October 2016 Newsletter of the Glamorgan Area

HOW WE ARE RUN

As my contribution to this edition I would like to say something about the roles of Welsh Council (WC) and Welsh Council Executive Committee (WCEC). As an Officer for both bod- ies, I am aware of how little they seem to impinge on members’ conscious- ness. Their roles though are important for what happens in Wales and thereby in Glamorgan Area as they are respon- sible for all matters relating to what Ramblers do in Wales (apart from a couple of matters that reserved to the Board of Trustees of Ramblers GB. Ramblers on the Area Walk being welcomed by David Isaac, Mayor of Merthyr, with It is the job of WC and WCEC to Tony Yule, Glamorgan Area Chair to his right and Gaynor Jayne, Merthyr Valley Group Chair to his left determine policy and strategy as well as monitor the performance of Ram- ument that sets out the what Ramblers WCEC would like to see a more repre- blers Cymru as a whole so that we, in Cymru intends to work towards over sentative cross-section of members at- Wales, meet our charitable aims. The the next ten years. tending Welsh Council and becoming two bodies also approve the budget for involved in the work of the WCEC Wales as well as those for Areas and On a more local level, money from the (which meets around five times a year). Groups and, of course, they monitor Legal Fund has been approved to ob- Glamorgan Area represents over one- actions on any motions passed at tain legal advice over the closure of the third of the membership of Ramblers Welsh Council. Cwm Ivy embankment which is part of Cymru and can send eighteen dele- the Wales Coast Path. More about gates to Welsh Council (six as Area Space permits only a brief flavour of that can be read in the reports that representatives and one from each actions that have been taken over the follow. Money from the Fund was Group). Yet we send nowhere near past year. Definitely the most impor- also approved to campaign against the that number. Next year, Welsh Coun- tant, though, has been the creation of a Circuit of Wales motorcycle circuit on cil is in Stackpole in Pembrokeshire Vision and Strategic Framework Doc- common land up in the Ebbw Valley. over the weekend of 8th & 9th April.

GLAMORGAN AREA AGM (open to all members)

SATURDAY 29th October 2016 at 2:00pm At Ty Mawr, Graig Road, Lisvane CF14 0UF

Speaker: Madeleine Gray who will talk about the the Cistercian Way, a 650 mile route around the sacred sites of Wales

With Morning Walk starting at 10:00am

1 Do think about volunteering to be a easy. Praise and our thanks also go to about what is involved, a series of ex- delegate (for which the expenses in- Diane Davies for her production of cellent documents is available on the volved in attending and travelling are this annual report; I know many group Ramblers website. Click on the "Vol- paid for). You not only get the chance chairmen dread her email requesting a unteer Zone" button and follow the to influence the direction of Ramblers group's report, along with a photo- links to find advice on most forms of Cymru but also have the opportunity graph. volunteering. to meet like-minded people and ex- change views and ideas, as well as At last year's AGM we failed to elect a So don't just walk! Get involved! hearing about the latest developments chairman or publicity officer. In addi- within Ramblers. It is also where tion to his roles with Cardiff and the Tony Yule members of WCEC are elected for the Welsh Executive Council, Gwyn has subsequent year. Then again, if you three active posts in the Area: Secre- are interested in becoming involved tary, Footpath Officer and Member- SECRETARY with the work of WCEC then you do ship Secretary. I took on the role as need necessarily need to seek election. Chairman at the first area committee Notes on various AGMs You can be co-opted or attend meeting meeting following the AGM in desper- 1) Glamorgan Area AGM (Novem- as an observer and see what it is all ation, as no one else was willing to ber 2015): big thanks to Cynon Valley about. volunteer. I am the first to know my limitations in this role; during my life I Group for hosting this, which included a speaker from Ramblers Holidays and Diane Davies have learnt that I make a better indian than chief, so I hope to be made redun- a closing speech by Des Garrahan, dant at this year's AGM. Chair of the Ramblers Board of Trus- tees. Long serving Area Officers, Alex CHAIRMAN This leads to the main topic of my Marshall (Chair) & Allan Harrison report: we need more volunteers at all (Secretary) both stood down from their I would first like to convey the Area's levels. Most of our members consider posts and we wish them a happy “re- thanks to Alex Marshall, my predeces- their group to be a walking club but, tirement”. The current Area Officers sor, for all he has achieved for the other than turning up for walks, do are: Chair - Tony Yule (from January Ramblers. In his twenty plus years nothing to support it. The easiest way Council Meeting); Secretary - Gwyn directing the Area and Bridgend, as a to provide assistance is to lead a walk, Lewis; Treasurer - Ian Fraser; Minutes very approachable Chairman and and after the first couple, most find Secretary - John Sanders; Glamorgan Vice-president of Welsh Council, he that they actually enjoy it! Other lead- Rambler Editor - Diane Davies. This has helped many volunteers, myself ers will also be willing to accompany years’ AGM will be hosted by Tiger included, with sound advice and en- you on your first recce. More short Bay Ramblers on Saturday 29th Octo- couragement. walks are also always needed, and ber at Ty Mawr, Graig Road, Cardiff plenty of walk ideas are available in the CF14 0UF: it is open to all Glamorgan In his last report, Alex expressed con- form of leaflets, books and on websites Area members. cern about our annual area walks. I such as Ramblers Routes. 2) Ramblers General Council (April am happy to report that the event this 2016 in York): a more sedate event year, hosted by Merthyr Valley, was a Keeping on the subject of walks, I thor- than recent General Councils, though great success. The possibility that this oughly encourage more of our excel- there was the bombshell announce- was a result of it taking place on a lent leaders to sign up for Ramblers ment by Benedict Southworth, Ram- Saturday has been considered, and we Routes and add to its catalogue of blers Chief Executive, of his have agreed to discuss this at our walks or to check some walks. Our resignation from July. I wish Benedict AGM, so come along and make your group praised a walk I led last year, happiness and success for the future. views known. which was found from checking the [At the end of August it was an- route. nounced that our new CEO is Vanessa Over the last few years, two of our Griffiths, she joins the Ramblers from groups, Swansea and Neath Port Tal- Consider also providing new blood for National Trust Wales.] Motions bot, have worked with Llanelli Ram- your group's committee. No one likes passed at General Council and the blers to encourage their respective to nominate themselves so, at your composition of new Board of Trustees councils to reinstate the St Illtyd's next AGM, ask a friend or committee has resulted in a rethink of Ramblers Walk between Pembray and Margam member to put your name forward. (GB) Governance reforms, which will parks. To celebrate its completion, a Once elected, consider shadowing an impact on Ramblers Cymru Govern- series of seven linear walks are being officer if he wishes to retire next year. ance Review. held: five this year and two next year. 3) Ramblers Cymru Welsh Council Once again, the walks held to date To existing Group committee mem- (April 2016 in Lampeter): included have been a great success and I pass on bers, why not take the next step and discussion of Ramblers Cymru Vision my congratulations to all involved. become active in the four meetings of & Strategic Framework plus motions Many thanks are also due to Richard the Area committee? Come along to and election of Welsh Council Execu- Beale who led two of the walks and our AGM and consider relieving tive Committee. organised the buses on each occasion. Gwyn of one of his posts. It is never good for any organisation to rely on The above does not do justice to the My thanks also go to my Area Officers, too few volunteers. General Council and Welsh Council Gwyn Lewis, Ian Fraser and John meetings. There is more to them than Sanders, for all of their assistance; their To those who may feel inclined to help dry business sessions: meeting inspira- efforts have made my job remarkably in any of the above roles but are unsure tional Ramblers, learning more about

2 Ramblers’ activities, helping frame sion. If your Group organises a Ram- uted £110 towards coach hire for the Ramblers’ future, and much, much bler event do tell me so that it can be programme of walks along the whole more. For neither of these events did promoted with the Area. trail. We also made a grant of £200 to Glamorgan Area send its full comple- the Young Ramblers Event, organized ment of delegates, so anyone interested Gwyn Lewis by Tiger Bay Ramblers. We continue in attending next year’s General Coun- to fund a stand at the Vale Show, or- cil [1st and 2nd April 2017 in Southamp- ganized by the Vale Group. Area Council agreed to purchase a new ga- ton] or Welsh Council [8th & 9th April zebo for £131, which was a great im- 2017, Stackpole, Pembrokeshires] TREASURER should make their interest known to provement, allowing us to make the me ([email protected] or 07910 most of this opportunity to promote The funding of Areas and Groups con- the Ramblers to the public. 595265). tinues to be straightforward, with the budget process well established. We Glamorgan Area Council Our Budget Application for 2016/17 applied for £9,000 in 2015/16 and this has been submitted, and is awaiting Members unfamiliar with Area Coun- was granted (£9,000 in 2014/15). The approval. We are again requesting cil should refer to Glamorgan Area Basic Allocation to groups again in- £9,000 total funding, although group webpage at www.ramblers.org. It has creased slightly, £95 per group plus funding has increased by £941 to details of Area Officers, minutes of £0.96 per member (2014/15: £95 plus £5,365. The number of groups submit- recent AGMs and Council Meetings, £0.95). ting a budget application has increased Area Timeline and recent issues of to five, including for the first time Glamorgan Rambler. I am the editor We continue to control Area spend, Swansea and Taff Ely. The Basic Allo- of the Area webpage, but freely ac- and I forecast that we will have a sur- cation does not cover full running costs knowledge that it suffers from neglect. plus in 2015/16 of £600 against a in all cases, therefor it is to be expected I would welcome any member wishing budget deficit of £714. This will bring that more groups will find it necessary to take over and inject new life into this our reserves to £8,650, 102% of total to submit budgets if their reserves are communication channel. expenditure, just over the limit of low, or they identify proposed expend- 100%. Volunteers iture. By not increasing the Area budg- et application, we are forecasting a I fully endorse Tony Yule’s views on I give comparative figures in the sum- deficit for 2016/17 of £1,755. This will volunteering but, whilst welcoming marised Receipts & Payments Ac- keep our Reserves Percentage below new volunteers,I would urge Groups counts shown in the Table below. 100%. to acknowledge the efforts of their cur- rent volunteers. There are two ways to Total Group Funding was £4,424 I returned from my ‘gap year’ in Aus- recognise volunteers locally: certifi- (2014/15: £3,820). Two groups ap- tralia last April, so I was away for the cates or commendations. Volunteer plied for funding in excess of their first half of 2015/16. I would like to Certificates say a “thank you” with a basic allocation: Cardiff and Vale of thank my fellow Area officers, as with certificate signed by the Ramblers Glamorgan. Swansea applied for their their help I was able to perform my Chief Executive, recognising volun- basic allocation for the first time and duties as treasurer remotely, including teers for long service or if they have Maesteg required no funding. I am the annual returns and accounts, with- had a notable achievement. Anyone pleased report that the St. Illtyd’s Way out undue problems. I would also like can nominate a volunteer for a certifi- has been successfully relaunched by to thank the Group Treasurers, partic- cate. Volunteer Commendations are a Swansea and Llanelli Ramblers. It is a ularly those new this year, for their higher recognition than the volunteer 64 mile long distance trail from Pem- promptness and accuracy in complet- certificate and recognises an brey Country Park to Margam Coun- ing the budgets and returns. individual(s) whose contribution try Park. Last year we part-funded stands out,. Recipients of volunteer new signage and, this year, we contrib- commendations will automatically be Ian Fraser put forward for consideration for a national volunteer award. 9 Months to 2014/15 June 2016 2015/16 2016/17 For more info, including how to nomi- Actual Actual Budget Budget nate go to the volunteer zone of the Ramblers website. There is no limit on Reserves b/f 6,482 8,051 8,051 8,650 the number of certificates or commen- dations – so get nominating today! Total Income 9,066 6,813 9,060 9,060 Group Funding 3,820 4,424 4,424 5,365 Tigers Have Roaring Success Newsletters/publicity 2,591 2,612 2,800 2,800 Tiger Bay Ramblers organised the in- Practical work 738 408 1,400 1,400 augural National Young Ramblers Meetings 272 159 750 850 Weekend in May, attracting close to a Admin 76 400 400 hundred Ramblers’ members from Other twenty-one different young walkers groups. Events included a series of Total Payments 7,497 7,603 9,774 10,815 organised walks showcasing South Surplus/Deficit() 1,569 -790 -714 -1,755 Wales, a city-wide treasure hunt and a Sunday morning ‘speed workshop’ ses- Reserves c/f 8,051 7,261 7,337 6,895

3 FOOTPATH SECRETARY Table 1: Footpath Orders/Papers from Local Authorities via Ramblers (London) from August 2015 to July 2016 Table 1 shows the number of Footpath Type Number Local Authority Orders received by the Glamorgan Ar- ea in the last year. The number of Extinguishment/Stopping Up 2 Cardiff (2) Consultations dealt with by Group Diversion 8 RCT (1); Vale (4); NPT 2; Footpath Officers is understated as Bridgend (1) those sent direct to Glamorgan Area Creation 13 Merthyr (4); Vale (3); NPT (3); Group Officers are not included. In Swansea (2); Bridgend (1) addition, Group Footpath Officers Modification 3 Merthyr (3) would also have dealt with reported Emergency Closures 1 Bridgend (1) footpath problems and planning appli- cations impacting on the rights of way Temporary Closures 5 Bridgend (5) network. Whilst all our Group Foot- Consultations (see note) 6 NPT (2); Vale (1); Swansea (2); path Officers deserve praise for their Beacons Park (1) work, special mention to Bob Denley (Swansea Group) for his efforts to re- store the Cwm Ivy (Gower) section of the Pathwatch section of the Ram- buttons. The app also works offline the Wales Coast Path. blers’ website and allows you to download OS grid square maps for your walks. Info The Pathwatch findings for the Gla- The Big Pathwatch survey findings again is on the Pathwatch section of morgan Area are shown in Table 2. were sent to the Local Authorities for the Ramblers’ website Main negative findings related to poor their attention and action and a Ram- waymarking, obstructions and foot- blers’ campaign to highlight the foot- Restoring the Record and the 2026 cut- path furniture in need of attention. path problems and propose solutions off date: The Ramblers shares its The Pathwatch surveys also highlight- is to be launched in November. members’ concerns over the approach- ed positive features (e.g. attractive ing cut-off date for claiming rights of views, flora & fauna) reminding us of Following on from the survey, a Path- way from pre-1949 records and has the beauty and variety of scenery to be watch App has been developed and is launched a series of training days to found locally. Welcome side-effects of available to download from both Ap- assist members in their efforts to trace the Big Pathwatch were the amount of ple App Store and Android App and register historic paths. press and media coverage given to the Google Play. Using the Pathwatch Ramblers, and the large numbers of app you can report to Ramblers posi- Welsh Government’s consultation on non-members who got involved. If tive and negative features (including improving access to the outdoors for you are interested in further info, you photos) encountered on a walk, mak- recreation: Ramblers Cymru response can read a Summary or Full Report on ing reporting as easy as pressing a few to the above consultation argued the

Table 2: Big Pathwatch Findings for Glamorgan Area Local Authorities:

Reporting period 12/7/15 - B'end C'diff M'thyr RCT Vale S'sea NPT Area 27/12/15 Total Squares completed: 160 158 43 89 168 232 155 1005

Km of RoW walked: 263 208 19 64 181 149 136 1020 “Negative” Features Reported: 271 210 8 87 156 78 78 888

% “Negative” Features Reported: Intimidating 3% 4% missing 3% 2% 6% 1% (eg bull, dogs, horses) Bridges, Gates & Stiles 21% 10% data 8% 26% 8% 3% (eg broken,locked,missing) Finding your way 41% 53% 35% 28% 44% 27% (eg missing/broken signs; path not found) Path Surface 15% 9% 29% 19% 25% 41% (eg muddy, flooded, ploughed) Road Crossing 1% 2% 0% 2% 2% 0% (unsafe) Obstructions 19% 22% 25% 23% 15% 28% (eg vegetation, barbed wire, fallen tree)

4 benefits of greater access. Whilst the consultation findings have been pub- lished, the Welsh Government has yet to announce its intentions.

Gwyn Lewis

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

At the end of July 2016 (latest figures available at time of writing this report) Glamorgan Area membership was 2354, a net gain of eleven members in twelve months. Our Area membership performance compares well against most of the other Welsh Areas, both in absolute and percentage terms. Our percentage performance (no change) reflects the performance of the Na- tions: Wales (-1%); England (no change); Scotland (+2%). In regard to Groups, congratulations go to the Vale of Glamorgan (+7% growth); Swansea (+5%); and Tiger Bay (+5%), and in terms of numbers Swansea (+68), Ti- ger Bay (+56) and Cardiff (+54) con- tinue to attract large numbers.

There is no magic wand for attracting new members but group successes are often built on a short walks pro- gramme, an active social events pro- gramme AND, most importantly, making new walkers WELCOME.

Ramblers advice on an ideal short walk is: ~ be friendly, with a front and back marker; ~ have a clear start and end; ~ no more than 3-5 miles ( 5-8 km); want to go on to more challenging cillor, researching a walking route, ~ at a pace that’s not too fast; walks, but people can also move the baking a cake for a social event, and ~ on manageable terrain; other way, with people who were once much much more) in delivering the ~ easy to get to (preferably by public very fit and active looking for less Ramblers mission. To help volunteers transport); strenuous options due to age or illness. keep doing this Ramblers have Volun- ~ run regularly - weekly or fortnightly Making links between a Ramblers’ teer Development Days, that are there works best group and a local health walk scheme for members to come along and learn ~ with a chance to socialise such as a is part of this, making it easier for more about the work of the Ramblers, café or pub stop. walkers to choose from a range of take part in training to support the For more tips see Ramblers Volunteer different walks. volunteer role and to share their expe- Toolkit “Successful shorter walks” on riences with other volunteers. Each the Ramblers’ website In Wales, Let’s Walk Cymru which features workshops on a range of top- runs health walks is managed by Ram- ics from Ramblers Routes to leading Link up with your local health walk blers Cymru and its staff supports walks to promoting your Ramblers scheme Ramblers Groups in Wales in making group or area. Volunteer Develop- This is a great way of helping people these links. So get in touch with them ment Days have been held recently in find the right walks to suit them, and of if your group is interested either Tel: Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Llandrindod bringing more walkers, members and 029 2064 4308 or e-mail: cerddwyr Wells, Gloucester, and Bristol and volunteers into your group. As a char- @ramblers.org.uk]. members wishing to attend future ity, Ramblers aims to help everyone, Days should make their interest everywhere go walking whilst making Ramblers Development Days known to their Group Secretary who it easier for everyone to find walks that Ramblers recognise the importance of will be advised of upcoming events. suit them at every stage of their walk- volunteers’ contributions (helping to ing journey. Some people who discov- run a local area or group, clearing a er walking through health walks will path, leading a walk, lobbying a coun- Gwyn Lewis

5 GROUP REPORTS a hotel in Chamonix, France with a However, on a local note, the Group backdrop of Mont Blanc and the Les was fortunate to have a balanced pro- Glacier Des Bossons to wake up to in gramme of three walks on a Sunday, the morning. Our first day’s walk was walks on summer Wednesday eve- BRIDGEND to Montenvers with a view of Mer de nings, and other walks on Tuesdays Glace (Sea of Ice), at seven kilometres which were often a recce with its inevi- During early May the Lake District long the largest glacier in France. table detours around obstructions or had unseasonably cold and wet weath- Walks on other days included one unfound rights of way or simply getting er including snow. But fortunately from Le Tour up to Col de Balme in lost. But thanks must go to the many during the week of our visit, it cleared Switzerland; Bellevue with its magnif- members who turn out and appreciate to provide warm, dry conditions which icent suspension bridge and the Nid the work of the walk leaders who pro- allowed for good walking. Sixteen of d'Aigle with a view across to the Gla- vided the walks in the first place. us were based at Beckstone Farmhouse cier de Bionnassay. One valuable Thanks also to the organisers of our in the southern Lakes village of Grize- investment was the purchase of a two summer coach trips, this year to beck, which provided a centre to ex- weekly multi-use ticket for use on ca- Skenfrith and Broadway for a 5/6 mile plore the surrounding area. Compared ble cars, ski lifts and the vernacular walk and later for a shopping trip to to the more basic conditions of a hos- railways. This enabled us to gain Abergavenny and Evesham respective- tel, the farmhouse was spacious and access to many interesting walks with- ly. luxurious with everyone mucking in to out the need of an initial demanding prepare meals and clean up. Walking climb each morning. Our visit coin- John Sanders in the area was often demanding and cided with the finals of the World included Hartsop and the Roman track Sport Climbing championship and on of High Street, Langdale Pike, The our rest day we observed some of the Dodds and Crinkley Crags from Dun- elements of technical climbing and CARDIFF geon Ghyll. Given our average age speed climbing. On a 20m climbing one wit commented that the 'Wrinklies wall the women achieved a time of 8 As usual the most important aspect of had conquered the Crinklies'. One of seconds while the men achieved the our work continues to the provision of our less demanding but enjoyable days unbelievable time of 6 seconds. For a varied programme of walks for our walking was in Beatrix Potter country our second week we travelled to members. Gwyn Lewis, our Rambles starting from Windermere, quite apt Champoluc in the Aosta valley of Officer, has been supported in this by given that 2016 was the 150th anniver- Italy with walks in the Monte Rosa Wendy Winney, who organises the sary of her birth. Passing near Hill Top massif with views that included the Sunday walks, and Kathryn Bennett, Farm, her home in Near Sawrey, the magnificent Matterhorn that straddles who organises our family-friendly walk also included Tarn Hows, a beau- the border with Switzerland. Lacper- walks. Thanks must go to all three for ty spot that is partly artificial having rin and Lac Blu were just two of our ensuring that we have an abundant originally been three tarns joined to- enjoyable walks. Less demanding and varied choice of walks. However, gether in the 19th century. was the scenic walk along part of the the biggest thanks must go to the many Ru Cortaud canal from Barmasc. members who volunteer to lead these Similar dry sunny weather, often very This was a twenty-five kilometre irri- walks: it is a truism to say that without warm, was enjoyed when eight of us gation canal of the Val d’Ayas, com- them there would be no programme. had a two week walking holiday in the pleted in 1433, from Ventina Glacier So we are able to offer walks on Fri- Alps. For the first week we stopped in to the open grassy fields of Barmasc. days, Saturdays, Sundays and, of course, on Wednesday which still re- mains still our most popular day with sometimes four walks being offered, particularly in the summer. Then, in addition, we have the Thursday eve- nings walks during the summer. Sun- day walks are our biggest problem at the moment, a number of leaders no longer find themselves able to offer walks and, in addition, numbers on the walks are down. Other leaders have stepped forward to keep the pro- gramme going and we hope that it this is just a blip and Sunday walking will again find favour.

Walks range from easy three or four miles of the family-orientated walks and the leisurely six mile strolls of the Friday walkers up to the strenuous all-day walks that form one aspect of the weekend and Wednesday pro- Bridgend Ramblers on the Ru Cortaud canal, Aosta valley, Italy grammes. This year Eddie Thomas has introduced Smiler walks, easy five 6 Cardiff Ramblers having a well-earned rest after completing the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch to Penmon Priory stage of the Anglesey Coast Path mile walks once a month on a As well as our six-monthly programme more linear walks, making use of pub- Wednesday for those who feel that an booklets, we have a newsletter, lic transport. The Heart of Wales Line all-day walk is now a bit too much. WalkTalk, edited by Gillian Masters has been used on more than one occa- The monthly Wednesday summer that goes out to all members. In addi- sion, providing us not only with some coach trips continue to be very popu- tion, Gwyn Lewis sends out a weekly outstanding walks a bit further afield, lar and are often over-subscribed. e-Newsletter to a substantial propor- but also with the opportunity to let “the This year Leighton Hill organised a tion of our membership and anyone train take the strain”, allowing us to Saturday coach-trip to the Malverns, else who has expressed an interest. enjoy the beautiful scenery rolling past the first time we have done a weekend Our Facebook page continues to flour- the window at the end of the day. trip for some years. So it was pleasing ish: we have now passed the 400 ‘likes’ to know that it was sold-out. Richard mark. This past year has also seen an increase Garman continues his invaluable in the number of joint walks organised work organising walks for the visually In August we had a stall at the Out of with other local groups in our area. impaired in conjunction with the the Woods Festival organised by Cardiff These provide a welcome opportunity RNIB. We also provided walks for Council in Bute Park. Thanks must go to meet new people, exchange ideas the Cardiff Festival of Walks in May. to Kathryn Bennett for co-ordinating and views (both scenic views and opin- the work and thanks also to the volun- ions!) and to walk in new areas. In Linda Hall and Diane McNeil organ- teers who helped out on the stall. addition to all our recced year-round ised a very successful fortnight away weekend walks and summer evening again, this year to the Algarve. In regard to other activities, Gwyn walks, our weekly Wednesday walks Thanks has to be given to both for all Lewis, as our Footpath officer, contin- continue to be popular. These walks the hard work that is involved in or- ues to monitor footpath and alley-gat- are a bit different as they are not recced ganising these trips and ensuring that ing, submitting responses where and routes are decided on an ad hoc everyone has an enjoyable time. Ro- necessary. basis, which gives greater flexibility to ma Whiteley again organised a very change the route on the day, e.g. to suit successful back-packing walk at the Diane Davies weather conditions. It also brings beginning of June. This year it was about a greater sense of adventure as the Anglesey Coast Path which starts there are no guarantees regarding mile- at Holyhead and runs for 130 miles age, walk grades or conditions on the around the island. It allowed those of CYNON VALLEY ground. Team spirit and a positive us on it to enjoy the varied scenery attitude are required! that Anglesey offers from beautiful As usual, our walks leaders have pro- sandy beaches to dramatic rocky vided us with a wide variety of walks Our Wednesday Walks coordinator coastlines with a wealth of places of throughout the past year; long and recently celebrated a special birthday historic interest. It was good to note short, easy and hard, far and wide, up on a Wednesday, so the Wednesday the work done by Ramblers Cymru in and down, and on some occasions, walkers did a shorter walk than usual erecting boardwalks and other infra- round and round in circles! The popu- followed by a surprise birthday lunch structure to keep the path as near to larity of the Wye Valley Walk in a in a local hostelry – previously “test the coast as possible. previous year has led onto us doing driven” by the “Ladies Who Lunch”

7 splinter group of the Cynon Valley Ramblers. Not to be outdone by the female members of the group, another splinter group has been set up, “Only Men Allowed”, who also get together for social evenings out. What with our annual Christmas meal, our group so- cials linked to programme planning sessions and opportunities for meals and afternoon teas at the end of coach trips and “special” walks, there’s no chance that any of our members are likely to waste away through lack of sustenance. This theme is repeated on our annual group holidays and week- ends away. In May the Group went away to Llandudno for the weekend and in September the group holiday will be in Majorca. Maesteg group on the summit of Snowdon in March Thanks go, as usual, to all our walks leaders, committee members and or- fortunately the sun came out when we as a group and to build and strengthen ganisers of holidays, weekends away, arrived at the summit. On one of our links within the community. In the transport, quizzes, meals, socials and walks around the Glyn Neath valley spring a group of us took part in the silly awards ceremonies as well as to waterfalls we met Derek, the “Weath- making of a promotional video to ad- all our general “support staff”, without erman Walking”; he was out on a rec- vertise the locality. Sadly to date, fame whom our group could not function. ce for his TV programme. has eluded us! The youngsters at Thanks also to all our group members Bridging the Gap continue to enjoy generally who attend all our walks and Our Facebook page has generated a lot their holiday walks with us and it has events – especially the mad ones who of interest but only a few more mem- proved to be a rewarding experience walk every week in all weathers! bers but we will keep trying. for all of us. New projects include supporting the council to improve and Gill Evans Neil Perry maintain footpaths in our area and to offer assistance to the Alzheimer’s So- ciety.

NEATH PORT TALBOT MERTHYR VALLEY Despite the spells of inclement weath- er, resulting unfortunately in some [No report received] The past year has been successful and cancelled walks, we have managed to very productive for Merthyr Valley enjoy a varied programme with many Ramblers. We have continued to grow new walks. It was good to welcome

MAESTEG

Again this year has been fairly straight forward with the Wednesday group continuing to achieve more success with new members than the Sunday group, perhaps because the Sunday group do longer more difficult walks and travel further afield. The Wednes- day walks are still very well attended and continue to do more local shorter walks. We also try to encourage peo- ple recovering from injury or illness to join our walks. We still join with other Rambler Groups on one of their walks; this has become a regular event over recent years and gives us an opportuni- ty to meet members of other groups. We visited Snowdonia in March, hop- ing for some nice weather and the chance to climb Snowdon itself. How- ever the weather was misty with snow still lingering on the higher slopes but Merthyr Valley Ramblers at Ogmore Castle in June

8 back Colin and Christine in the spring following their recovery from knee operations. It was also heartening to have some new walks leaders coming forward. Our thanks once again to Cynon Valley with whom we have enjoyed a number of joint walks, in- cluding a very well-attended evening walk, and also to guest leaders from Swansea and Gelligaer who have led some spectacular walks for us in new locations.

Our membership is still low but we are managing to maintain numbers and continue to enjoy the company of visi- tors from other groups.

Our Boxing Day walk, advertised in Walk, the Ramblers’ magazine, as part of the Winter Festival of Walks, at- tracted some members from the Bridgend group. Our New Years Day walk was also well attended and we Penarth Ramblers enjoying the views from Pen Cerrig Calch in the Black Mountains, enjoyed an unexpected lunch provided last October for us free of charge by The Red Lion in Heolgerrig. with the men on their return from their small band of about seventeen dedicat- walk. ed leaders did us proud once again! Members from Gelligaer and Glouces- Most of our walks are naturally in the ter joined us on the Saturday walk on We had a team in the VAMT (Volun- Vale with some interesting venues in- the May Bank holiday visit to Birdlip, tary Aid Merthyr Tydfil) Quiz and a cluding Llansannor, Llancarfan, Sully where Andrew once again was the good night was had by all. Sadly no Island, and Marcross. One gets used walk leader. We were also very glittering prizes were won, but hope- to moving out the way for cyclists pleased to welcome Rebecca and Tilly fully we will be better prepared next (some polite, some not!) but the group who travelled all the way from time. On the whole the majority of us were surprised when walking Cefn Gloucester to walk with us from Car- are much more skilled at ten pin bowl- Bryn on Gower to be overtaken by a diff Bay via Penarth to Lavernock. ing, which has become a regular fea- unicyclist! Walks in the Beacons ex- ture in our social calendar. The few tended from the Carmarthen Fans to The piece de resistance was, of course, who are not quite so skilled continue to the Black Mountains – not always in the Area Walks from Cyfarthfa Park. persevere. good weather! Jeff did three more trips The group very much enjoyed the op- walking the coastal path from Bar- portunity to raise the profile of the None of this would have been possible mouth to Llandecwyn, Llandecwyn to Ramblers and of our Group and to without the hard work and commit- Pwhelli, and then Pwhelli to Aberdar- promote the area. Never in our wildest ment of our members. Grateful thanks on. These away sessions are very pop- dreams did we expect to see just so to everyone involved in all aspects of ular with some dedicated followers many ramblers. We were certainly the group: walk leaders, walkers and who hope to complete the coastal path successful in raising awareness of the committee members. We look for- soon. It says something about this Ramblers and of the Merthyr Valley ward to going from strength to strength. year’s weather when on one of the trips Group. It was good to hear so many a wellie drier was encountered for the positive comments about the sur- Diolch yn Fawr first time! rounding countryside. Many thanks to all who attended. Christine Sloan The group discovered Facebook this year so you can find pictures, etc relat- Socially we have also had a busy time. ing to us by typing in and searching for It has been good to meet more regular- Penarth and District Ramblers Face- ly to relax and enjoy reflections of the PENARTH book (you will need to join the group). past while thinking of the future and how we can continue to develop as a Penarth & District had another good Nearer to home, Geraint Thomas con- group. Christmas lunch at Morlais year with a stable membership and tinues his sterling job on the Local Castle Golf Club was, as always, well walks locally. These took place on Access Forum and working with the attended and a good time was had by Gower, in the Brecon Beacons and in Vale Rights of Way Officers and others all. Our Christmas card collection was the Wye Valley, plus further sections to ensure upcoming path diversions donated to the Air Ambulance. Some of the Wales Coast Path with Jeff are properly considered and has suc- of the ladies again enjoyed a Spa morn- Kitch, and even some forays into Eng- cessfully got some changed to protect ing at the Nant Ddu followed by lunch land courtesy of William Milne. Our treasured views. Rachel Armitage

9 keeps a close and enthusiastic watch days of rain over the winter months, to discuss all issues which might arise. on our walks programmes and pro- and the spring and summer not being Our finances are always a matter of vides encouragement where appropri- too brilliant either, we have still man- concern, and through the Treasurer ate. She wrote a letter to Country aged to walk 1325 miles – almost the they are monitored closely. The heavy Walking which won Letter of the distance to Rome! Fifty-nine leaders task of recruiting leaders and produc- Month for April and resulted in her led over 3200 people on 183 walks ing two annual programmes falls upon getting a pair of Brasher boots which from 2.5 to 14 miles. We visited half committee members, but this is abso- had their first outing up the Llanfoist the counties of Wales as well as the lutely vital work. Incline on 28th May! Joy Strangward Cotswolds and Leominster. We had (working with Nick James) continues midweek, weekend and evening walks All this has been achieved by great to keep the local papers and websites as well as train and bus rambles. efforts by the Committee and its help- supplied with walk reports and photos. Three further stages of the Irish Ferry ers. Krys Chellingworth and Pam Jubb Walk from St. Clears to Manorbier planned our excellent Christmas lunch were undertaken covering a distance John France at Pier 64 which was enjoyed by about of 34.5 miles. Weekends away were forty participants. And the traditional arranged to the Cotswolds and New Year’s walk led by William in- Leominster and coach trips to Marros cluded lunch at the Blue Anchor, Aber- and Preseli. TIGER BAY RAMBLERS thaw. Kathryn Dacey, a new member, has just completed two walk “mara- With the Llanelli, Neath and Port This year has been another busy year thons” in Iceland on successive days in Talbot Ramblers, we have had new for Tiger Bay Ramblers as we entered aid of Blue Cross animal charity: a signage installed and cleared foot- into our 15th year of existence. It was venture she trained for by coming with paths on the St Illtud’s Walk and to- a year filled with lots of activity and us on many walks! gether five of the seven stages have fun, but also one that has been tinged been walked from Pembrey Country with sadness. Our group is pushing the “Message in Park to Resolven (the remaining 2 a Bottle” scheme; traditionally this is a stages will be walked in the summer of Our membership has remained strong small bottle with important personal 2017). Various walks have involved at over 250 people and we have wel- details kept in the fridge for the Emer- members of the Gower Society as well comed many new members. gency Services to easily access in case as Llanelli, Neath Port Talbot, Cynon of accident. We are pushing our mem- Valley and Islwyn Rambler Groups. This year has seen a good number of bers to carry a bottle in their rucksack varied walks on the programme and, on our hikes to similarly provide easy All this activity has produced a very often there has been an option of two access to essential information in case active social life within the Group, to three walks per week. This has seen of an emergency on a walk. If your largely organized by our Social Secre- us travel from Hereford to Bethlehem Group is interested please drop an taries. The trips away have been and climb many mountains and down email to: [email protected] about more than simply walking and the occasional ladder on the coast. an active programme of meals and Several members of the group are cur- All in all another very successful year visits has been sustained. This has rently walking the Beacons Way and for P&D Ramblers. We usually have certainly helped to promote and retain are about half way through completing six to fourteen walkers on our hikes so membership. the eight stages. In addition, this year if you would like to come along, feel has seen us take advantage of the rail- free and we will make you very wel- In addition our Group continues to be ways, with a number of railway ram- come! vigilant in safeguarding rights of way, bles making it onto the programme. for which reason our committee has a Robin Pitcher Footpaths Officer. A special problem The number of our members with chil- arose because the tide breached the dren is also increasing and this has causeway at Cwm Ivy which carried a seen a good number of shorter, child- section of the Wales Coast Path. friendly walks allowing our so called NRW were clearly uninterested in do- ‘tiger cubs’ to get into rambling at an SWANSEA ing anything about this but, under early age. In addition we have had a pressure from ourselves, the Gower busy social programme and another Swansea Ramblers has maintained a Society and local activists, they have successful annual summer BBQ at high level of membership over the last now accepted the need to reinstate a Cosmeston Lakes. year with 385 members current. Our scheme to allow access across the recent growth owed much to publicity, marsh. But footpaths are not very The main event of the year for Tiger with articles in the local press and useful unless they are kept clear and Bay was the inaugural Young Ram- much direct advertising in places like stiles etc are maintained. We have a blers Weekend, which saw around local libraries. All this is continuing Secretary to lead working parties ninety young Ramblers from all over with additional posters set up in coffee which cooperate with the local au- the UK descend on Cardiff. Several shops and supermarket community thorities to do this work. This is a members of our group worked incredi- boards to attract new members. considerable source of pride to our bly hard to ensure that everyone who Group. came was suitably entertained with We have, however, found the key to numerous walk options, social events recruitment to be a diverse program of In administrative terms we have a full and workshops. The weekend was walks. Despite ninety-two consecutive committee which meets every month certainly a success and the people who

10 urdays and, in the summer, on Thurs- day evenings.

Our “Saturday Strollers”, managed by Daphne, continues to go from strength to strength with a regular crowd at- tending on a weekly basis. These walks are all local short walks and our thanks go out to Daphne and the walk leaders for all their work. Sundays have been as popular as ever with walks from six miles to twelve on of- fer, sometimes with a choice of two walks. Once again I must thank our dedicated members who volunteer to lead these walks as without them there would be no programme. This year they have been sharing their invalua- ble knowledge with members who would like to learn more about map reading and leading a walk. It's been great fun for people to take the reins Tiger Bay Ramblers on one of their walks shadowing a leader on a walk. Hope- fully this will give more people the confidence and commitment to offer gave up their time and volunteered to the strong friendships we have between to become a leader and appear in the make it so did a tremendous job and, us. next programme. Not only will this without doubt, were a credit to both enable us to maintain the number of Tiger Bay and the Ramblers. As we move into the coming year Ti- walks we can offer but it also means ger Bay looks forward to many more that new ideas for walking can be of- We were lucky to have several trips walks, challenges, holidays, new mem- fered thus keeping the programme away this year including Llangrannog bers and good times. fresh and interesting. on the Ceridigion coast for New Year’s Eve and Rhayader and the beautiful Katy McGavin One new sub-committee has been set Elan Valley in January. In February up: this is our Footpath Maintenance we had a group head to Risoul in the Group who are dedicated to looking French Alps for a week’s skiing holi- after our pathways, making sure the day. Then in May several members TAFF ELY public footpath signs are all up-to-date flew to Jersey for some walking and and well-maintained and keeping our cultural visits, not to mention the fan- It's been a busy year for Taff Ely woodland and countryside tidy and tastic weather, and also in July to Win- Group. As ever our dedicated leaders accessible for everyone to enjoy. They chester again a chance to mix walking continue to provide a comprehensive co-ordinate with the local council and with some sightseeing in a wonderful programme of walks, on Sundays, Sat- are doing a great job. city. This summer there has also been a couple of camping trips to Porth Clais in Pembrokeshire and more lo- cally to the Heritage Coast Campsite at Monknash.

This year has also seen an effort go into promoting good practice for walk lead- ing and supporting new walk leaders in our group. Our Walks Support Officer has been particularly involved, run- ning a walk-leading and map-reading session. In addition we have spent some of our money wisely supporting some of our members to undertake a course in First Aid, hopefully meaning we should be well-prepared when called upon.

On a sad note, Tiger Bay lost a well- liked member unexpectedly in April. This was certainly a big shock to every- one who knew him, but without doubt showed the strength of the group and Taff Ely Ramblers on one of their walks

11 We are now in the 21st century and so, as well as our own website, we also now have a Facebook page which we update weekly with photographs of the walks and any news of up-and-coming walks. Hopefully this will give people who are interested the chance to see the beautiful places we visit and be tempted to join us. Check us out.

Socially, our members have enjoyed quiz nights, coach trips and, my favourite,a lovely Summer Garden Party hosted by our very own Chair- person, Martyne, at her home with members all bringing a delicious plate of food making for a wonderful buffet. The weather on the day was typically British and poured down but in true rambling style this did not deter us and we sat in the garden in wet weather gear in the rain eating sandwiches and Bill, Gwenda, Ruth and Ian from the Vale of Glamorgan Group enjoying a well earned drinking wine: fabulous. break at the Vale Show stand in August

Christmas was another highlight with our party at The Bear in Cowbridge. It short, monthly “Walks with Historical winter/summer meals enjoyed by all: is always lovely to see members suited Interest” to offset the lack of evening again many thanks to Ruth for organis- and booted and with best frocks on. walks, and these were well supported ing us. An extra evening meal to cele- Everyone looks so different without a and will feature in the next winter pro- brate a joint “120th” birthday of two big rucksack on their back and water- gramme as well. A map reading and members also was much enjoyed by proof clothing. The food was delicious navigation exercise built into a Sunday those attending. and Sue entertained us with her stories walk was also popular and a fun day: and jokes. Photos of the year’s walks thanks go to Helen for setting that up. Organisationally we welcomed Jeff were displayed around the room which and Gwion to our committee after the made a talking point and allowed rem- We had two very successful group AGM in November, but apart from iniscences about the places we had weekends away at Ilfracombe, Devon that the group was relatively stable. been to and the lovely days out we had and Amesbury, Wiltshire: again many had together. Members were then able thanks to those who organised them. We welcomed back Ian and Margaret to take away pictures of their choice as We also had a couple of ad-hoc extra who returned from their “gap year” in a memento. “adventure” weekends away to climb Australia, and sadly said goodbye to Snowdon and Cader Idris, which were David Cobourne who passed away This is my third year with Taff Ely and very enjoyable in spite of rain on both earlier in the year. David was an out- my only regret is that I did not join visits and the peaks being in the clouds. standing Group Secretary, including years ago. What a great group of peo- Thanks again go to Del and Gwion for Membership, and one of the mainstays ple with whom to discover and enjoy organising the walks and giving partic- of the group for many years. our beautiful coast and countryside. ipants a real sense of achievement, even if the Cader Idris descent turned On the footpath front, the Council’s Tracey Williams out to be a little more exciting than Rights of Way team continue to re- planned. spond to footpath problems but there is still quite a backlog. The good news is As usual the group organised a stand at that quite a few broken stiles have now the Vale Show on behalf of the Gla- been replaced with metal kissing gates, TAWE TREKKERS morgan Area to showcase Ramblers although there are plenty still requiring and to attract new members, which attention. Our Footpath Officer at- [No report received] generated a lot of passing interest. A tends monthly meetings with them, Gazebo has now been purchased for and they also attend Footpath Forums this event to avoid having to hire each in Cowbridge and Llantwit Major year, and other groups in the Glamor- along with our representatives. Vale- gan Area are welcome to borrow it for VALE OF GLAMORGAN ways are also continuing to do a good similar functions. Thanks to Gwenda, job clearing stiles and paths using a Bill, Ruth and Ian for all the work group of volunteers, backed up by the The group has had another successful involved in setting up and manning the VoG Group organising the occasional year, with total numbers rising slightly, stand, and clearing it away afterwards. stile-clearing evening. and we continue to have excellent Our social evenings continue to be well turnouts for the Sunday and Summer Mike Holley evening walks. Over the winter we ran supported, with drinks evenings and

12