Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME AUTUMN 2013
Most of these walks go into the hills. Participants are reminded that the following gear must be taken. Walking boots, rucksack, hats, gloves, warm clothing (not jeans), spare sweater, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course waterproof jackets and trousers. A whistle and torch should be carried, particularly during the winter months. Participants must satisfy themselves that the walk is suitable for their abilities. You can take advice by ringing the walk leader whose telephone number is given. No liability will be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result of taking part.
An adult must accompany young people (under 18).
MOST OF THESE WALKS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED WALKERS
Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route due to adverse weather conditions.
Strenuous walks require fitness and stamina to cope with several steep climbs and/or cover a good distance at a steady pace. Energetic walks generally involve two steep climbs but they will still require determined application. Moderate walks will seldom have steep climbs but if they do the climb will be taken at a relaxed pace.
Dogs (well controlled) are permitted unless stated otherwise in the programme. It should be noted that under the CROW Act, when taking dogs onto Open Access land they must be on a fixed lead, no more than two metres long, whenever livestock are near, and at ALL TIMES from 1st March to 31st July.
Non members of the Park Society will be asked to make a donation of £5.00 each per walk . Half price for the under 16’s, the unemployed and students.The fee is deductible from the membership fee on joining the Society within two months of the walk.
General Enquiries to: Anne Pritchard, tel: 029 2061 0397 e mail: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES: SEE BACK PAGE REGISTERED CHARITY: 1075345
GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013 FEATURES
Welcome to the Brecon Beacons Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Autumn 2013. Let’s hope we get some decent weather this autumn so that we can enjoy the fantastic range of walks contributed by our amazing band of volunteer leaders.
The programme contains moderate, energetic and strenuous walks on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday every week, except for Sunday 24 th November when we will be having another informal training day for all our walk leaders. This time we also include some extra alternative walks for those who don’t relish a strenuous 20 odd miles or a night time walk!
We look forward to illustrated talks at the Bear by two of our own members; on 16 th October Chris Barber will tell us the story of the Merthyr, Tredegar & Abergavenny Railway in a talk entitled “Steaming up the Clydach”; on 15 th November in “Exploring a Blank on the Map” David Thomas will tell us the exciting story of his trek to the rarely visited north face of K2.
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We have enjoyed some fascinating illustrated talks organised by Gerry Smith over the past three years, for which we extend our grateful thanks to Gerry. Gerry is now stepping down and we need someone to take his place if we want the talks to continue. If you are interested and want more info, feel free to email Gerry – [email protected] or tel: 07795 110053.
If you’d like to volunteer to take over from Gerry, have a go at leading a walk, if you have an idea for a talk or event, or any comments or suggestions for improvement to the programme, please email Anne on [email protected] or tel: 029 2061 0397.
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Changes to the Guided Walks Programme Occasionally leaders may change or cancel a guided walk, usually because of severe weather which may affect the walk itself or the roads to the start of the walk. Whenever possible, any changes will be added to the Guided Walks Programme page on the website at http://www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/walks/guided walks/, You are strongly advised to check the Mountain weather forecast for the Brecon Beacons National Park before setting out for walks, on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk . If in doubt consult the leader whose name and telephone number are given in the Guided Walks programme.
This programme is available to view or download from the website. Postage costs have risen considerably lately and it now costs 79p to print and post each programme. If you no longer wish to receive a posted hard copy, please advise Ben Sladen on [email protected] .
Details of the Park Society’s walks and events programme, and much more, can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
SEPTEMBER
A VARIATION OF DAN’S DOGSTONE WALK Date: Sunday 1st September Meet at Pontypool Leisure Centre GR SO 285006 OS Explorer Level: Energetic Map 152 for the ascent to the Garnclochdy Ridge passing the Dist: 24km (15miles) Shell Grotto and Folly Tower. Then descend through Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Cwmavon Wood continuing the climb to “Mynydd Varteg Fach” Leader: CLINE GINSBERG and the Memorial to Carlo the dog. We then take a southerly Contact: 01633 867653 route via hills, and farmland, before the final stages along the cycle track.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: RHYMNEY RIVER – ANNIVERSARY WALK OR WALTZ Date: Wed 4th September From Machen Village Hall GR ST 211891 OS Explorer Map Level: Moderate 152. Dist: 14.5km (9miles) A second anniversary walk commemorating 2 years since WW Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm started. Leader: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
TAFF TRAIL, NATURE RESERVE AND ENCHANTED VALLEY Date: Friday 6th September From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR Level: Energetic SN 982203. A walk along the Taff Trail before crossing to the Dist: 18km (11miles) dramatic Craig Cerrig gleisiad, then down to the old turnpike Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm road to Cwm du. A steady climb onto Fan Frynych, to the Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD shoulder of Fan Fawr and back down to Storey Arms. Contact: 029 2061 0397 07748 463545
UP AND AROUND FROM PENGENFFORDD Date: Saturday 7th September Meet at the Castle Inn, Pengenffordd (£1 parking) GR SO Level: Energetic 173295 for a walk to the Woollen Line and Waun Fach, Dist: 15km (9.5miles) returning down the ridge to Rhiw Cwnstab and low level back Ascent: 500m (1650ft) to the pub for a well earned drink. We will see some of the Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm ways erosion is being tackled in the Black Mountains. Leader: ROS GRANT Please note the route will be changed in bad weather. Contact: 01873 854894 07773 262068
BEACONS WAY DAY 7: LLANDDEUSANT YOUTH HOSTEL TO CARREG CENNEN CASTLE Date: Saturday 7th September Meet at Carreg Cennen Castle GR SN 666194 to car share to Level: Energetic start of walk at Llanddeusant Youth Hostel (a donation to Dist: 21.5km (13.6miles) Llanddeusant Youth Hostel will be gratefully received). Ascent: 790m (2591ft) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Contact Angela Morgan (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to Leader: GARETH LEWIS book a place. Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Contact: 07977 737033
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
BEACONS WAY DAY 8: CARREG CENNEN TO BETHLEHEM AND ON TO LLANGADOG Date: Sunday 8th September Meet on Carreg Sawdde Bridge south of Llangadog GR SN Level: Energetic 706276 to car share to start of walk at Carreg Cennen Castle. Dist: 16km (10miles) At the time of writing the Red Lion in Llangadog is closed. Ascent: 225m (740ft) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Contact Angela Morgan (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to Leader: GARETH LEWIS book a place. Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Contact: 07977 737033
LLANBEDR HORSESHOE Date: Sunday 8th September From Ty Mawr farm north west of Llanbedr GR SO 234206 Level: Strenuous (parking fee). Dist: 27km (17miles) A high level circuit of the Grwyne Fechan valley: Pen Cerrig Time: 9.30am – 6.00pm calch and Pen Allt Mawr, Pen Trumau, Waun Fach (811m), Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Pen y Gadair Fawr and Crug Mawr. Contact: 01633 867653
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ABERCARN “IN MEMORY OF” Date: Wed 11th September From Abercarn Cemetery GR ST 222956 OS Explorer Map Level: Moderate 152 (please park considerately). Dist: 8km (5miles) A walk to commemorate the lives of the 268 men and boys Time: 10.00am 1.30pm who lost their lives on this day in 1868. We will be joined by Leader: KEVIN MCANULTY & eminent historian Dr Stuart Broomfield and local expert Stuart WILLIAM COOPER Watson who will tell the story of this tragic day. Contact: 01633 667664 1 steep climb at WW pace.
A TOUR OF THE SGYDIAU Date: Friday 13th September Meet at Craig y Ddinas car park near Pontneddfechan GR SN Level: Energetic 911079. Dist: 15km (9miles) Visiting, in order, Sgwd yr Eira, Pannwr, Clun gwyn (lower and Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm upper), Ddwli and Gwladus. Will require some clambering. Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
A HONDDU CIRCUIT VARIANT Date: Saturday 14th September Park opposite the Queen’s Head Stanton on the road from Level: Energetic Llanfihangel Crucorney to Llanthony, at GR SO 311221 (£1 Dist: 20km (12.5miles) fee). Ascent: 820m (2700ft) We head up on a pleasant field path to the Offa’s Dyke Path Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm and follow it north to the 552m trig point. We descend to Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD Llanthony on a rougher but easier path than the eroded Contact: 01497 820074 Beacons Way, then cross the valley via Troed rhiw mon to Bal Bach before returning south via the Gaer to the start.
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
THE FAN FRYNYCH ROUND Date: Sunday 15th September Park in the large lay by on the A470 just north of the A4215 Level: Energetic Defynnog road GR SN 991252. Dist: 21km (13miles) A longer version of the May Bank Holiday walk taking in Fan Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm ish Frynych and Twyn y gaer. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Contact: 029 2062 8861 07971 296699
WEDNESDAY WANDER: PEN Y FAN THE EASY WAY Date: Wed 18th September Meet at the Storey Arms car park on the A470 GR SN 983203. Level: Moderate Down the road to Pont ar Daf car park and toilets then slowly Dist: 8km (5miles) up the main track to Pen y Fan with lots of stops to look at the Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm view and enjoy the walk. Back over or round Corn Du and Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & return to Storey Arms for a cuppa. A chance for everyone to BARNI enjoy the highest peak in South Wales (and Southern Britain) Contact: 07967 886497 at a slow pace and on made up tracks.
QUIET CENTRAL UPLANDS OF THE FFOREST FAWR Date: Friday 20th September From Blaen Llia car park, off Heol Senni/Ystradfellte road, GR Level: Strenuous SN 927165, some trackless rough ground to Fan Nedd, Bwlch Dist: 20km (12.5miles) y Duwynt to Fan Gyhirych, returning via pillow mounds and Ascent: 700m (2300ft) shake holes to the Nedd Fechan, Sarn Helen, past Maen Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Madoc. Leader: CERIDWEN COULSON Contact: 07912 849079 01291 641953
PANDY CIRCULAR Date: Saturday 21st September Meet at Lancaster Arms (former pub, now guesthouse) on old Level: Energetic road off the A465 in Pandy GR SO 333218. Dist: 25km (16miles) Up Offa’s Dyke, over Hatterrall Hill, down to Llanthony, up to Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Bal Bach and return through Cwmyoy. Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]
TWRCH Y TROT Date: Sun day 22nd September From the Water Board car park at GR SN 799238. Take the Level: Strenuous unclassified road which runs from Trecastle to the A4069 Dist: 20km (12miles) between Llangadog and Brynaman. Follow signs to Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Llanddeusant, the Youth Hostel and Llyn y Fan Fach. Leader: CLIVE EILES A route down the headwaters of the Twrch, and then back via Contact: 01550 740188 the Bronze Age Burial Cairns on Carreg Las. [email protected]
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
WEDNESDAY WANDER PAST THE PARK: GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST Date: Wed 25th September Meet at Llantwit Major railway station car park GR SS 972688 Level: Moderate OS Explorer Map 151 (trains arrive from Bridgend at 9.58 and Dist: 14km (9miles) Cardiff at 10.19). Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm Coastal walk to Nash Point, refreshment stop at Horseshoe Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Inn, Marcross. Return by inland route past St Donat’s Castle. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
PAST THE PARK: NORTH OF BRECON Date: Friday 27th September Park at Brechfa Pool GR SO 119377 OS Map OL13, on the Level: Energetic common close to the telephone box (note change of start point Dist: 25km (15.5miles) from the last time I led this walk). Visiting Mynydd Fforest, Ascent: 630m (2070ft)approx Cefn Llwydallt, Brechfa Forest and Llanyfalle Hill, not Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm necessarily in that order. Hoping for good visibility for some Leader: SOO TURNBULL lovely views. Contact: 01874 622136
PAST THE PARK: GARWAY, KENCHURCH AND SKENFRITH Date: Saturday 28th September Meet in lay by on B4521 Abergavenny to Ross road, over the Level: Strenuous bridge beyond Skenfrith Castle GR SO 459202 OS Explorer Dist: 24km (15miles) Map 189. Through pretty Herefordshire countryside to Garway Ascent: 760m (2500ft) via Garway church (dedicated to the Knights Templar in the Time: 9.30am 5.00pm late 12 th C). Onto Garway Hill with views of Black Mountains Leader: WENDY WINNEY and surrounding countryside, then Kenchurch, Grosmont Contact: 029 2062 8861 where hopefully the cafe will be open, and finally join the 07773 389561 Three Castles route over the flank of Graig Syfyrddin back to Skenfrith. Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement only.
PAST THE PARK: WALK THE WILD Date: Saturday 28th September Meet at Ystradffin Nature Reserve GR SN 787471 Level: Strenuous OS Explorer Map 187. A wild walk in the Elenydd Dist: 34km (21miles) Mountains with a few challenging river crossings and some Ascent: 1555m (5100ft) good climbs. Time: 9.30am – 6.00pm If you fancy making a weekend of it and doing tomorr ow’s walk Leader: JASON WINNEY as well, see details of the ELENYDD WILDERNESS Contact: 07798 521550 HOSTELS at http://www.elenydd-hostels.co.uk/index.html .
PAST THE PARK: WALK THE WILDER Date: Sunday 29th September Meet at Ystradffin Nature Reserve GR SN 787471 Level: Strenuous OS Explorer Map 187. Dist: 35.5km (22miles) Another wild walk in the Elenydd Mountains with a Ascent: 1340m (4400ft) simple river crossing and some sharp climbs. Time: 9.30am – 6.00pm Leader: JASON WINNEY Contact:: 07798 521550
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THE THREE PENS Date: Sunday 29th September Meet at The Castle Inn Pengenfford GR SO 174296 (£1 per Level: Strenuous car). Dist: 20km (12.5miles) The circular walk will include the peaks of Pen y Manllwyn Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm and Pen Trumau. Leader: TIM COULSON Contact: 01291 641953 07778 852946
OCTOBER
WEDNESDAY WANDER: TRELLECH – “GET YOUR PAPER!” Date: Wednesday 2nd October From Trellech Village Hall GR SO 502052 OS Map OL14. Level: Moderate Out through the forest to visit site of old paper mills. Dist: 14.5km (9miles) A WW favourite. Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Leader: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
TOR Y FOEL FROM TALYBONT Date: Friday 4th October Park at Henderson Hall (charge) situated just off the main road Level: Moderate at the western end of Talybont on Usk (follow the Recycling Dist: 16km (10miles) signs), GR SO 113229, for a walk along the Brinore Tramroad , Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm over Tor y Foel from the steep end, and back along the canal Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD towpath. Contact: 029 2061 0397 07748 463545
TO THE TWRCH AND BEYOND Date: Saturday 5th October Meet at The Gwyn Arms, Glyntawe (park on the road between Level: Strenuous the pub and Pont Haffes) GR SN 846165. Dist: 21km (13miles) Following the Beacons Way up to Llyn y Fan Fawr and then Ascent: 826m (2710ft) exploring some of the more remote places in the west of the Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm park. Returning via Carreg Goch and Carreg a’r Gap. There Leader: GARETH LEWIS will be numerous streams to cross and also rough tussocky Contact: 07977 537033 wet ground in places.
MYNYDDOEDD CHWECH Date: Sunday 6th October Meet at Craig Cerrig Gleisiad picnic site lay by on the A470 Level: Strenuous GR SN 971222. Dist: 35.5km (22miles) Over Fforest Fawr with some very steep, long and strenuous Ascent: 1525m (5000ft) climbs. Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm Leader: JASON WINNEY Contact: 07798 521550
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
BITS AND PIECES OF THIS AND THAT Date: Sunday 6th October Park in the high school car park in Crickhowell GR SO Level: Energetic/Strenuous 216185. Dist: 20 21km (12 13miles) A walk taking in Ffawyddog, Craig y Cilau, Tŵr Pen cyrn and Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm ish Waun Watcyn. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Contact: 029 2062 8861 07971 296699
WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE BASE OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS Date: Wednesday 9th October Meet at Castle Inn on A479 at Pengenffordd GR SO 173295 Level: Moderate (£1). Dist: 14km (8.5miles) A lovely moderate walk with fabulous views of the Black Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm Mountains with no major climbs. We use lane, track and open Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & common to enjoy our walk. BARNI Contact: 07967 886497
THE BIG FOUR Date: Friday 11th October From the Blaen Taf Fechan car park GR SO 036171, 1km Level: Strenuous south of the Neuadd Reservoir dam. Dist: 16km (10miles) Classic Brecon Beacons Circuit, from the Neuadd Reservoirs Ascent: 915m (3000ft) on the southern side of Pen y Fan. It has a steep ascent to Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm start. Then easy walking to Corn Du and Pen y Fan but two Leader: DAVID THOMAS big climbs to Cribyn and Fan y Big, a wonderful sweeping Contact: 01873 812011 circuit of the Taf Fechan valley.
PAST THE PARK: ANOTHER TURN ON THE ROUNDABOUT Date: Saturday 12th October Park on the common adjacent to the now closed school at Level: Moderate Ffynnon Gynydd, map OL13 GR SO 163413, for a scenic Dist: 17km (10.5miles) walk along ancient tracks and lanes, up onto the open Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm moorland of the Begwns. Leader: WENDY SLADEN If this telephone number fails to work please refer to Contact: 01568 720424 Guided Walks Programme on the website.
LOW HILLS AND STEEP VALLEYS Date: Sunday 13th October From the higher car park on the A4069 Brynaman Llangadog Level: Strenuous road GR SN 732187. Dist: 19km (12miles) To the low peaks of Garreg Lwyd and Carn Fadog, and then Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm down into the steep sided valley of the Twrch and the Twrch Leader: CLIVE EILES Fechan. And back via Garreg Las and the waterfalls at the Contact: 01550 740188 top of Afon Clydach. [email protected]
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
WEDNESDAY WANDER: CWM TAFF FECHAN Date: Wednesday 16th October Meet at the car park by the Community Centre at Cefn Coed Y Level: Moderate Cymmer GR SO 3160 0800 for a walk around the lower Taff Dist: 13km (8miles) Fechan valley and nature reserve north of Merthyr Tydful. Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Leader: ROB SHORT Contact: 01495 718254 07976 885132
ILLUSTRATED TALK: ‘STEAMING UP THE CLYDACH’ Date: Wednesday 16th October The Story of the Merthyr, Tredegar & Abergavenny Railway Time: 7.30pm including details of its construction, operation and closure. Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell Speaker: CHRIS BARBER
PAST THE PARK: THE NEW ELENYDD BOTHY Date: Friday 18th October Meet at Rhayader Leisure Centre GR SN 971683 OS Explorer Level: Energetic* Map 200. Dist: 22km (14miles) Our route is up the byway over Esgair Dderw to Roman Camp, Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm path across Esgair Perfedd to Craig Goch reservoir and sheep Leader: ANDREW LEONARD track to the Lluest cwm bach bothy. Then along the ancient Contact: 01874 636674 road past Lluest pen rhiw to Gilfach Nature Reserve and the Wye Valley Walk back to Rhayader. *Leader says “I would rate it on the moderate side of this level – can we invent ‘modergetic’?”
CRIBARTH RIDGE AND HENRHYD WATERFALLS Date: Saturday 19th October Park in the lay by next to Craig y nos Castle at GR SN 8409 Level: Moderate 1523. Dist: 14km (9miles) The walk starts at Craig y nos Castle with a steady climb up Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm onto Cribarth ridge then down the valley to the river Tawe to Leader: PAULA ACE follow the Llech to Henrhyd Waterfalls, returning to Craig y Contact: 07967 140689 nos via Penwyllt.
NIGHT WALK: WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE Date: Saturday 19th October Meet at the car park in the Taf Fechan forest approx 1km Level: Strenuous south of the Neuadd Reservoir dam at GR SO 036170. Dist: 24km (15miles) A night time adventure in the Central Beacons. Ascent: 1220m (4000ft) Note: Please bring torch and extra batteries, also a fleece Time: 7.00pm – 3.00am or warmer coat for the stops. Leader: JASON WINNEY Contact: 07798 521550
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PAST THE PARK: AUTUMN IN THE WYE VALLEY Date: Sunday 20th October Park in large lay by on left hand side on B4228 at GR ST Level: Energetic 559994 Offa’s Dyke sign opposite, OS Map OL14. Dist: 19.5km (12miles) A walk through woodlands and fields to village of Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Hewelsfield, dropping down to Brockweir and Tintern and Leader: WENDY WINNEY maybe a pub stop, before climbing up on Offa’s Dyke to the Contact:: 029 2062 8861 Devils Pulpit before returning through woodland to start. 07773 389561 Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement only.
WEDNESDAY WANDER PAST THE PARK: MYNYDD Y GARTH, CARDIFF’S MOUNTAIN Date: Wednesday 23rd October Meet at Taff’s Well railway station car park GR SO 125832 OS Level: Energetic Explorer Map 151, may need to park on street in village. Dist: 10km (6miles) Frequent trains. Time: 10.30am – 3.00pm Visit Coed y Bedw nature reserve and the Bronze Age tumuli Leader: RICHARD DAVIES on the Garth. Refreshment stop at Gwaelod y Garth Inn. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
PAST THE PARK: WHITE CASTLE, GRAIG AND EDMUND’S TUMP Date: Friday 25th October Park up tightly in top end of “1861 Restaurant” car park GR Level: Moderate SO 399194 on B4521 Abergavenny to Skenfrith road OS Dist: 18km (11miles) maps OL13 and Explorer 189. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm A walk over fields, stiles, streams and woodland between Leader: JILL TAYLOR Edmunds Tump and White Castle. Some good views. Contact: 01873 840668
ALL AROUND THE BLORENGE Date: Saturday 26th October Meet at The Forge car park on cycle path (old railway) south Level: Strenuous of Govilon GR SO 262136. Dist: 23km (14miles) Walk ascends up to Keepers Pond, continues through old Ascent: 915m (3000ft) quarry workings and descends down towards Blaenavon, Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm passes through Blaenavon community woodland and ascends Leader: GUY VOWLES up to Goose and Cuckoo pub for lunch or picnic stop. Return Contact: 01242 251412 via old trackways, past White House Farm, ascend up onto 07968 797186 (on day only) escarpment, descend to car park. [email protected]
A ‘DIFFERENT’ GRWYNE FECHAN CIRCUIT Date: Sunday 27th October Meet at Tir y Nant GR SO 237237. Climb initially up to the Level: Energetic eastern ridge and the memorial site of a crashed aircraft then Dist: 18km (11miles) steadily north to Pen y Gadair. Turn sharply down over Ascent: 790m (2600ft) tussocky grass to the lonely and infrequently visited standing Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm stone, Maen Llwyd. The route now follows sheep tracks for Leader: STEPHEN FLYNN lunch at a waterfall before walking to the head of the valley Contact: 07792 340933 and a descent of Macnamara’s road.
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013
NOVEMBER
LLANGYNIDR AND ITS MOUNTAIN Date: Friday 1st November Park at Llangynidr main car park GR SO 156196. Via the Level: Energetic canal, fields and minor roads south up to the open access Dist: 18km (11miles) area and back, probably (but not yet sure!) visiting Twyn Ascent: 560m (1840ft) approx Disgwylfa, Cwm Claisfer and Carn Caws, possibly a nature Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm reserve, a spring or two, a stone row and several cairns, Leader: SOO TURNBULL shake holes and sink holes. Contact: 01874 622136
FAR FLUNG Date: Saturday 2nd November Meet at the car park at top of A4069 GR SN 729183 (Note: car Level: Strenuous park is not on the map). Dist: 24km (15miles) A wild walk over some rather rough ground to the furthest part Ascent: 975m (3200ft) of the Western Brecon Beacons National Park, including Tair Time: 8.30am – 6.00pm Carn Isaf and Uchaf. Leader: JASON WINNEY Contact: 07798 521550
A CHURCH A CASTLE AND A CHURCH (and some other bits) Date: Sunday 3rd November Park on the road opposite the church in Llanvihangel Level: Energetic / Strenuous Crucorney (please be mindful of people living on the road) GR Dist: 18 19.5km (11 12miles) SO 326206. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm ish A walk out as far as White Castle and back on Offa’s Dyke Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY through Llangattock Lingoed. Contact: 029 2062 8861 07971 296699
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ENGLISH NEWTON – OVERLOOKING MONMOUTH Date: Wed 6th November From river bank near Monmouth Leisure Centre GR SO Level: Moderate 513130 OS Map OL14. Dist: 10km (6miles) River bank, field, lane. 1 steep climb at WW pace. Time: 10.00am – 1.30pm Leader: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
PEN Y FAL Date: Friday 8th November Meet at the Byefield lower car park Abergavenny GR SO Level: Moderate 29700 14100. Dist: 15km (9miles) Walking to the summit of the Sugar Loaf ascending through Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm the Deri woods onto the ridge and return by Llanwenarth Leader: ROB SHORT Breast and the River Usk. Some initial street walking to Contact: 01495 718254 complete the horse shoe from the Town. 07976 885132
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PAST THE PARK: THE EPYNT WAY Date: Saturday 9th November Meet at the Epynt Visitor Centre GR SN 994437 OS Explorer Level: Moderate Map 188 on the B4519 north of Upper Chapel. We then share Dist: 19km (12miles) cars to drive to the start of this linear walk at the Viewpoint Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm 5km (3 miles) further north. Leader: PENNY LEONARD The Epynt Way is a 80km (50 mile) permissive path encircling Contact: 01874 636674 the MOD Sennybridge Training Area, a “rolling expanse of high moorland and deep river valleys”. The Visitor Centre displays information on the area’s natural and human history.
A NORTHERN BEACONS CIRCUIT Date: Sunday 10th November Around Cwm Oergwm, including Fan y Big and the diving Level: Energetic board rock. Dist: 20km (12.5miles) Meet GR SN 094247 in lay by on south edge of Pencelli Ascent: 765m (2500ft) opposite campsite. Over fields before ascending a sunken Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm lane onto The Bryn. Along the eastern side of Cwm Oergwm Leader: STEPHEN FLYNN to Fan y Big and the diving board rock – try it if you dare! Then Contact: 07792 340933 a long rolling descent to Llanfrynach followed by a short steep climb and some more fields to the start.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE PUNCHBOWL Date: Wed 13th November Meet in Byefield Lane Car park Abergavenny (opp Police Level: Moderate Station) GR SO 297141. Once parked (free on Wednesday) Dist: 11km (7miles) meet at bottom gate near Linda Vista Gardens. Ascent: 200m (600ft) A circular walk following meadows, canal, lanes and Hill’s Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Tramway. Leader: FIONA MCBAIN A steep climb and descent taken at WW pace. Contact: 07979 037243
REPEAT OF THE THREE PEAKS Date: Friday 15th November Meet at Llangorse Activity Centre GR SO 148267 off the Level: Strenuous B4560 beween Bwlch and Llangorse village. Cafe and toilets Dist: 16km (10miles) available. A short walk with three very steep climbs onto Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Mynydd Llangorse, Mynydd Troed and Pen Tir. Back to the Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & Centre for a cuppa. BARNI Contact: 07967 886497
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ILLUSTRATED TALK: EXPLORING A BLANK ON THE MAP Date: Friday 15th November A trek to the rarely visited north face of K2. This remote area Time: 7.30pm was first explored in the 1930’s by Eric Shipton and has only Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell recently been re opened to trekkers. The Karakoram has the Speaker: DAVID THOMAS highest concentration of peaks over 8000m and David will be describing the overland journey through Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang Province, China to get to the start as well as the trek into the north face of the second highest mountain on Earth – from the soaring temperatures of the Taklamakan desert to the eerie ice pinnacles of the K2 glacier and the magnificent sight of K2 itself.
A WANDER OVER THE CRIBARTH Date: Saturday 16th November Meet at the lay by along the road next to the Gwyn Arms GR Level: Moderate SN 846165. Dist: 13km (8miles) A gentle climb above Dan yr Ogof showcaves onto the Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Cribarth looking at some points of interest on the way. Leader: PAULA ACE Returning over Penwyllt. Contact: 07967 140689
CRAIG Y CILAU, LLANGATTOCK Date: Sunday 17th November Meet in Llangattock at Park Drive, the road opposite the Level: Moderate * Horseshoe Inn, by the playing field, at GR SO 212177. Dist: 11km (7miles) Follow the tramway to the limestone cliffs at Craig y Cilau Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Nature Reserve. Return via Coed y Cilau and the canal. Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Contact: 029 2984 2923 * but with steep tramway incline. 07986 562584
WEDNESDAY WANDER: NEUADD RESERVOIR AND THE GAP Date: Wed 20th November Meet at the car park at GR SO 050168, on the Merthyr to Level: Moderate Talybont road 1km south west of the Blaen y glyn car park. Dist: 13km (8miles) A lovely walk through the forest to the reservoir and up to Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm meet the Gap road, then back along the track. A lovely day in Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & the midst of the Beacons without any real ascents. Please ring BARNI the leader if icy on the roads. Contact: 07967 886497
RIDGES AROUND CAPEL Y FFIN Date: Friday 22nd November Park on the roadside by the bridge at Capel y ffin GR SO Level: Energetic 255314. Dist: 19km (12miles) We climb to Twyn Talycefn by an interesting route (not the Ascent: 625m (2050ft) Blacksmith’s Anvil path) for a high level walk over Twmpa and Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Hay Bluff to the Offa’s Dyke path and descent by The Vision Leader: ROGER WHITE Farm. (This is the one where we were blown to a halt in Contact: 01873 811539 January).
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UNDER THE GORGE AND OVER THE TOPS Date: Saturday 23rd November Park free in car park of Clydach Gorge picnic site signposted Level: Energetic off A465 GR SO 232135. Dist: 16km (10miles) Walk through Clydach Nature Reserve, up onto disused Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm railway, descend via Cwm Clydach, north up to Tŵr Pen cyrn, Leader: GUY VOWLES descend to Darren, return via Waun Watcyn and the Lonely Contact: 01242 251412 Shepherd. 07968 797186 (on day only) [email protected]
WALK LEADERS’ INFORMAL TRAINING DAY Date: Sunday 24th November NO GUIDED WALK TODAY Contact: FRANK SCOTT Informal training day based at Longtown Outdoor Education 01432 275388 Centre. A chance for all the walk leaders to get to know each 07713 772499 other better, practise their skills and share their knowledge and [email protected] experience under the guidance of our Technical Advisor Allan Gibbs. Full details will be sent to walk leaders.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: CWMYOY CIRCULAR Date: Wed 27th November Meet at the Walkers’ Car Park (£1) opposite the Queen’s Level: Moderate Head Inn, Cwmyoy, on the road from Llanfihangel Crucorney Dist: 11km (7miles) to Llanthony GR SO 311221. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm A varied circular walk skirting the delightfully named Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD Strawberry Cottage Wood nature reserve, past Pentwyn Iron Contact: 029 2061 0397 Age Hill Fort and onto the southern tip of Hatterrall Hill, then 07748 463545 round the lovely Cwm Iau valley to Cwmyoy Church and returning across fields.
THREE PENS AND A TABLE Date: Friday 29th November Meet at Tir y Nant, GR SO 237237 for another exploration of Level: Strenuous the Grwyne Fechan ridges. Walk up McNamara’s Road to the Dist: 19.5km (12miles) col and head south along the ridge, with great views all round, Ascent: 460m (1500ft) to Pen Twyn Glas. Then a short, steep pull up Pen Allt Mawr Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm and a sweeping ridge round to Pen Cerrig calch. Descend via Leader: DAVID THOMAS Table Mountain before heading north and back. Contact: 01873 812011
IN THE FOOSTEPS Date: Saturday 30th November From the Craig y Nos car park on the A4067 at GR SN Level: Strenuous 840155. Dist: 20km (12miles) A tour of human use of the Black Mountain – on Cribarth, Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Carreg Goch, Waun Fignen Felen, and Saith Maen. (Mining, Leader: CLIVE EILES shelters, and uses unknown.) Contact: 01550 740188 [email protected]
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013 COURSES
The Brecon Beacons Park Society offers a series of two day courses, which cover the basics of navigation for hill walkers – from understanding maps and using a compass to more advanced skills such as GPS potential and relocation strategies.
Further information about Navigation Courses can be found at: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/courses/
The Get Lost Course is limited to 10 places and the Get Lost Again to 8 places. These usually get filled up some time in advance so it is essential to check for availability and to reserve a place on the course as early as possible.
COURSES 2011 GET LOST AGAIN – Saturday 29th October and Sunday 30th October
A two day more advanced navigation course From 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and 2.00pm to 10.00pm Sunday. Course is now Full – however places may be available on reserve list in case of cancellations .
For more information or to reserve a place:
Telephone: Ian Smith on 01792 368609 or e mail: [email protected]
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS AUTUMN 2013 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society
I/We wish to apply for my/our membership of the Society
Title and Name .
Title and Name .
Address ..
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Post Code ..Telephone
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Membership year 1 January to 31 December Membership for those joining 1 October to 31 December runs to following 31 December Individual .£15.00 per annum. Under 18 .£8.00 per annum Family .£22.00 per annum.
Life membership rates available, contact Hon.Treasurer
I/We enclose cheque for: £ .. (Please make cheques payable to: The Brecon Beacons Park Society)
We would be grateful if you could pay your subsequent subscriptions by Standing Order as this will save us time and expense. You might also wish to consider treating your annual subscription as ‘Gift Aid’ which will enable us to enhance the value of your donation. Please indicate below if you wish to receive details of these schemes.
Standing Order Gift Aid
Please return this form to: Ben Sladen, Hon. Treasurer 2 Presbytery Close, Leominster HR6 8QP
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