Rotary Across Wales Walk organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth Tel. 01686 413589 Next Year’s Walk. Provisional Date June 20 2020

ROTARY ACROSS WALES WALK 2018 Entry Number

MEETING POINT The Car Park at Ladywell House, Newtown SY16 1JB

Traffic entering from Welshpool should take the first exit off the new roundabout, pass Tesco and McDonalds/KFC and turn right at the fourth set of lights (using the filter lane) towards the town centre. . Ladywell House Car Park is immediately on the left.

Traffic entering from Llanidloes/Caersws DO NOT take the by-pass but take the first exit off the roundabout and go straight on at the Theatre Hafren roundabout, through a light controlled pedestrian crossing, straight on at the next lights (near Lidl) and turn left at the next lights. Ladywell House Car Park is immediately on the left.

Traffic from Dolfor/Llandrindod should turn right at first lights (after passing under the railway bridge) and left at the next lights. Ladywell House Car Park is immediately on the left.

• We reserve the right to change the route without prior notice.

• THE ROUTE GUIDE THAT WE PROVIDE IS ONLY A GUIDE; THE ROUTE MARKERS ON THE DAY MUST BE FOLLOWED.

WEAR OR CARRY YOUR NUMBERED PUNCHCARD AT ALL TIMES

Every walker must register and have their numbered card punched at EVERY checkpoint along the route. Any walker reporting at a checkpoint having failed to check-in at the previous checkpoint will be asked to leave the walk. This is not only for safety reasons, but also as proof you have accomplished the walk for your certificate to be issued at the finish

PLEASE NOTE THE STEWARDS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO STOP ANY WALKER WHO APPEARS UNFIT, ILL EQUIPPED OR TOO SLOW If the back marker considers an individual is delaying the walk excessively, he/she will be asked to stop walking. These decisions are FINAL and NOT open to negotiation. ______

WALKERS FROM GELLI GOCH. You will be checked in on the Bus in Newtown. The bus will be outside Ladywell House from 2.30 a.m. and will leave at 3.00 a.m. Walkers joining at Caersws, Llanbrynmair, and Machynlleth will be picked up by the LAST bus. The START POINT will open at 03.15 and close at 04.00. Anyone travelling independently should wait at the start until the buses and the stewards arrive. Please do not start before the steward arrives as there will be no stewards on the route before the planned times. All buses leave from Ladywell House.

The coach will stop in the lay-by close to the start. THE STEWARD WILL CHECK YOU IN HERE. YOU MUST REPORT TO THE STEWARD AND HAVE YOUR PUNCHCARD MARKED HERE BEFORE STARTING THE WALK.

THIS IS NOT A RACE. ANYONE WALKING VERY QUICKLY MUST BE AWARE THERE MAY NOT BE STEWARDS OR FOOD AT THE LATER CHECKPOINTS. THERE WILL NO TRANSPORT FROM THE FINISH AT THE ANCHOR BEFORE 4.00 p.m.

EMERGENCY NUMBER

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SHOULD AN EMERGENCY OCCUR DURING THE WALK AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT A STEWARD, PLEASE PHONE THE CONTROL CENTRE ON 07403 859979

PREPARATION Have you honestly assessed your fitness to walk the distance you have chosen? Do you suffer from sunburn, sweat rash, breathing difficulties, hay fever, tender feet or any other disorder that may inconvenience you or others with you? Have you eaten? Have you rested? Do you have the correct clothing and footwear?

PREPARATION OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Please note these are only suggestions and not mandatory requirements. All walkers are different with their own individual needs. It is your responsibility to assess your requirements. TO CARRY TO WEAR 1 rucksack THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY 2 pair of socks THROUGHOUT THE DAY I pair of walking shoes 2 pair of socks I lightweight shirt with collar 1 waterproof I light woollen long sleeve pullover 1 change of shoes I light pair of trousers 1 water bottle filled 1 sun hat. Talcum powder (foot powder) Sun protection cream Assorted plasters Elastic bandage (knee support) Personal medication. Whistle.

GENERAL Do you know the route? (It will be marked) Can you read a map? Have you coins for telephone calls? There is only intermittent mobile phone reception along the route. Is your mobile fully charged? Spare battery perhaps? Have you remembered your route instructions and map? PRECAUTIONS Do carry out the preparations listed above Do not consider the walk as a race. If you are not sure of the route, wait and ask someone who is. AND FOLLOW THE ROUTE MARKERS. Do take frequent rests on gradients. Running and jogging are harder on your feet than walking. It is essential that you check in at all checkpoints. Do follow the country code. Do walk facing oncoming traffic. DO NOT drink alcohol, it dehydrates you (please note that you will not be allowed to take part if you have been drinking alcohol within 24hrs before the walk) Instant energy is best obtained from barley sugar or glucose. If you decide to drop out you must inform the checkpoint controller. If you drop out and go home without informing the organisers you could be responsible for a totally unnecessary call-out of the emergency services!! Please have consideration for residents, especially early in the morning.

REFRESHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT CHECKPOINT 1; BREAKFAST CAN BE TAKEN AT STAYLITTLE, LUNCH AT LLANDINAM SANDWICHES AT THE DEVILS ELBOW In previous years some walkers have brought far more food with them than is necessary (remember it has to be carried!!) You will be very well fed and watered along the route.

WATER WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL CHECKPOINTS

Many thanks to our Sponsors: See complete list on last page Rotary Across Wales Walk organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth Tel. 01686 414893 Next Year’s Walk. Provisional Date June 20 2020 The Back Marker will be removing all route markers. For your own safety please ensure that you are ahead of the Back Marker - the Walk Committee cannot accept responsibility for late starters.

START – GELLI- GOCH (OS703999) Explorer OL23 to Checkpoint 1- CEFNWYRYGRUG FARM (OS 811969) Sheet No. Explorer 215. Distance: 7¾ miles. Suggested time: 3 ¼ hours

(The coach will stop in the lay-by on the A487 (1.1 miles South of the Clock Tower in Machynlleth).

The Check- in and Start will be at the lay-by

Take minor road 150m from lay by signposted to Glaspwll. At 1100m take RIGHT fork and continue on tarmac road for 500m. Bear LEFT, signposted Glaspwll. At T- junction turn right for 1000m. At junction bear LEFT up steep hill. 200m further on bear LEFT up the forestry track - DO NOT KEEP GOING ALONG THE ROAD. Climb through the forest for approx ½ mile. At the top of the hill you will find that the forest track bears to the RIGHT & you will see two gates in front of you.

This is Lower Bryn Coch Bach- approx. 3 miles from start -- THIS IS NOT A CHECKPOINT.

Go through the gate to the LEFT (7 bar galvanised) & follow the track to the LEFT of the fence. Keeping fence on your RIGHT continue down for approx 500m, go through metal gate (which may be open or closed) and continue down with the hill on your left and a valley on your right. 50m further on you will come to a forestry track. Turn SHARP RIGHT along the track and follow, 400m further on downhill there is a track to the right (ignore this) and carry on down the left track. Approx 200m further on turn RIGHT down an ill defined track by an electricity pole (with danger sign on) down to a 7 bar metal gate (may be very muddy here). Go over gate and cross footbridge then straight up a steep open field (may be covered in thistles and bracken) to stile at top. Turn RIGHT once over stile onto Forge Road and continue for about 500m. At the next road junction turn LEFT, signpost to BLAEN-Y-PANT. At about ¼ mile opposite Blaenypant cottage bear RIGHT through field gate onto Glyndwr's Way. Additionally this part of the route is marked by Mach 2 and Mach 3 trail signs. Walk up the stone track until you go over a cattle grid into an open field and turn LEFT. Continue with the field fence (with occasional trees) on your left. Follow this path through three gates and follow a field boundary, turning right at the gate (don't go through this gate). At the next corner gate (go through this gate) make a half left turn (following Mach 2 trail sign) and walk across the open field down to the stone track. Follow this track down through 4 gates until you come to Cleiriau Isaf. Do not go through the farmyard. Follow the Glyndwr's Way sign across the field with the farm on your left hand side, coming out onto a farm track, turn LEFT and pass the front door of the farmhouse before leaving the farmyard. Follow the farm road to Felin Dulas, turn RIGHT and in about 100 yards bear left after the phone box. In about ¼ mile bear LEFT onto Glyndwr's Way. Follow track up the hill, bearing LEFT at the top and continuing on the track until you meet the tarmac road. Turn LEFT and continue on the road until you arrive at

CEFNWYRYGRUG Farm - Check in here. Drinks, refreshments. Mobile toilets available.

Checkpoint 1 - CEFNWYRYGRUG Farm to Checkpoint 2 - GLASLYN Distance: 2 miles. Suggested time 1¼ hours

Ahead of you lies a long, hard climb and you are advised to take a SHORT rest and take advantage of the refreshments available at Checkpoint 1. From Cefnwyrygrug farmyard, go through the gate and up the track. At the end of the track go straight across two open fields, through a large gate where you join Glyndwr's Way. Follow the

Many thanks to our Sponsors: See complete list on last page Rotary Across Wales Walk organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth Tel. 01686 414893 Next Year’s Walk. Provisional Date June 20 2020 steep stony path. TAKE CARE - could be slippery when wet. Continue following this track until you reach Checkpoint 2 at GLASLYN. Cold drinks available at this checkpoint.

Checkpoint 2 - GLASLYN to Checkpoint 3 - STAYLITTLE IN (OS 887921) Sheet No Explorer 215 Distance 5½ miles, Suggested time: 1¾ hours.

Turn RIGHT and follow the track to Glaslyn. Do not go into the Glaslyn reserve, but take the left turn over the cattle grid. Keep on the track until you reach a fork. Bear LEFT and follow the path passing old mine works and large sheep pens on your right. At the sheep pens go through small gate to your left and follow the track (part of Glyndwr's Way) over the footbridge and climb up the hill. TAKE EXTREME CARE ON THIS STONEY PATH AS BOTH THE PATH AND THE FOOTBRIDGE CAN BE SLIPPERY WHEN WET. Follow the footpath to the gate (not the stile just to the right) go through the gate and across the field to the second gate. Go through this gate and follow the earth bank across the field. On reaching the 3rd gate, go through and turn immediately LEFT (following Glyndwr's Way). Continue along the track for about 100 yards and go through a 7- bar gate if open or climb over adjacent stile. Continue along track until you arrive at another 7-bar gate, turn RIGHT before the gate. Now follow the hard core trackway for 1¼ miles leading towards Staylittle. This goes through various gates.. Stay on the hard core trackway the whole time and do not be tempted to turn right through a new gate just before Rhiw - Defeity- Fawr. That is the wrong way. Stay on the track. Carry straight onto the minor road which passes Staylittle cemetery. Turn right at the junction with the B4518 and follow the road until you see Checkpoint 3 (Staylittle IN) across the road. You will be given your Breakfast Vouchers here. Follow the road up the hill towards the Outdoor Centre and Staylittle Village Hall. Enjoy your breakfast. A 30-minute break is suggested.

On leaving the Village Hall turn left and continue up the hill. You will see Checkpoint 4 (Staylittle OUT) at Pant-Y-Gamallt (OS 892922).

Checkpoint 4 - STAYLITTLE OUT to Checkpoint 5 - TREFEGLWYS (OS 972907) Sheet No. Explorer 215, Distance: 6¼ miles, Suggested time 2½ hours

After Checkpoint 4 carry on up the hill and then turn sharp LEFT at the road junction. Continue over the mountain road and then down the steep winding road into Trannon Valley. Cross the river over the stone bridge at the bottom of the descent and keeping RIGHT continue for approx 600m. Bear LEFT at the junction. This road leads to Llawr-y-Glyn. Continue past post box/phone box in Llawr-y-Glyn, along the road and out of the village. Follow the road to Trefeglwys. On reaching T- junction in the village turn LEFT towards Caersws, past the Red Lion to Checkpoint 500m ahead on right. Toilets available at Checkpoint 5.

Checkpoint 5 - TREFEGLWYS to Checkpoint 6 - "TREWYTHEN" (OS 009903) Sheet No. Explorer 214. Distance 2¾ miles. Suggested time 45 mins.

Turning right from checkpoint 5 carry on along the road for approx 100m, then turn right by Mantles Subaru Garage. Continue along this road, crossing a bridge over a small stream. Continue through more houses, then past Bodaioch Hall crossing a second bridge. After a stretch

Many thanks to our Sponsors: See complete list on last page Rotary Across Wales Walk organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth Tel. 01686 414893 Next Year’s Walk. Provisional Date June 20 2020 of road with a cattle grid cross a third bridge by a second cattle grid and follow the road uphill until you reach the checkpoint at Trewythen.

Checkpoint 6 - TREWYTHEN-FAWR (Lodges) to Checkpoint 7 - LLANDINAM IN (0S 025885) Sheet No. Explorer 214. Distance 2¼ miles. Suggested time 45 mins

Follow the road, turning RIGHT - signpost to Llandinam. At the next T-junction turn LEFT (signpost to Llandinam). Following the road bear RIGHT past sign for Lower Gwerneirin (engraved wood sign on a telegraph pole with a wooden bench opposite) to Checkpoint 7 before the bridge. At Checkpoint 7 - LLANDINAM IN - in the lane prior to the narrow bridge walkers will be given Lunch Vouchers.

Checkpoint 7 - LLANDINAM IN to Checkpoint 8 - LLANDINAM OUT (Mr George LOWGATE driveway) OS 026884 Continue over the bridge, turn right at main road and then LEFT (please use the new pedestrian crossing) into Llandinam Village Hall for lunch. Suggested 30 minutes break.

After leaving the Village Hall turn LEFT. You will see Checkpoint 8 - LLANDINAM OUT.

Checkpoint 8 - LLANDINAM OUT to Checkpoint 9 - Above COBBLERS GATE (0S 038873) Sheet No. 136. Distance 1½ miles. Suggested time 45 mins

Carry on up the hill, pass the council houses on your right (keep on main road) and head up the road, passing “Gate” cottage. After going through a gate across the road, you will pass the quarry on your right, keep on the main track, now no longer tarmac, passing some sheep pens on your left, bear right up the hill. Soon you will reach Checkpoint 9 - cold drinks will be available. You have had by now a steady 700 feet climb over a distance of 1¼ miles.

Checkpoint 9 - Above COBBLERS GATE (OS 038873) to Checkpoint 10 - BRYN DADLAU - WINDFARM Offices (OS 047837) Distance: 3 miles. Suggested time: 1¼ hours. From Checkpoint go through gate and follow the main stone track upwards, passing through another gate after about 500 yards. The stone track, becoming more broken, continues to provide your route upwards as you make for a fence line on the brow of the hill which comes into sight as you climb. When the fence line on the left is reached, continue with the fence on your left until you reach the small footpath gate in front of you. Once through the gate the going may be wetter for a while. Continue with the fence now on your right until you see the main windfarm track converging with your route. Continue along the track going through gate marked LG3 and following Exit / Allanfa signs, go though another gate “LG13” (which may be locked and you have to climb over) until you reach Wind Farm Offices. Mobile toilets available.

Checkpoint 10 - WINDFARM Offices to Checkpoint 11 - DEVIL'S ELBOW IN (OS 082842) Distance 2½ miles. Suggested time: 1 hour. Continuing from Wind Farm Offices, turn LEFT at immediate junction with tarmac road. Continue on this road for the next 1½ miles, and turn RIGHT at T-junction. Walk along this undulating road for another 1 mile to checkpoint 11 at Devil's Elbow IN. This checkpoint will be on the road prior to the farm track. Cold drinks and snacks will be available.

Check in here and proceed to Checkpoint 12, which will be in the field next to the First Aid and the refreshments.

Many thanks to our Sponsors: See complete list on last page Rotary Across Wales Walk organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth Tel. 01686 414893 Next Year’s Walk. Provisional Date June 20 2020

Checkpoint 12 - DEVIL'S ELBOW OUT to Checkpoint 13 - CIDER HOUSE (OS 108849) Sheet No. Explorer 214. Distance: 2¼ miles. Suggested time: 1 hour.

From the Checkpoint cross the field diagonally to the right to opposite fence and go through the gate to the main road. CAREFULLY cross the road and go up the track almost straight in front of you. Follow this track (also marked with a Yellow and Blue Horse Shoe sign which is displayed until you reach B4355) for approx 1¼ mile passing sheep pens on your right and further on farm buildings constructed by W.H. Smith. After the W.H. Smith buildings continue along the track, go through the gate in front of you and follow the track through a number of gates. You will come to sheep pens on your left and a tin farm building. Go straight through and continue along the track to the gate at the junction with B4355. Turn RIGHT onto the road and walk for about 600m until you see the Car Park on your LEFT and Checkpoint 13. Mobile toilets available.

Checkpoint 13 - CIDER HOUSE to Checkpoint 14 - PICNIC AREA (OS 148863) Sheet Explorer 214. Distance: 3 miles. Suggested time: 1¼ hours.

From the Car Park follow the path inside the road hedge and turn LEFT onto the Kerry Ridgeway, opposite Cider House on your right. Go along track ENSURING ALL GATES (approx 10) ARE CORRECTLY CLOSED (the request made by the farmer owning the land). Ignore all tracks to the left. Follow signs for Kerry Ridgeway/Ffordd Las Ceri. Go past recently felled woodland at approx 2½ mile along the track on your left and a tall mast in the field on your right. You will eventually come out at the Picnic Area across the road - B4368.

The walk is scheduled to finish by 9.00 pm. Any walker who has not passed through Checkpoint 14 (The Picnic Site) BEFORE 9.00pm will be asked to stop there; transport will be available to take them to the finish. Any such decision is FINAL and NOT open to negotiation

Checkpoint 14 - PICNIC AREA to FINISH at ANCHOR INN (OS 175851) Sheet Explorer 214 POSTCODE SY7 8PR Distance: 2¼ miles. Suggested time: 55 mins. From the Picnic Area go STRAIGHT AHEAD through an area of forestry recently cut down, through a field gate across 2 fields and you will come across a recently built double gated enclosure, go through this & then straight on to Kerry Pole House where the track meets a minor road. Turn RIGHT and follow this road down the hill to T-junction. DO NOT take the footpath marked 'Anchor' as this path is CLOSED. At T-junction turn LEFT taking care of traffic and go up the road (one last stretch of hill to climb) to the Anchor. WELL DONE! YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED THE ACROSS WALES WALK.

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS.

Main Sponsor Griffiths Construction

Anchor Inn, Morris Marshall and Poole, Welsh Sausage Co.

Martin Rutter, C S Jones & Sons, Neuadd Fach Baconry,

Montgomeryshire Water Co.

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