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Home , Allt yr Esgair, Bwlch, Craswall, Cusop, Mynydd Llangorse, Mynydd Troed

Thursday 7th May to Sunday 10th May

A May Spring Bank Holiday weekend of walks in and around and the Black Mountains

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www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org

contact us on 07943 616453 1 Welcome to the 2020 Talgarth Walking Festival Our eighth Walking Festival takes place on the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. In commemoration we have several events with a World War 2 theme. We offer walks which guide you through the local history, geology, literature and nature. Explore the area with our knowledgeable leaders who will take you on journeys through the landscape from the wooded dingles to the Black Mountains plateau. The Festival Hub will be based at Talgarth Town Hall Committee Room. It will be the place to check out late availability on walks, and meet off duty walk leaders. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival Bookings You can book tickets for all events 1. online at www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org 2. by post to: John Gibson, Brynglas, Cusop Dingle, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RD. Postal booking form on page 27, closing date Tuesday 5th May 2020. 3. in person from the Festival Hub from 8.30am on Friday 8th May 2020, subject to availability. Bookings are not refundable except in the case that an event is cancelled. Please watch our website for information updates and join us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalgarthWalkingFestival/ or Twitter @TalgarthWAW

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If you have any queries, please email us at [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453. Any changes to the programme will immediately be publicised on the Festival’s website. Accommodation Details about the range of accommodation in and around Talgarth are available from the website www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk and Talgarth Information and Resource Centre www.visittalgarth.co.uk 2 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Walk Gradings Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous Walks are graded according to their difficulty and length as follows: 1. Easy Low level routes without any steep climbs, taken at a relaxed pace and suitable for novice walkers. Shoes or boots with grip on the soles should be worn. 2. Moderate Walks may have some short sections of steep ground, but if there are, these will be taken at a gentle pace. The route could be on the open hill. 3. Energetic Walks generally involve one or two steep climbs. These walks are suitable for people who can manage distance but not too many ascents/descents. 4. Strenuous Walks require fitness and stamina to cope with several steep climbs on the open hills and will cover a long distance at a steady pace.

Clothing Food and Drink You will be expected to ensure that you Please ensure that you have enough are properly equipped for the walks. It water and food for the length of the walk. is essential to have warm, windproof You will need to bring a packed lunch for layers and good waterproofs (jacket and full day walks. trousers), a warm hat and gloves for cold weather and a hat with a brim for sun Dogs protection. Please wear waterproof boots Dogs are welcome on some of the walks with a good grip on the soles to cope and events listed here. Where dogs are with wet, muddy and uneven ground. Your not allowed it is clearly shown. If you leader may refuse to accept any walker bring your dog it must be kept under whose clothing, footwear or equipment is close control on a short lead at all times. unsuitable. Timing Safety Please arrive at the meeting point at Your leader’s duty is to the group. If you least 10 minutes before the start of each choose to leave the group at any time, walk. Walks will start at the given time your leader is no longer responsible for whether or not all participants have you. In the event of adverse weather arrived. conditions, the walk leader may change the route or reduce the length of the walk in the interests of the health and safety of the group. If the event is cancelled, we will endeavour to phone participants as soon as possible. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

3 Programme Summary 2020

Thursday 7th May 01 FESTIVAL OPENING TALK & RECEPTION William Powell talking Desert Island Discs – Recollections of VE Day to Local Residents Friday 8th May 02 WALK Craswall Priory and Offa’s Dyke Bill Price & Rob Dingle Grade: 4 03 WALK Carn Pica Memorial Ruth Allen Grade: 4 04 WALK A Cannon, a Grave and a Cave Chris Playford Grade: 4 05 WALK Walking with our Ancestors James Goff Grade: 3 06 WALK Three Towers of Talgarth Andy Lord Grade: 2 Landscape and Light Overlooking 07 WALK Corinne Brown Grade: 2 Lake 08 WALK Dawn Chorus Pauline Hill Grade: 2 09 WALK Sheepdog Experience Sarah Shuffell Grade: 1 10 CHILDREN’S WALK Discover the Begwns Abbi Knight Grade: 1 Saturday 9th May 11 WALK Resistance with Owen Sheers Havard Prosser Grade: 4 12 WALK Black Mountains Dingles Luke Thomas Grade: 4 13 WALK A Castle, a Long Barrow and a Mill Rob Hughes Grade: 3 14 WALK Three Commons Jen Rees Grade: 3 Mental Health, War and Finding Peace 15 WALK Terry McClatchey Grade: 2 in Nature Discovering Droving Routes in the Mark Davis 16 WALK Grade: 2 Black Mountains & Emma Harrison 17 WALK Sylvan Companions Jan Shivel Grade: 2 18 WALK Talgarth’s History Alan Lovell Grade: 1 19 TAGINE Evening

4 Sunday 10th May 20 WALK Cwmdu Circular Neil Hughes Grade: 4 21 WALK Summits, Stone, Steam and a Dragon Chris Lewis Grade: 4 22 WALK Heart of the Black Mountains Claire Prosser Grade: 3 23 WALK Pwll-y-Wrach – Limestone and Leats Alan Bowring Grade: 2 24 WALK Saints and Sinners Jan Shivel Grade: 3 Wild Flowers and Commons above 25 WALK Anne Griffiths Grade: 2 Hay-on-Wye 26 WALK Strolls ‘n Stories around Talgarth Jan Little Grade: 2 27 WALK Restoring Ancient Woodlands Jed Needs Grade: 2 28 WALK Outdoor Photography Martin Harris Grade: 1 29 WALK Treasure Hunt using Compasses Ellis Peters Grade: 1

THE BEST COUNTY'S PRODUCES JUST FOR YOU ! We can cater for any occasions

We work with amazing local suppliers to showcase the beauty & Simplicity of the HEREFORDSHIRE countryside

WE WILL BE CATERING FOR A SPECIAL TAGINE NIGHT SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2020 DURING THE TALGARTH WALKING FESTIVAL

Contact Pauline for any enquiry [email protected] or 01544 388 161

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 5 Thursday 8th May 01 FESTIVAL OPENING TALK and RECEPTION William Powell Desert Island Discs – Recollections of VE Day

Meet: Ysgol y Mynydd Du (Talgarth School), Hay Road, Talgarth Date: Thursday 7th May Time: 19.30 – 21.00 Grid ref: SO 155 344 Free Nibbles Cost: Free

William Powell – Mayor of Talgarth – will talk to a group of local residents about their memories of WW2 and VE Day 1945 and find out their chosen music and book if stranded on their Desert Island.

Friday 9th May 02 WALK Craswall Priory and Offa’s Dyke Leader Bill Price & Rob Dingle Meet: Hay Main Car Park (charges apply) Date: Friday 8th May Times: 9.30 –16.00 Grid ref: SO 229 420 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 17.6km/11 miles Ascent: 560 m/1820 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

The walk ascends Cusop Hill, New House Wood and Cefn Hill to Craswall Priory – the highest monastic site in , built in 1220-25. The return route is across Hay Common to join the Offa’s Dyke path as it descends to Hay. Rob (Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer) will describe features of the Dyke.

03 WALK Carn Pica Memorial Leader Ruth Allen Meet: Talybont Reservoir – Layby Date: Friday 8th May Times: 10.00 – 15.30 Grid ref: SO 099 196 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 15 km/9 miles Ascent: 650 m/2100 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

The walk passes WW2 tank defences and an observation bunker, ascending via Twyn Du to Carn Pica cairn. This marks the site of a Bronze Age funeral mound. The route continues across Waun Rydd, dropping down to the memorial site to the crew of a Wellington bomber which crashed tragically in poor weather conditions in 1941. The walk continues onto Cwar y Gigfran and descends down Allt Lwyd to the car park.

6 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

04 WALK A Cannon, a Grave and a Cave Leader Chris Playford Meet: Craft Centre Date: Friday 8th May Times: 10.00-15.30 Grid ref: SO 089 439 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 14.5 km/9 miles Ascent: 525 m/1722 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No The walk heads over commons and fields to the cannon on top of Twyn y Garth. An ascent through fields and lanes leads to the moorland of Llandeilo Hill and Twm Tobacco’s grave. We head back to the Wye Valley and the famous Rocks where we make a short diversion to see Llewellyn’s cave where the Prince reputedly spent his last night alive!

05 WALK Walking with our Ancestors Leader James Goff Meet: Llandefalle Hall Car Park, LD3 0ND Date: Friday 8th May Times: 10.00 – 16.30 Grid ref: SO 108 357 Cost: £7 Grade: 3 Dist: 11 km/7 miles Ascent: 220 m/720 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

James will take you along ancient trackways linking communities, uplands and lowlands. He will describe geology, archaeology and early historical records. By linking together Bronze Age, Iron Age and Early Medieval clues with geology and hints in the landscape, the walk ties together the local communities and their surrounding landscape.

06 WALK Three Towers of Talgarth Leader Andy Lord Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Friday 8th May Times: 13.30 – 16.30 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 6 km/4 miles Ascent: 50 m/160ft Max no: 16 Packed lunch: Not required Dogs: No

The walk takes you up to St Gwendoline’s church with its 15th Century tower. We then head for Great Porthamel which combines ancient and modern features. The ancient Gatehouse is part of a 15th Century manor house, whilst the large green tanks house the modern anaerobic digesters which produce methane for generating electricity. The walk then goes to Castle, with its 13th Century tower, before returning to Talgarth.

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 7 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

WALK Landscape and Light Overlooking 07 Leader Corinne Brown Llangors Lake Meet: Buckland Lay-by with toilets 1 km west of Date: Friday 8th May Times: 11.00 – 16.30 Grid ref: SO 129 226 Cost: £8 Grade: 2 Dist: 7 km/4.4 miles Ascent: 350 m/1130 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No A spectacular scenic circular walk on offering stunning views in every direction. Follow a section of Roman Road and view the site of an Iron Age hill fort before descending to Ty Mawr for the lunch stop. Please bring money if you wish to buy tea/cake at The Granary. Here we will hear the story of stone, especially lime, which is linked to Talgarth.

8 Open Mon to Fri 8.30—5.00pm Sat 8.30—12 noon

Black Mountains Business Park, , , LD3 0SX

The Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch is an independent hostel offering private bedrooms, or exclusive use, for up to 20 people. 10% discount during Talgarth Walking Festival 2020. Dog friendly by arrangement.

Brecon Road (A40), Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7RQ Tel: 01874 730 080 • [email protected] www.starbunkhouse.com

9 Star Ad-talgarth walking fest.indd 1 21/11/2017 09:05 Awarded ‘Best Garden Centre’ in & the West in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 by the Garden Centre Association

Garden Centre Farm Shop Restaurant

www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SG Telephone: 01497 847055

10 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

08 WALK Dawn Chorus Leader Pauline Hill Meet: Buckland Lay-by with toilets 1 km west of Bwlch Date: Friday 8th May Times: 06.00 – 09.00 Grid ref: SO 129 226 Cost: £5 Grade: 2 Dist: 6 km/4 miles Ascent: 240 m/790 ft Max no: 15 Packed lunch: Not required Dogs: No Join the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales: Brecknock for an early morning walk up to the Iron Age fort on Allt yr Esgair to celebrate Dawn Chorus Day. We will be listening and looking out for the different birds in varied habitats when birdsong fills the air.

09 WALK Sheepdog Experience Leaders Sarah Shuffell Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Friday 8th May Times: 11.00 –15.00 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £5 Grade: 1 Dist: 1 km/0.6 mile Ascent: 20 m/65 ft Max no: 8 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No A short riverside walk to fields near Bronllys Castle. Here is a chance to learn about working a sheepdog rounding up sheep. Learn the basic Away and Come bye commands and have a go at driving sheep round a small course and penning them. The sheep will be Hill Radnors, a traditional Welsh Hill breed.

10 WALK Discover the Begwns – Children’s Walk Leader Abbi Knight Meet: Cattle Grid, South End of Begwns, accessed from Date: Friday 8th May Times: 10:00 – 13:00 Grid ref: SO 162 433 Cost: Free Grade: 1 Dist: 4.8 km/3 miles Ascent: 0 Max no: 10 children plus Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No accompanying adults A guided walk across the Begwns with the National Trust Ranger, Abbi Knight. The walk will take in some of the ancient monuments and some of the wildlife found on the common and in our ponds. We will have a snack stop at the Roundabout where it is possible to see almost the entire National Park; hence all of the views none of the climb. Sturdy prams/ buggies welcome. Sponsored by National Trust

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 11 Saturday 9th May

11 WALK Resistance with Owen Sheers Leader Havard Prosser Meet: Hay Common Car Park on road to Capel-y-ffin Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 09.00 – 16.00 Grid ref: SO 239 373 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 15km/9.4 miles Ascent: 650m/2100ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

Explore the landscape that forms the background to the WW2 novel “Resistance” in the company of the author Owen Sheers who will read extracts from the novel. The walk will head for Black Hill and Cat’s Back before descending into the secluded Olchon Valley. We will visit secret places of WW2. The walk returns via .

12 WALK Black Mountains Dingles Leader Luke Thomas Meet: Three Horseshoes Pub, Felindre, LD3 0SU Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 09.00 – 15.30 Grid ref: SO 185 366 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 19km/12 miles Ascent: 310 m/1000 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

The walk visits the dingles & ridges which run off the Black Mountains. The route heads up to the commons under Twmpa before descending to the Wye Valley. Sponsored by PGL

13 WALK A Castle, a Long Barrow and a Mill Leader Rob Hughes Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 10:00 – 16:30 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £7 Grade: 3 Dist: 13 km/8 miles Ascent: 380 m/1250 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No

A circular walk which climbs to , the highest site of a castle in Wales. The return route is via Penyrwrlodd Long Barrow and then Trefecca to Talgarth Mill. Local historical features will be described including those of the Neolithic and Iron Age periods.

Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

12 14 WALK Three Commons Leader Jen Rees Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park to share lifts to the start Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 10.00 – 16.00 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £7 Grade: 3 Dist: 14.4 km/9 miles Ascent: 250 m/800 ft Max no: 15 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: Yes Crossing three local commons, Brechfa, Llangoed and Llandefalle, this walk gives panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and the Begwns. Big skies, skylarks, mountain ponies, kites, and buzzards, and a nature reserve. The walk is mostly easy walking with gentle climbs.

15 WALK Mental Health, War and Finding Leader Terry McClatchey Peace in Nature Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 10.00 – 13.00 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 7.5 km/ 4 miles Ascent: 100 m/330 ft Max no: 14 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: Yes We will visit the site of the former Mid Wales Hospital and learn about the history of mental health services in Talgarth and elsewhere. We will focus on the WW2 period and the prisoners of war who were treated here for “shell-shock”/traumatic stress. The walk will include a visit to the Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve to see the sources of stone and water for the former asylum.

16 WALK Discovering Droving Leaders Mark Davis Routes in the Black Mountains and Emma Harrison Meet: Queen’s Head (Walkers Car Park), Cwmyoy, Date: Saturday 9th May , NP7 7NE Times: 10.00 – 14.00 Grid ref: SO 311 221 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 10 km/6.2 miles Ascent: 420 m/1380 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: Yes We will seek out landscape features indicating a droving route to Abergavenny. The mixed terrain will include upland ridges favoured by some drovers, a ruined remote droving inn and the hollow ways that drovers used to come off the uplands. We will explore droving practices and the factors influencing drover routes. We will visit an ancient hill fort and the site of infamous murder. Sponsored by GlanPant and The Star Bunkhouse

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 13 17 WALK Sylvan Companions Leader Jan Shivel Meet: Talgarth War Memorial Birch Tree Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 14.00 –16.00 Grid ref: SO 154 338 Cost: £3 Grade: 1 Dist: 2 km/1 mile Ascent: 50 m/160 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: not required Dogs: Yes This gentle town walk introduces some of Talgarth’s oldest and well-loved residents - oak, sweet chestnut, walnut, weeping willow and yew. It visits sites where former orchards flourished and the sites of new tree propagation projects.

18 WALK Talgarth’s History Leader Alan Lovell Meet: Talgarth Town Hall Date: Saturday 9th May Times: 14.00 – 15.15 Grid ref: SO 154 338 Cost: £3 Grade: 1 Dist: 2.5 km/1.5 miles Ascent: 15 m/50 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: N/A Dogs: No A gentle and interesting walk around Talgarth town, taking in the Tower House, St. Gwendoline’s Church, The Cider House, a former Squire’s House with a mounting stone in its garden, the Mill and a number of other notable buildings which have intriguing stories to tell.

19 TAGINE Evening

Meet: Talgarth Town Hall Date: Saturday 9th May

Cost: £12 payable in Times: 19.00 -22.00 Grid ref: SO 154 338 advance before Monday 4th May Max no: 100

A new event organised by the highly acclaimed Cider Barn Restaurant of Pembridge, Leominster. The Tagine Evening offers a choice of Lamb or Vegetarian Tagine followed by homemade desserts. Licensed Bar together with a selection of the popular Weobley Ash Apple Juices and other soft drinks. This is a great opportunity to meet up with other walkers, walks leaders and organisers in relaxed surroundings.

Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

14 café open - Breakfast served all day n Fresh cakes n homemade soup n specials n take away

our own deer local produce skin rugs

finest quality meat café

Open Monday to Saturday 8:00am - 5pm Bank holiday 10am – 5pm • Large car park The Beacons Farm Shop is based at the family-run Welsh Venison Centre where we sell our own produced, award winning lamb, beef and venison, plus quality local pork, Middlewood Farm, Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HQ poultry and a selection of other meat. We also sell fresh, [email protected] D WINN AR IN locally baked bread, deli items and seasonal vegetables. G W café ! open t: 01874 730929 A all All welcome! day

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 15 Sunday 10th May 20 WALK Cwmdu Circular Leader Neil Hughes Meet: Cwmdu Village Hall Car Park Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 9.30 – 16.00 Grid ref: SO 180 239 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 17.5 km/11 miles Ascent: 580 m/1880 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No The walk starts along a section of the from Cwmdu up onto the ridge Cefn Moel. There are incredible views towards and across to Pen Cerrig Calch. As you approach the trig point on views of should appear. The route then descends Cockit Hill before climbing Mynydd Troed and following the ridge to descend into Cwm Sorgwm and Cwmdu. Sponsored by Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

21 WALK Summits, Stone, Steam Leader Chris Lewis and a Dragon Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park for lifts to the start Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 9.30 – 16.30 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £8 Grade: 4 Dist: 17 km/10.6 miles Ascent: 800 m/2600 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No The walk starts from Dragon’s Back Pub and ascends via Pen Trumau to – the highest peak in the Black Mountains. The walk then descends to the Grwynne Fawr reservoir built in the 1920s. View the rail tracks and quarry used for building the reservoir as we follow the route of the former dam workers to the broad plateau at Y Das. The route descends along the iconic Dragon’s Back (Y Crib).

22 WALK Heart of the Black Mountains Leader Claire Prosser Meet: Pen-yr-Heol Chapel, Tregoyd, LD3 0SR Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 10.00 – 16.00 Grid ref: SO 209 359 Cost: £7 Grade: 3 Dist: 15 km/9.5 miles Ascent: 580 m/1800 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No We follow an ancient track from the chapel up Rhiw Wen, and then onto Twmpa. Great views of the Wye valley and the mid-Wales hills. We head south along the ridge to Capel-y-Ffin, site of an ancient church, chapel and monastery. The return route is a gradual climb up the Nant Bwch valley, reaching the top of the Rhiw Wen, where we descend to the start point. Teas will be available at the Chapel.

16 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous

23 WALK Pwll-y-Wrach: Limestone and Leats Leader Alan Bowring Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 9.45 – 15.30 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £7 Grade: 3 Dist: 7 km/4.5 miles Ascent: 185 m/600 ft Max no: 16 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No A leisurely walk up to Pwll y wrach nature reserve, with a focus on the geology and industrial archaeology along the River Ennig.

24 WALK Saints and Sinners Leader Jan Shivel Meet: St Gwendoline’s Church Main Gates Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 11:00 -16:00 Grid ref: SO 157 338 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 9.6 km/6 miles Ascent: 350 m/1150 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: BYO. Dogs: Yes

Starting with oldest human wrought edifice: enyrwrloddP long cairn is our springboard for exploring human foibles, including those of the three famous Harris brothers who lived in the 18th Century. The walk visits their legacies at Trefecca, Tredustan and Tregunter. The walk finishes at the historic Rugby Club in Talgarth.

25 WALK Wild Flowers and Commons Leader Anne Griffiths above Hay-on-Wye Meet: Hay-on-Wye Main Car Park (Charges apply) Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 10.00 – 16.30 Grid ref: SO 229 421 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 6.7 km/4.2 miles Ascent: 260 m/850 ft Max no: 20 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: No A gentle walk up through Hay common via the cemetery and then through Wern Wood and on to Henallt Common, a hidden gem of the Black Mountains. Return on the Offa’s Dyke path direct to the car park.

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 17 26 WALK Strolls ‘n Stories around Talgarth Leader Jan Little Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 10.30 – 15.00 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 8 km/5 miles Ascent: 60 m/195 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO. Dogs: No Join Jan from Strolls’n stories as she takes you on a circular story telling walk. Meet characters from Talgarth’s past, including the last witch to drown at the Witches’ Pool. See stunning views of the Black Mountains, Castell Dinas and Mynydd Troed, before descending to Pwll-y-Wrach nature reserve and the waterfall. Stories are adult orientated but suitable for age 12 plus. Sponsored by Strolls’n stories

27 WALK Restoring Ancient Woodlands Leader Jed Needs Meet: Talgarth Town Hall Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 12.30.-15.30 Grid ref: SO 154 338 Cost: £6 Grade: 2 Dist: 6 km/4 miles Ascent: 200 m/650 ft Max no: 16 Packed lunch: BYO Dogs: Yes

Discover how an ancient woodland is being managed by a local group and the Woodland Trust. The wood is above Talgarth and is alive with the song and chatter of birds, including rare redstarts and piedmont flycatchers. It has an abundance of butterflies and woodland flowers. Sponsored by the Woodland Trust

28 WALK Outdoor Photography Leader Martin Harris Meet: Talgarth Main Car Park to share lifts to the start Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 11.00 – 15.30 Grid ref: SO 153 337 Cost: £8 Grade: 1 Dist: 2 km/1 mile Ascent: 50 m/160 ft Max no: 12 Packed lunch: BYO. Dogs: No Whatever your skills or camera type this relaxed photo walk will give you the chance to try various aspects of photography with some guidance given. After meeting in Talgarth we will travel up to Rhos Fach Common on the Black Mountains where you will have the opportunity to photograph open views to the mountains, moving water and an arboretum type garden with a large fishing pond.

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 18 Grade: 1 Grade: 2 Grade: 3 Grade: 4 Easy Moderate Energetic Strenuous 29 WALK Treasure Hunt using Compasses Leader Ellis Peters Meet: Pengenffordd Chapel, LD3 0EP Date: Sunday 10th May Times: 11.30 – 14.00 Grid ref: SO 172 301 Cost: Free Grade: 1 Dist: 4.4 km/3 miles Ascent: 150 m/500 ft Max no: 10 children. Packed lunch: Bring along Dogs: No Children must be a picnic and a drink. accompanied by a parent/adult who will be responsible for their children at all times.

Come and join us for fun and games, focussing on a treasure hunt using compasses and the natural landmarks on the mountain. Suitable for primary school age children. We’ll have a picnic, enjoy the stunning views, and search for treasure. Wear suitable warm and waterproof clothing and sensible footwear as the ground will be rough and uneven in places. Bring along a compass if you have one. Please note that there are no toilets on the walk.

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 19 Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 20 Other Walking Festivals 2020 Walking Festival Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th March 2020 Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May 2020 www.crickhowellfestival.com [email protected]

Chepstow Walking Festival Winchcombe Festival Wednesday 15th April – Sunday 19th April Friday 15th – Sunday 17th May 2020 2020 www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com www.walksinchepstow.co.uk Kington Walks Festival Kington Walks Friday 17th – Sunday 20th September 2020 Spring Walking Weekend www.kingtonwalks.org – Friday 24th to 26th April 2020 www.kingtonwalks.org Ross Walking Festival Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October 2020 Llangollen Walking Festival www. walkinginross.co.uk Friday 8th – Sunday 10th May 2020 www.llangollenwalkingfestival.co.uk

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 21 22 MELIN TALGARTH MILL

SEE WATER POWER IN ACTION!

Working Watermill

The Bakers’ Table

Stoneground Flour Fresh Baked Bread

Riverside Gardens Café and Bakery

See water power in action with a guided tour of the Mill – available throughout the day!

OPEN TUESDAY – THURSDAY AND EVERY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 10AM – 4PM www.talgarthmill.com

Twitter - @talgarthmill

Facebook – felintalgarthmill

01874711352 – Mill + Tours

01874711125 – Café + Bakery

23 24 Refreshments The following local businesses offer food during the walking weekend: For packed lunches, snacks and coffee: For evening meals: Bakers’ Table Bridge End Inn 01874 711125 01874 711936 Bronllys Stores Castle Hotel & Chip Shop 01874 712178 07789 682335 & B+B Cock Hotel (Bronllys) Co-operative Supermarket 01874 711151 & B+B 01874 711311 Honey Café (Bronllys) Deli Pot (Sat. only) 01874 711904 01874 711233 New Ghurka Inn Old Paper Shop (not Sunday) 01874 711581 01874 711586 Strand Café Strand Café 01874 711195 01874 711195 Talgarth Cantonese 01874 711266 Acknowledgements We are very grateful for the support received from the following local businesses and organisations. Talgarth Town Council Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Talgarth and District Regeneration Group National Trust Talgarth Information and Resource Centre Woodland Trust Strolls’n stories Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Longtown Mountain Rescue Team Melin Talgarth Mill To each of our advertisers Glanpant and The Star Bunkhouse, Bwlch Our event and walk leaders PGL Travel Our Festival Hub volunteers And thanks to anyone and everyone who helped the Festival and made our visitors welcome.

25 Other Walking Festivals

Crickhowell Walking Festival 2021

6th to 14th March 2021

crickhowellfestival.com

KINGTON WALKING FESTIVALS 2020 17th–20th September 2020 Note this date in your diary when we will be holding our 9th annual festival Our 2020 Festival brochure and website will be available from end April

We are also holding our 2nd For more information and to Spring sign up to our Walking newsletter please see: Weekend www.kingtonwalks.org 24th – 26th April [email protected] 2020 The brochure and website 07552 087786 will be available early in the New Year

26 Talgarth Walking Festival

Booking Form Please complete the booking form in BLOCK CAPITALS and send your cheque (made payable to Talgarth Walkers are Welcome) to Booking Secretary, Talgarth Walkers are Welcome, Brynglas, Cusop Dingle, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RD. Acknowledgement of receipt of postal bookings will be by e-mail. Closing date for postal bookings Tuesday 5th May 2020. Name(s) Address Post Code Phone Number E-Mail Address Please provide a contact name of a person who is not taking part in the walking festival. Walker’s Name(1) Emergency Contact Phone Number Walker’s Name(2) Emergency Contact Phone Number Walker’s Name(3) Emergency Contact Phone Number Walker’s Name(4) Emergency Contact Phone Number Walker’s Name(5) Emergency Contact Phone Number Walker’s Name(6) Emergency Contact Phone Number Please (tick box) agreeing to the Terms and Conditions (on the website). Please list the names of all walkers for each booking. Event Number Event Title No of Walkers Unit Price Total

Cheque enclosed for £ Where did you find out about the Festival Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 27 Brynoyre, Talybont On Usk, Brecon, Powys, LD37YS 01874 676446 [email protected] www.breconcottages.com

Queries about a walk or a booking? Contact us: [email protected] or phone us on 07943 616453 28