South Wales LDWA

Meander in the mountains, 20 miles, Saturday 1st May 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Abergavenny area - start point will be emailed to pre-booked walkers., SO2164818547
• Description: A classic ridge walk, taking in Table Mountain, Pen Cerrig Calch, Waun Fach and Crug Mawr. This is a lovely walk with spectacular views to ease us back into our group walks.
• Notes: Government Covid rules apply. Please email the leader to book a place. Group size of 15 walkers (please note this walk is restricted to S. Wales primary members only).
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 21648 18547, Start: SO 21648 18547
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: Sara Down

Caerphilly Summits Circular, 37or22 miles, Saturday 8th May 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Caerphilly region - start point will be emailed to pre-booked walkers., ST2095689091
• Description: Choice of two routes; something for everyone! Complete the Caerphilly Summits Spring Loosener with an epic trek of just about every summit in reach of Caerphilly, or break off at Ynysddu and return via the Sirhowy Valley Walk or Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk. The break-off will not be led, but is relatively easy to follow back. Note both routes do have a fairish amount of ascent for their distance. Full walk: 37 miles with 7600 ft ascent / shorter walk: 22 miles with 5000 ft ascent.
• Notes: Please email the leader to book a place. Group size of 20 walkers, 12 maximum for the full walk of 37 miles (please let Mike know which length of walk you wish to do, so that he can manage the numbers accordingly). If you're going big, don’t forget your torch! Hills are exposed, so bring appropriate gear too. Government Covid rules apply.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 20956 89091, Start: ST 20956 89091
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 7600
• Leader: Mike Batt

The Tintern Variations (Pt 1 – The Eastern Movement), 19 miles, Saturday 22nd May 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Lower Wireworks car park, Forge Road, Tintern (Grid Reference SO527001), SO527001
• Description: The Tintern Variations (Part 1 – The Eastern Movement): See No Evil. The first in a series of lockdown inspired walks. From Tintern it is into England to visit the Devil’s Pulpit, Wintour’s Leap, Tidenham Manor, Poor’s Allotment and Hewelsfield making use of the Offa’s Dyke Path and Gloucestershire Way. Very short section of basic scrambling across boulder scree near Wintour’s Leap.
• Notes: Please email the leader to book a place. Group size of 25 walkers. Government Covid rules apply.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 527 001, Start: SO 527 001
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3400
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Y 100 Sir Fynwy (details updated April 2021), 100 miles, Saturday 29th May 2021, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At:
• Description: Due to the continued uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately the Y 100 Sir Fynwy (as originally planned) has again had to be cancelled. To avoid a second year without a 100 mile event, South Wales LDWA has agreed with the National Executive Committee to hold a Virtual Y 100 Sir Fynwy event. Entrants will choose their own route of at least 100 miles to be completed in 48 elapsed hours on the weekend of 29th to 31st May 2021.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Leader: David Morgan

The bog and the table, 20 miles, Saturday 12th June 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Crickhowell High School car park, New Road, NP8 1DE,, SO216185
• Description: A walk crossing the Usk Valley twice with two good climbs. A mixture of farmland, canal, green lanes and open moorland. Hope for fine weather and a 360degree panorama at the summit of Mynydd Llangatwg.
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader to book your place. This walk is limited to 20 walkers. Government Covid rules at the time of the walk will apply.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: Angela Williams

Wild Boar Circuit, 22 miles, Saturday 19th June 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Free Car Park, Next to the Primary School in Abertywssg, if car park is full there is plenty of parking in the main street - GR - SO129055, SO129055
• Description: A circuit of the Rhymney and Ebbw Vale valley areas
• Notes: This walk it limited to 20 people. Please email the walk leader to book a place on this walk
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 129 055, Start: SO 129 055
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Butcombe Trail, 47,43,33,30,25,16 miles, Saturday 26th June 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Shipham Village Hall car park. £3 per car, please bring correct money and do not park anywhere else., ST444579
• Description: A clockwise wander along the Butcombe Trail in the Mendips. With a choice of six different distances those that do not wish to do the full 47 miles can easily choose a shorter route. I can provide the routes but you will have to map read. Generally on easy going paths. The Trail visits 6 Butcombe Brewery owned pubs but I think we'll pass on getting a round in each time!
• Notes: This walk it limited to 20 people. Please email the walk leader to book a place on this walk. Sainsburys and chip shop in Cheddar (28 miles on 47 route) can be used for a restock of provisions. Sainsburys closes at 8pm, hence the early start.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 444 579, Start: ST 444 579
• Map(s): Explorer: 141 & 153. Landranger: 182
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5700
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

From Centurions to Canals, 24 miles, Saturday 17th July 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llangynidr. Details of the start location will be emailed to pre-booked walkers., SO155196
• Description: An exploration of the countryside on both sides of the River Usk between Llangynidr and Brecon including Tor y Foel, Mon & Brecon Canal, Allt yr Esgair and Buckland Hill.
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader to book a place on this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 155 196, Start: SO 155 196
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12 and OL13. Landranger: 160,161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4100
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Where are we now? , 22 miles, Saturday 24th July 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Lower Lliw Reservoir CP Felindre Exit M4 at Junction 46 direction Felindre. Turn right just before Felindre village for Lower Lliw Reservoir CP., SN649034
• Description: A circuit of the lesser known hills between Swansea and the Black Mountain taking in parts of the Gower Way, St.Illtyd's and Cwm Clydach Walks.
• Notes: This walk has 25 available spaces. Please email the leader to book a place.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 649 034, Start: SN 649 034
• Map(s): Explorer: 165
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

Vale Wanderings, 29 miles, Saturday 7th August 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Southern gate of Romilly Park, Barry. Can park on streets nearby, ST102668
• Description: A wander around some quiet countryside and villages in the Vale of Glamorgan, finishing on the coast. A few quirks and points of interest along the way. Please contact the leader to book a place on this walk.
• Notes: This is an 'easy' 29 miler, gentle undulations with the occasional small hill. Maximum group size: 16
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 102 668, Start: ST 102 668
• Map(s): Explorer: 151
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Mike Batt

The Three Castles walk, 20 miles, Saturday 14th August 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Free parking area in front of Skenfrith Castle, SO4566720246
• Description: The classic three castles walk between Whitecastle, Grosmont and Skenfrith.
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader to book a place on this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 45667 20246, Start: SO 45667 20246
• Map(s): Explorer: 13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Sara Down

CANCELLED - A Sideways Glance at Vegetable Mountain, 24 miles, Saturday 21st August 2021, Location

• Changes: WALK CANCELLED. This walk is cancelled due to the yellow weather warning for tomorrow. All booked walkers have been emailed. Walk will be rescheduled for another date.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: This walk is cancelled due to a yellow weather warning for tomorrow.
• Description: WALK CANCELLED. A circular walk exloring the northern edge of the Black Mountains. Visting some of the woodland east of Taglarth before ascending to visit Rhiw y Fan, Mynydd Bychan, Waun Fach and Pen Trumau. We then descend to the A479 prior to a traverse of Mynydd Troed before returning to Talgarth via Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve.
• Notes: Quite a lot of ascent for a walk of this distance. You need to contact the walk leader to register for this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5100
• Leader: Simon Pickering

A Sideways Glance at Vegetable Mountain, 24 miles, Saturday 4th September 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Talgarth - the free car park in Talgarth, (SO153337). Please contact the walk leader to book a place on this walk., SO153337
• Description: A circular walk exploring the northern edge of the Black Mountains. Visiting some of the woodland east of Talgarth before ascending to visit Rhiw y Fan, Mynydd Bychan, Waun Fach and Pen Trumau. We then descend to the A479 prior to a traverse of Mynydd Troed before returning to Talgarth via Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve.
• Notes: Quite a lot of ascent for a walk of this distance. You need to contact the walk leader to register for this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 153 337, Start: SO 153 337
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5100
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Cotswold Ring, 52 miles, Saturday 11th September 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Changes: Gwyneth (Cotswold Ring organiser) has offered to treat this as a Marshalls Walk for the Cotswold Ring. Therefore completion will count as a qualifier for next years 100. The walk was originally designed to be completed in June or July with proceeds going to the LDWA IT fund. Therefore a voluntary fee of £5 per person would be gratefully accepted. This being half of what you would have paid if you had done the walk in June or July.
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Back Lane Car Park. £1 charge, SP02372843
• Description: A circular walk visiting numerous Cotswold villages
• Notes: A few of us are camping the night before and after at www.haylesfruitfarm.co.uk which is only 3 miles from the start. Feel free to join us.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SP 0237 2843, Start: SP 0237 2843
• Map(s): Explorer: OL45. Landranger: 150,151 & 163
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

Three Circles of Machen - Marshall's walk, 12to22 miles, Saturday 25th September 2021, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Exact starting location will be emailed to all Marshalls prior to the walk, ST209890
• Description: This is a marshall's walk for those supporting the Three Circles of Machen challenge event. One or two loops can be completed, totally 12, 20 or 22 miles.
• Notes: All 3 GPX routes can be found on the three circles of Machen event page: http://www.southwalesldwa.org/wp/?page_id=4006
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Three Circles of Machen (Challenge Event), 8to30 miles, Saturday 2nd October 2021, Location

• Meet/Start time : 07:00. At: Machen Village Hall, The Crescent, Machen, CF83 8ND, ST209890
• Description: The Three Circles of Machen provides entrants with a range of options to enjoy the scenic beauty of South Wales' eastern valleys. Three different circular routes of 8, 10 and 12 miles offer a choice of seven different combinations ranging from 8 to 30 miles.
• Notes: For the full details and to register to enter the event please see the details on SIEntries website: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=7989 All 3 GPX routes can be found on the three circles of Machen event page: http://www.southwalesldwa.org/wp/?page_id=4006
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
• Map(s):
• Leader: N/A

The Tintern Variations (Pt 2 – The Western Movement), 20 miles, Saturday 9th October 2021, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Lower Wireworks car park, Forge Road, Tintern, SO527001
• Description: The Tintern Variations (Part 2 – The Western Movement): Hear No Evil. The second in a series of walks revealing where the Secretary wandered during lockdown. From Tintern we connect up four churches in the hamlets of Llanfihangel-Tor-y-Mynydd, Wolvesnewtown, Newchurch and Kilgwrrwg via the rolling Monmouthshire countryside.
• Notes: Please notify the walk leader if you wish to attend.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 527 001, Start: SO 527 001
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 162, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Autumnal Wilderness Wander, 26 miles, Saturday 16th October 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: A4067 near Cray Reservoir (exact location will be provided to booked walkers), SN887211
• Description: A walk over the bleak wilderness terrain north of Mynydd Du, circling loosely around the Cray and Usk reservoirs. Spectacular views of the massif and surrounding countryside possible.
• Notes: The first 10-12 miles are over rough and sometimes boggy terrain, with faint and sometimes non-existent paths. Walking poles will be helpful for this tough walking. Second half much easier. Bring a headtorch in case. Not great in poor weather, so I will have a back-up walk available too (nearby).
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 887 211, Start: SN 887 211
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Mike Batt

Kick It Up A Notch, 16 miles, Wednesday 20th October 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Tintern Wireworks Free Car Park, SO526002
• Description: An autumnal walk that is actually being led for the Chepstow Walking Festival on 24.10.21 as LDWA is a partner who supports the event. This is an opportunity for LDWA members to walk the route and enjoy the autumnal Wye Valley.
• Notes: No need to contact the walk leader. Just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 526 002, Start: SO 526 002
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Leader: David Morgan

CANCELLED - A mountain and two ridges, 16 miles, Saturday 23rd October 2021, Location

• Changes: Walk cancelled
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: I'm afraid this walk has been cancelled. Pre-booked walkers will be sent an email to cancel the walk.
• Description: A walk from north Cardiff to Mynydd Rudry returning via Craig Llysfaen. Please contact the leader to book a place on this walk.
• Notes: Could be boggy near the end if we have heavy rain prior to the walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 151 and 166
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2400
• Leader: Arny Williams

Lone wolf and the last pasty, 17 miles, Saturday 23rd October 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Byefield Lane Car Park, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA , SO2968114063
• Notes: No need to book, just turn up. However, if you are new to walking with the South Wales group, please contact the leader in advance of the walk to let them know you will be joining us.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 29681 14063, Start: SO 29681 14063
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): TBC
• Leader: Ange Williams

Annual General Meeting, Sunday 31st October 2021, Location

• Meet/Start time : 19:00. At: South Wales LDWA will be holding our Annual General Meeting on 31 October 2021 at 7pm. We would encourage all members to attend and contribute to the running of our group. We will again be using video conferencing (Skype Meet Now), following its successful debut last year and the possibility that Covid restrictions may be with us again. We would like as many people as possible to attend, so please register by emailing the secretary at sec@southwalesldwa.org. A link to join the meeting will be supplied to those registered to attend shortly before the meeting is due to commence.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Forever Autumn , 20 miles, Saturday 6th November 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:15. At: Pay and Display car park in Redbrook Grid reference: SO536099. This is the northern car park and costs £2 for the day. , SO536099
• Description: Hopefully there will still be some Autumn colours to enjoy and leaves to kick
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader to book a place on this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 536 099, Start: SO 536 099
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: LR162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Shirley Hume

CANCELLED -Paths, jitties, snickets, trods lonnings, 17 miles, Saturday 13th November 2021, Location

• Changes: This walk is cancelled.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Selsley Common, GL5 5LL (post code does not show correct parking location, please use grid reference).
• Description: A joint walk with Wiltshire and Bristol and West groups. Paths, jitties, snickets, trods lonnings... and some towpath. Lots of variety, views and ups & downs.
• Notes: Bring a headtorch
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Leader: John Roberts

All Around the Bell Tower, 24 miles, Saturday 27th November 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Free carpark in Abersychan town centre, SO269033
• Description: A walk around the upper Torfaen area, from Abersychan around towards the Blorenge, Mynydd Garnclochndy, Garn Fawr
• Notes: Bring a head torch
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 269 033, Start: SO 269 033
• Map(s): Explorer: 152, OL13
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

Christmas Walk and Meal, 13 miles, Saturday 4th December 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Redbrook car park (Chargeable) £2.00 per day until 6pm, SO536099
• Description: South Wales LDWA Christmas meal will be at the The Bell, Redbrook, starting at 3pm and will be proceeded by a walk in the morning. The walk, from the car park in Redbrook is 13 miles and takes in Highbury woods on the Offa's Dyke down to Bigsweir and through Cuckoo woods to pick up the Wye Valley Way back through Whitebrook & PwllPlythin woods.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 536 099, Start: SO 536 099
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2200
• Leader: Jason Winney

Perambulations of the Ystrad Kind, 22 miles, Saturday 11th December 2021, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Station Road Ystrad Mynach, ST1421694478
• Description: A walk around the County of Caerphilly on fairly good paths and some fairly quiet lanes
• Notes: You don't have to pre-book for this walk, just turn up on the day.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 14216 94478, Start: ST 14216 94478
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3700
• Leader: Jason Winney

In Search of Snow, 16 miles, Saturday 18th December 2021, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Near Pontsticill (exact location to be provided to booked walkers), SO054144
• Description: A winter walk in the Central Beacons, taking in some great views, high plateaus, waterfalls, an aircraft crash and watching the sunset as we finish our final ridge. Potential for a winter wonderland - if we are lucky! A good day out even if not.
• Notes: Walking poles very advantageous, especially if icy. Please bring full gear for walking in winter in the high hills. Parking is limited to about 14 cars - please car-share if possible. This walk will have numbers capped to reflect limited parking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 054 144, Start: SO 054 144
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3600
• Leader: Mike Batt