Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME WINTER 2012-13

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 2012-13 FEATURES

Welcome to the Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Winter 2012-13. Our wonderful volunteer walk leaders have provided another varied programme of 50 walks throughout and on the fringes of the National Park, which include some new walks, some old favourites and some variants on familiar themes, two linear walks, some which will take us into wild and rough terrain, some which end with the opportunity for a pint or a cuppa, plenty of fine views, history, geology, nature reserves, waterfalls, even a chance to wear a silly hat on the Boxing Day walk.

We look forward to two very interesting illustrated talks, by archaeologist Frank Olding on archaeology in the National Park and by geologist Alan Bowring of Geopark on The Brecon Forest Tramroad.

Enjoy the programme.

Changes to the Guided Walks Programme Occasionally leaders may change or cancel a guided walk, usually because of severe weather which may affect the walk itself or the roads to the start of the walk. Whenever possible, any changes will be added to the Guided Walks Programme page on the website www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org .

You are strongly advised to check the Mountain weather forecast for the Brecon Beacons National Park before setting out for walks, on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk .

If in doubt consult the leader whose name and telephone number are given in the Guided Walks programme.

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 are sent paper copies it costs 54p to distribute each time to an address over and above the cost of printing. 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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DECEMBER

PAST THE PARK: – GLASCWM Date: Saturday 1st December Meet at parking spot on North side of road heading west out of Level: Energetic Painscastle, beside the Village Hall GR SO 166463 OS Dist: 18km (11 miles) Explorer Map 188. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Walk over the hills and moors, with lunch break at Glascwm Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Church. Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]

PAST THE PARK: WINTOURS LEAP AND WYNDCLIFF ROUND Date: Sunday 2nd December Meet at Chepstow Castle car park (free parking) GR ST Level: Energetic 535941 OS map OL14. Dist: 19.5km (12 miles) 2400ft This is a stunning walk through Wordsworth’s country, steeped Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm in history, using Offa’s Dyke Path and . Leader: EMMA SINCLAIR Amazing views of cliffs, gorges and the river Wye. Contact: 01594 529426

WEDNESDAY WANDER: A WANDER AROUND GILWERN Date: Wed 5th December Start at Gilwern village car park opposite church, GR SO Level: Moderate 248146. Dist: 10km (6 miles) A chance to look at some history, old places of worship and Time: 11.00am – 2.30pm scenery around the village of Gilwern. Leader: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664

LET’S TRY THE EPYNT WAY AGAIN! Date: Friday 7th December From layby on W side of next to A40 GR SN Level: Energetic 875296. Dist: 18km (11 miles) We go through up to the edge of the Training Area, Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm follow a section of the Epynt Way to ’r Fan, then Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD return via Pentrebach. Very undulating terrain, with some wet Contact: 01497 820074 and boggy bits! Good views across to the Beacons.

CRIBARTH RIDGE AND HENRHYD WATERFALLS Date: Saturday 8th December Park in the layby next to Craigynos Castle at GR SN 8409 Level: Moderate 1523. Dist: 14km (9 miles) The walk starts at Craigynos 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 Craigy Contact: 07967 140689 nos via .

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LLANGASTY Date: Sunday 9th December Starting at Llangasty village hall, GR SO 123257. Across the Level: Moderate valley and up to Cefn Moel, back via and the Allt. High Dist: 15km (9.5miles) tea available in the village hall after the walk; order at the start. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Leader: SOO TURNBULL Contact: 01874 622136

WEDNESDAY WANDER: MYNYDD ILLTUD AND TWYN Y GAER Date: Wed 12th December Meet at CRiC building in GR SO 218184 for Level: Easy car share at 10am OR 10.30am at The National Park Dist: 7 km (4miles) Visitor Centre (Mountain Centre), Libanus (parking fee) Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm GR SO 979264. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Over the Common to the Hill Fort and back for coffee, or Contact: 01873 810145 more, at the Mountain Centre. [email protected]

CRAIG CERRIG GLEISIAD Date: Friday 14th December Meet at lay by on A470 opposite Storey Arms, GR SN 983203. Level: Energetic Along the old coach road to Craig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature Dist: 11km (7 miles) Reserve and Fan Frynych. Return via . Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584

IRON MOUNTAIN TRAIL, BLACK MOUNTAINS SOUTH Date: Saturday 15th December Park at The Rifleman’s Car park Blaenavon GR SO 251094. Level: Energetic Following the route of the Iron Mountain Trail, Blorenge & Pwll Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) 2000ft Du. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Leader: JASON WINNEY Contact: 07798 521550

SUGAR LOAF AND MINCE PIES! Date: Sunday 16th December Meet at Tourist Information Office car park GR Level: Energetic SO 301144 (free parking on Sundays). Dist: 20km (13 miles) A walk along the to Llanwenarth church then Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm up onto the Sugar Loaf via St Mary’s Vale and the Penyfal Leaders: ANGELA WOOLLEY ridge, back along the Deri. (Torches may be useful although DILYS HARLOW we’ve never needed them before!) Contact: 0117 9730017 01454 775731

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WEDNESDAY WANDER: A PRE CHRISTMAS STROLL TO GOVILON Date: Wed 19th December Start at Abergavenny TIC GR SO 301144 for an easy stroll out Level: Easy to Govilon, a bit of a tour of the village with some history Dist: 6.5km (4 miles) thrown in, back along the canal to Abergavenny for coffee and Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm some Christmas shopping! Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664

ILLUSTRATED TALK: ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK Date: Wed 19th December Details to follow. Check the Park Society website at: Time: 7.30pm www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/walks/guidedwalks/ Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell Speaker: FRANK OLDING

A SHORTISH WALK ON THE SHORTEST DAY: MOUNTAIN CENTRE - CEFN LLECHID Date: Friday 21st December Meet in the car park (fee) of the National Park Visitor Centre Level: Moderate (Mountain Centre) at Libanus GR SO 979264, for a walk Dist: 13km (8miles) following a varied route across Daedreath Illtud Nature Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Reserve, through farmland and woodland of the Cwm Camlais Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD Valley to the open hilltop of Cefn Llechid with its fine views all Contact: 029 2061 0397 around, then back to the Mountain Centre in plenty of time for 07748 463545 a cuppa.

PAST THE PARK: AROUND THE WESTERLY FRINGES OF THE TORFAEN VALLEY Date: Saturday 22nd December Park at the Old Station car park adjacent to the entrance of the Level: Moderate Pontnewynydd Industrial Park GR SO 274018 OS Explorer Dist: 16km (10miles) approx Map 152. From the car park heading west through the Coed Time: 9.45am – 3.15pm Parciau Wood into the Tirpentwys Valley (previously a deep Leader: CLINE GINSBERG mine) before contouring around to Mynydd Llanhilleth, then Contact: 01633 867653 descending into open farmland and the old British Industrial Location. We eventually rejoin the cycle track taking us back to the commencement of the walk. Gaiters recommended.

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FAR FROM THE MADDING SHOPPERS - SOUTHERN BRECON BEACONS CENTRAL & FFOREST FAWR Date: Sunday 23rd December Park at long layby just past Penderyn Distillery on right hand Level: Energetic side of road GR SN 950084. Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) 1850ft Starting near to the Penderyn Distillery, ascending Moel Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm Penderyn, Cadair Fawr and Mynyddyglog area. Leader: JASON WINNEY Note: River crossing on the Afon Hepste at GR SN 970136 & Contact: 07798 521550 over boulders at GR SN 955121.

YET AGAIN THE PUDDING POUNDER! Date: Wed 26th December From the Tafarn y Garreg car park on the A4067 Swansea to Level: Energetic Road at GR SN 848172. Dist: 12km (7.5miles) An energetic alternative to any other kind of Boxing Day Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm activity! Leader: CLIVE EILES Bring bad weather clothing, you will need it – as near a Contact: 01550 740188 guarantee as you will ever get. And a silly hat – compulsory [email protected] on Boxing Day. Out along part of the Day 6 route to , up onto Bwlch y Giedd and back along the heights of . Some view guaranteed.

AN OLD FAVOURITE FOR THE END OF THE YEAR Date: Friday 28th December Meet in the layby South West of Craigynos 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

LLANTHONY TO CAPEL-Y-FFIN AND BACK Date: Saturday 29th December Meet at Llanthony Priory GR SO 288278. Another classic Level: Energetic circuit above the Vale of Ewyas, north along one ridge, across Dist: 16km (10miles) the valley at Capelyffin, return along the other ridge. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Leader: FRANK SCOTT Contact: 01432 275388 07713 772499

PAST THE PARK: THE SOURCE OF THE RIVER HONDDU Date: Sunday 30th December Meet in the car park at Upper Chapel Hall on the B 4520 Level: Moderate mountain road halfway between Brecon and GR Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) SO 007406 OS Explorer Map 188. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Hoping for better weather and better views this year to enjoy Leader: PENNY LEONARD this circular walk on the lower , which will Contact: 01874 636674 include walking a part of the Epynt Way and searching for the source of the river Honddu.

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JANUARY

AN OLD FAVOURITE FOR A NEW YEAR Date: Tuesday 1st January From Crickhowell High School Car park (free) GR SO 217185. Level: Energetic We ascend via fields and tracks to Table Mountain after which Dist: 10.00am – 3.00pm descend to Llanbedr and then along the river to Llangenny Time: 14km (9miles) before returning to Crickhowell and maybe a warm and cosy Leader: WENDY & MALCOLM pub. WINNEY No dogs please. Contact: 029 2062 8861 07773 389561

A LLANGORSE CIRCUIT Date: Friday 4th January Park next to the Lakeside cafe on Llangorse Common at GR Level: Energetic SO 128274. Dist: 16km (10 miles) Visit the new bird hide, then ascend Allt yr Esgair for views Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm over the Usk valley. Down the Roman Road, then ascend to Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD Cefn Moel and Mynydd Llangorse before heading back Contact: 01497 820074 through Llangorse village.

LINEAR WALK: THE GARN TRAVERSE, GARN RANGE Date: Saturday 5th January Park at Pontypool Leisure Centre GR SO 285006 OS Maps Level: Energetic Explorer 152 & OL13. Dist: 22.5km (14 miles) 2000ft Walking the from Pontypool to Abergavenny Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm (last 2 miles are through Abergavenny via Castle Meadows). Leader: JASON WINNEY Train back to Pontypool Station. Contact: 07798 521550 Note: Trains run on a 2 hourly service from Abergavenny to Pontypool. (A pub is conveniently by the station, if we have to wait. Train fare in 2012 – Std Off Peak £4.50 Single Ticket).

TO BLUFF AND BLACK Date: Sunda y 6th January From the Standing Stones Car Park at the foot of Hay Bluff Level: Moderate GR SO 239373. Dist: 13km (8 miles) A gentle stroll up Hay Bluff and over to Black Hill returning Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm back along the Olchon Valley . Leader: SEAN O’DONOGHUE Contact: 01497 822831 07816 821745 [email protected]

WEDNESDAY WANDER: TABLE MOUNTAIN, CRICKHOWELL Date: Wednesday 9th January From CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184. Level: Moderate Ascend via Wern Farm and descend via Twym Cottage. Dist: 10km (6 miles) Time: 10.15am – 1.30pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]

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TO THE GARDEN IN THE CLOUDS Date: Friday 11th January Meet at Llanthony Priory GR SO 288278 for a gentle start on Level: Energetic the low level paths to the west of the Honddu to Cwmyoy. A Dist: 16km (10miles) loop around Cwm Iau with a quick look at one of the finest Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Welsh farmhouses in the area, before ascending via Tair Leader: DAVID THOMAS Ffynnon – where there is “The Garden in the Clouds”, which Contact: 01873 812011 we may try and see – and up onto the Beacons Way back to Llanthony. Ascent 2000 ft.

RIDGES AROUND CAPEL-Y-FFIN Date: Saturday 12th January Park on the roadside by the bridge at Capelyffin GR SO Level: Energetic 255314. Dist: 19km (12 miles) We climb to Twyn Talycefn by an interesting route (not the Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Blacksmith’s Anvil path) for a high level walk over Twmpa Leader: ROGER WHITE and Hay Bluff before going down by The Vision Farm. Contact: 01873 811539

PAST THE PARK: THE WYE WANDER Date: Sunday 13th January Start at Chepstow Castle (free parking) GR ST 535941 OS Level: Energetic map OL14. Dist: 19.5km (12 miles) Passing through Lancaut Nature Reserve along the river Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm (approx) Wye, shadowed by Wye Gorge, following Offa’s Dyke Path Leader: EMMA SINCLAIR and the Gloucestershire Way on varied terrain of woodland Contact: 01594 529426 and fields.

WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE NANT OCHRAM AND THE NANT LLANELLEN Date: Wednesday 16th January Meet at the large layby on the A4042 Abergavenny – Level: Moderate Pontypool road approx 1km (0.5 mile) south of Llanellen GR Dist: 12km (8miles) SO 306096. Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm A walk up to the ridge through fields and woods onto the Leader: JUDY COX common land then down to the Punchbowl. Return along the Contact: 01495 773495 canal to the layby. 07982 442464

BLORENGE, MYNYDD Y GARN-FAWR, MYNYDD COETY Date: Friday 18th January Parking on waste ground on the R.H. roadside just before the Level: Energetic Whistle Inn cattle grid on Blaenavon / Brynmawr Road GR Dist: 19km (12miles) SO 233103. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Walk direction is initially north east towards Penffordgoch Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Pond (Keeper’s Pond) and Fox Hunter Masts then heading Contact: 01633 867653 south across Mynydd y Garnfawr towards another mast, descending down into Cwm Afon for the steep climb up Shop Road contouring around the apron of Mynydd Varteg then crossing Mynydd Coety towards Big Pit for the return leg along the fieldline and the Whistle Inn / Brynmawr Road.

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THE WILDERNESS IN THE WEST – CAIRNS AND QUARRIES Date: Saturday 19th January From the car park at the top of the A4069 (NOT the Level: Energetic viewpoint car park) at GR SN 733187. Dist: 19.5km (12 miles) An introduction (or reacquainting) with the wilderness areas Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm in the west of the Park. Through the Herbert Quarry and via Leader: CLIVE EILES the feeder streams into Afon Clydach to and Contact: 01550 740188 another quarry. Then across country to Tair Carn Isaf and [email protected] Tair Carn Uchaf.

WINTER WALK ON THE BLORENGE Date: Sunday 20th January Meet at Abergavenny TIC GR SO 301140 for a walk to Level: Energetic Llanfoist and Govilon along disused railway track, through an Dist: 16km (10 miles) interesting wood and onto the Blorenge summit as the high Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm point. Returning via the Punchbowl and canal. Leader: ROS GRANT Contact: 01873 854894 07773 262068

WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE LONELY SHEPHERD AND LLANGATTOCK HILLSIDE Date: Wednesday 23rd January Meet 10.15am at start opposite Horseshoe Inn, Llangattock Level: Moderate GR SO 212177. Dist: 12km (7 miles) A climb up to the quarry, along the tramroad and down Time: 10.15am – 2.15pm through fields. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]

TALGARTH, PWLL-Y-WRACH NATURE RESERVE AND SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS Date: Friday 25th January From main car park GR SO 153337 for a steady Level: Energetic/Strenuous climb through the nature reserve (good views of waterfalls) Dist: 19km (12miles) then continuing a rugged / steep ascent along Rhiw Cwnstab Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm towards Blaen Grwyne and Pen Rhos Dirion to the trigpoint. Leader: CLINE GINSBERG We then head in a north east direction along the ridge Contact: 01633 867653 descending onto the apron of Rhos Fawr, joining a forest track taking us through fields back to Talgarth.

HAY-ON-WYE TO CRASWALL Date: Saturday 26th January Meet at HayonWye car park GR SO 229422 – opposite the Level: Energetic Castle. Charge for car park but free parking is available in car Dist: 20km (12.5 miles) 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 to Hay. [email protected]

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CARREG CENNEN ROUNDABOUT Date: Sunday 27th January From GR SN 666193 through farmland Level: Moderate up on to the . 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.

FEBRUARY

SUGARLOAF Dat e: Friday 1st February Meet at the Walkers’ Car Park (£1) opposite the Queen’s Level: Energetic Head Inn, Cwmyoy GR SO 311221. Dist: 18km (11miles) A walk over the shoulder of Bryn Arw and ascending the Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Sugarloaf via the Deri. Return through Forestcoalpit and Leader: PAM KNOWLES Stanton. Contact: 01873 812582

ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE BRECON FOREST TRAMROAD Date: Friday 1st February The Brecon Forest Tramroad was one of the world’s great Time: 7.30pm early railway networks. Constructed by industrial entrepreneur Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell John Christie in the early 19 th century and subsequently Speaker: ALAN BOWRING, extended by others, it carried lime, coal and silica between FFOREST FAWR Sennybridge and the upper reaches of the Swansea Valley GEOPARK and beyond. Each passing year sees its remains diminish but a fresh acquaintance with it rewards the explorer with a fuller understanding of a crucial period of Welsh history nearly 200 years on.

OVER THE HILL AND BACK AGAIN Dat e: Saturday 2nd February From the Castle Inn on the A479 at Pengenffordd GR SO Level: Energetic 173295 (parking fee). Dist: 22.5km (14 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 wellearned drink. 07887 834123

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PAST THE PARK: OBSOLETE TRADE ROUTES Date: Sunda y 3rd February Meet at Gilfach Farm (Radnor Wildlife Trust – RWT) GR SN Level: Energetic 965716 OS Explorer Map 200. Turn East off A470 3 miles Dist: 18.5km (11.5 miles) North of and follow signs for 1 mile. If icy, park in Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm first RWT car park. Leader: ANDREW LEONARD Strolling through the RWT reserve, sploshing over the hills Contact: 01874 636674 between the Wye and Elan valleys and striding along the Wye Valley Walk; we shall use routes once busy with travellers and the transport of coal, peat and animal produce.

WEDNESDAY WANDER: AROUND (OR OVER) TOR Y FOEL Date: Wednesday 6th February Meet at the car park opposite the Leisure Centre in Level: Moderate GR SO 154195. Dist: 13km (9miles) A walk following the Beacons Way up the side of Tor y Foel Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm (not too steep!). Then either a walk on the country road around Leader: JUDY COX Tor y Foel or over the top and down to the bridle way at the Contact: 01495 773495 road. Along the bridle way to the canal and back to Llangynidr 07982 442464 and the car park.

AROUND THE UPPER VALLEY Date: Friday 8th February From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR Level: Energetic SN 982203. Over Y Gyrn and down its northern ridge Dist: 15km (9miles) before exploring the National Trust’s permissive footpaths in Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm the Upper Glyn Tarell Valley, which take us through woods Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD and along a stream and the river Tarell. Then across to Craig Contact: 029 2061 0397 Cerrig Gleisiad, up onto the moorland and back to Storey 07748 463545 Arms.

A WINTER CIRCUIT IN THE CENTRAL BEACONS Date: Saturday 9th February Park considerately in and meet outside the church Level: Strenuous GR SO 075258. Dist: 16km (10 miles) Weather permitting, a circuit up to Fan y Big and back, via Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Cantref church and its snowdrops (if they are out). Please ring Leader: CHARLES & HELEN leader preferably the previous evening, if the weather/road HENDERSON conditions are bad. Contact: 01594 542473 07792 652299 (on the day )

USK VALLEY WALK FROM TALYBONT Date: Sunday 10th February Park where convenient in Talybont on Usk and meet outside Level: Moderate/Energetic the Post Office GR SO 114226. After a short walk along the Dist: 16km (10miles) canal to we join the as it meanders Time: 9.45am – 3.30pm through some stunning scenery. If the weather is kind we shall Leader: WENDY WINNEY be afforded wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. Contact: 029 2062 8861 Please ring leader before setting out if the weather/road 07773 389561 conditions are bad. No dogs please.

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WEDNESDAY WANDER: BOTH SIDES OF THE USK VALLEY Date: Wednesday 13th February From CRiC building in Crickhowell GR SO 218184. Level: Moderate Up Gwernvale and along the contour North of Crickhowell, Dist: 12km (7 miles) down to the river and through Glanusk Park to reach the Time: 10.15am – 2.30pm M&B Canal on the South side. Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]

LINEAR WALK: CASTELL TO CRUG Date: Friday 15th February Meet in the CRiC car park in Crickhowell (fee) at GR SO Level: Energetic 218184 to car share to the start of the walk at Pengenfordd. Dist: 21km (13miles) A classic north to south traverse of the Black Mountains via Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm the Dragon’s Back, Waun Fach, Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Allt Leader: JIM WILSON mawr, Pen Cerrigcalch and Crug Hywel back to Crickhowell. Contact: 01874 711773 07976 724845

PAST THE PARK: SOAR Y MYNYDD Date: Saturday 16th February From the dam at the southern end of Llyn Brianne Reservoir Level: Strenuous GR SN 793486 OS Explorer Map 187. Dist: 20km (12.5miles) Through forestry to the remote chapel, Soar y Mynydd, then Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm return along Afon Doethie, and its spectacular valley. Leader: CLIVE EILES Contact: 01550 740188 [email protected]

A BIT PAST THE PARK: Date: Sunday 17th February Starting from Boughrood primary school car park, at the Level: Moderate western end of the bridge over the Wye between and Dist: 18.5km (11.5 miles) Boughrood, GR SO 129384 OS map OL13. A walk above the Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm Wye valley, visiting Mynydd Fforest and Brechfa Pool. Leader: SOO TURNBULL Contact: 01874 622136

WEDNESDAY WANDER: PEN PYCH, RHONDDA FAWR Date: Wed 20th February Meet at PenPych woodland car park signed from the Level: Energetic Treherbert to Blaencwm road GR SN 924992 OS Explorer Dist: 10km (6 miles) Map 166. Attractions include the viewpoint at PenPych, Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm waterfalls, woodland, industrial remains and the iron age Leader: RICHARD DAVIES village of Hendre Mynydd. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584

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PAST THE PARK: AROUND AND ABOUT ABOVE REDBROOK Date: Friday 22nd February Meet in the main car park (parking fee £3 but other parking Level: Energetic can be found) GR SO 538099 OS map OL 14. Dist: 16km (10miles) A shorter version of my Wye Valley Rollercoaster but staying Time: 9.30am – 3.30ish pm totally on Offa’s Dyke side of the Wye Valley, visiting Leader: WENDY WINNEY Newlands, St Briavels and returning on Offa’s Dyke to Contact: 029 2062 8861 Redbrook. No dogs please. 07773 389561

CEFN CIL-SANWS AND PENMOELALLT Date: Saturday 23rd February Start at car park in Cefncoedycymmer GR SO 03147 08010. Level: Energetic Walking from Cefn Coed north of Merthyr Tydfil. Ascending Dist: 16km (10miles) Cefn CilSanws, then down to Llwyn Onn Reservoir, climb to Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm Penmoelallt, returning along the Fawr. Leader: ROB SHORT Contact: 01495 718254 07976 885132

PAST THE PARK: THE TINTERN TOTTER Date: Sunday 24th February Park in the abbey car park at Tintern GR SO 533001 OS map Level: Energetic OL14. Dist: 19.5km (12miles) A circular walk from the abbey up to Cleddon, Trellech and Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Catbrook returning via Lower Hale Wood. No dogs please. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Contact: 07971 296699

WEDNESDAY WANDER: NANT ONNEU TWICE AND CRAIG Y CILAU Date: Wednesday 27th February Meet 10.15am at road opposite Horseshoe Inn, Level: Moderate Llangattock GR SO 212177 to walk the M&B Canal, Lime Dist: 12km (7miles) Kilns and Nature Reserve. Time: 10.15am – 2.15pm Leader: ROGER AUSTIN Contact: 01873 810145 [email protected]

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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2012-13

USEFUL INFORMATION

You can check the Mountain weather forecast for the Brecon Beacons National Park on the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk .

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

Car sharing . Do you know someone else who lives near you with whom you could car share to Society walks and events? Why not exchange contact details and arrange to share the driving and petrol costs? At the same time you will be helping to save the environment and relieving pressure on car parking spaces at the start of walks. A “contacts” database has been established with details of Society members willing to be contacted by other members, in order to share transport all or part of the way to a walk or other Society event. Participating members receive a hard-copy of the list; we cannot provide it by e-mail, in view of the restrictions of data protection legislation. To find out more or to be added to the database, please contact the Membership Secretary Ben Sladen, email: [email protected] , postal address on back page.

Emergency Contact Details on Guided Walks The emergency services encourage all of us to enter a contact number in our mobile phone's memory under the heading ICE - In Case of Emergency. Paramedics or police would then be able to use it to contact a relative in case of illness or accident. Those participating in BBPS guided walks are also encouraged to carry a card, preferably laminated or encased in a plastic cover, in the top of their rucksack, with their name, emergency telephone contact, and details of any medical conditions and medication carried, which could be useful in case of illness or accident on a walk.

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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2012-13 COURSES

The Brecon Beacons Park Society offers a series of twoday 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.

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

No courses are planned for the Winter 201213 programme. Dates for 2013 will be posted on the website when they become available.

For more information or to reserve a place:

Telephone: Ian Smith on 01792 368609 or e-mail: [email protected]

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GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2012-13 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society

I/We wish to apply for my/our membership of the Society

Title and Name.

Title and Name.

Address..

.

..

Post Code..Telephone

Email Address.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Membership year 1 January to 31 December Membership for those joining 1 October to 31 December runs to following 31 December Individual.£15.00 per annum. Under 18 .£8.00 per annum Family.£22.00 per annum.

Life membership rates available, contact Hon.Treasurer

I/We enclose cheque for: £.. (Please make cheques payable to: The Brecon Beacons Park Society)

We would be grateful if you could pay your subsequent subscriptions by Standing Order as this will save us time and expense. You might also wish to consider treating your annual subscription as ‘Gift Aid’ which will enable us to enhance the value of your donation. Please indicate below if you wish to receive details of these schemes.

Standing Order Gift Aid

Please return this form to: Ben Sladen, Hon. Treasurer Oak House, Aulden, Ivington, Leominster, HR6 0JT

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