Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

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 fleece, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course waterproof jackets and trousers. A whistle and a head torch (with spare batteries) should be carried, particularly during the winter months, and a hi-visibility garment would be very useful in case of poor visibility.

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 - IF YOU’RE NOT SURE OF YOUR ABILITY WHY NOT START OFF WITH A MODERATE WALK TO FIND OUT?

Please check the guided walks programme on the website for planned cancellations and changes to walks. Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route at their discretion due to adverse weather conditions or other problems on the day. You are strongly advised to check the Mountain weather forecast for the National Park before setting out for walks, on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk. Finish times are approximate.

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. Walks Enquiries to: Anthea or Wally, tel: 07967 886497 or 07967 016917 e-mail: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES: SEE BACK PAGE REGISTERED CHARITY: 1075345 GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 SNIPPETS

Welcome to the Spring programme. We hope you enjoy it. There is a vast range of walks from 4 to 18.5miles including waterfalls, industrial history, folk history, castles and of course not least our wonderful countryside. There are also interesting talks at The Bear, most months.

Next Year on September 13th it is BBPS 25th anniversary. There will be a dinner on the weekend but also some special events and walks. If you have any good ideas please let us know

Wednesday Wander Holiday Tuesday 21 March Meet at Public carpark GR SO 975685 OS Explorer Map 200 at 11.00am for a short walk and on return watch the feeding of the Red Kites at 2.00pm ( entrance fee of £5 required ). Wednesday 22 March Walk, please see BBPS Programme pages for further details. Thursday 23 March Meet in the main car park of Rhayader GR SO 975685 OS Explorer Map 200 at 10.30am for a walk into the Nature Reserve and a visit to a Welsh Long House. Everyone is welcome on any of the walks even if you are not staying at the Élan Valley Hotel.

Footpath Volunteer Day at Llanthony on Saturday April 8th. Booking essential. Phone Ros Grant on 01873-854894/07773262068 to book a place.

Cambrian Way 28th April – 1st May. Cambrian Way 4 days walking. This is the first of two 4 day series of walks continuing the programme of 12 days of the Cambrian Way in 2016. Booking is essential. Contact Derek Thomas on [email protected] / 01242 678655.

Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival (Geofest) - May 20th to June 4th There are some joint walks with BBPS – see walks programme. For other walks and events look on their website or contact Alan Bowring on 01874 620415

Crickhowell Walking Festival - February 25th to March 5th. A wide variety of walks, entertainment and speakers. Book on their website or contact 01873 813666

Talgarth Walking Festival – April 28th to May 1st . Various walks and events on their website or contact 07719876020

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

BBPS Annual General Meeting at Cyfartha Castle – June 24th Watch our website for details. Papers to be sent to all members.

Beacons Way 8-day trek Saturday 29th July to Saturday 5th August 2017. Following the latest update of the route, as shown on the National Park website at http://www.breconbeacons.org/beacons-way, guided by experienced BBPS walk leaders, and using a coach for transfer to the start of the walk each day. Booking essential as numbers will be limited. For further information and how to book check the Short Breaks and Multi-day Walks page of the website or contact Anne Pritchard at [email protected] or tel. 029 2061 0397.

Page 2

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 MARCH

DYDD GWYL DEWI (ST. DAVID'S DAY) WANDER TO LLEWELYN'S CAVE. Date: Wednesday 1st March Park at the Station Gallery, GR SO Level: Moderate 088436 OS Explorer Map 188. (Please park at Dist: 11km (7miles) the far end). We leave the Wye to cross Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Hill to visit the last Prince's cave and Leader: WALLY JAMES walk back along the river. Contact: 07967 016917 AROUND THE DARRAN VALLEY Date: Friday 3rd March Meet at Parc Cwm Darran visitor centre car Level: Moderate park GR SO 114035 OS Explorer Map 166. Dist: 14km (8.5miles) A walk on both sides of the beautiful Darran Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Valley, crossing wild commons and places of Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD historical interest, with stunning views. Contact: 029 2061 0397 / 07748 463545 SGWD DDU & SINC GIEDD Date: Saturday 4th March Meet at the lay-by off A4067 near the Gwyn Level: Energetic Arms. GR SN 846165 OS Map OL12. A steady Dist: 14km (9miles) climb over Dan yr Ogof to Sgwd Ddu waterfall Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm and Sinc Giedd returning over Cribarth. Leader: PAULA ACE Contact: 07484 137031 HILLS AROUND Date: Sunday 5th March Meet in Water Street, New Radnor (right at the Level: Strenuous monument) OS Map Explorer 201 GR 214607 Dist: 17km (11miles) Ascend to the Wimble then through the forestry Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm on Ebnol Hill, down over the Casco, round Leader: VERONICA DEACON Stanis Tump, up Bache Hill and back to New Contact: 01544318719 Radnor via Knowle Hill. 07904246915(on day only)

SPECIAL INTEREST WALK: THE SEVEN FARMS (MYNYDD MILFRAEN AND CEFN COCH) Date: Wednesday 8th March Meet at car park at north end of Cwmcelyn Level: Moderate Lakes GR SO 2080 0876 OS Map OL13. Dist: 11km (7miles) This circular walk will explore the lonely and Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm mysterious landscape above Cwmcelyn and Leader: ROGER WHITE Blaina – the haunt of the Old Hag of the Contact: 01873 811539 Mountains and other supernatural . creatures. We will walk through the Seven Guide: FRANK OLDING, Farms of the Cwm Celyn valley and up onto Blaenau Gwent Mynydd Milfraen to look at Heritage Officer. standing stones and ritual monuments. Contributions of £1.00 per head will be invited to cover Blaenau Gwent charges. Page 3

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

SOME LESSER WALKED WESTERN FANS Date: Friday 10th March Meet at the car park in Ytradffellte GR SN 919 Level: Strenuous 135. OS Map OL12. We will walk NW and then Dist: 18km (11miles) N onto and then Fan Dringarth. Then Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm descend W over rough ground (no path) to the Leader: HELEN FLETCHER road. Passing the ancient standing stone of Contact: 01874 665623 , we will then climb up onto . 07726 242137 The descent from there is also rough and may be boggy. We meet the Roman road again before returning to Ystradffellte. ANOTHER WALK AROUND LLANTHONY Date: Saturday 11th March From the car park at Llanthony Priory GR SO Level: Energetic 288278 OS Map OL13. Ascend to Bal-Bach, Dist: 15km (9.5miles) to Garn Wen. Continue to Ascent: 660m (2170ft) Cwmyoy, around the Graig & past Ty-hwnt-y- Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm & climb to Offa's Dyke to return to Leader: FRANK SCOTT Llanthony. Contact: 01432 275388 07713 772499 DRAGON’S BACK, WAUN FACH AND MACNAMARRA’S PASS Date: Sunday 12th March Park at Dragon's Back pub Pengenffordd (SO Level: Energetic 174296, charity donation), OS Map OL13 Dist: 17km (9miles) Climb along Y Grib to Mynydd Bychan Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm and Waun Fach then descend to Pen Trumau Leader: ROB SUNDERLAND and the Rhiangoll. Contact: 07802 939546

WEDNESDAY WANDER: GOODRICH CASTLE, COPPET HILL Date: Wednesday 15th March Meet at Goodrich Castle car park (charge) GR Level: Moderate SO 577199 OS Map OL14. Loos and cafe Dist: 15km (9miles) available in castle. Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Up Coppet Hill, down to the Wye and along to Leader: IAN STEAD then further along the river to Contact: 07833 137096 Kerne Bridge, back up to the Castle for tea. Lovely views and historical interest. AROUND THE UPPER VALLEY Date: Friday 17th March From the car park opposite the Storey Arms GR Level: Energetic SN 982203 OS Map OL12. Dist: 15km (9miles) Over and down its northern ridge Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm before exploring the National Trust’s permissive Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD footpaths in the Upper Glyn Tarell Valley, which Contact: 029 2061 0397 take us through woods and along a stream and 07748 463545 the river Tarell. Then up via the youth hostel and across to Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, and back

Page 4

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

PONTSTICYLL, CWAR YR YSTRAD Date: Saturday 18th March Meet at the car park 150m from junction on Level: Moderate minor road to Talybont on Usk at the north end Dist: 16.5km (10.5miles) of reservoir GR SO 054143 OS Map Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm OL12. A circular walk through the Cwm Callan Leader: ROB PRITCHARD valley, and cwar yr Ystrad with the return Contact: 07773 713605 journey taking via the summit of .

Sunday 19th March – Check Website.

WEDNESDAY WANDER: THE FLOODED VALLEY Date: Wednesday 22nd March Meet in the car park of the Élan Valley Hotel GR Level: Moderate SO 939659 OS Map 200 ( off B4518 towards Dist: 14km (9miles) Élan Village ). A leisurely walk following at first Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm the Élan Valley Trail, before ascending around Leader: FIONA MCBAIN Caban Coch and Dolymynach . Contact: 07979 037243 Returning via lanes and a disused railway line. Hopefully some lovely views to admire. Maybe MUDDY in places. LLANTHONY & TWO RIDGES Date: Friday 24th March Park in Llanthony Abbey car park GR SO Level: Strenuous 289278 OS Map OL13. Dist: 20km (12miles) We head north and cross the Afon Honddu to Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sychtre. Leader: JILL TAYLOR Climb onto ridge and come off at the Revenge Contact: 01873 840668 Stone. Cross valley road to Daren-Uchaf. Ascend Hatterrall Hill to Offa's Dyke path for return.

HILLS, WATERFALLS AND HISTORIC SITES OLD AND NEW! Date: Saturday 25th March From the car park by the bridge over the River Level: Energetic Usk at GR SN 820272 OS Map OL 12. Dist: 20km (12miles) A variation of a familiar walk wandering over Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm Mynydd , taking in some wonderful Leader: ANGELA MORGAN views of the Carmarthen Fans and the Towy Contact: 07801 915707 Valley if the weather is good. We will then head to Mynydd Llan and walk in the foothills of the Fans, visiting stone circles, a crash site, and the source of the .

Page 5

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

LLANFRYNACH ROUNDABOUT Date: Sunday 26th March Find somewhere to park in Llanfrynach and Level: Strenuous meet us by the Public Conveniences. GR SO Dist: 21km (14miles) 075258 OS Map OL12. Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm We approach the Bryn via the back lanes of Leader: JASON WINNEY Llanfrynach and then head up onto Contact: 07798 521550 area, a circuit of the top and around to , down Cefn Cyff and back on tracks to Llanfrynach

WEDNESDAY WANDER: PENGENFFORDD TO MYNYDD BYCHAN Date: Wednesday 29th March Meet at Dragon's Back Pub (Fee). GR SO Level: Energetic 173295 OS Map OL13. Climb up to the castle Dist: 12km (8.5miles) from the car park and onto Mynydd Bychan via Time: 10.00am - 3.30pm Y Grib. Down Rhiw Cwnstab and cross the Leader: IAN ROWAT common Rhos Fach returning along Three Contact: 07794939944 Rivers ride.

ILLUSTRATED TALK: LLAN YR EGLWYS - THE CHURCHYARD AS A CELTIC TRADITION Date: Wednesday The sight of an ancient church set within its churchyard is part of our Time: 29th March British landscape, but the churchyard may have its sacred origins in Place: 7.30pm Celtic times before the arrival of Christianity. For many years Speaker: Bear Hotel, Peter Hatherley has been exploring and photographing ancient Contact: Crickhowell churchyards in , Cornwall and the Celtic outpost of Brittany. PETER HATHERLEY ROGER WHITE 01873 811539

AROUND THE LOWER LLANTHONY VALLEY Date: Friday 31st March Meet at Llanthony Priory Car Park GR SO Level: Energetic 288277. OS Map OL13. Dist: 17km (11miles) We follow the Beacons Way onto Hatterall Hill on Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm the north side of the valley then descend to Leader: MIKE INGLEBY Cwmyoy with its crooked church. Crossing the Contact: 01594 562341 valley we then ascend to Y Gaer on the south 07490 138413 (on day) side of the valley then follow the ridge past Garn Wen before descending Cwm Bwchel on the Beacons Way back to Llanthony.

Page 6

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 APRIL

SKIRRID, BRYN ARW & GAER Date: Saturday 1st April Start at Walkers' Car Park at Queen's Head Level: Energetic PH, Stanton GR SO 311221 OS Map OL13 Dist: 21km (13miles) (Parking fee £2) Initially we walk up past Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm Strawberry Cottage, join the Beacons Way Leader: ALAN PHEAR and head southwards up and over the Skirrid. Contact: 07972 197639 We then drop down, skirting the western slopes of the Skirrid, and cross the valley to Bryn Arw. After passing through the Coed-y- Cerrig nature reserve, we walk up and over the Gaer and back to the start.

SECRET STONES & THE SLEEPING GIANT Date: Sunday 2nd April Meeting at Lay-by by the Gwyn Arms Level: Strenuous GR SN 846165 OS Map OL12. Dist: 25km (16miles) Note: A walk up onto the wilderness Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm that is to locate a little known magical Leader: JASON WINNEY stone alignment which was used to work out the Contact: 07798 521550 summer solstice using as a guide, then over to Cribarth. Terrain quite rugged up on the high ground. WEDNESDAY WANDER: TALYBONT RESERVOIR ROUND Date: Wednesday 5th April Meet at the car park alongside the reservoir (not Level: Moderate by dam wall) GR SO 099197 OS Map OL12. Dist: 14km (8.5miles) The ideal Spring wander. Amid high hills we will Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm enjoy lower level walking around the reservoir Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT using tracks and lanes. Contact: 07967 886497 GLACIAL LAKES & GREAT RIDGE Date: Friday 7th April Park in the Pub car park opposite the Tafarn y Level: Strenuous Garreg Inn: GR SN 849 172. OS Map OL12. Dist: 19km (12miles) We walk across low and sometimes boggy Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm ground NNW to Llyn y and then NW Leader: HELEN FLETCHER and WSW below the escarpment to Llyn y Fan Contact: 01874 665623 Fach. We then climb up and walk the full length 07726 242137 of the magnificent ridge back to our starting point. There are two major climbs: the first of 180m; the second of 150m; both of which are steep. In good visibility it is possible to see northwards to the Cambrian mountains, westwards to the Presselis, eastwards across the whole of the Beacons range and southwards to the Gower and Somerset.

Page 7

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 THE /Y MYNYDD DU Date: Saturday 8th April Meet at the upper car park beside the A4069 Level: Moderate 3.7 miles North of the village of Brynamman GR Dist: 14km (8.5miles) SN732187 OS Map OL12. This circular walk Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm visits the disused quarry workings of Herberts Leader: ROB PRITCHAD Quarry before crossing above the Afon Clydach Contact: 07773 713605 waterfalls and contouring around the summits of Cefn y Truman, and Cefn y Cylchau, the walk then continues to the second quarry at Carn Fadog before returning via Garreg Lwyd. BLUFF CIRCULAR Date: Sunday 9th April From the car park below Hay Bluff Level: Energetic GR SO 239373 OS Map OL13. We follow Offa's Dist: 20km (12.5miles) Dyke path south & descend past The Vision Asc: 721m (2365ft) Farm to Capel-y-ffin. Returning via Nant Bwch, Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Twmpa & the Gospel Pass to Hay Bluff. Leader: FRANK SCOTT Contact: 01432 275388 07713 772499 WEDNESDAY WANDER: AROUND CWM SERE BENEATH PENYFAN Date: Wednesday 12th April Meet Cwm Gwdi (Old army camp) car park GR Level: Moderate SO 024 248 OS Map OL12 Dist: 10km (6miles) Contour round Allt Ddu to Cwm Sere. Back Time: 10.00am - 2.30pm through farmland and lanes. Leader: IAU COUNSELL Spectacular views of Penyfan and from Contact: 07976 697495 this little visited valley. No steep climbs A FORAY INTO

Date: Friday 14th April Meet at Storey Arms Car Park GR SN 982203 Level: Strenuous OS map OL12. Dist: 21km (13.5miles) We ascend Fan Fawr then cross the Afon Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm Dringarth via the girder and then follow on to Leader: MIKE INGLEBY Fan Llia and across Afon Llia to Fan Nedd. Contact: 01594 562341 Return via Bryn Melyn then the Beacons Way 07490 138413 (on the day) over Craig Cerrig Gleisiad to the start. BLUEBELL EXTRAVAGANZA Date: Saturday 15th April Meet in car park of Deri Inn, post code CF14 Level: Strenuous 6UH GR ST 156817 OS Explorer Map 151. Dist: 24km (15miles) Please park on the far left hand side of car park, Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm away from pub entrance. The pub would Leader: WENDY WINNEY appreciate your patronage at the end of the Contact: 07773 389561 walk. A very varied walk, through woodland 029 2062 8861 with lots of bluebells. We climb onto three tops with hopefully good views over Cardiff and the surrounding areas. No dogs please.

Page 8

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 BLAENAVON CIRTCUIT Date: Sunday 16th April Meeting at the Rifleman's Carpark in Blaenavon Level: Strenuous GR SO 251094 OS Map OL13. Dist: 29km (18miles) Exploring the Cwm Dyr and Cwm Tilariey Time: 9.00am - 5.30pm Valleys whilst wandering around the quieter Leader: JASON WINNEY areas of Blaenavon wider area Contact: 07798 521550

ABOVE TALYBONT FOREST Date: Monday 17th April From Henderson Hall Talybont GR SO 113228 Level: Energetic (Parking Fee). Through the village, up the Taff Dist: 19km (12miles) Trail, and cross over the reservoir wall. A short Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm road section before we head up to Allt Lwyd Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD and then a pleasant ridge to Craig y Fan. Over Contact: 01874 938397 Waun Rhyd (769m), north to Pen-y-bryn and 07906 301095 return via Talybont Woods and Coity Bach.

WEDNESDAY WANDER: BLORENGE LANDSCAPE Date: Wednesday 19th April Meet at the car park on the B4246 at Llanfoist Level: Moderate GR SO 286133 OS Map OL13. Dist: 10km (6miles) Up the incline at WW pace, around to the Time: 10.30am - 3.00pm Punchbowl, and descending through woods Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD and farmland to return along the Contact: 029 2061 0397 and Brecon canal. 07748 463545

NORTH OF Date: Friday 21st April Park in Sennybridge Livestock Market (by Level: Energetic permission), SN 922286, OS Map OL12. A loop Dist: 24km (15miles) to the north, up one ridge to the Epynt range Ascent: 640m(2100ft) and back down another, with good views. A Time: 9.45am - 5.30pm shorter route may be used if the weather is bad. Leader: SOO TURNBULL Contact: 01874 622136 PAST THE PARK: SPRING & BLUEBELLS IN THE Date: Saturday 22nd April Meet in car park at Redbrook, the one opposite Level: Energetic village stores (fee at present £1) GR SO Dist: 17km (10miles) 536098 OS map OL 14. Varied walk both sides Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm of the valley crossing the Wye at Bigsweir Leader: ANGELA WOOLLEY bridge later passing the home of an old rocker Contact: 0117 9730017 and a visit to Penallt old church 07914 973025

Page 9

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

Sunday 23RD April – Check Website.

WEDNESDAY WANDER: GWENT LEVELS / GWASTADEDDAU GWENT Date: Wednesday 26th April Meet at the RSPB Newport car park Level: Moderate GR ST 335 834 OS Map 152. Dist: 16km (10miles) After visiting the reserve we head eastwards Time: 10.00am - 4.30pm along the coast to Goldcliff and return via inland Leader: RICHARD DAVIES paths. No dogs allowed sorry. Contact: 07986 562 584 PAST THE PARK: GOWER, & Date: Friday 28th April Meet Penmaen car park GR SS 532 887 Map Level: Moderate OS Explorer 184. Dist: 15km (9.5miles) A beautiful walk with magnificent views taking in Time: 10.00am - 3.30pm high open moorland, woodland, castle, Leader: CLIVE COUNSELL Georgian mansion, marsh and beach Contact: 07971 649022 CRIBARTH & CARREG GOCH Date: Saturday 29th April Start at lay-by alongside The Gwyn Arms GR Level: Energetic SN 846 165. OS Map OL12. A walk over Dist: 16km (10miles) Cribarth and out onto Carreg Goch looking at Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm some points of interest on the way. Some rough Leader: PAULA ACE ground. Contact: 07484 137031 PAST THE PARK: ORCHARDS Date: Sunday 30th April Meet at car park on minor road on the Marcle Level: Moderate Ridge GR SO 630346 OS Map 189 (Hereford & Dist: 18km (11miles) Ross-On-Wye). Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm Please car share where possible, as the car Leader: CHARLES & HELEN HENDERSON park is small. A walk along the Marcle Ridge Contact: 01594 542473 and around the celebrated Putley cider 07968 095719 orchards, timed for when the apple blossom should be out. Possibility of cider tastings after the walk.

MAY

WEDNESDAY WANDER: CWM LLWCH & TOMMY JONES Date: Wednesday 3rd May Meet at Cwm Llwch car park GR SO 006 244, OS Level: Moderate Map OL12. Dist: 9.5km (6miles) Lots of variety, woodland, waterfalls, lake and a Time: 10.30am - 3.00pm ridge. Although this is a mountain day, all climbs Leader: IAU COUNSELL will be taken sensitively. Contact: 07976 697495 Page 10

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

ILLUSTRATED TALK: OFFA’S DYKE – A SUMMER RAMBLE OR A LONG MUDDY SLOG? Date: Wednesday 3rd May The Offa’s Dyke Path is a well-known national Time: 7.30pm trail that runs from Chepstow, on the banks of Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell the river Severn, to pleasant Prestatyn on the Speaker: ALUN & ISOBEL DAVIES North Wales coast. It is 180 miles of mixed Contact: ROGER WHITE terrain which roughly follows the Wales / 01873 811539 England border. Following a man-made border and ancient monuments, rather than natural features, the dyke path crosses a variety of landscapes as will be described by Alun and Isobel.

BEACONS HORSESHOE Date: Friday 5th May Meet at the Upper Blaen y Glyn car park on the Level: Strenuous minor road between and Talybont Dist: 17km (11miles) GR SO 056 175. OS Map OL12. Follow the Taff Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm Trail to the Lower Neuadd Reservoir and then Leader: RICHARD DAVIES ascend onto the Fan Ddu ridge where we will Contact: 07986 562 584 search for the remains of the Spitfire from WW2. Continue towards Corn Du and Penyfan and return along the Beacons Way. CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SUGARLOAF Date: Saturday 6th May Meet at Leisure Centre GR SO Level: Energetic 299152 OS Map OL13 parking beyond lower Dist: 18km (11.5miles) car park on right near large oak tree. Ascend Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm through ancient oak woodland onto Deri and Leader: ROS GRANT drop down towards Fro. We continue clockwise Contact: 01873 854894 around the base of the mountain in and out of 07773 262068 three rarely visited Cwms and into Cwm Cegyr, returning down the beautiful St Mary's Vale. A good all round Sugar Loaf walk.

THE BLORENGE Date: Sunday 7th May Meet at Llanfoist Car Park GR SO 285133 map Level: Energetic OL13. We ascend the tramway incline then Dist: 19km (12miles) follow round to the Punchbowl before continuing Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm to the summit of the Blorenge. We continue via Leader: MIKE INGLEBY Keeper's Pond, Pwll Du and Gilwern Hill before Contact: 01594 562341 a gradual descent along Hill's Tramway and that 07490 138413 (on the day) incline. If we are fortunate we will have splendid views of the Black Mountains accompanied by the song of Cuculus Canorus.

Page 11

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

WEDNESDAY WANDER: SKENFRITH - GARWAY HILL CIRCUIT Date: Wednesday 10th May Meet at Skenfrith, park on side of B4521 GR SO Level: Moderate 458203 OS Explorer 189. Steady climb up to Dist: 14km (8.5 miles) Garway Hill with lovely views. Back via Garway Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Church with Knights Templars history. Leader: IAN STEAD Contact: 07833 137096 BRYN ARW, GAER & CWMYOY Date: Friday 12th May Meet in forestry car park up lane opposite the Level: Energetic Queens Head. GR SO 307222. OS Map OL13. Dist: 16km (10miles) We'll take the lower track round Bryn Arw and Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm cross the Forest Coalpit road to head up to Leader: JILL TAYLOR Gaer. We'll head along the track to descend at Contact: 01873 840668 the Revenge Stone and head to Cwmyoy before returning.

CONTACT LEADERS FRIDAY 12th TO BE TOLD WHICH WALK Saturday 13th OR Sunday 14th May* Walk A. THE BLACK MOUNTAINS & TWO LAKES See below for Walk B. Date: Sat or Sun 13/14th May* Walk A. Level: Strenuous Meet at the southernmost end of the long lay-by Dist: 23km (14miles) off the A4067 GR SN 844 163 OS Map OL12 Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm A great day out, weather permitting , on the Leader: CLIVE & IAU COUNSELL Black Mountain, taking in both Contact: 07971 649022 (C) and . Returning along the 07976 697495 (I) Beacons Way. [email protected] In conjunction with The Austrian Alpine Club.

CONTACT LEADERS FRIDAY 12th TO BE TOLD WHICH WALK Saturday 13th OR Sunday 14th May* Walk B.WATERFALLS CIRCUIT See above for Walk A. Date: Sat or Sun 13/14th May* Walk B. Level: Energetic Meet on the road in front of (not in the car park Dist: 18km (11miles) of) The Angel Inn, Pontneddfechan GR SN 900 Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm 076 OS Map OL12. Leader: CLIVE & IAU COUNSELL An old favourite taking in waterfalls of the Nedd, Contact: 07971 649022 (C) Hepste and Mellte. We will walk behind one and 07976 697495 (I) it can be muddy underfoot. [email protected] In conjunction with The Austrian Alpine Club.

Page 12

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

WEDNESDAY WANDER: A WANDER UP TO MAY HILL Date: Wednesday 17th May Please park considerately in the village of Level: Moderate Longhope (NO public car parking available) and Dist: 10km (6miles) meet outside the Post Office GR SO 688189 Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm OS Map OL14 (Longhope lies just off the A40T Leader: FIONA MCBAIN Ross-on-Wye to Gloucester Road). Contact: 07979 037243 Wander up to May Hill using the Gloucestershire Way and return on part of the Wysis Way, a varied walk with hopefully extensive views of the Black Mountains, Cotswolds and the Severn estuary. WILDLIFE AROUND LAKE Date: Friday 19th May Meet at car park south of Llangorse village GR Level: Moderate SO 128 273. OS Map OL13. Dist: 6.5km (4miles) Walk round the lake seeing spring flowers and Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm onto Llangasty church to the bird hide to look at Leader: IAN ROWAT summer migrants then back round the lake. Contact: 07794939944 Bring binoculars.

THREE VALLEYS AND THREE PEAKS Date: Saturday 20th May Meet at Cwm Gwdi (old army camp) car park Level: Strenuous GR SO 024 248 OS Map OL12 Dist: 15km (9.5miles) Into Cwm Sere, steeply up Bryn Teg – Cribyn, Time: 10.00am - 4.30pm then Penyfan, Corn Du & back via Cwm Llwch’s Leader: CLIVE COUNSELL waterfalls. Contact: 07971 649022 Some steep, rough ground, good paths - some poorer tracks. NORTH EAST & NORTH WEST FROM BLAEN LLIA Date: Sunday 21st May Park at the Blaen Llia car park off Heol Level: Strenuous Senni/ road, GR SN 927165 OS Dist: 17km (10.5miles) Map OL 12. Fan Llia, Fan Dringarth, then a Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm less travelled route via Craig Cwm-du, Bryn Leader: CERIDWEN COULSON Melyn and around Fan Nedd. Rough ground Contact: 07912 849079 and one steep descent. WEDNESDAY WANDER GEOFEST 2017: A SGWD YR EIRA CIRCUIT FROM PENDERYN Date: Wednesday 24th May Meet at Penderyn Community Centre (free Level: Moderate parking) GR SN 950079 OS Map OL12, CF44 Dist: 10km (6miles) 9UX, signposted off the west side of the A4059 Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm 200m south of the Distillery. A lovely triangular Leader: DILYS HARLOW walk looking at the landscape, geology & Expert: ALAN BOWRING industrial archaeology. Visiting the falls, Dinas Contact: 01454 775731 Rock & Moel Penderyn. Dogs on leads welcome. The Centre café may be open afterwards.

Page 13

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017 GEOFEST 2017: CADLAN’S . Date: Friday 26th May A walk with archaeological, geological & Level:Dist: Moderate but parts rough/wet biological experts around the upper Time: 10km (6miles) reaches of Nant Cadlan, Cefn Sychbant & Leader: 10.30am - 4.30pm Nant Sychbant to visit some of the many Contact: DILYS HARLOW Bronze Age cairns which were built on . 01454 775731 these hillsides. Meet at the car park on Experts: EDITH EVANS Glamorgan Gwent the minor road between Garwnant & Archaeological Trust Penderyn GR SN 993115 OS Map OL12. ALAN BOWRING Fforest Fawr Dogs on leads welcome Geopark MICHAEL ISAAC (biologist) Date: Saturday 27th May Meet at Talgarth main carpark GR SO 152336, Level: Energetic OS Map OL13. Dist: 22km (14miles) A loop out to the east of Talgarth, route not yet Time: 10.00am - 5.30pm decided so length may change, but it will involve Leader: SOO TURNBULL at least one good climb and have good views. Contact: 01874 622136 Please check website nearer the time TWO CHURCHES, FROM THE PRIORY Date: Sunday 28th May From Llanthony Priory car park GR SO 288278 Level: Strenuous OS Map OL13 Dist: 22km (14miles) Bal-Bach, Cwm Nant Bran, Ffordd-las-fawr to Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm Patrishow (Methur Issui). On to Cwmyoy Leader: FRANK SCOTT (Cwm-iau) via Gaer returning by way of Contact: 01432 275388 Hatterrall Hill. 07713 772499

WEDNESDAY WANDER GEOFEST 2017: THREE SUMMITS & SEVEN STONES Date: Wednesday 31st May A walk in the Geofest’s Family Activity Day to Level: Moderate explore Cribarth’s natural & cultural heritage, Dist: 5km (3miles) visiting the 3 summits of Cribarth, the Time: 12.00am - 3.00pm rottenstone tramway & the Bronze Age stone Leader: DILYS HARLOW row, Saith Maen. Lunch stop enroute. Meet on Contact: 01454 775731 the terrace at Craig y Nos Country Park GR SN 840155 OS Map OL12 (parking probably £4) Why not arrive at 10.00am to see the wide range of stalls & activities first. Dogs on leads welcome.

Page 14

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

COURSES

The Brecon Beacons Park Society occasionally offers courses covering navigation for hill walkers. Further information can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

The Brecon Beacons Park Society

About the Society Membership is open to anyone who is interested in enjoying and in caring for the Brecon Beacons National Park. We work with the Park Authority and like-minded bodies on issues where we have something to contribute – the extent of which is largely up to our members. Planning & development, archaeology, geology, flora & fauna, night skies, dry stone walls, footpaths – whatever your interest – do come and join us. Who can join? Anyone over the age of 18 can join. Younger members are also welcome, but a responsible adult must accompany them on all activities. Membership Annual Membership. Individual: £15.00 per annum. Family: £22.00 per annum.

Life membership is available.

Members receive our half-yearly magazine, The Beacon and a quarterly Programme of Guided Walks and Events. Both are free to Members.

How to join Our website sets out the procedure for membership, with the annual sub being paid by direct debit. Payment by cheque is also available.

Membership enquiries to: Ben Sladen Tel: 01568 612556 email: [email protected]

Page 15

GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SPRING 2017

Information about the Brecon Beacons Park Society can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org

Page 16