Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME WINTER 2011-12
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 WINTER 2011-12 FEATURES
Welcome to the Brecon Beacons Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Winter 2011-12, which we hope you will enjoy. Once again we are indebted to our volunteer walk leaders for another varied and interesting programme of walks within and on the fringes of the National Park. In response to popular demand Friday walks have been reintroduced, so we have one walk every Friday, Saturday and Sunday – slightly different over the Christmas and New Year period. Kevin McAnulty’s Wednesday Wanders proved very successful in the Autumn programme. As planned, Kevin will take a break over the winter months, but his walks will be replaced by a new series devised and led by Roger Austin. In the springtime, we plan to merge the two series so that we will have Wednesday walks four times each month. Our series of illustrated talks at the Bear continues in January with a talk by Allan Gibbs on Snowshoeing. In February Chris Barber will be celebrating the bicentenary of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with a talk at the Bear on the Friday evening followed by a walk on the Sunday. We are again contributing to the Crickhowell Walking Festival – see page 12 for details of how to book for Festival walks.
Changes to the Guided Walks Programme Occasionally leaders may change or cancel a guided walk, usually because of severe weather which may affect the walk itself or the roads to the start of the walk. Whenever possible, any changes will be added to the Guided Walks programme on the website. You are strongly advised to check the Mountain weather forecast for the Brecon Beacons National Park before setting out for walks, on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk or use the Metcheck website which allows you to check the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons separately: www.metcheck.com . If in doubt consult the leader whose name and telephone number are given in the programme.
If you would like to have a go at leading a walk, have an idea for a talk or event, or any comments or suggestions for improvement of the programme, please contact Anne (walks) tel: 029 2061 0397 or email [email protected] Gerry (events) tel: 01989 565679 or email [email protected]
This programme is available to view or download from the website. If you no longer wish to receive a posted hard copy, please advise Ben Sladen on [email protected] .
Details of the Park Society’s walks and events programme, and much more, can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2011-12
DECEMBER
TWO TOPS AND A PUB Date: Friday 2nd December Park at the base of Ysgyryd Fawr GR SO 328165 map OL13. Level: Energetic Over the Skirrid and down to the Skirrid Inn at Llanvihangel, Dist: 18km (11miles) over Bryn Arw and back to the cars. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm No dogs please. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Contact: 029 2062 8861
MILLSTONES & MOORLAND Date: Saturday 3rd December Car park on minor road to Dolygaer, off the road from Level: Energetic Pontsticill to Talybont GR SO 05455 14323. Dist: 17km (10.5miles) The walk follows forestry roads south, crossing the dam up to Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Twynau Gwynion. Bearing Northeast to Cefn Yr Ystrad to Leader: ROB SHORT discover abandoned millstones and a memorial en route. With Contact: 01495 718254 some rough walking en route. Returning via Cwm Callan to 07976 885132 Dolygaer.
LLANTHONY NORTHERN LOOP – BLACK MOUNTAINS Date: Sunday 4th December Meeting at Llanthony Abbey GR SO 289278 Map OL13. Level: Strenuous Climbing to Bal Mawr and Chwarel y Fan over to the Anvil, Dist: 23km (14.5 miles) descending to Capel y Ffin and returning below Chwarel y Ascent: 9150m (3000ft) Fan. Time: 8.00am – 5.00pm Latest finish time approx 5.00pm but may vary depending on Leader: JASON WINNEY the group. Contact: 07798 521550 Additional Notes: Please Bring head torch and spare batteries.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: LLANGATTOCK, BEECHWOOD, COMMON AND CANAL Date: Wednesday 7th December Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 at Level: Easy 10.00am for car share OR 10.30am at starting point. Dist: 7.25km (4.5 miles) From road opposite Horse Shoe Inn Llangattock GR SO Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm 211177. 8 stiles. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
CIRCUIT ON THE BLORENGE Date: Friday 9th December Meet at Llanfoist car park on B4246, GR SO 286133. Level: Energetic Ascend the incline then contour to the Punch Bowl for Dist: 14.5km (9 miles) approx coffee. Climb again to the trig, Fox Hunter and Keepers Pond, Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm descend to the quarry for lunch and return along lanes of Cwm Leader: ROS GRANT Llanwenarth, the railway line and canal. Contact: 01873 854894 07773 262068
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CRIBARTH RIDGE AND HENRHYD WATERFALLS Date: Saturday 10th December Park in the layby next to Craig y nos Castle at GR SN 8409 Level: Moderate 1523. Dist: 14km (9 miles) The walk starts at Craig y nos Castle with a steady climb up Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm onto Cribarth ridge then down the valley to the river Tawe to Leader: PAULA ACE follow the Llech to Henrhyd Waterfalls, returning to Craig y Contact: 07967 140689 nos via Penwyllt.
WALK LEADERS’ DAY OUT ON THE HILLS Date: Sunday 11th December NO GUIDED WALK TODAY Contact: 01550 740188 Informal training day. A chance for all the walk leaders to [email protected] get to know each other better, practise their skills and share their knowledge and experience under the guidance of our Technical Advisor Allan Gibbs.
A CHAIR, A STANDING STONE AND A SHEEP FOLD Date: Friday 16th December Meet at Tir y Nant GR SO 237237 (Brook Cottage on pre 2009 Level: Energetic maps). Dist: 18km (11 miles) A good pull, initially, up to the eastern ridge of the Grwyne Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm Fechan and then along to Pen y Gadair (the chair), then down Leader: DAVID THOMAS over rough ground to Maen Llwyd (standing stone). Follow Contact: 01873 812011 sheep tracks contouring to the head of the valley and a long deserted sheep fold, before returning via Macnamara’s Road.
ON THE BLACK HILL Date: Saturday 17th December From Gospel Pass GR SO 235351. Level: Energetic/Strenuous Up to the Twmpa, follow the attractive Nant Bwch down to Dist: 20km (12 miles) Capel y ffin, steeply ascend and cross the Hatterrall ridge, Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm drop down to cross the Olchon valley, then climb the Cat’s Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD Back ridge to return via Hay Bluff. About 850m total ascent. Contact: 01497 820074 Hopefully fine views over England and the Wye Valley.
SUGAR LOAF AND MINCE PIES! Date: Sunday 18th December Meet at Abergavenny Tourist Information Office car park GR Level: Energetic SO 301144 (free parking on Sundays). Dist: 20km (13 miles) A walk along the River Usk to Llanwenarth church then Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm up onto the Sugar Loaf via St Mary’s Vale and the Pen y fal Leaders: DILYS HARLOW ridge, back along the Deri. (Torches may be useful although ANGELA WOOLLEY we’ve never needed them before!) Contact: 01454 775731 0117 9730017
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE BLORENGE AND PUNCHBOWL Date: Wednesday 21st December Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 at Level: Moderate 10.00am for car share OR 10.30am at starting point. Dist: 11.5km (7 miles) From Keeper’s Pond GR SO 254107. No stiles. Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
BOXING DAY WALK / CRAWL Date: Monday 26th December Park at the Castle Inn Pengenffordd GR SO 173296 (£1 Level: Moderate parking). A low level walk around the back of Mynydd Troed Dist: 16km (10 miles) and down to Llangorse. Along quiet lanes and paths back to Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm the pub for tea or a drink. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY No dogs please. Contact: 029 2062 8861
IT’S THE PUDDING PUNDER AGAIN! Date: Tuesday 27th December This year it’s on December 27, so that you can train for it on Level: Energetic Boxing Day. Or an energetic alternative to whatever you did Dist: 12km (7.5miles) on Boxing Day! Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm From the Car Park IN THE LAY BY NEXT TO the Tafarn y Leader: CLIVE EILES Garreg on the A4067 Swansea to Sennybridge Road at GR Contact: 01550 740188 SN 848172. clive.eiles@hertford Bring bad weather clothing, you will need it – as near a .oxon.org guarantee as you will ever get. Silly hats or any other kind of post Christmas trivia. Out along part of the Beacons Way Day 6 route to Llyn y Fan Fawr, up onto Bwlch y Giedd and back along the heights of Fan Hir. Some view guaranteed.
A NORTHERN VIEW OF THE PARK Date: Friday 30th December Meet in the car park at Upper Chapel Hall GR SO 007406, on Level: Moderate the B4520 mountain road half way between Brecon and Builth Dist: 18km (11 miles) Wells. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm A circular walk on the lower Mynydd Epynt with, weather Leader: PENNY LEONARD permitting, lovely views. Contact: 01874 636674 No dogs please.
PAINSCASTLE – GLASCWM Dat e: Saturday 31st December Meet at parking spot on North side of road heading west Level: Energetic out of Painscastle, beside the Village Hall GR SO 166463. Dist: 18km (11 miles) Over the gentle hills north of Painscastle. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]
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JANUARY
NEW YEAR’S DAY WANDER: OVER HERE AND OVER THERE Date: Sunday 1st January Park in the car park at Llangynidr, OS map OL13 GR SO Level: Moderate 154195. Dist: 16-18km (10-11 miles) Walk out along the canal, up over the side of Tor y foel on the Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Beacons Way to Pen Rhiw Calch. Along through the woods to Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Pantywenallt and back on the Usk Valley Walk. Contact: 029 2062 8861 No dogs please.
BANK HOLIDAY WALK: AN OLD FAVOURITE FOR THE NEW YEAR Date: Monday 2nd January Meet in the lay by South West of Craig y nos Castle GR SN Level: Moderate 8409 1523. Dist: 15km (9 miles) A familiar walk taking in Waun Fignen Felen, Sinc y Giedd, a Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm crash site and Saith Maen. Leader: ANGELA MORGAN Contact: 07801 915707
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ABOVE CRICKHOWELL Date: Wednesday 4th January Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for a Level: Moderate walk from Crickhowell via Gwernvale, Mountain Wall and Dist: 10km (6 miles) Cumbeth. 6 stiles. Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
LLANTHONY AND OFFA’S DYKE Date: Friday 6th January Meet at Llanthony Priory car park GR SO 288278. Level: Moderate Following the Afon Hon ddu through a pleasant valley we reach Dist: 16km (10 miles) Cwmyoy. Ascending Hatterrall Hill gives us some fantastic Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm views which continue as we return along Offa’s Dyke before Leader: DAVE OWENS descending to the priory. Contact: 01446 773308 07580 354376
THE IRON MOUNTAIN TRAIL – BLORENGE/BLAENAVON (BLACK MOUNTAINS) Date: Saturday 7th January Meet at the car park opposite the Rifleman’s Pub GR SO Level: Energetic 251094 Map OL13. Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) Walking the route of the Iron Mountain Trail. Ascent: 550m (1800ft) Latest finish time approx 4.30pm but may vary depending on Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm the group. Leader: JASON WINNEY Additional Notes: Please Bring head torch and spare Contact: 07798 521550 batteries.
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MONNOW VALLEY WALK Date: Sunday 8th January Meet at Skenfrith Castle Car Park GR SO 457202 off the Level: Energetic B4521. Dist: 20km (12 miles) A circuit of the Monnow valley including Garway Hill and Time: 9.45am – 4.30pm Grosmont where we join part of the Three Castles Walk back Leader: DAVID GRANT to the start. Includes some road walking. Contact: 01873 890291
ILLUSTRATED TALK: SNOWSHOEING – AN ALTERNATIVE WINTER ACTIVITY Date: Wednesday 11th January Do you still like to play in the snow? Winter is a magical time Time: 7.30pm in the mountains – especially if you visit the Alpine countries. Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell If you’ve grown tired of skiing, or indeed never really excelled, Speaker: ALLAN GIBBS then how about snowshoeing? Away from the lifts and crowds it’s a wonderful, peaceful world apart. Allan and Jane Gibbs have visited a number of snowy places over the past years and this talk explains how snowshoeing is simple and available to all.
THREE OUTLIERS Date: Friday 13th January Meet at Cwmdu Vi llage Hall Car Park GR SO 180239 (Parking Level: Energetic Fee £1). Dist: 18km (11 miles) Route direction Pentir, Cockit Hill, Mynydd Llangorse, and Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Tretower. Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Contact: 01633 867653
SCWD DDU, SINC Y GIEDD & THE CRIBARTH Date: Saturday 14th January Meet at GR SN 8463 1654, just off the A4067 at the Gwyn Level: Energetic Arms (parking alongside the road next to the pub) Dist: 18km (11.5 miles) for a walk behind Dan yr Ogof to Carreg Coch, returning over Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm the Cribarth & through Craig y nos. Leader: PAULA ACE Contact: 07967 140689
JUST PAST THE PARK: LLANFIHANGEL-NANT-BRAN Date: Sunday 15th January Meet at Llanfihangel Nant Bran Village Hall GR SN 944343 Level: Moderate (parking £1). Dist: 16km (10 miles) The route may vary according to weather, but it is intended to Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm include the ridge and valley to the west of Llanfihangel, and a Leader: SOO TURNBULL small section of the Epynt Way. Contact: 01874 622136
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: LLANGATTOCK, TRAMROAD & HILLSIDE Date: Wednesday 18th Januar y Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 at Level: Moderate 10.00am for car share OR 10.30am at starting point. Dist: 10km (6 miles) From road opposite Horse Shoe Inn Llangattock GR Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm SO 211177. 9 stiles. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
THE WYE ROUND Date: Friday 20th January Park in the abbey car park at Tintern, Explorer OL14 GR SO Level: Moderate 535001. Dist: 16km (10 miles) Walk up to the Devils Pulpit, Park Hill, Woolaston, Hewelsfield, Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Brockweir and back to Tintern. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY No dogs please. Contact: 029 2062 8861
PHYSICIANS ROMANS AND COUNTRYMEN Date: Saturday 21st January From the north side of the dam on the Usk Reservoir, by Level: Energetic the boats, 2 houses and the hut for fishing licences. GR Dist: 19.5km (12 miles) SN 832290. Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm A walk on Mynydd Myddfai and Mynydd y Lan, looking at Leader: CLIVE EILES 4 Roman forts and camps, Bronze Age stone circles – and Contact: 01550 740188 the story of the Physicians of Myddfai, including a drink [email protected] from their spring.
HAY-ON-WYE TO CRASWALL Date: Sunday 22nd January Meet at Hay on Wye car park GR SO 229422 – opposite Level: Energetic the Castle. Charge for car park but free parking is Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) available in car park on Brecon Road by the playground / Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm near fire station. Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Walk will take us up over Cusop Hill and Cefn Hill to the Contact: 01497 822831 ruins of Craswall Abbey, where we will lunch. Return 07816 821745 along valley at foot of Black Hill to Standing Stones car [email protected] park and home following Digidi Brook via Llanigon to Hay.
A SHORTER WALK ON MYNYDD Y GARN FAWR (ISH!) Date: Friday 27th January Meet at the Foxhunter car park GR SO 264107 Level: Moderate for a winter wander on the uplands in the South East of the Dist: 13km (8 miles) Park. Possibly a pub stop. Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm (The peat in this area is vulnerable so we’ll have to see where Leader: FRANK COOK we go / how kind the weather is!) Contact: 01600 860582
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THE BLORENGE – BLACK MOUNTAINS Date: Saturday 28th January Park in the car park on the B4246 at Llanfoist GR SO 286133 Level: Energetic Map OL13. Dist: 18km (11 miles) Climbing up Cwm Craf to the summit of Blorenge and Ascent: 550m (1750ft) returning via the canal. Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm Latest finish time approx 4.30pm but may vary depending on Leader: JASON WINNEY the group. Contact: 07798 521550 Additional Notes: Please Bring head torch and spare batteries.
TRACKS ANCIENT & MODERN NORTH EAST OF HAY Date: Sunday 29th January Meet at Brilley VH GR SO 263497 – Explorer map 201 Level: Moderate (park round the old school side) for a winter walk on moorland Dist: 18km (11 miles) and tracks westwards over to Newchurch. The high levels Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm should afford great views for much of the day, weather Leader: WENDY SLADEN permitting! Contact: 01568 720424
FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY WANDER: RIVER USK, RHELD WOOD, LLANGENNY LANE Date: Wednesday 1st February Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for a Level: Easy walk from Crickhowell to the River Usk, Rheld Wood Dist: 6.5km (4 miles) and Llangenny Lane. 7 stiles. Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
THE BRYN Date: Friday 3rd February Meet at lay by alongside Talybont Reservoir GR SO 099197. Level: Energetic The ascent is initially through fields, then more steeply up a Dist: 16km (10 miles) lane and, after a stretch of forest open moorland. At the top Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm one of the best views in the Park! Then gently down to meet Leader: DAVID THOMAS the Usk Valley Walk and through fields and woods to the dam Contact: 01873 812011 and back to the start.
OVER THE HILL AND BACK AGAIN Date: Saturday 4th February From the Castle Inn on the A479 at Pengenffordd GR SO Level: Energetic 173295 (parking fee). Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) approx Over the saddle at Mynydd Llysiau and down into the Grwyne Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Fechan valley along the road allegedly built by Macnamara to Leader: JIM KEAR visit his mistress, then back over the ridge to the pub for a Contact: 01291 672438 well earned drink. 07887 834123
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THE WILDERNESS THAT NEARLY BECAME A NATIONAL PARK Date: Sunday 5th February Meet in the Llanerch y Cawr car park GR SN 901616 OS Level: Energetic Explorer 200. Take the B4518 west from Rhayader for 4 1/2 Dist: 19km (12 miles) miles, go over the viaduct and continue up the Claerwen Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm valley for 2 miles. The walk is mostly along tracks but does Leader: ANDREW LEONARD include bog and tussock. The high point is Drygarn Fawr, on Contact: 01874 636674 the plateau between the Irfon and Claerwen valleys, from which there can be panoramic views.
HERE BE DRAGONS Date: Friday 10th February From the lay by at Bwlch Bryn rhudd on the A4067 (opposite Level: Strenuous the tower) GR SN 870194. Dist: 23.5km (14.5 miles) A wander through the empty spaces of the Ogof Ffynon Ddu Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm nature reserve, returning via Fan Nedd and Fan Gyhirych Leader: JIM WILSON (725m). Leader will provide old bivvy bag for impromptu Contact: 01874 711773 sledging if conditions are right! 07976 724845
ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE STORY OF THE MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL Date: Friday 10th February An illustrated talk by Chris Barber to celebrate the bi Time: 7.30pm centenary of the completion of this remarkable waterway Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell which was completed exactly 200 years ago this week. Speaker: CHRIS BARBER MBE FRGS
A WINTER CIRCUIT ABOVE YSTRADFELLTE RESERVOIR Date: Saturday 11th February Meet at the Craig Cerrig Gleisiad picnic site car park on the Level: Strenuous A470 north of Storey Arms GR SN 972222. Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) This walk is based on one led by John Sansom. The route, Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm subject to weather conditions, will be via Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, Leader: CHARLES & HELEN Fan Frynach, Sarn Helen, Fan Dringarth, Fan Llia, Ystradfellte HENDERSON Reservoir and Fan Fawr. Contact: 01594 542473 Note: A reasonably fast pace is needed to complete the route in daylight.
CELEBRATING THE BICENTENARY OF THE MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL Date: Sunday 12th February Starting from Gilwern Wharf car park GR SO 243146. Level: Moderate A varied route taking in two associated tramroads, three canal Dist: 18km (11 miles) wharves and a stretch of the canal to reach Llanfoist. From Time: 10.00am – 4.30 pm there a pleasant path beside the river Usk will then be followed Leader: CHRIS BARBER to rejoin the canal and back to the start. Contact: 01873 856114
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: TABLE MOUNTAIN Date: Wednesday 15th February Meet at CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for a Level: Moderate walk from Crickhowell to Table Mountain. 8 stiles. Dist: 8km (5 miles) Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]
LONGTOWN – OLDCASTLE COURT – LLANTHONY PRIORY – BLACK DARREN Date: Friday 17th February Meet at Longtown Village Hall Car Park (£1) 0L13 GR SO Level: Energetic 324288. Dist: 17km (10 miles) Southwards through fields to Oldcastle Court, up onto Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Hatterrall Ridge and head north before descending to Leader: ANTHONY FURNESS Llanthony Priory. Back up to ridge to Black Darren and Contact: 01873 860356 descend to Longtown again through fields. 07773 889117
THE LADY AND THE LEECHES Date: Saturday 18th February From the Water Board car park at GR SN 799238. This is at Level: Energetic the very end of an unclassified road which passes Dist: 15km (9.5 miles) Llanddeusant Youth Hostel. The route to the hostel and to Llyn Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm y Fan Fach is signposted. Llyn y Fan Fach, the Art Trail art Leader: CLIVE EILES work by Robert McDonald, Picws Du, the top of Fan Foel, and Contact: 01550 740188 Fan Brycheiniog. Then descend to Llyn y Fan Fawr and, after clive.eiles@hertford avoiding the leeches, below Fan Foel. .oxon.org Return according to the weather – either directly into Cwm Sawdde, or via the stone circle by Waun Lwyd.
CARREG CENNEN CASTLE ROUNDABOUT Date: Sunday 19th February From Carreg Cennen Castle GR SN 666193 through farmland Level: Moderate up on to the Black Mountain. Visit pillow mounds, farm Dist: 11km (7 miles) enclosures, burial cairns and a trig point, before returning Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm through farmland again to Carreg Cennen Castle. Car park at Leader: ANGELA MORGAN Carreg Cennen is owned by the National Park, and there are Contact: 07801 915707 tea rooms next to the castle.
CARN PICA & TAFF TRAIL Date: Friday 24th February Meet on road side by dam at North end of Talybont Reservoir Level: Energetic GR SO 103205. Dist: 18.3km (11.4 miles) Walk up to Carn Pica and then onto the ridge of Grai g Fan Las Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm and following the Beacons Way we descend to the waterfalls, Leader: DAVE OWENS and continue on this route back to the cars. Contact: 01446 773308 07580 354376
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CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL
A WEEK OF WALKS IN THE EAST, from Saturday 25th February to Sunday 4th March inclusive.
This part of our programme includes the Society's contribution to the Crickhowell Walking Festival. The walks also appear in the Walking Festival's programme where in some cases the walk descriptions have been changed slightly to make them more understandable for a wider audience.
Please note that although all the Society walks for the Festival are free for BBPS Members, BBPS Members do need to book their places on these walks in advance. Booking is on line this year at www.crickhowellfestival.com , where full details of the Festival programme can also be found.
Please note that Society members need to book their place on all other Festival walks, for which the normal Festival rates apply as in the programme.
For safety reasons but also for people's enjoyment of the walks, the numbers for any given walk will be capped at a reasonable level. So book early to avoid disappointment (this means as soon as possible after the Festival opens for bookings in December).
Some additional ordinary Society walks have been put on during the Festival to give members alternatives to Festival walks.
AN ORDINARY SOCIETY WALK: RIVER DEEP MOUNTAIN HIGH Date: Saturday 25th February Meet in car park at rear of The Bell Inn, Glangrwyney GR SO Level: Energetic 239163 map OL13 – please park on the far side of the car Dist: 14.5km (9 miles) park away from the pub. Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm A pretty walk along the Grwyne Fawr before ascending Sugar Leader: WENDY WINNEY Loaf from the west returning to Glangrwyney via Hall Farm. Contact: 029 2062 8861 The landlord makes no charge for walkers parking in his car 07773 389561 park, but would appreciate our custom after the walk. No dogs please.
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: FROM PRIORY TO CRUG Date: Saturday 25th February Meet at 9.00am prompt at the Crickhowell Resource and Level: Strenuous Information Centre (CRiC) GR SO 218184 for transport by bus Dist: 20.5km (12.7 miles) to Llanthony Priory. Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Free parking is available at weekends in the car park Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD of Crickhowell High School, New Road, Crickhowell NP8 Contact: 029 2061 0397 1AW). 07748 463545 A high level walk from Llanthony Priory to Crickhowell following the route of the second stage of the Beacons Way, via Garn Wen, Partrishow Church, Crug Mawr and Table Mountain. No dogs please. Advance Booking Essential on line at www.crickhowellfestival.com .
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2011-12
AN ORDINARY SOCIETY WALK: CEFN COED – CIL SANWS, PENMOELALLT Date: Sunday 26th February Meet by the red and white gas pipe marker, small Level: Energetic rough parking area on the A4054 turning off the A470 GR SO Dist: 16km (10 miles) 023090 Map OL12. Ascent: 460m (1500ft) Climbing up Cil Sanws to the summit of mountain and Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm returning via Penmoelallt. Leader: JASON WINNEY Latest Finish Time approx 4:30pm but may vary depending on Contact: 07798 521550 the group. Additional Notes: Please Bring head torch and spare batteries.
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: DROVERS’ ROAD, NATURE RESERVE AND ENCHANTED VALLEY Date: Sunday 26th February From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR Level: Energetic SN 982203. A walk along the Drovers’ Road before crossing Dist: 18km (11 miles) to the dramatic Craig Cerrig-gleisiad, then down to the old Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm turnpike road to Cwm-du. A steady climb onto Fan Frynych to Leader: GERRY SMITH the shoulder of Fan Fawr and back down to Storey Arms. Contact: 01989 565679 Advance Booking Essential on line at 07795 110053 www.crickhowellfestival.com
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: VALLEY TO VALLEY AND BACK Date: Monday 27th February From Blaen y Cwm car park GR SO 252285. Up through Level: Strenuous woodland at first then open hill to the Blacksmith’s Anvil. Dist: 19km (12 miles) Descend to Capel-y-Ffin, with its tiny churches and monastery Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm before walking up the secluded Nant Bwch valley to its head. Leader: STEVE FLYNN Returning via Rhos Dirion and the Grwyne Fawr reservoir. Contact: 07792 340933 Advance Booking Essential on line at www.crickhowellfestival.com
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: CASTELL TO CRUG Date: Tuesday 28th February Meet at the CRiC in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for bus to Level: Strenuous start at Castell Dinas, Pengenffordd. A linear walk from Dist: 21km (13 miles) Pengenfordd via Castell Dinas up the Dragon’s Back to the top Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm of Waun Fach. Then back via Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Allt-mawr, Leader: JIM WILSON Pen Carreg Calch and Crug Hywel to Crickhowell. Contact: 01874 711773 Advance Booking Essential on line at 07976 724845 www.crickhowellfestival.com
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2011-12
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: ACROSS AND AROUND GLYN TARELL Date: Wed 29th February 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 (12.5 miles) Mountain Centre we cross the Glyn Tarell valley before Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm ascending Pen Milan to the Tommy Jones Obelisk, then Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD across Blaen Taf Fawr to Storey Arms, down the Drovers’ Contact: 029 2061 0397 Road and across the valley again to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and 07748 463545 Fan Frynych, before returning to the Mountain Centre for a cuppa. Advance Booking Essential on line at www.crickhowellfestival.com
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To report illegal off-roading in the Brecon Beacons National Park go to: www.breconbeacons.org/the-authority/wardens/illegal-off-roading
To report any problems with footpaths and rights of way such as obstructions, map errors, misleading signs, etc to the Park Authority, call Avril Barnes at the National Park headquarters on 01874 624437 or email [email protected] ; or contact Area Wardens.
Details of the Park Society’s walks and events programme, and much more, can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2011-12
COURSES
The Brecon Beacons Park Society offers a series of two day courses, which cover the basics of navigation for hill walkers – from understanding maps and using a compass to more advanced skills such as GPS potential and relocation strategies.
No courses are planned for the Winter 2011 12 programme. The next courses are planned for July, August and October 2012.
The Get Lost Course is limited to 10 places and the Get Lost Again to 8 places. These usually get filled up some time in advance so it is essential to check for availability and to reserve a place on the course as early as possible.
Further information about Navigation Courses can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org
or from the course tutor: telephone: Ian Smith on 01792 368609 or e-mail: [email protected]
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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2011-12 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society
Membership No.
I/We wish to apply/renew my/our membership of the Society
Title and Name .
Title and Name .
Address ..
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Post Code ..Telephone
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Individual .£15.00 per annum. Under 18 .£8.00 per annum Family .£22.00 per annum. Family Life (under 65) .£330.00 (over 65) .£220.00 Individual Life (under 65) .£225.00 (over 65) .£150.00
I/We enclose cheque for: £ .. (Please make cheques payable to: The Brecon Beacons Park Society)
We would be grateful if you could pay your subsequent subscriptions by Standing Order as this will save us time and expense. You might also wish to consider treating your annual subscription as ‘Gift Aid’ which will enable us to enhance the value of your donation. Please indicate below if you wish to receive details of these schemes.
Standing Order Gift Aid
Please return this form to: Ben Sladen, Hon. Treasurer Oak House, Aulden, Ivington, Leominster, HR6 0JT
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