South Wales LDWA

Major Splatt Pudding - On Stranger Shores, 26 miles, Saturday 1st January 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Free car park, Llangynidr, SO155195
• Description: Major Splatt Pudding has been urgently dispatched out to a strange land where the 'Rice Crispy Tribe' and the 'Naughty Men of the North' have both secretly collaborated to hide a packet of biscuits. The Intelligence Core has pointed to a secret river where the Biscuits may be hidden and Major Splatt has been tasked to find the secret river and pass on the information to Intelligence whilst remaining undetected.
• Notes: Bring a headtorch and a hot drink
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 155 195, Start: SO 155 195
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12/OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6200
• Leader: Jason Winney

Step On My Old Size Nines (70), 24 miles, Saturday 15th January 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Dare Valley Country Park Free Car Park, SN984026
• Description: A winter upland walk that features infrequented hills (from perspective of South Wales LDWA Group) forestry tracks and either fog or glorious views. There is 4500 ft of ascent on this walk. All climbs are well graded and on good quality paths. If weather forecast appalling, walk leader will postpone and re-schedule due to exposed terrain.
• Notes: Just turn up, no need to phone the walk leader. Sunset at 16:33. Bring a torch as this walk will finish in the dark. The last hour should provide fabulous views over the illuminated villages below. One short section with a steep descent. A trekking pole will certainly help. Expect wet feet if streams are in spate.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 984 026, Start: SN 984 026
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: David Morgan

Dawdling Around Deri, 20 miles, Saturday 22nd January 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Station Road, Ystrad Mynach - park near bottom of the road opposite Nancy's Cafe, ST142944
• Description: A wander north of Ystrad Mynach around the Darran Valley - some fine views to be had
• Notes: Just need suitable gear for the winter hills. No need to book for this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 142 944, Start: ST 142 944
• Map(s): Explorer: OL166
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2450
• Leader: Mike Batt

Circles Of Confusion (71), 19 miles, Saturday 29th January 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Whitestone Car Park, Wye Valley, SO524029
• Description: A circular (with circles) walk in the woodlands of the Wye Valley. Sometimes you'll question your sanity as you go round and round as we all spin each other right round baby, right round.
• Notes: Don't come if you don't like trees!! This walk has been designed with fun in mind and will be 19 miles with some views!! An opportunity to meet friends, chew the fat and enjoy winter mileage! No booking necessary. Just turn up. Car sharing recommended.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 524 029, Start: SO 524 029
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2400
• Leader: David & Gill Morgan

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 5th February 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Fro car park, Abergavenny. 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 tops 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

Cancelled Two by Two, 21 miles, Saturday 12th February 2022, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Ystradfellte area
• Description: A winter walk north of Ystradfellte exploring some lesser-trodden hills and cwms. Please be equipped for winter walking in the mountains. Sometimes following faint or non-existent paths with a bit of tussocky fun thrown in - pole helpful.
• Notes: Does have the Mini paw of approval, so not too strenuous/difficult :) To avoid too much car-park congestion, please car-share if you can and let me know you are coming - I will then tell you the start location. Aiming for 10 cars maximum.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• Leader: Mike Batt

Bothy Walk, 22 miles, Saturday 26th February 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Lay-by by entrance to the visitors center on the A44, SN71878126
• Description: Walking out to the Nant Syddion Bothy via Drosgol and Pumlumon, we pick up bits of the Aberystwyth to Borth trail on route.
• Notes: If the weather is mild but wet, will still go ahead but with an altered bad weather route which is a bit shorter, if its bad weather and very cold I'll postpone it. The plan is to wild camp by the bothy, due to covid, but the bothy is handy for emergency purposes and the conveniences
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7187 8126, Start: SN 7187 8126, Finish: SN 7731 7903
• Map(s): Explorer: 213
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4700
• Leader: Jason Winney

Three Peaks Platinum route, 19 miles, Saturday 26th February 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: ******Please note the bus is now full. Leader is holding a reserve list. ***** FURTHER UPDATE ; Possibility of a car share - contact leader
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byefield Lane, Castle Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EE Minibus at 8am to take walkers to the start point at Llanthony Priory, SO296140
• Description: A linear walk from Llanthony Abbey to Abergavenny over Bal Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Sugar Loaf.
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader, it's essential to book a place on this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 296 140, Start: SO 289 279, Finish: SO 296 140
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Ange WIlliams

Bothy Walk, 15 miles, Sunday 27th February 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Nant Syddion Bothy, SN77317903
• Description: From the Bothy we head up onto the uplands above the forest and drop back down into the forest and pickup the Aberystwyth to Borth trail back to the Visitors center
• Notes: Bring £4 for the waterfalls at Devils Bridge if you fancy seeing them, a slightly modified route if the weathers bad will keep us down in the forest.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7731 7903, Start: SN 7731 7903, Finish: SN 7187 8126
• Map(s): Explorer: 213
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Call Of The Wild (72), 17or22 miles, Saturday 5th March 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: Please note: This GPX file crosses private land between SN 880 015 and SN 886 005 due to the fact that the public right of way that links the two points does not exist on the ground. Please bear this in mind when following this route as the route follows the only viable option.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pen Pych Forest Car Park, Blaencwm, SS924991
• Description: Exploring more underwalked (possibly never walked) terrain by the South Wales LDWA Group. Two short sections of rough ground. This walk can only go ahead because local farmers have provided permission to cross their land. Walkers on shorter walk will have to self navigate the last mile to the car park. Please car share if possible. NO DOGS due to lambing.
• Notes: Don't contact the walk leader. Just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 924 991, Start: SS 924 991
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: David Morgan & Jamie Lewis

Boulevard Of Broken Hearts (73), 33 miles, Saturday 12th March 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Fedw Woods Car Park, ST506984
• Description: An early spring 30+ mile walk that will stretch the legs as we prepare for the longer events that will soon be upon us.
• Notes: 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.
• 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

Taking it over the Edge, 20 miles, Saturday 19th March 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Wotton -under- Edge Visitor Centre, Chipping Car Park, Wotton-under- Edge. There are some long stay spaces, otherwise street parking nearby (ST756931), ST756931
• Description: Valleys and views, woods and parkland
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 756 931, Start: ST 756 931
• Map(s): Explorer: 167 and 168
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 1000
• Leader: John Roberts

Cymmer Chameleon , 22 miles, Saturday 26th March 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Free car park in centre of Cymmer. Take direction Glyncorrwg out of the village and the car park is signposted on the left going downhill. Space for about 13/14 cars., SS862962
• Description: A walk through a mixed landscape of forest, open hillsides and valleys that are rarely visited by the group.
• Notes: Some rough open ground which is boggy in parts but generally fine. No booking needed, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 862 962, Start: SS 862 962
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

The Last of the Looseners, 37 miles, Saturday 9th April 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Grid Reference SO 054144 - on map OL12 there is a parking sign near the dam. The parking is north of Pontsticill. Drive out of the village north on the Talybont-on-Usk road. You will reach a junction, which is signposting Dolygaer down a T-junction bearing slightly right. Take the leftish turn signposted Talybont-on-Usk 8 miles. About 150 yards on there is a car park to the right. It is just before an old converted church. It's fairly obvious but if you manage to go past you can turn around 1/2 mile on. , SO054144
• Description: The beast is back with a vengeance - a mighty journey through the Central Beacons to welcome in the spring walking season. The gauntlet is laid - dare you take the final and greatest Loosener challenge?
• Notes: Conditions this time of year vary greatly - highly weather dependent - it's your responsibility to bring the right kit for the conditions. Places will need to be booked on this walk. Generally fairly good paths, but some rough terrain mixed in and there will be night walking. If you are not well-known to the walk leader, please understand that for safety reasons you will be asked a number of questions about your ability to complete the walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 054 144, Start: SO 054 144
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12 and OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6500
• Leader: Mike Batt

Challenge Event: Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter, 25,22,15or12 miles, Sunday 24th April 2022, Location

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter is an event run by South Wales LDWA that was previously held for three years in January 2017, 2018 and 2019. Following a gap in 2020, and 2021 South Wales LDWA are pleased to announce that the event will be held again on 24 April 2022. Different routes are provided each year and the event has been extremely successful selling out each year, so early entry is advised. ENTRY: online only at SI Entries
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Leader: N/A

Son of a Circle, 22 miles, Saturday 30th April 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Rockfield Road car park, Monmouth, SO503126
• Description: An exploration of the border country north of Monmouth. We will visit Buckholt Wood, Welsh Newton (and its Common), Llangarron, Llangrove and Ganarew. We will see churches, a martyr's grave, an unexpected airfield and plenty of goats - amongst other things.
• Notes: No need to book, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 503 126, Start: SO 503 126
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• Leader: Simon Pickering

The Grwyne Fawr Horse Shoe, 20 miles, Saturday 14th May 2022, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Cadwgan Car Park in the Grwyne Fawr Valley, SO2673125149
• Description: A convoluted route around the Grwyne Fawr Valley area
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 26731 25149, Start: SO 26731 25149
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4600
• Leader: Jason Winney

Abergavenny Seven Peaks Walk, 30/20/13 miles, Saturday 21st May 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: This walk will be capped at a maximum of 30 people to keep it manageable, with pre-registration now requested.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Byefield Road Car Park, Abergavenny, SO297141
• Description: Follow the historical '7 peaks route' that preceded the well-known 3 peaks walk. You can drop out at 2 or 5 peaks if you would like a shorter day and self-navigate find your back to the start. Something for everyone :) You will need to pre-register with the walk leader please.
• Notes: About 6000ft for the whole challenge (4 major climbs). For 2 peaks Blorenge and Llanwennarth (c13 miles). For 5 peaks add in Rholben, Sugar Loaf and Deri (c20 miles). For the whole route add in Skirrid Fawr and Fach.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6000
• Leader: Mike Batt

LDWA 50th Annivesary Big Walk: Taith Torfaen: Part 1 (South), 26 miles, Saturday 18th June 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontypool Free carpark, Pontypool, SO2854600630
• Description: Walking the South Loop encompassing the Sirhowy Valley area
• Notes: There is no booking onto this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28546 00630, Start: SO 28546 00630
• Map(s): Explorer: 166/152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jason Winney

LDWA 50th Annivesary Big Walk: Taith Torfaen: Part 2 (North), 26 miles, Sunday 19th June 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontypool Free carpark, Pontypool, SO2854600630
• Description: Walking the North loop of the Taith Torfaen, walking The Garn fawr and Coiety Ridges.
• Notes: There is no need to book onto this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28546 00630, Start: SO 28546 00630
• Map(s): Explorer: 152/OL13
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jason Winney

Unfinished Business, 22 miles, Saturday 25th June 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llanwrthwl Village, there's little parking so see if you can do your best to park somewhere convenient for yourself and the villagers , SN9757663739
• Description: Heading out to Y Gamrhiw and Gorllwyn (quite rough territory) and dropping down into Gornoeth forest, to then ascend Craig Chwefri and over to Drum Ddu, Trembyd, then to pick up the Wye Valley way back to Llanwrthwl.
• Notes: The section from the summit of Y Gamrhiw to Gorllwyn is tough going if you're not used to off the path walking, for around 3 miles, and may require a swear box for some.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 97576 63739, Start: SN 97576 63739
• Map(s): Explorer: 200
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3800
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wilder Vs the Wilder, 20 miles, Saturday 2nd July 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: In dead end layby behind Tafarn y Garreg Inn, SN8492017123
• Description: Two loops, 8 miles & 12 miles exploring the Black Mountain and Fan Ghyhiric, Penwyllt
• Notes: Walk is graded as hard due to the off path walking on the first loop on the Black Mountain. There is about 4 miles of pathless terrain. Not too hard going but will slow us down a bit
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 84920 17123, Start: SN 84920 17123
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney

A right rollicking Rhondda Rollercoaster route reboot recce, 26 miles, Saturday 16th July 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Car park of Barry Sidings Country park, ST053909
• Description: A chance to brutalise your legs on everyone's favourite valleys 'stroll' while testing out a potential route reboot for next year's challenge walk. Start is accessible by public transport (trehafod station). Option to return to start by train on about 15 miles.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 053 909, Start: ST 053 909, Finish: St 053 909
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jamie Lewis

In Search of Solitude, 22 miles, Saturday 30th July 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Car park in Ystradfellte opposite The New Inn (free), SN929134
• Description: A wander around quiet hills and cwms north of Ystradfellte. Fine views possible.
• Notes: QC: Awarded the Mini paw of approval. Exposed route, so be mindful when checking weather/ selecting kit. Plenty of parking, but please share if you can so we don't totally take over the carpark! No need to book.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 929 134, Start: SN 929 134
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3850
• Leader: Mike Batt

Aberedw Round, 24 miles, Saturday 6th August 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at the Station carpark in Erwood, SO089439
• Description: Exploring the local area, Twm Tobaccos Grave, Red Hill, Cefn Wylfa, Aberedw Hill Llewelyn's Cave, Aberedw Rocks
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 089 439, Start: SO 089 439
• Map(s): Explorer: 188
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4400
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Dragon and the Whale, 19 miles, Saturday 13th August 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Dragon’s Back Inn walkers carpark, Pengenffordd. £2 for the day - (paid via the honesty box) , SO174296
• Description: Circular route heading out up the Dragon’s back and returning over Waun Fach (with a ridge, a down and a big up in between). Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows. The walk includes two major ups, both are quite big pulls as the total ascent for the walk is 4000ft.
• Notes: Car park a good size, but please car share if you can. No need to book.
• 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): 4000
• Leader: Henny Clare

Three Circles of Monmouth - Marshals' walk, 5to27 miles, Saturday 20th August 2022, Route: (, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Exact starting location will be emailed prior to the walk
• Description: This is a marshals' walk for those supporting the Three Circles of Monmouth challenge event or who have contributed to the running of South Wales LDWA durig the year. One, two or three loops can be completed, totally 12, 20 or 22 miles. Please contact the walk leader if you would like to attend.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Challenge Event: Three Circles of Monmouth, 5,9,13,14,18,22,27 miles, Saturday 27th August 2022, Location, Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 07:30. At: Rockfield Park Community Centre, Monmouth. NP25 5DN, SO497130
• Description: Three different circular routes of 5, 9 and 13 miles offer a choice of seven different combinations ranging from 5 to 27 miles. The 5 mile ‘western’ loop uses part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail en route to an exploration of King’s Wood. The 9 mile ‘northern’ loop visits Buckholt Wood and Welsh Newton Common, while the 13 mile ‘southern’ loop takes in a number of local landmarks including the Kymin and the ‘Cathedral of the Forest’ in Newland. Entries will be via SIEntries
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 497 130, Start: SO 497 130
• Map(s):
• Leader: Jamie Lewis

The End of the Line, 21 miles, Saturday 3rd September 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Changes: For anyone attending this walk using the A465 : There has been ongoing roadworks on the Merthyr to Seven Sisters section for the past year. Weekend road closures are common on certain sections so please check before leaving.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve free car park , SN683026
• Description: Exploring ridges and valleys between the Lower Clydach Valley and the Black Mountain area
• Notes: Generally easy walking mixed terrain with a few areas of rough walking and the occasional boggy part.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 683 026, Start: SN 683 026
• Map(s): Explorer: 165
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

Mynydd Mallaen & Cilycwm , 16.5 miles, Sunday 25th September 2022, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at the forestry carpark, SN76514224
• Description: A joint walk with Mid Wales LDWA Exploring the quiet valleys of Mynydd Mallaen and the Cilycwm area
• Notes: Some of the usual heathery ground on the valley slopes
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7651 4224, Start: SN 7651 4224
• Map(s): Explorer: 187
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3600
• Leader: Jason Winney

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 1st October 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• 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.
• Notes: Parking limited, so please contact walk leader to book onto walk.
• 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

In search of colour, 25 miles, Saturday 8th October 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: For those short of time at 22 miles there is a 1 mile short cut back to the car.
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Shortwood National Trust car park. £3 (coins or use "PaybyPhone app") per car, Free for NT members. Note the grid ref is for the east car park., SO832086
• Description: A wander through the myriad of woodland that surround Painswick and Sheepscombe. Hopefully a sunset to finish
• Notes: Woodland paths will be very muddy if we have rain in the few days before the walk. It's October so bring a torch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 832 086, Start: SO 832 086
• Map(s): Explorer: 179. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4400
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

Shadows in the autumn mist, 21 miles, Saturday 15th October 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Abertillery Junction carpark just off the A467. Free parking., SO21550410
• Description: A wander taking in Coity Mountain, Clydach Gorge, Mynydd Carn-y-cefn and the Guardian
• Notes: Mini paw of approval awarded
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2155 0410, Start: SO 2155 0410, Finish: SO 2155 9410
• Map(s): Explorer: 166, 152 and OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3100
• Leader: Mike Batt

The Whipping Tree meets Vegetable Mountain, 23 miles, Saturday 22nd October 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Talgarth car park, SO15303372
• Description: Combining the best bits of two previous Talgarth walks. We will visit the 'friendless' St Ellyw's Church (and its whipping tree) and Rhos Fach common, before ascending Y Grib en route to Waun Fach. We then descent to the hamlet of Waun Fach to traverse Mynydd Troed prior to our return to Talgarth via Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve.
• Notes: Some long and steep climbs, combining to approaching 5000ft of overall ascent, will test the legs and lungs.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 1530 3372, Start: SO 1530 3372
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Ascent (feet): 4700
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Annual General Meeting - South Wales LDWA AGM, 12 miles, Saturday 29th October 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Machen Village Hall, 30c The Crescent, Machen, Caerphilly, CF83 8ND, ST209890
• Description: South Wales LDWA will be holding our Annual General Meeting on 29 October 2022 at 3pm. We would encourage all members to attend and contribute to the running of our group. After a couple of Covid impacted years we will be meeting in person this time around - with a guest speaker! We would like as many people as possible to attend. There is no need to register, but it would be helpful for planning purposes if you could email the secretary (southwales@ldwa.org.uk) if you plan to attend. The AGM will be preceeded by a walk in the morning.
• Notes: Walking the 13 mile route of the Three Circles of Machen
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
• Map(s): Explorer: 166/152
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 1800
• Leader: Jason Winney

"Dirty Girl" (74), 18 miles, Saturday 5th November 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Beaufort Street car park in Crickhowell accessed off Greenhill Way. Pay & Display - £4 all day (as at 24.08.22), SO219184
• Description: A circular walk from Crickhowell that will visit a limestone quarry, moorland, a cave and a canal. One very short stretch where a head for heights will be required. This stretch lasts for 30 metres and is perfectly safe but anyone who suffers from vertigo might wish to avoid walk.
• Notes: 2 star walk because there is the one section where a head for heights is required plus a short stretch of easy rough ground. Bring a headtorch. No need to book onto walk as car park location big enough for several cars - just turn up. Pub at finish.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 219 184, Start: SO 219 184
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2803
• Leader: David Morgan

Not What You Know, 20 miles, Saturday 12th November 2022, Location, Photographs

• Changes: **There is no GPX available for this route as it accesses private land and permission was only granted for the walk on a one-off basis.**
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: NRW Car Park (Unofficial) turn left at the sign for Buckland Hill and Kennels then turn right at the NRW sign, SO14522189
• Description: A walk to include a traverse of Myarth by kind permission of Harry Legge Bourke, Mynydd Llangorse, Llyn Syfaddan and Allt yr Esgair
• Notes: We will walk on a variety of terrain some paths could be muddy. Essential to bring a head torch. The walk is by one off special permission as there is no access to this hill. Please note winter gear required- boots gaiters poles torch. Some paths very slippery and muddy. May have a short paddle at the Lake if we have a lot of rain next week!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 1452 2189, Start: SO 1452 2189
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: N/A

Nothing left to fear (75), 19 miles, Saturday 26th November 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Street parking near old Lancaster Arms, Pandy, SO333218
• Description: An old favourite exploring slopes of Pen y Fal, Crug Mawr & Twyn Y Gaer
• Notes: Please ensure rucksacks have winter equipment packed. Headtorch required.
• 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): 4200
• Leader: David Morgan

Badminton or Bust, 17/18 miles, Saturday 3rd December 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: On the church side of the road in Church Road, Tormarton. GL9 1HT. Take Exit 18 on M4 heading north. First right and ahead to cross roads at brow of hill. Turn right to church, ST769789
• Description: A tour of historic churches, hill forts, woods and the Badminton Estate. Some hills, plenty of mud, lots of history
• Notes: Bring a torch and usual gear for inclement weather
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 769 789, Start: ST 769 789
• Map(s): Explorer: OL155/167. Landranger: LR172/173
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): TBC
• Leader: Shirley Hume

'The River Is Rising' - South Wales Christmas Meal (76), 13 miles, Saturday 10th December 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Pay & Display Car Park in Redbrook. Currently £2 all day. For cashless or phone payments call 804774., SO536101
• Description: Exploring paths to the south of Redbrook, we'll search for Santa in Wyegate, Rudolph in Llandogo, Dasher in Beacon Hill and the elves at Tregagle.
• Notes: The Bell in Redbrook has been booked for our Christmas meal on 10th December at 3.30pm. The Committee will send out details via email / Whatsapp with information on how to book meal. Car sharing recommended.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 536 101, Start: SO 536 101
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2374
• Leader: David Morgan

Shadows in the Gloaming, 20 miles, Saturday 17th December 2022, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Carpark in Heol-y-Cyw. On the right near the top of the village., SS947844
• Description: A peaceful, pre-Christmas pootle around the quiet hills surrounding the Ogmore valley.
• Notes: Mini QC paw of approval awarded. Muddy in places. Bring winter gear for the hills and a torch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 947 844, Start: SS 947 844
• Map(s): Explorer: OS151 and 166
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3400
• Leader: Mike Batt