. Please contact walk leader to get a place on the bus.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 103 670, Start: SS 802 810, Finish: ST 103 670
A Meander to Malmesbury, 25 miles, Saturday 19th August 2017,
Location, Details
A Meander to Malmesbury, 25 miles, Saturday 19th August 2017,
Location
Meet/Start time : 00:08. At: Kemble railway station. Meet in carpark. , ST985975
Description: A circular walk on the edge of the Cotswolds near the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border via Cherington, Avening and Tetbury to the pretty riverside town of Malmesbury and back to Kemble.
Notes: Please bring a packed lunch.
Possible pub stop.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 985 975, Start: ST 985 975
The Monmouthshire Way Part 3, 16 miles, Saturday 2nd September 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanthony Priory Car Park, SO289278
Description: Part 3 of the new Monmouthshire Way visiting the county summit and highest point on the entire route, Chwarel y Fan. The walk will commence in Pandy and finish at Llanthony Priory
Notes: Members to book themselves onto the minibus. Once spaces are filled, then members will have to make their own car sharing arrangements.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 289 278, Start: SO 333 218, Finish: SO 289 278
Meet/Start time : 00:00. At: Chepstow Leisure Centre Car Park (free). Meet here to take minibus to Byefield Lane Car Park, Tudor St, Abergavenny and walk back, ST529943
Description: A late evening / night time exploration of the Black Mountains to Pandy, then to Monmouth and a return to Chepstow along the Wye Valley arriving back in Chepstow between 4pm and 6pm. Walk has 8400 ft of climbing.
Notes: Brisk Pace. Replenish in Monmouth after 33 miles. Walkers to take personal responsibility should they need to leave the walk by arranging to get themselves back to Chepstow. Contact David Morgan to book space on bus. Non South Wales LDWA members £5. The walk will finish at a pub in Chepstow and have a meal. It is perfectly feasible for members to use the train to reach Chepstow and to let the train take the strain at the end of this long walk!
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 529 943, Start: SO 297 141, Finish: ST 529 943
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Car park outside Penrice Castle off A4118, SS4933588274
Description: A simple walk that takes in woodland, farmland, the East, Southern, and Western sides of the Gower as well as some of its main hills and ridges. A relatively easy pace with some stops. Ground can be boggy in places if the weather is wet.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SS 49335 88274, Start: SS 49335 88274
The Monmouthshire Way Part 4, 16 miles, Saturday 23rd September 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Keeper's Pond Car Park nr Blaenavon, SO254107
Description: The fourth of seven walks of the Monmouthshire Way, a walk designed by David Morgan that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire. Visiting the Vale of Ewyas, Cwmyoy, Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny, and finishing by entering the Forgotten Landscape of the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon and surrounding area. The walk will commence at Llanthony and end at Keepers Pond nr Blaenavon. 3985 ft ascent.
Notes: Members to book themselves onto the minibus. Once spaces are filled, then members will have to make their own car sharing arrangements.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 254 107, Start: SO 289 278, Finish: SO 254 107
Sleeping Giant and the Secret Stones, 20 miles, Saturday 14th October 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs, Details
Sleeping Giant and the Secret Stones, 20 miles, Saturday 14th October 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Park by the Gwyn Arms Inn, not in their carpark though., SN845164
Description: Walking up to Penwyllt and around to Cribarth
Notes: The walk is largely rugged on 'the tops' of Penwyllt and walkers may find walking poles a big advantage over the difficlt terrain. The going is slow at times but enjoyable and very interesting, The difficult terrian accounts for only one early section of the route which will give way to forest tracks and footpaths.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 845 164, Start: SN 845 164
Strictly Come Walking, 22 miles, Saturday 28th October 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 00:00. At: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Meet at the car park at the northern end of the football pitch in Redbrook [access from the A466] Charges apply, SO536102
Description: Hills, views and Autumn colours, taking in parts of the Wysis Way and Offas Dyke
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 536 102, Start: SO 536 102
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Parking area near Varteg school. If approaching from the south it is on the right but easy to miss., SO2660005910
Description: Anti-clockwise circuit on the hills and ridges around the Coety Mountain. A repeat of the walk on 26 November 2016 but in the reverse direction, possibly with some variations. 3100 feet of ascent just makes it into grade B.
Notes: Bring a torch in case we finish in the dark.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SO 26600 05910, Start: SO 266 059
The Fish Mountain, 20 miles, Saturday 25th November 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Pontarddulais on Glynhir Rd by the entrance to Dantwyn Rd. Its a residential area and you may have to park with consideration to residents., SN598039
Description: Visiting the quiet and remote Hills around the Pontarddulais area
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 598 039, Start: SN 598 039
Description: We will be walking across the Black Mountain Missaf and visiting Sinc Geidd, Trig 471, and Tyle Garw. We will cross Afon Twrch and head North to climb up Waun Lefrith and come back along the ridge summiting Picws Du and Fan Brecheiniog along the way. We will visit the most remote place in Wales (I've been told by good authority) and cover a wide variety of terrain.
We may get to see the Aderyn Araf and the Welsh Giraffes. Around half of this walk is off the paths and can be tough going. The actual distance and pace will depend on how people manage the rough ground and the weather. Weather permitting there will be at least one river crossing.
We go through bog, high grass, across rocky ground, and have some steep ground. Please make sure you wear boots and gaiters and have waterproofs with you, bring extra layers of warm clothing and plenty to eat. If the rivers are in spate we will not cross them.
The route will be modified according to weather conditions.
Notes: The route will be modified in bad/foul weather. Boots may be necessary. Full waterproofs essential.
Grid reference(s):Meet: SN 846 165, Start: SN 846 165
Meet/Start time : 00:09. At: Car park near Sluvad water treatment works , ST322992
Description: Farmland, woodland & quiet lanes. Muddy if wet. Passing a golf course, animal sanctuary, reservoir and viewing an unusual conversion into holiday accommodation.
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 322 992, Start: ST 322 992
2020 Hundred Recce, Monmouth to Chepstow, 19 miles, Saturday 16th December 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs, Details
2020 Hundred Recce, Monmouth to Chepstow, 19 miles, Saturday 16th December 2017, Route: (view, download), Photographs
Changes: Change of leader and meeting point. See 'Meet at' location below.
Meet/Start time : 07:30. At: Chepstow bus station to catch the 07:40 bus (bring bus fare) to start the walk at Monmouth Bus Station at 08:30. Anyone wishing to join the walk there can do so but will have to make their own arrangements for returning to Monmouth at the end of the walk. The walk will finish at Chepstow Leisure Centre (ST 5288 9433) so we suggest you park cars there and walk down to Chepstow bus station for 07:30am, ST53169377
Description: A linear walk covering the 2020 Hundred Route from Monmouth to Chepstow.
Notes: Bring a torch
Grid reference(s):Meet: ST 5316 9377, Start: SO 5049 1263, Finish: ST 5288 9433
