Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME SUMMER 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 SUMMER 2013 FEATURES
Welcome to the Brecon Beacons Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Summer 2013. Our grateful thanks once again to all our volunteers who will lead 59 day walks including: 2 nature walks, the remainder of our contribution to the 2013 Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival, and the Beacons Way over 3 weekends (the final weekend will be in September). The Beacons Way 8-day trek takes place at end July / start August. We have an illustrated talk by the National Park’s Heritage Officer for Archaeology, Natalie Ward. The Society’s 21 st AGM takes place on Saturday 8th June at Clydach Village Hall followed by lunch, a talk and a walk – full details will be sent to Society members at the end of May. Enjoy the programme.
You can now see the programme as a Flipbook on our website – just like the real thing! – at www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/walks/guided-walks/ . Don’t forget to check the website for any last-minute alterations or cancellations of walks.
If you no longer wish to receive a posted hard copy of the programme, please advise Ben Sladen on [email protected] .
BBPS EVENTS IN THE FFOREST FAWR GEOPARK FESTIVAL Full details are at www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk/whats-on/geopark-festival-2013/ . Advance booking is advisable for all these events as there is a cap on numbers. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment, at the National Park Visitor Centre 01874 623366. There is no donation expected from BBPS members for these events. A donation is suggested for other Geopark events.
JUNE THE HEART OF THE MATTER Date: Saturday 1st June Meet at Pont Cadwgan in the Grwyne Fawr valley GR SO Level: Strenuous 267251. A tour of the centre of the Black Mountain Dist: 23km (14miles) Range. Start by climbing through the forestry to the boundary Ascent: 825m (2700ft) stones near Crug Mawr, we then proceed north taking the Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm summits of Pen Twyn Mawr and the striking Pen y Gadair Leader: DAVID THOMAS Fawr. A pause for lunch weather permitting before we Contact: 01873 812011 descend to cross the Grwyne Fawr Dam and up to the Blacksmith’s Anvil. From here we summit Chwarel y Fan and Bal Mawr before returning to the start via the beautiful and timeless Cadwgan farmstead.
BEACONS WAY DAY 1: HOLY MOUNTAIN TO LLANTHONY Date: Saturday 1st June Meeting at Llanthony Priory GR SO 288278 at 9.30 am to car Level: Energetic share to the start of the walk at Skirrid car park. Dist: 17km (10.6miles) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Ascent: 697m (2270ft) Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & DIANNE THOMAS Contact: 01558 824663 07801 915707
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BEACONS WAY DAY 2: LLANTHONY TO CRICKHOWELL Date: Sunday 2nd June Meet at Crickhowell High School GR SO 215186 at 9.00 am to Level: Strenuous car share to the start of the walk at Llanthony Priory. Dist: 20.9km (13miles) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Ascent: 747m (2450ft) Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & GARETH LEWIS Contact: 01558 824663 07801 915707
PAST THE PARK: LOOKING ACROSS TO THE PARK Date: Sunday 2nd June Meet at the village hall in Llanfihangel nant Bran 9 miles north Level: Moderate west of Brecon GR SN 944343. Parking £1. Dist: 20km (12.5miles) A circular walk in this lovely but little known area north of the Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Park, incorporating a stretch of the Epynt Way. Leader: PENNY LEONARD Contact: 01874 636674
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ASCENT OF FAN FRYNYCH FROM MOUNTAIN CENTRE Date: Wednesday 5th June Meet at the car park (fee) of the National Park Visitor Centre Level: Moderate (Mountain Centre) GR SN 977262. Dist: 11km (7miles) Out across moorland to climb Fan Frynych with fine views. Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm 1 steep climb @ WW pace. Leaders: KEVIN McANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
GEOPARK FESTIVAL: STONES OF CEFN SYCHBANT Date: Wednesday 5th June A joint event with Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust and Level: Moderate Fforest Fawr Geopark. Meet at the forest lay-by on the minor Dist: 9km (5.5miles) road between Garwnant and Penderyn GR SN 992115. Ascent: 150m (500ft) We will walk around Cwm Cadlan and Cefn Sychbant looking Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm at the evidence for early settlements and, of course, the Leader: DILYS HARLOW geology. Probably some rough walking. Contact: 01454 775731 Advance booking is advisable as there is a cap on Experts: EDITH EVANS numbers, at the National Park Visitor Centre 01874 623366 Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust ALAN BOWRING Fforest Fawr Geopark
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WEST, THEN EAST, OF ‘OFFA’S’ Date: Friday 7th June Meet at Llanthony Priory car park GR SO 288278. Level: Energetic Walk up to Bal Bach and along to Garn Wen before Dist: 20km (12.5miles) descending to Cwmyoy. Up to Three Wells for lunch before Ascent: 805m (2640ft) returning via Penywyrlod and the Black Darren. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Leader: FRANK SCOTT Contact: 01432 275388 07713 772499
GEOPARK FESTIVAL: ACROSS AND AROUND GLYN TARELL Date: Friday 7th June Meet in the car park (fee) of the National Park Visitor Centre Level: Strenuous (the Mountain Centre) at Libanus GR SN 978263. From the Dist: 19.5km (12.5miles) Mountain Centre we cross the Glyn Tarell valley before Ascent: 850m (2800ft) ascending Pen Milan to the Tommy Jones Obelisk, then Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm across Blaen Taf Fawr to Storey Arms, down the Drovers’ Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD Road and across the valley again to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Contact: 029 2061 0397 Fan Frynych, before returning to the Mountain Centre for a 07748 463545 cuppa. Advance booking is advisable as there is a cap on numbers, at the National Park Visitor Centre 01874 623366
THE 21st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BRECON BEACONS PARK SOCIETY Date: Saturday 8th June This year’s AGM will tak e place at Clydach Village Hall and will Time: 10.15am – 4.30pm follow the normal agenda of a formal AGM in the morning followed by lunch and then an interesting speaker on some local aspect. The Clydach Gorge is packed with industrial archaeological features, so how do you plan a new dual carriageway through it? The Chief Archaeologist on the project, Mick Rawlings, will tell us how he is managing to squeeze the new road into the valley without damaging historical sites in his talk “220 Years Of Transport Planning”. We hope also to have the Project Manager for the scheme from Costains to show us what the new road will look like. Afterwards Chris Barber will be leading us through some of the sites in this nationally important location. It should prove to be an interesting day. (Clydach Village Hall was built in 2000 using Millenium Fund money.) Note: Formal notice of the AGM with full details of the day’s events will be sent directly to members towards the end of May.
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MYNYDD LLANGYNIDR – IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT STONES AND THE CHARTIST CAVE Date: Sunday 9th June Meet in car park on B4458 at Llangynidr village GR SO Level: Moderate 155195. Dist: 14km (9miles) A walk to seek out the elusive Carreg Wen Fawr y Rugos Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm stone alignment, followed by cairn hopping to Garn Fawr and Leader: RICHARD DAVIES the Chartist Cave, return via Cwm Cleisfer. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ALLT YR ESGAIR & BUCKLAND HILL Date: Wednesday 12 th June Park in the large lay by on the A40, the one with the toilets Level: Moderate and Paddy’s snack bar. Dist: 11km (7miles) A wander over two small hills and a visit to the bird hide and Time: 10.15am – 3.00pm church at Llangasty. A cuppa with Paddy afterwards. Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & BARNI Contact: 07967 886497
PAST THE PARK: ALONG THE COTSWOLD AND THE MONARCH Date: Friday 14th June Meet in The Chippings free Car Park on Symn Lane, Wotton Level: Strenuous under Edge (near fire station) GR ST 756931 OS Explorer Dist: 22km (14.5miles) Map 167, please ensure you park in a long stay slot. If this car Time: 10.00am – 5.30pm park is full there is other parking available within the town. Leader: WENDY WINNEY A very varied walk through the beautiful Cotswold countryside Contact: 029 2062 8861 with lots of architectural interest along the way including 07773 389561 Newark Park, Ozleworth Manor and The Tyndale Monument at North Nibley. Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement with leader only.
OVISSUFERDIR Date: Saturday 15th June Start: the Water Board car park at GR SN 799238, at the very Level: Strenuous end of an unclassified road which passes Llanddeusant Dist: 20km (12.5mls)approx Church and the Youth Hostel. The route to the hostel and to Ascent: 500m (1640ft)approx Llyn y Fan Fach is signposted. Finish: the Farmyard Café – Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm for those who do not know it, this is a café at Blaenau Farm, Leader: CLIVE EILES about 0.5km from the car park. Cakes highly recommended. Contact: 01550 740188 (OVISSUFERDIR – an Icelandic word, meaning – a journey in [email protected] which you do not know exactly where you are going, nor quite how you are to get there.)
A TALYBONT RESERVOIR ROUND Date: Sunday 16th June Park in the Upper Blaen y glyn car park GR SO 056175. Level: Strenuous We will follow the Beacons Way over Craig y Fan Dist: 21km (12.5miles) Ddu before descending via Alt Lwyd back to the reservoir. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm The return will be via Bryniau Gleision and Pant y Creigiau. Leader: TIM COULSON Contact: 01291 641953 07778 852946
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: GILWERN HILL, CWM LLANWENARTH AND M&B CANAL Date: Wednesday 19th June Meet at picnic site on the right just before Clydach village Level: Moderate (off A465) GR SO 232137. Dist: 13km (8miles) A climb up to the old railway viaduct and on up the hill to Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Pwll du. Return down Cwm Llanwenarth and back by the Leader: ROGER AUSTIN canal. Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
BLORENGE, MYNYDD Y GARN-FAWR, MYNYDD COETY Date: Friday 21st June Park on waste ground on roadside just before Whistle Inn Level: Energetic cattle grid on Blaenavon / Brynmawr Road GR SO 233103. Dist: 19km (12miles) Walk direction initially north east towards Pen fford goch Pond Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm (Keeper’s Pond) and Fox Hunter Masts, head south across Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Mynydd y Garn fawr towards another mast, descend into Cwm Contact: 01633 867653 Afon for a steep climb up Shop Road, contour round apron of Mynydd Varteg, cross Mynydd Coety towards Big Pit for return leg along fieldline and Whistle Inn / Brynmawr Road.
SPECIAL INTEREST WALK: HEAD TO THE VALLEY Date: Saturday 22nd June Park at Merthyr Tydfil Golf Course GR SO 030085 (signposted Level: Moderate left off Merthyr to Vaynor / Pontsticill road). Dist: 11.5km (7miles)approx A nature walk jointly led with a representative from Brecknock Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm Wildlife Trust, covering two very different nature reserves – Leader: SOO TURNBULL Cwm Taf Fechan along a lovely river valley and Darren Fawr Contact: 01874 622136 up on the open hillside. A donation to the Trust is requested Expert: Brecknock Wildlife Trust (£3 suggested amount). Dogs on leads please.
CRASH SITES ON THE BLACK MOUNTAIN Date: Saturday 22nd June Start on the lane adjacent to The Gwyn Arms (not in their car Level: Strenuous park) GR SN 846165. An expedition to locate six aeroplane Dist: 26.4km (16.5miles) crash sites, dating from 1939 to 1953, on Mynydd Du, Ascent: 1019m (3057ft) between Carreg Goch and Moel Feity via Fan Brycheinog Time: 9.00am – 7.00pm (802m). Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & Please note: this is a long and arduous walk, involving 1000 GARETH LEWIS metres of ascent over difficult terrain and, consequently, Contact: 01558 824663 numbers will be restricted. Booking Essential. Contact 07801 915707 Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place.
SECRETS OF KILGWRRWG Date: Sunday 23rd June Meet at Forestry car park on edge of Kilgwrrwg Common GR Level: Energetic ST 468977 – turn west off B4293 onto minor road approx Dist: 16km (10miles) 600m south of Devauden – OS Landranger Map 171 and Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm newer versions of OL14. Leader: EMMA SINCLAIR This is a delightful countryside and woodland walk, exploring Contact: 01594 529426 some stunning parts of this area and finding the biggest secret 07947 124184 of Kilgwrrwg.
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WEDNESDAY WANDER BEYOND THE PARK – EGLWYSILAN COMMON Date: Wednesday 26th June Meet at the main car park at Penallta Country Park GR ST Level: Moderate 134956 OS Explorer Map 166. Entrance to park from road Dist: 11km (7miles) between Ystrad Mynach and Gelligaer. Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm Follow old roads onto Mynydd Eglwysilan and Senghenydd Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Dyke. Refreshment stop at Llanfabon. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
ALL AROUND WAUN FACH Date: Friday 28th June Meet Tir y Nant GR SO 237237. All sides of Waun Fach, but Level: Strenuous not the summit, thanks! A brisk climb up onto the eastern Dist: 26km (16miles) ridge of Grwyne Fechan and along to Pen y Gadair Fawr. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Continuing towards Waun Fach, veer off before its summit Leader: DAVID THOMAS down to Grwyne Fawr reservoir. Over the dam, head north Contact: 01873 812011 again turning back to Waun Fach and again veer off before the summit. Return via Mynydd Llysiau and Pen Twyn Glas.
PAST THE PARK: A SHROPSHIRE RAIL RAMBLE Date: Saturday 29t h June Meet at Abergavenny railway station by 9.15am to buy group Level: Energetic travel tickets and get the 9.27am train to Ludlow. Take a bus Dist: 25km (16miles) to the start of the walk at Cleobury North and join the Ascent: 610m (2000ft) Shropshire Way back to Ludlow including the summits of Time: 9.15am – 5.45pm Brown Clee and Titterstone Clee hills with 610m (2000ft) of Leader: DAVID GRANT ascent in total. Contact: 01873 890291 Note: walk ends at 5.45pm.
BEACONS WAY DAY 3: CRICKHOWELL TO LLANGYNIDR Date: Saturday 29th June Meet at Llangynidr car park GR SO 155186 at 9.00 am to car Level: Energetic share to the start of the walk at Crickhowell High school. Dist: 19.3km (12miles) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Ascent: 640m (2100ft) Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & GARETH LEWIS Contact: 01558 824663 07801 915707
BEACONS WAY DAY 4: LLANGYNIDR TO STOREY ARMS Date: Sunday 30th June Meet at Storey Arms car park GR SN 982203 at 9.00 am to Level: Strenuous car share to the start of the walk at Llangynidr car park. Dist: 22.7km (14.2miles) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Ascent: 1020m (3345ft) Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & GARETH LEWIS Contact: as above
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PAST THE PARK: THE RAVEN WALK Date: Sunday 30th June Park in the car park at Cwmcarn visitors centre GR ST Level: Strenuous 228936 OS Explorer Map 152. £3 charge or park in a street Dist: 21km (13miles) and walk up to the centre. Ascent: 1006m (3300ft) A well known walk, not long but a lot of up and down. Taking Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm in Mynydd y lan, Mynydd Machen and Pegwn y bwlch. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Contact: 07971 296699 029 2062 8861 JULY
WEDNESDAY WANDER: GARWAY Date: Wednesday 3rd July Meet village centre near public house ( PLEASE DO NOT Level: Moderate PARK IN PUB CAR PARK ) GR SO 465226 OS Explorer Map Dist: 11km (7miles) 189. Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm A guided tour of the historic church is possible (donation to Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & church funds). WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
PAST THE PARK: GLACIAL CWM CIRCULAR Date: Friday 5th July Meet at the Forestry Commision car park Cwmparc GR SS Level: Energetic 955960 OS Explorer Map 166. Dist: 16km (10miles) A circular walk through Cwmparc, then up on to Tyle Coch. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Across Mynydd Tyle Coch to the Glacial Cwms of Graig Fawr Leader: LEE MAJOR and Graig Fach. Great views down the Rhondda from here. Contact: 01656 720123 Across the top of Craig Ogwr, looking down the Ogmore 07552 676329 Valley to the Bristol Channel. Stop for Ice Cream at Bwlch y Clawdd, down over Mynydd Maendy and back to the car park.
LINEAR WALK: PEN CERRIG CALCH AND THE SUGAR LOAF Date: Saturday 6th July Meet in Abergavenny at the Tourist Information Centre GR SO Level: Strenuous 301140. Dist: 23km (14miles) We use public transport 8.50am bus to travel to the start at Ascent: 1120m (3675ft) Crickhowell. A linear walk over two peaks via Grwyne Fechan Time: 8.40am – 5.30pm and Cwm bwch. Leader: FRANK SCOTT Please book your place with the leader in advance. Contact: 01432 275388 07713 772499
PAST THE PARK: A HILL AND A TUMP Date: Sunday 7th July Park at Kilpeck church GR SO 445305 OS Explorer Map 189. Level: Energetic Please leave space for churchgoers by using verges. Dist: 18km (11miles) A walk through the countryside and hills to the south of Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Hereford including an ascent of Coles Tump and Garway Hill. Leader: DAVID GRANT Contact: 01873 890291
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: SUGAR LOAF – THE TOURIST ROUTE Date: Wednesday 10th July Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for car Level: Moderate share at 10.00am OR 10.30am at start. Dist: 9km (5.5miles) From Viewpoint Car Park GR SO 268167. Time: 10.30am – 2.00pm Along the mountain wall and then a gentle climb up Mynydd Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Pen y fal to the top. Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
CWM GWRELYCH & THE GUNPOWDER WORKS Date: Friday 12th July Meet at the climber’s car park Craig y Ddinas west of Level: Moderate Pontneddfechan GR SN 91127 07912. Dist: 13.5km (8.5miles) Walk along by the Afon Nedd to Pontwalby then up to Cwm Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm Gwrelych. Crossing over to the former mining community of Leader: ROB SHORT Rhigos before heading north towards Moel Penderyn and the Contact: 01495 718254 site of the Gunpowder Works. 07976 885132
LINEAR WALK: TANNERS ARMS TO GWYN ARMS Date: Saturday 13th July Meet at The Gwyn Arms, Glyntawe (Park on the minor road Level: Energetic between the pub and Pont Haffes) GR SN 846165. Meet at Dist: 19km (12miles) 9.50am then a short walk to main road in time to catch the Ascent: 700m (2300ft) 10.10am Brecon bus (Service 63) to Tanners Arms, Defynnog. Time: 9.50am – 5.00pm Walking back to the Gwyn Arms via paths and tracks over Leader: GARETH LEWIS Heol Cefn y Gaer, Fan Bwlch Chwyth, Fan Gyhirych, before Contact: 07977 537033 dropping down the “Task” and back to Gwyn Arms for a well earned pint or cuppa (Bus fare or passes required).
BEAUTIFUL BLACKS Date: Sunday 14th July Meet Black Hill Car Park GR SO 288328. Level: Strenuous A walk of stunning elements, along paths, fields and two Dist: 19km (12miles) favourite mountains Red Darren and Cats Back. Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm Leader: EMMA SINCLAIR Contact: 01594 529426 07947 124184
PAST THE PARK: WYE VALLEY ROLLERCOASTER Date: Friday 19th July Meet outside St Briavels Castle (YHA) parking consideratel y in Level: Strenuous the village, OS Map OL14 GR SO 559046. Dist: 22km (15miles) A very varied and pretty walk along lanes, fields and woodland Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm paths visiting both sides of the Wye Valley. Leader: WENDY WINNEY Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement with leader only. Contact: 029 2062 8861 07773 389561
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HAY-ON-WYE TO CRASWALL Date: Saturday 20th July Meet at Hay on Wye car park GR SO 229422 – opposite the Level: Energetic Castle. Charge for car park but free parking is available in car Dist: 20km (12.5miles) park on Brecon Road by the playground / near fire station. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Walk will take us up over Cusop Hill and Cefn Hill to the ruins Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE of Craswall Abbey, where we will lunch. Return along valley at Contact: 01497 822831 foot of Black Hill to Standing Stones car park and home 07816 821745 following Digidi Brook via Llanigon to Hay. [email protected]
HISTORY AND PRE-HISTORY Date: Sunday 21st July From the Upper Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park on the Merthyr to Level: Energetic Talybont road GR SO 056176. Dist: 14km (9miles) Visiting the Craig y Fan Ddu stone alignment and the WW2 Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm aircraft crash site below Waun Rydd. Via Fan y Big and Bwlch Leader: RICHARD DAVIES y Ddwyallt, return along the waterfalls. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
WEDNESDAY WANDER: AROUND MYNYDD LLANGORSE Date: Wednesday 24th July Park at the activity centre at Llangorse GR SO 148267, 3 Level: Moderate miles from Bwlch on the B4560 (toilets and cafe available). Dist: 11km (7miles) A pleasant wander around Llangorse Mountain with one short Time: 10.15am – 3.00pm steep ascent taken slowly. Cuppa at the centre afterwards. Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & BARNI Contact: 07967 886497
GAER, COED-DIAS, CRUG MAWR AND PARTRISHOW Date: Friday 26th July Park in forestry car park up the lane opposite the Queens Level: Energetic Head, first track on right GR SO 307222. Dist: 18km (11miles) Old tracks, quiet lanes, Partrishow chapel and church, open Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm hillside, woodland and riverside. Leader: JILL TAYLOR Contact: 01873 840668
THE ABERGAVENNY CIRCULAR Date: Saturday 27th July Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – a walk with 2 Level: Strenuous leaders!!! Dist: 29km (18miles) Park in the car park at the base of the Skirrid / Ysgyryd Fawr / Ascent: Lots! Holy Mountain GR SO 327164. Time: 9.30am – 6.30pm approx A strenuous walk across the fields to Triley Mill, over to the Leader: JASON & MALCOLM Pantygelli Inn, up over the Deri – Sugar Loaf – Bryn Arw – WINNEY Holy Mountain and back to the cars. We will walk this at a Contact: 07798 521550 moderate pace giving all a chance to walk it (if they want to). 07971 296699
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AN ALTERNATIVE WALK IN THE WEST: A LONG WAY FOR A DRINK Date: Saturday 27th July From the lay by off the A4067, near the Gwyn Arms – GR SN Level: Strenuous 846165. Dist: 24km (15miles) Through Penwyllt, peaks of Fan Gyhirych and Fan Nedd, and Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm returning along the Beacons Way, and through the Ogof Leader: CLIVE EILES Ffynon Du Nature Reserve. Contact: 01550 740188 [email protected]
SOUTH OF SENNYBRIDGE Date: Sunday 28th July Park at Sennybridge Cattle Market GR SN 922285 (by Level: Energetic permission). Dist: 24km (15miles) We head south along Heol Cefn y gaer, a pleasant low ridge Ascent: 750m (2460ft) walk, up to Fan Bwlch Chwyth trig, then across to Crai and Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm back to Sennybridge via Fforest Fach. The route may have to Leader: SOO TURNBULL be shortened if there has been heavy rain. Contact: 01874 622136
BEACONS WAY: 8-DAY TREK Date: Sat 27th July to Sat 3rd August 2013 152km (95 miles) in 8 days, crossing the entire Leader: ROB KNOWLES width of the Brecon Beacons National Park from Contact: 07971 190768 Skirrid Fawr (Holy Mountain) in the East to [email protected] Bethlehem in the West. Booking essential. Please contact the leader for details and to book your place.
AUGUST
UP TO THE EAST OF TALGARTH Date: Friday 2nd August Meet in Talgarth main car park GR SO 153337. Level: Energetic Up Cwm Pwll y wrach waterfalls, across fields and climb to Dist: 19km (12miles) Mynydd Bychan, north east along the top, steep descent then Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm over moorland and back via Park Wood. Leader: JILL TAYLOR Contact: 01873 840668
A CAPEL-Y-FFIN CIRCUIT Date: Saturday 3rd August Park in the large car park at Blaen y cwm GR SO 252285. Level: Energetic We will climb to the Blacksmiths Anvil before dropping to do a Dist: 20km (12miles) circuit around Capel y Ffin returning via the Bal Bach ridge. If Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm weather poor we will come along the lower route. Leader: TIM COULSON Contact: 07778 852946 01291 641953
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2013
BEACONS WAY DAY 5: STOREY ARMS TO CRAIG-Y-NOS COUNTRY PARK Date: Saturday 3rd August Meet at Craig y Nos GR SN 839156 at 9.00 am to car share to Level: Energetic start of walk at Storey Arms (Car parking fees apply at Craig Dist: 23.7km (14.75miles) Y Nos Country Park). Ascent: 555m (1820ft) Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & Car sharing will be arranged on the day. GARETH LEWIS Contact: 01558 824663 07801 915707
BEACONS WAY DAY 6: CRAIG-Y-NOS TO LLYN Y FAN FAWR & LLANDDEUSANT Date: Sunday 4th August Meet at Llanddeusant Youth Hostel GR SN 776245 at 9.30am Level: Energetic to car share to start of walk at Craig y Nos Country Park (a Dist: 16.8km (10.5miles) donation to Llanddeusant Youth Hostel will be gratefully Ascent: 780m (2558ft) received). Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Booking Essential as numbers will be restricted. Contact Leaders: ANGELA MORGAN & Angela (07801 915707 or 01558 824663) to book a place. GARETH LEWIS Car sharing will be arranged on the day. Contact: 01558 824663 07801 915707
PAINSCASTLE CIRCULAR Date: Sunday 4th August Meet at small car park in Painscastle – on right hand side of Level: Strenuous road towards end of village going east to west GR SO 166463 Dist: 27.5km (17miles) OS Explorer Map 188. Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Rolling Llandeilo, Llanbedr & Rhulen Hills. Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]
WEDNESDAY WANDER: CHEPSTOW Date: Wednesday 7th August Meet Chepstow Castle car park (fee). GR ST 534940 OS map Level: Moderate OL14. Dist: 13 km (8.5miles) Walk high above River Wye returning via fields and lanes with Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm views over The Severn. Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
ILLUSTRATED TALK: ARCHAEOLOGY AT RISK Date: Wednesday 7th August Natalie will give us an overview of the archaeological heritage Time: 7.30pm of the National Park focussing on the main risks and threats Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell to our archaeological heritage – what they are, the damage, Speaker: NATALIE WARD the cause and what can be done about it. Heritage Officer (Archaeology) BBNPA
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2013
EAST AND WEST OF CWM IAU Date: Friday 9th August Park on roadside in Llanvihangel Crucorney (there is extra Level: Energetic space on the north side of the Llanthony turn off) and meet in Dist: 14km (9miles) the churchyard GR SO 325206. Time: 10.00am- 3.00pm The walk takes us via lane and fields onto the Offa’s Dyke Leader: JILL TAYLOR path and off piste down Hatterall Hill to Penywern, from there Contact: 01873 840668 on footpaths and tracks to Pont Rhys Powell and back via Strawberry Cottage.
FAN FAWR & FAN LLIA Date: Saturday 10th August Meet at the car park by Storey Arms GR SN 98230 20310. Level: Strenuous A circular walk to the summits of Fan Fawr & Fan Llia. Dist: 20km (12miles) Heading south from Storey Arms above the reservoir then Time: 9.30am. – 4.30pm ascending to the ridge from the south west, down to the dam, Leader: ROB SHORT up Fan Llia, then North over Fan Dringarth to return to Storey Contact: 01495 718254 Arms. 07976 885132
LINEAR WALK: THE OTHER THREE PEAKS Date: Sunday 11th August Meeting in the Skirrid Car Park on the Skenfrith Road GR SO Level: Strenuous 328163 for a car share to St Marys Vale. This is a linear walk Dist: 23km (14miles) taking in three of our all time favourite hills, walking on tracks, Ascent: 975m (3200ft) lanes and wooded areas to summit Sugar Loaf, Bryn Arw and Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm Skirrid. Timing has allowed for car share to be sorted. Leader: EMMA SINCLAIR Contact: 01594 529426 07947 124184
WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE LONELY SHEPHERD AND LLANGATTOCK HILLSIDE Date: Wednesday 14th August Meet 10.15am at start opposite Horseshoe Inn, Llangattock Level: Moderate GR SO 212177. Dist: 12km (7miles) A climb up to the quarry, along the tramroad and down Time: 10.15am – 3.00pm through fields. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
LIMELIGHTS OF ALLT RHONGYR & OGOF FFYNNON DDU Date: Friday 16th August A joint event with Brecknock Wildlife Trust. Level: Moderate Meet in the car park at Craig y Nos Country Park GR SN Dist: 10km (6miles) 840115 (fee but lay by outside free). Ascent: 280m (920ft) A lovely walk through limestone country looking at the Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm wildflowers of Allt Rhongyr and Ogof Ffynnon Ddu. Leader: DILYS HARLOW Dogs on leads please. Contact: 01454 775731 Suggested donation to BWT £3.00. Expert: BEN MULLEN Brecknock Wildlife Trust
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2013
THREE WAYS TO THE CASTLE Date: Saturday 17th August From Carreg Cennen Castle car park GR SN 666193. Level: Energetic Out to the Herbert Quarry along the Beacons Way day 7 Dist: 20km (12miles) route, but in reverse. Then back by an alternative route via Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm the stunning Tair Carn Uchaf and Tair Carn Isaf. Leader: CLIVE EILES Contact: 01550 740188 [email protected]
PAST THE PARK: THE HILLS ABOVE ABEREDW Date: Sunday 18th August Park at the Craft Centre Erwood GR SO 089439 OS Explorer Level: Energetic/Strenuous Map 188. Dist: 27km (16.5miles) A lovely walk with great views walking up past Cradle Rocks – Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm approx Llanbedr Hill – up and around Red Hill, under Rhulen Hill – Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Twm Tobacco’s Grave – Llandeilo Graban and back to the Contact: 07971 296699 centre for tea and cakes. 029 2062 8861
FAN FAWR & LORNA DOONE VALLEY Date: Friday 23rd August From the Storey Arms Car Park GR SN 983204 (Not the one Level: Strenuous in the woods by the toilets). Dist: 19km (12miles) We climb Fan Fawr towards Ystradfellte Reservoir then a big Time: 10.0am – 4.30pm ascent of Fan Llia before a steep descent into the Cwm du Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Nature Reserve and onto another steep climb to Fan Dringarth Contact: 01633 867653 before descending a diagonal path above the A470.
PAST THE PARK: STRIDING AROUND ROSS Date: Saturday 24th August Meet Free car park Wilton Road, Ross on Wye GR SO Level: Energetic 583240 OS maps OL14 / Explorer 189. Dist: 29km (18miles) Follow original “Ross Round” to Hole in the Wall – Upton Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Crews Hartletree Lake Bolitree Castle – Weston Under Leader: GUY VOWLES Penyard – (Pub lunch/drink/or picnic) – then return via Howle Contact: 01242 251412 Hill – and Cubberley. An easygoing and very scenic walk. 07968 797186 (mobile on the day only)
PAST THE PARK: ABOVE AND AROUND THE OGMORE AND GARW VALLEYS Date: Sunday 25th August Meet behind the Fire Station in Ogmore Vale GR SS 93441 Level: Strenuous 90415 OS Explorer Map 166. Dist: 23km (14miles) A steady climb out of the valley up through Cwm y Fuwch. Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm Reaching the top, traverse along Mynydd William Meyrick to Leader: LEE MAJOR the Bwlch. Along Craig Ogwr to Werfa (568m). Down along Contact: 01656 720123 Mynydd LLangeinwr, great views into the Garw Valley and 07552 676329 beyond. Eventually dropping down into the village of Blackmill. A few miles on the Ogmore Valley cycleway, and back to the cars.
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2013
BANK HOLIDAY: TALYBONT CIRCULAR Date: Monday 26th August Park on road by dam at North end of Talybont reservoir GR Level: Strenuous SO 103205. Dist: 21km (13miles) Over Tor y Foel to lunch on hill above waterfalls at beginning Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm of return leg. Back via Carn Pica with steep descent back to Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Talybont. Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]
SHORTER BEACONS HORSESHOE FROM NEUADD Date: Friday 30th August From the Blaen Taf Fechan car park GR SO 036171, 1 km Level: Energetic south of the Neuadd reservoir dam. Dist: 13km (8.5miles) A shorter version of the classic circuit of the Beacons, climbing Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm from the dam onto Graig Fan Ddu and taking in Corn Du, Pen Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD y Fan and Cribyn, before descending to the Gap Road and Contact: 029 2061 0397 returning by the side of the Neuadd Reservoir where, if we’re 07748 463545 lucky, the sundews might still be in flower.
MYNYDD LLANGYNIDR AND THE CIRCUIT OF WALES Date: Saturday 31st August Meet at Blaen Onneu car park by B4560 Llangynidr Beaufort Level: Moderate road at GR SO 157171. Roam around the wilderness of Dist: 16km (10miles) Mynydd Llangynidr, with heather hopefully in bloom, pausing Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm in the north for coffee at the Chartist Cave and in the south for Leader: ROGER WHITE lunch at the site of the Circuit of Wales which is being Contact: 01873 811539 promoted for an international motorsport complex– see what you think of it! Gentle gradients but some rough terrain.
COURSES
GET LOST – A two-day basic navigation course Saturday 6th July - Sunday 7th July
GET LOST AGAIN – A two-day more advanced navigation course Sat 9th - Sun 10th November
Both courses are now FULLY BOOKED 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]
Further information about Navigation Courses can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/courses/
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2013 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society
I/We wish to apply for my/our membership of the Society
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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.
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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.
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Please return this form to: Ben Sladen, Hon. Treasurer Oak House, Aulden, Ivington, Leominster, HR6 0JT
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