Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS WINTER 2014-15
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 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?
Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route due to adverse weather conditions. Please check the guided walks programme on the website for changes and cancellations to walks.
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 2014-15 FEATURES
Welcome to the Brecon Beacons Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Winter 2014-15, we hope you enjoy it.
Our two illustrated talks at The Bear feature speakers well-known to many of us for their knowledge of the history and geology of the Brecon Beacons National Park. In December Alan Bowring, the Fforest Fawr Geopark Development Officer, will tell us how the geology and the characters living in the Geopark and the wider National Park have shaped our cherished landscape. In February Arwel Michael will share his fund of knowledge and stories of the area he knows so well in his talk about life on Cribarth and Cwm Tawe through the ages.
Thanks again to our volunteer walk leaders, we have a varied programme of Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday walks throughout the winter. Although you will find that the average length of walks over the winter months tends to be shorter than usual to allow for shorter daylight hours and uncertain weather, we do have a few more challenging walks of up to 15 miles. And for those who want to get out for a walk over the festive period we have guided walks on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The programme also includes the first of the Society’s contributions to the Crickhowell Walking Festival 28 th February to 8 th March 2015 – see page 14 for more details.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS OF WALKS
This is particularly important during the winter months when severe weather 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 for the current month 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.
Meeting places for the walks are given as a grid reference and the Ordnance Survey (OS) map number, plus a description of the meeting place. Information about Grid References is given in the key on OS maps, or you can view a video explaining how to use a grid reference on the OS website at http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/blog/2013/03/map-reading-skills-learn-how-to-use-grid- references/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Post codes are no help in country areas. They can be found by conducting an internet search for specific places such as a pub or village hall.
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] Roger (events) tel: 01873 811539 or email [email protected]
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DECEMBER
ILLUSTRATED TALK: A LANDSCAPE SHAPED BY ROCKS Date: Tuesday 2nd December Join Alan Bowring as he takes us on a guided tour of the Time: 7.30pm Geopark and the wider National Park. We begin 480 million Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell years ago and finish in late 2014, having seen deserts and Speaker: ALAN BOWRING ice caps, tropical seas and alpine mountains, earthquakes Fforest Fawr Geopark and floods along the way. We are also introduced to hammer Development Officer fighters and industrial entrepreneurs, rebels and scientists a potent mix of characters who along with the rocks have shaped this cherished landscape.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: CLYDACH AND BACK Date: Wed 3rd December Meet at Abergavenny bus station to travel out to Clydach GR Level: Moderate SO 301140 OS Map OL13. Dist: 13km (8miles) NOTE MEET TIME. Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm Up into the gorge back via canal (some WW climbing). Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
LLANGATTOCK CIRCUIT Date: Friday 5th December Meet in car park (parking charge) behind CRiC in Crickhowell Level: Energetic GR SO 218184 OS Map OL13. Dist: 16km (9.5miles) An interesting and varied walk with a mixture of canal, fields, Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm ish woodlands and tramroads. Lovely views if weather allows. Leader: WENDY WINNEY Please contact leader before setting out if road or weather Contact: 029 2062 8861 conditions bad. 07773 389561 Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement only.
CRIBARTH RIDGE AND HENRHYD WATERFALLS Date: Saturday 6th December Park in the lay by next to Craig y nos Castle at GR SN 8409 Level: Moderate 1523 OS Map OL12. Dist: 14km (9miles) 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.
PAST THE PARK: AROUND THE WESTERLY FRINGES OF THE TORFAEN VALLEY Date: Sunday 7th December Park at the Old Station car park adjacent to the entrance of Level: Moderate/Energetic Pontnewynydd Industrial Park GR SO 274018 OS Explorer Dist: 16km (10miles) approx Map 152. Heading west through Coed Parciau Wood into Tir Time: 9.45am – 3.15pm pentwys Valley (previously a deep mine), contouring around to Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Mynydd Llanhilleth, descending into open farmland and the old Contact: 01633 867653 British Industrial Location. We eventually rejoin the cycle track taking us back to the start of the walk. Gaiters recommended.
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: HO! HO! HO! AND TWYN Y GAER Date: Wed 10th December Meet in the car park (parking fee) at the National Park Visitor Level: Moderate Centre (Mountain Centre) at Libanus GR SO 979264 OS Map Dist: 8km (5miles) OL12. Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm Over the Common to the Iron Age Hill Fort, and back for Leader: FIONA McBAIN Festive Nibbles, at the Mountain Centre. Contact: 07979 037243
BLACK HILL RIDGE Date: Friday 12th December Meet at the Stone Circle car park below Hay Bluff GR SO Level: Moderate 239373 OS Map OL13. Dist: 16km (10miles) Up to the Hay Bluff trig point, continue to the Black Hill trig Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm point, then head along the splendid ridge and descend to the Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD Picnic Site. Return via pleasant field paths, lane and common Contact: 01497 820074 (not the muddy bridleway!).
FAN FRYNYCH AND FAN FAWR Date: Saturday 13th December From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR Level: Strenuous SN 982203 OS Map OL12. Dist: 14km (9miles) Follow the old coach road along Glyn Tarell, enter the Craig Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm Carreg Gleisiad National Nature Reserve and onto Fan Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Frynych. Return via Fan Fawr and Bryn Du. Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
PAST THE PARK: LLANGYNWYD WINTER WANDER Date: Sunday 14th December From the lay by behind the Nicholls Arms Public House in the Level: Energetic village of Coytrahen on the A4063 Maesteg road GR SS Dist: 21km (13miles) 89110 85800 OS Map Landranger 170. We walk on the Ogwr Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm Ridgeway and up onto Mynydd Baiden. Along the lanes to the Leader: LEE MAJOR old village of Llangynwyd. Stop at the thatched Old Inn Public Contact: 01656 720123 House, said to be one of Wales’ oldest pubs 1147c. Drop 07462 856877 down to Lletty Brongu and along more lanes in Moelgilau. Returning on the cycle track, and up over the fields back to the start.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: MYNYDD LLANGORSE AND MINCE PIES Date: Wed 17th December Park at Llangorse Activity Centre, off the B3456 between Level: Moderate Bwlch and Llangorse GR SO 148267 OS Map OL13. Dist: 10km (6miles) A wander up onto Mynydd Llangorse at Wednesday Wander Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm pace. Return to the centre for mulled wine (or tea) and mince Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & pies in the cafe at the centre. BARNI Contact: 07967 886497
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A SHORTISH WALK ON THE SHORTEST DAY: OFF THE END OF THE BLORENGE Date: Friday 19th December Meet in the car park on B4246 at Llanfoist GR SO 286133 OS Level: Moderate Map OL13. Dist: 14km (9miles) approx Up the incline, contour round to the Punchbowl, up to the Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm cattle grid, down into a seldom visited valley before returning Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD along the canal towpath. Contact: 029 2061 0397 07748 463545
A WANDER OVER THE CRIBARTH Date: Saturday 20th December Meet at the lay by along the road next to the Gwyn Arms GR Level: Moderate SN 846165 OS Map OL12. Dist: 13km (8miles) A gentle climb above Dan yr Ogof showcaves onto the Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Cribarth looking at some points of interest on the way. Leader: PAULA ACE Returning over Penwyllt. Contact: 07967 140689
SUGAR LOAF AND MINCE PIES! Date: Sund ay 21st December Meet at Abergavenny Tourist Information Office car park GR Level: Energetic SO 301140 OS Map OL13 (free parking on Sundays). Dist: 20km (13miles) A walk along the River Usk to Llanwenarth church then up Ascent: 650m (2132ft) onto the Sugar Loaf via St Mary’s Vale and the Pen y fal Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm ridge, back along the Deri. (Head torches may be useful Leaders: ANGELA WOOLLEY although we’ve never needed them before!) DILYS HARLOW Contact: 0117 9730017 01454 775731
CHRISTMAS DAY: WALKING IN A CRICKHOWELL WINTER WONDERLAND Da te: Thursday 25th December Meet at Crickhowell High School GR SO 216185 OS Map Level: Moderate OL13. Dist: 14.5km (9miles) For the traditional Christmas Day walk up to Table Mountain Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm returning via Llanbedr and Grwyne Fawr. Leader: GARETH LEWIS Contact: 07977 537033
BOXING DAY: YET AGAIN THE PUDDING POUNDER! Date: Friday 26th December From the Tafarn y Garreg car park on the A4067 Swansea to Level: Energetic Sennybridge Road at GR SN 848172 OS Map OL12. 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. Anyone not wearing a silly hat [email protected] will have to break into the Tafarn y Garreg to get everyone a drink, or buy for everyone at the Gwyn! 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.
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PAST THE PARK: WOODS, A MOUNTAIN AND MAYBE A COCK Date: Sunday 28th December Meet at The Deri Inn car park GR ST 156817 OS Explorer Level: Moderate Map 151 (corner of Heol y Deri and Wenallt Rd, post code Dist: 18km (11miles) CF14 6UH, car park behind the pub). Please park on the left in Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm the car park and your patronage would be appreciated at the Leader: WENDY WINNEY end of the walk as there is no charge for parking. A varied Contact: 029 2062 8861 walk with great views over Cardiff and the Valleys if weather 07773 389561 good. A short post lunch pub stop also a possibility.
JANUARY
THE NEW YEARS BASH Date: Thursday 1st January Meet in Avenue Road Abergavenny alongside the cricket Level: Moderate/Energetic ground GR SO 294149 OS Map OL13. Dist: 13km (8miles) A walk up to the foot of the Sugar Loaf via St Mary’s Vale and Time: 10-00am – 4-00pm Llanwenarth Breast, down to the Pantygelli Inn, up onto the Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Deri and back. Not a hard walk and nice views if weather is ok. Contact: 07971 296699 Please ring leader before setting out if the weather is bad. 029 2962 8861
BRECON Date: Friday 2nd January Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre in Brecon GR SO Level: Moderate 046287 OS Map OL12. Not entirely sure of route, probably a Dist: 16km (10miles) approx variant on the ‘Fish and Forts’ one that Judy Cox (unhappily Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm no longer with us) led with me a couple of years ago, visiting Leader: SOO TURNBULL Pen y crug and Llanddew. It will be muddy. Contact: 01874 622136
A NEW START – ON SUGARLOAF Date: Saturday 3rd January Meet at the Fro car park on the minor road between Bettws Level: Energetic and Forest Coal Pit GR SO 292200 OS Map OL13. A new Dist: 17km (11miles) year and a new start, not an obvious way up our popular Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm mountain, friends old and new all have secret sides. A new Leader: JASON WINNEY way up an old friend. Starting from the Fro car park we make Contact: 07798 521550 our way to the summit of the loaf and around to its north face. Descending towards Llanbedr and making our way back to the Fro.
PAST THE PARK – DRYGARN FAWR Date: Sunday 4th January Meet Llanerch y Cawr car park 10km SW of Rhayader GR SN Level: Energetic 901616 OS Explorer Map 200. Dist: 16km (10miles) Quality rough wet walking in wild country up the Rhiwnant Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm valley, past Llyn Carw to reach the highest point on the Elan Leader: ANDREW LEONARD Estate. Contact: 01874 636674
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: GILWERN Date: Wed 7th January Meet at village car park Gilwern GR SO 248147 OS Map Level: Moderate OL13. Dist: 10km (6miles) Canal / hill fort / ancient church. Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
ABOVE THE RHIANGOLL Date: Friday 9th January Meet at Dragons Back (formerly Castle) Inn Pengenffordd GR Level: Energetic SO 174296 OS Map OL13 (car park fee). Dist: 19km (12miles) Up to Mynydd Llysiau and along ridge to Pen Twyn Glas. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Descend to Waun Fach then up Sorgwm valley and over Leader: CHRIS PLAYFORD Mynydd Troed to start. Contact: 01497 820074
CEFN YR YSTRAD, ODYN FACH, WAUN Y GWAIR Date: Saturday 10th January Meet at the car park 150m from junction on minor road to Level: Energetic Talybont on Usk at the north end of Pontsticill reservoir GR Dist: 17km (11miles) SO 054143 OS Map OL12. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm This walk follows part of the Brecon Mountain Railway to the Leader: ROB PRITCHARD inscribed stones on Cefn yr Ystrad, a gradual climb from here Contact: 07773 713605 takes us to the Shepards cairn. The walk to Pwll Mere descends across pathless moorland before following faint footpaths to Pwll Mere, Pwll Morlais and Castell y Nos.
VALLEY TO VALLEY Date: Sunday 11th January From Blaen y Cwm car park GR SO 252285 OS Map OL13. Level: Energetic Up through woodland at first then open hill to the Blacksmith’s Dist: 19km (12miles) Anvil. Descend to Capel y ffin, with its tiny churches and Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm monastery before another climb up onto Darren Lwyd. Leader: DAVID THOMAS Returning via Rhos Dirion and the Grwyne Fawr reservoir. Contact: 01873 812011
WEDNESDAY WANDER: TOR Y FOEL Date: Wed 14th January Meet at the Post Office in Talybont on Usk GR SO 113227 Level: Moderate (Park considerately on the road or at Henderson Hall). Dist: 12km (7.5miles) Walk along the Brinore tramway to Pen Rhiw calch then head Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm to Tor y Foel to ascend steeply at Wednesday Wander pace. Leader: ANTHEA SCOTT & Drop down to the Taff Trail and back along the Henry BARNI Vaughan way. A lovely walk with bad weather options. Contact: 07967 886497
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TAFF TRAIL, NATURE RESERVE AND ENCHANTED VALLEY Date: Friday 16th January From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR Level: Energetic SN 982203 OS Map OL12. Dist: 18km (11miles) A walk along the Taff Trail before crossing to the dramatic Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Craig Cerrig gleisiad, then down to the old turnpike road to Leader: ANNE PRITCHARD Cwm du. A steady climb onto Fan Frynych, to the shoulder of Contact: 029 2061 0397 Fan Fawr and back down to Storey Arms. 07748 463545
SAETH MAEN x2 Date: Saturday 17th January Meet at The Gwyn Arms on the road next to the pub GR SN Level: Energetic 846165 OS Map OL12. Dist: 19.5km (12miles) A climb onto Carreg Llwyd and Cribarth to look at the standing Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm stones on both sides of the valley. Some rough ground. Leader: PAULA ACE Contact: 07967 140689
THE WATERFALL COUNTRY IN WINTER Date: Sunday 18 th January Meet in the climbers’ car park Craig y Ddinas, Pontneddfechan Level: Energetic / Moderate GR SN 911079 OS Map OL12. Dist: 12 – 16km (8-10miles) The route will depend on the weather and conditions underfoot Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm but will include some waterfalls (possibly Sgwd yr Eira). In Leader: DILYS HARLOW other words a winter mystery tour. Contact: 01454 775731 07769 865993 (on the day only)
WEDNESDAY WANDER PAST THE PARK: VALE OF GLAMORGAN Date: Wednesday 21st January Meet at the train station at Llantwit Major GR SS 970689 OS Level: Moderate Explorer Map 151. The train from Cardiff arrives at 09.19 hrs. Dist: 14km (9miles) We head across fields to St Donat’s Castle and then on to Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Marcross, returning along the Wales Coastal Path. Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Contact: 029 2084 2923 07986 562584
LLANGASTY Date: Friday 23rd January Meet at lakeside parking near Llangasty church GR SO Level: Moderate 133261 OS Map OL13. Space limited, so we may have to Dist: 18km (11miles) shuffle cars to alternative parking. Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm East across the valley and up to Mynydd Llangorse, south to Leader: SOO TURNBULL Bwlch, then up over Allt yr Esgair and down to the lakeside Contact: 01874 622136 path back to the cars. Binoculars useful for over wintering wildfowl.
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CARREG CENNEN CASTLE ROUNDABOUT Date: Saturday 24th January From Carreg Cennen Castle GR SN 666193 OS Map OL12. Level: Moderate Through farmland up on to the Black Mountain. Visit pillow Dist: 11km (7miles) mounds, farm enclosures, burial cairns and a trig point before Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm returning through farmland to Carreg Cennen Castle. Car Leader: ANGELA MORGAN park at Carreg Cennen is owned by the National Park and Contact: 07801 915707 there are tea rooms next to the castle. 01558 824663
NEW HORIZONS - FFOREST FAWR Date: Sunday 25th January Meet at Ystradfellte car park GR SN 929134 OS Map OL12. Level: Energetic From Ystradfellte, the walk follows the course of a Roman Dist: 20km (13.5miles) road towards and then onto Fan Nedd. Quite a bit of rough Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm open moorland on Fan Nedd and Gwaun Carnycefn which is Leader: JASON WINNEY the general terrain of the area, some rather steep descents Contact: 07798 521550 which could invoke ‘Bum Walking’ in a few of us and a good old lung buster thereafter. Visiting Maen Llia, Fan Llia, Gwaun Carnycefn.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: AROUND CWM SERE BENEATH PEN Y FAN Dat e: Wednesday 28th January Meet at Cwm Gwdi car park (old army camp) GR SO 024248 Level: Moderate OS Map OL12. Dist: 10km (6miles) We contour around Allt Ddu and climb very gently following Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm Nant Sere which we cross near its source, with Cribyn and Leader: IAU COUNSELL Pen y Fan above us. We return along the flanks of Bryn Teg Contact: 029 2048 9061 and through farmland and lanes to the start. No big climbs. 07976 697495
HAY TO THE BLUFF COMMON Date: Friday 30th January Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre at Hay on Wye (Y Level: Energetic Gelli Gandryll) GR SO 230422 OS Map OL13. Dist: 14.5km (9miles) A walk across the border through Cusop and then up through Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm woods in the Dulas Dyffryn to Cusop Dingle and then the Leaders: ANTHEA & WALLY common below the Bluff. We’ll join the Offa’s Dyke Path to Contact: 01874 658806 return. 07930 867924
A MEANDER AROUND MYNYDD TROED AND MYNYDD LLANGORSE Date: Saturday 31st Januar y Meet at the The Dragons Back (formerly Castle) Inn car park, Level: Moderate Pengenfford (car park charge) GR SO 174296 OS Map OL13. Dist: 16km (10miles) Contouring with lovely views to the west, well above any Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm possible flooding near Langors Lake, over Mynydd Llangorse Leader: CERIDWEN COULSON and Pen Tir, returning via Pencaeau. Contact: 07912 849079 01291 641953
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FEBRUARY
A WANDER AROUND THE RHIANGOLL VALLEY Date: Sunday 1st February Meet at Cwmdu village hall (£1 per car) GR SO 180239 OS Level: Energetic Map OL13. Dist: 19km (12miles) A middle level walk around the Rhiangoll valley up to Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm ish Pengenffordd and back to Cwmdu. Leader: TIM COULSON Contact: 01291 641953 07778 852946
WEDNESDAY WANDER: IN AROUND ABOVE GOVILON. WHICH WAY THIS THIS TIME? Date: Wednesday 4th February Meet British Waterways car park Govilon GR SO 273138 OS Level: Moderate Map OL13. Dist: 13km (8miles) An oft repeated walk (as you know!). Which route this time? Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Leaders: KEVIN MCANULTY & WILLIAM COOPER Contact: 01633 667664
ILLUSTRATED TALK: LIFE ON CRIBARTH AND CWM TAWE THROUGH THE AGES Date: Wednesday 4th February A landscape risen from the sea, sculpted by ice and water. Time: 7.30pm This is a land where quarrymen hewed limestone for local Place: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell industry and shipped it by canal to Swansea. A land where Speaker: ARWEL MICHAEL humankind have trodden during the past ten millennia. An overnight resting place for drovers and their animals on their journey to the English markets. This is a land of solitude, where Welsh shepherds played with words, composing poems in awe of their surroundings.
CWM DU AND FAN FRYNYCH Date: Friday 6th February Meet at the National Park Visitor Centre (Mountain Centre) GR Level: Moderate SN 977262 OS Map OL12 (parking fee). Dist: 15km (9.5miles) We start by crossing Mynydd Illtud Common, then continuing Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm into Cwm Du. We climb steeply out of the head of the valley to Leader: CLIVE COUNSELL the trig point on Fan Frynych, then follow the ridge back to the Contact: 029 2048 9061 Mountain Centre. 07971 649022
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PAST THE PARK: MARGAM ROUNDABOUT Date: Saturday 7th February Meet at the Parc Slip nature reserve GR SS 881841 OS Level: Energetic Explorer Map 151 CF32 0EH. A short car share to start Dist: 22.5km (14miles) (limited parking). Make our way up through Craig yr Aber Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm woodland, eventually joining the Ogwr Ridgeway, then across Leader: LEE MAJOR Mynydd Margam. Dropping down to the Bro stone with fine Contact: 01656 720123 views of Margam Park. We will probably see deer on the way 07462 856877 down. A climb up to the ruins of Capel Mair ar y Bryn for our lunch stop again with good views. Return via a lovely valley back on to the Ridgeway, and down through woodland back to the start.
CEFN CIL-SANWS & CADAIR FAWR Date: Sunday 8th February Meet at Llwyn on reservoir GR SO 008113 OS Map OL12. Level: Strenuous Starting from Llywn on we walk through open forestry towards Dist: 24km (15miles) Penmoelallt and then head East to Cefn Cil Sanws, and to the Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Trig. After the Trig we venture out onto the open moorland Leader: JASON WINNEY towards Cefn Car (ridge of the cairns) where we descend Contact: 07798 521550 towards the A470, crossing at Garwnant and heading out to quieter tops of Cadair Fawr and Moel Sychbant.
WEDNESDAY WANDER: CRICKHOWELL AND TOLKIEN Date: Wed 11th February Meet outside the front of the Crickhowell Resource & Level: Moderate Information Centre (CRiC) GR SO 218184 OS Map OL13. Dist: 10km (6.5miles) This walk follows paths and tracks which are thought to have Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm inspired J.R.R. Tolkien. Leader: FIONA McBAIN Lots of stiles, most of which are dog friendly. Contact: 07979 037243 Maybe MUDDY in places.
THE DREADED FRIDAY 13TH ISH WALK Date: Friday 13th February Meet at Llanvihangel Crucorney GR SO 326206 OS Map OL Level: Moderate ish 13. Please park considerately in the village and meet near the Dist: 18km (11miles) ish church. Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm ish A lowish level walk using newish paths around the area. Leader: MALCOLM WINNEY Please ring leader before setting out if the weather is bad. Contact: 07971 296699 029 2062 8861
AROUND CWMWYSG Date: Saturday 14th February From Pont ar Wysg car park GR SN 820271 OS Map OL12. Level: Moderate A circular walk around the Usk Reservoir along country roads Dist: 14km (9miles) and fields, skirting the edge of the Black Mountain before Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm returning through the forestry to the car park. Leader: ANGELA MORGAN Contact: 07801 915707 01558 824663
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RETURN TO PENDERYN Date: Sunday 15th February Meet at the car park of The Red Lion Inn, Church Road, Level: Moderate Penderyn, opposite St Cynog’s Church GR SN 945086 OS Dist: 16km (10miles) Map OL12. Time: 10.00am – 3.30pm Past Penderyn Reservoir, over Moel Penderyn, dipping into Leader: CERIDWEN COULSON waterfall country, back to look at the interesting churchyard Contact: 01291 641953 and a drink in a marvellous old pub. 07912 849079
WEDNESDAY WANDER: ON THE WESTERN FRONT Date: Wed 18th February Meet in Glanaman car park GR SN 675136 OS Map OL12. Level: Moderate A circuit around part of the Aman valley, crossing in and out of Dist: 12km (8miles) the National Park boundaries. The walk takes in some Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm restored industrial scenery and then ventures onto open Leader: PETER HATHERLEY moorland on the edge of the Black Mountain. Contact: 01656 662196 07742 067247
BIRDS OF PREY Date: Friday 20th Feb ruary Park considerately on the roadside in Llanvihangel Crucorney Level: Energetic and meet at the churchyard GR SO 325206 OS Map OL13. Dist: 15km (9.5miles) Ascend and cross the railway line to Great Llwygy and thence Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm to Strawberry Cottage, Perthicrwn and Cwmyoy. From the Leader: JILL TAYLOR Daren we head north along an unmarked path on the flank of Contact: 01873 840668 Hatterrall Hill to return via Offa’s Dyke; hopefully with fine views.
PEN ALLT MAWR RIDGE Date: Saturday 21st February Meet outside the CRiC building in Crickhowell (car park fee) Level: Strenuous GR SO 218184 OS Map OL13. Dist: 19km (12miles) A steady climb from the town, stopping at the Crug Hywel Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm hillfort and then onto the Pen Allt Mawr ridge by way of Cwm Leader: RICHARD DAVIES Banw and Pen Twyn Glas. Return along Nant Cumbeth. Contact: 029 2088 2923 07986 562584
GARN DDU, CWM TAF FECHAN, CERRIG Y LLWYNI Date: Sunday 22nd February Meet at the car park 150m from junction on minor road to Level: Energetic Talybont on Usk at the north end of Pontsticill reservoir GR Dist: 20km (12.5miles) SO 054143 OS Map OL12. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm An easy ascent to Gard Ddu with wonderful views (weather Leader: ROB PRITCHARD permitting ) of Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big and Contact: 07773 713605 a few of the more western Beacons. The walk through the Taff Fechan nature reserve leads us to the disused quarries of Morlais castle, from here a gradual ascent to Cerrig y Llwyni offers rewarding views of Pontsticill reservoir.
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WEDNESDAY WANDER: LOW LEVEL ON THE BLORENGE Date: Wed 25th February Meet at the car park in Llanfoist on the B4246 GR SO 286133 Level: Moderate OS Map OL13 for a walk on the old railway line to Govilon. Dist: 11.5km (7miles) We ascend through woodland onto the tramway, contour to Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm the Punchbowl and descend to the canal for our return. Leader: ROS GRANT There is a total of 350m ascent taken at WW pace but we will Contact: 01873 854894 hopefully be rewarded with good views of the Usk valley and a 07773 262068 little bit of history.
BLORENGE, MYNYDD Y GARN-FAWR, MYNYDD COETY Date: Friday 27th February Park on waste ground on roadside just before Whistle Inn Level: Energetic cattle grid on Blaenavon / Brynmawr Road GR SO 233103 OS Dist: 19km (12miles) Map OL13. Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm Initially north east towards Pen fford goch Pond (Keeper’s Leader: CLINE GINSBERG Pond) and Fox Hunter Masts, south across Mynydd y Garn Contact: 01633 867653 fawr towards another mast, descend into Cwm Afon for a steep climb up Shop Road, contour round apron of Mynydd Varteg, cross Mynydd Coety towards Big Pit for return leg along fieldline and Whistle Inn / Brynmawr Road.
IN SEARCH OF SNOWDROPS Date: Saturday 28th February Park in the lay by on left hand side on B4228 at GR ST Level: Energetic 559994 (Brown road sign `Offa’s Dyke’ opposite) OS Map Dist: 16km (10miles) OL14. Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm A walk through woodland and fields to Hewelfields, then Leader: WENDY WINNEY dropping down to Brockweir and Tintern and possible pub Contact: 029 2062 8861 stop, before climbing up to Devils Pulpit, then across fields to 07773 389561 start. Well behaved dogs by prior arrangement only.
See next page for Crickhowell Walking festival.
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This programme is available to view or download from the website. Rising postage costs make it expensive to mail copies to members, and it is also less environmentally friendly. If you no longer wish to receive a posted hard copy, please advise Ben Sladen on [email protected] . You will then be advised by email when the programme, and the Society Newsletter, have been published on the website, which is usually some time before the posted copy will reach you.
The Park Society’s walks and events programme, details of changes to walks, links to mountain weather forecasts, and much more, can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org.
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CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL Saturday 28 th February to Sunday 8th March 2015
The first walk of the Society’s contribution to the Festival follows.The remainder will be in our Spring programme which will be published in early February.
Full details of the programme will be published on the Festival website at http://www.crickhowellfestival.com/ .
Booking of all walks in the Festival programme is essential as numbers are limited and demand can be high. Book your places at http://www.crickhowellfestival.com/ .
Society Members do not have to pay for walks led by the Brecon Beacons Park Society, but do need to pay for all other walks and events in the Festival programme.
CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: BLORENGE TILL DUSK Date: Saturday 28th February A Circular route of the Blorenge from Fox Hunter Car Park. Level: Moderate The walk will be taken at a leisurely pace descending to the Dist: 11km (7miles) ruin site of Garn Ddyrys Forge and Hills Tramroad, then along Ascent: 400m (1300ft) tracks and footpaths to the Punch Bowl, before climbing to the Time: 2.00pm – 6.30pm rim of the Blorenge and its Summit. Returning at dusk by Leader: ROB SHORT torchlight. Hopefully sighting light from Festival walkers in the Contact: 07976 885132 Black Mountains. The area of the Blorenge Summit is open and exposed. Participants need to carry adequate foot wear and clothing for Hill Walking and a suitable torch with spare batteries for this walk. No charge for Society members but Advance Booking is Essential via the Festival website at http://www.crickhowellfestival.com/ , where details of the remainder of the Festival programme can be found.
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. Members 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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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.
Further information about Navigation Courses can be found on: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org
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.
Watch the website for dates of courses planned for 2015.
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 2014-15 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society
I/We wish to apply for my/our membership of the Society
Title and Name .
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Membership year 1 January to 31 December Membership for those joining 1 October to 31 December runs to following 31 December Individual .£15.00 per annum. Under 18 .£8.00 per annum Family .£22.00 per annum.
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 2 Presbytery Close, Leominster HR6 8QP
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