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Home , Abergwesyn, Allt yr Esgair, Beacons Reservoir, Bryn Arw, Fan Frynych, Fan Gyhirych

GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018

Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2018

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 because 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]

1 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES: SEE BACK PAGE REGISTERED CHARITY: 1075345

Snippets Summer 2018

NB. Walkers - Please take care - some of the car park maps are completely wrong- check using grid references or ring the leader. If there is not a walk scheduled on any date keep an eye on the web incase a leader comes forward.

In case you have missed out - we are now running a booking system for our talks in the Bear in due to lots of people wanting to attend. They are still free to members but it is advisable to book. Details are sent out to members prior to any of our talks.

AGM. This will be held at Castell Carreg Cennen on Saturday June 23rd. The papers will be sent out soon giving members an opportunity to visit the Castle as well as attending the A.G.M.

Walking Festivals Remember you need to book: www.crickhowellfestival.com An autumn weekend September 14- 16th www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk The geofest runs from 19th May to 3rd June. Check it out. We have a joint walk with fforestfawr on May 28th & 1st June- no charge for BBPS members www.elanvalley.org.uk/events/info We have joint walks with Elan Valley Trust on september 7th and 9th

Hay on Wye is about to be revived. It will be October 12-14th. Give them your support.

Footpath Volunteers BBPS have a group of volunteers who go out with the National Park to repair footpaths and help with conservation. If you may be interested contact [email protected]

Overhead Power Lines The National Grid are about to replace overhead power lines in some areas. Please check before you walk as footpaths may be closed for up to 6 months.Areas affected are - Llanfoist, Llantillio Pertholey, Llanover, Llantillio Crosenny and Llangattog von Avel and .

Get Lost & Get Lost Again For these navigation courses see back page of your programme.

Walk Leaders Wanted We are always looking for experienced walkers to lead walks for us. You choose the date and walk. Support and First Aid course given (free ) Contact Iau Counsell for a chat (07976697495)and

The Society is planning to be fully compliant with the new data protection regulations (GDPR) that come into force May 25th and all members should have been informed of this.

2 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018

JUNE 2018

Geofest & Archaeology Double Duo Date & Craig y Ddinas car park Pontneddfechan 01/06/2018 10:00am-4:30pm Time SN 911079 OL12 Level Moderate A morning walk of about 7km, probably to Sgwd Dist. 10km 6miles Gwladus. Followed at 1.30pm by an afternoon of archaeology (pre-historic & industrial) & geology Ascent around Craig y Ddinas with archaeologist Edith Evans Leader Dilys Harlow of Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust & geologist 01454775731 Contact Alan Bowring of Geopark, free for BBPS members. Come for both or just one.

The Bryn and Carn Pica Date & Henderson Hall Talybont 02/06/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SO113228 OL12/13 Level Strenuous A gentle start from Talybont up the Henry Vaughan Dist. 19km (12 miles) Trail, before heading north over the river and through woods and fields, before breaking out onto the Ascent 2700 ft moorland up to the Bryn with its fabulous views. Then Leader David Thomas along the east side of Cwm Oergwm, before turning

Contact towards Carn Pica. Quite a steep descent down to the reservoir, cross the dam and return.

Walk Leaders Day Date & TBC 03/06/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time TBC Level Moderate TBC Dist. Ascent Leader Walk Support Contact 0000000000000

Amble around the Date & Blaen Llia Car Park 06/06/2018 10:00am-2:00pm Time SN927 164 OL12 Level Energetic Starting from the Car Park we following the Beacons Dist. 7 miles Way along the Sarn Helen before branching off to a farm Dyffryn Nedd, we return across open land and Ascent 400 feet tracks back to Blaen Llia. Very few stiles and mostly Leader Ian Rowat on tracks, only one boggy section. Contact 07794939944

Moorland & Mountains New Car park approx 1m south of Cray Reservoir on Date & 08/06/2018 10:00am-4:00pm A4067 Time SN 871196 OL 12 Level Energetic An open moorland & mountain circular walk, gradually Dist. 18km/11m ascending to , Yr Allt & Fan Gyhirych. Return via Fforest Fawr and a disused rail track. If Ascent 725m 2400ft unsure of start please contact walkleader Leader Phil & Stuart Phil O'Shea. Dwr Cymru are carrying out remedial Contact 07912943881 works in the area. 3 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018

Torpantau and Four Peaks Date & Upper Blaen-y-glyn Car Park 09/06/2018 9:30am-5:30pm Time SO 056 176 OL12 Level Strenuous A great ridge-line day with southern, anticlockwise Dist. 17km (10.6 miles) circuit of the central beacons taking in Fan-y-big, Cribyn, Penyfan and Corn Du. Ascent 1000m Leader Iau Counsell Contact 07976697495

Three Peaks Date & Upper Neuadd car park (last on left) 10/06/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time SO035173 OL12 Level Energetic Fairly gentle ascent to Fan y Big, bypass Cribyn, Dist. 14.5km 9m steep ascent to then loop across to Corn Du and back via the Graig Fan Ddu ridge. Energetic Ascent due to Pen y Fan ascent but all at a moderate pace. Leader Peter Robbins Contact 07443119004

Above Brecon and back along the Usk in time for Tea Date & Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon LD3 7EW 13/06/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Time SO 045283 OL 12 Level Moderate From Theatr walk along Usk and over bridge then up Dist. 13.5 km, 8.3 miles only hill at WW pace with many views of the town then of Black Mountains and Beacons. Coffee and Lunch at Ascent max 284 m, 91 ft Cantref and churches. Take you pick of Leader nic groombridge Tea shops at finish. Contact 7711604142

ILLUSTRATED TALK:Waterway Reflections and the & Brecon Canal Date & The Bear, Crickhowell 13/6/2018 7.30pm-9:00pm Time Level Andrew Stumpf of the Canal & River Trust will reflect Dist. on what he has learned over a 40 year career and what that means for the Brecon and Monmouthshire Ascent Canal. The Canal is already one of the most popular Leader Janet Callear attractions in the National Park yet almost half Contact 01874 636116 remains unrestored. Is there a case for restoration?

Llanthony for 2 ridges Date & Llanthony car park 15/06/2018 10:00am-4:30pm Time GR SO 289278 OL13 Level Energetic We head north and cross the Afon Hondu to Sychtre; Dist. 19km 12m ascend a track to meet the and walk south to the Revenge Stone where we descend and Ascent cross to Hatterrall Hill for a return via Offa’s Dyke. Leader jill taylor Contact 01873840668

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Circular Walk from Cwm Du Date & Cwmdu village hall (£1 per car) 16/06/2018 9:30am-6:00pm Time GR SO 180239 OL13 Level Strenuous This challenging walk includes the hills and ridges of Dist. 17 Miles - 27km Mynydd Llangorse, Mynydd Troed, Y Grib, , Pen Truman, , Ascent and Pen Allt-mawr before returning to the start. We Veronica Deacon and Mandy Leader should have good views if the sun shines, but the Stephenson route may change if weather is poor. 01544318719 (on day 07904 Contact 246915)

Above the Crawnon ... Date & Meet village car park 17/06/2018 9:30am-5:30pm Time SO 155 195 OL 13 Level Energetic ... and the Claisfer, Caerfanell and Usk. A circular Dist. up to 20km walk over Mynydd Llangynidr and up Tor y Foel, returning along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Ascent 860m Will involve some muddy field sections, open and Leader Annie Davies pathless moor and eroded paths. Contact 07766720736

Garway Hill circuit Date & Garway Common, park carefully at side of road 20/06/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Time SO465225 Level Moderate A lovely circuit via fascinating Garway Church, good Dist. 13k, 8 miles climbs at WW pace to Garway Hill with the best views in Herefordshire. Back via White Rocks and Ascent 25m, 775ft undulating paths. Leader Ian Stead Contact 07833137096

Southern Malvern Hills Bromsberrow Village Hall Car Park, Albright Lane, Date & 22/06/2018 9:30am-4:00pm Bromsberrow HR8 1RT Time SO745336 Explorer 190 Level Energetic A midsummer walk in the Southern Malvern Hills Dist. 12 miles including Eastnor Castle Park and Obelisk, Midsummer Hill, Ragged Stone Hill and Chase End Ascent Hill. Leader William Milne Contact 07528701952

AGM Date & 23/06/2018 TBC- Time Level Papers to follow Dist. Ascent Leader Contact

5 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018

Offa's Dyke and The Cat's Back Date & Black Hill Picnic Area 24/06/2018 10:00am-4:00pm Time SO 288 328 OL13 Level Energetic Both sides of the Olchon Valley, Offa's Duke, Hay Dist. 16km (10miles) Bluff, returning via Crib y Garth Ascent 600m Leader Iau Counsell Contact 07976697495

Wednesday Wander Special -Clydach Vale Tonypandy Sky Blue Cafe Bar Cambrian Industrial Park ( CF40 Date & 27/06/2018 10:30am-3:30pm 2XX ) Time SO 983928 Explorer 166 Level Moderate A walk in memory of the Cambrian Colliery Disaster, Dist. 11km ( 7 miles ) May 1965. All ascents and descents to be taken at Wednesday Wander pace. Ascent 517m ( 1696 ft ) Leader Fiona McBain Contact 07979037243

Lunch in the Goose and Cuckoo Date & Llanfoist 29/06/2018 9:30am-4:30pm Time GR SO286133 OL13 Level Energetic Park in Llanfoist car park on B4246 ( western edge of Dist. 21k 13m village on right as from Abergavenny. ) Starting with a less used route to the Punchbowl, this Ascent undulating walk passes quiet farms using fields, Leader jill taylor tracks, lanes, woodland and a short stretch of canal. Contact 01973840668

Crash Sites of The - Part One Date & Lay-By next to the Gwyn Arms 30/06/2018 9:30am-5:00pm Time SN846165 OL12 Level Strenuous There are six crash sites on the Black Mountain, Dist. 17km (11 miles) Today we visit four of them - the Wellington (MF 509) on Carreg Goch, another Wellington (BJ 697) above Ascent 861m (2600'} Sgwd Ddu, a Vampire (YZ 106) and an Anson,(L Leader Angela Morgan 9149) (before returning along . Contact 07801915707

6 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 JULY 2018

A Walk For Fans Of Fforest Fawr Date & Lay-by at A470 entrance to Craig Cerrig Gleisiad 01/07/2018 9:30am-5:00pm Time SN 971222 OL12 Level Strenuous We'll visit several of the summits in Fforest Fawr - Fan Dist. 19km, 12miles Fawr, Fan Llia, Fan Dringarth and Fan Frynych Ascent Leader Richard Davies Contact 07986562584

Two Dowards - Sites of Special Scientific Interest Great Doward (turn right at Doward Park Campsite, Date & 04/07/2018 10:00am-3:00pm 50m to car park) Time SO548156 OL14 Level Moderate Repeat as clashed with WW Holiday. A wander round Dist. 13km 8m the rock bands, nature reserves, limestone pavement and caves of Little and Great Doward (bring a head Ascent torch). Large Iron Age Hill Fort and Seven Sisters view Leader Peter Robbins points above the River Wye. Undulating and at a WW Contact 07443119004 pace.

Around Hay-in-Wye Date & Hay main car park 06/07/2018 10:15am-5:00pm Time SO229422 OL13 Level Energetic A repeat of the one earlier this year, as requested. Via Dist. 9.5m 15km the Long Cairn to the Stone Circle and back by the paper mill. Mostly gradual ascent in the morning and Ascent gradual descent in the afternoon. Leader Soo Turnbull Contact 01874622136

Crash Sites of The Black Mountain - Part Two. Parking Area off the Old Road (Minor Road Date & 07/07/2018 9:30am-5:00pm between A4067 and Trecastle) Time SN852217 OL12 Level Strenuous The Forgotten Crash Site. Today, we visit the Dist. 16km (10miles) Liberator wreckage on Moel Feity, and the Lancaster Bomber before heading over to Llyn y Fan Fach. We Ascent 820m (2500'} follow the escarpment around to y Giedd, Leader Angela Morgan where we descend to Llyn y and then follow 07801915707 the river back to the car park. Contact If in doubt as to where the start is, please contact the leader.

7 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 3 Valleys, 3 Peaks Cwm Gwdi Car Park (National Trust, charge for non- Date & 08/07/2018 10:00am-4:30pm NT members) Time SO 024 248 OL12 Level Strenuous A northern circuit avoiding roads. Into Cwm Sere, Dist. 15km (9.5miles) steeply up Bryn Teg - Cribyn, then Penyfan, Corn Du & back via Cwm Llwch's waterfalls. Some steep, Ascent 900m rough ground, good paths & some poorer tracks Leader Clive Counsell Contact 07971649022

Brecon: Rivers, Woods and Canal Date & Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon LD3 7EW 11/07/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time SO 045283 OL 12 Level Moderate Through woods to Llanfrynach with views of Usk and Dist. 16 km, 10 miles Cynrig rivers then along back back road (1 mile) to (will the Royal Oak be open?) then winding Ascent virtually zero along the Mon Brecon canal to the Theatr and tea. Leader nic groombridge Long for a Wednesday Wander but virtually flat. Contact 7711604142

Talybont Reservoir Circuit Roadside lay-by parking at the North Western end of Date & 13/07/2018 9:30am-4:00pm the reservoir near the dam Time SO103205 OL12 Level Strenuous A high level circuit starting at the reservoir, crossing Dist. 20km & 13m the dam and heading up to Bryniau Glasion and Pant y Creigiau, then on to Craig y Fan Ddu and Ascent 1205m & 3950ft Waun Rydd with a detour to the Wellington Leader William Milne Bomber memorial crash site before reaching Carn Contact 07528701952 Pica and back down to the reservoir.

Special linear walk along the Monks' Trod with the Elan Valley Trust Date & Pont ar Elan 14/07/2018 10:00am-5:30pm Time SN 902715 Explorer 200 Level Energetic Meet at Pont ar Elan by 09.45am for minibus to Strata Dist. 19km 12miles Florida. Follow the route of the monks from Strata Florida across the uplands of the Elan Valley with Ascent 400m 1312ft guest leader Andrew Leonard. Booking essential with Leader Dilys Harlow the Elan Valley Estate Office 01597 810449 (10-4 01454775731 Contact daily) numbers limited. £5 donation please. Possibility of lifts from Brecon, ask Dilys.

A Memorial Walk For Malcolm Winney - For Those Who Knew Him Date & Llanbedr Village Hall carpark. 15/07/2018 10:00am-4:00pm Time SO 141465 OL13 Level Energetic A memorial walk to remember Malcolm. The walk will Dist. 17km 10.5mls start from Llanbedr Village Hall and head up on to Crug Mawr, then drop down to the Grwyne Fechan Ascent before climbing once again towards Table Mountain Leader Wendy and Jason Winney and returning to Llanbedr for tea and cakes. This is a 07773389562 02920628862 Contact private memorial walk for those who knew and walked with Malcolm. No dogs by request please.

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Talgarth Long Cairn Date & main carpark 18/07/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time SO152336 OL13 Level Moderate Not entirely sure of route yet so distance is Dist. 13Km, 8 miles approximate, but probably a loop to the south and east of Talgarth including a visit the Cairn Ascent Leader Soo Turnbull Contact 01874622136

ILLUSTRATED TALK: The Black Mountain Smokery Date & The Bear, Crickhowell 18/7/2018 7:30pm-9:30pm Time Level Jonathon will describe how he and Jo set up their Dist. smokery in Crickhowell. He will explain the history of smoking food and how their business fits into the Ascent National Park today. Leader Janet Callear Contact 01874 636116

Mynydd Eppynt Circuit Date & Eppynt Visitor Centre 20/07/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SN 993438 188 Level Energetic Come & enjoy a rare visit to an ancient Mountain Dist. 19km / 12m Plateau, the route includes the Eppynt Way, Observation Posts, Nant Bwch, Blaen , Ascent 300 m 1000ft Garth Viewpoint & the Drovers Arms. We traverse Leader Stuart & Phil gravel tracks, tarmac 07858627950 Contact rough ground, footpaths & cross stream fords. This is a Military training area, please bring a White Hankie.

Lunch at Llanthony Date & Queen's Head Walkers Car Park 21/07/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SO310221 Level Energetic A nice walk along both sides of the Llanthony valley, Dist. 17.5km (11 miles) with a break at the Priory for lunch (no dogs in the Priory). A steep climb up the lane and onto moorland Ascent 2500ft to the Revenge Stone then along to Bal Bach and Leader David Thomas down to the Priory. Up the Beer Trail and via Hatterrall

Contact Hill, following the Beacons Way, before descending to Pont Rhys Powell.

A circular walk from the Stone Circle Car Park below Hay Bluff Date & Stone Circle Car Park 22/07/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time GR SO 239374 Map OL 13 Level Energetic From the carpark we ascend to the trig on Hay Bluff, Dist. 10 miles. - 16km then on to the the trig on the Black Hill. We will follow the path over the Cats Back before descending to the Ascent picnic site. After lunch we climb through the Olchen Leader Veronica Deacon Valley, before joining Offa’s Dyke path back to the 01544318719 (on day 07904 Contact start. 246915)

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Summertime in Talybont-on-Usk Date & Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk 25/07/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Time SO 114228 OL 13 Level Moderate A wander along the Brinore Tramroad, crossing the Dist. 13km ( 8 miles ) dam and returning to Talybont-on-Usk on footpaths, fields and lanes. Some ascents, but all to be taken at Ascent Wednesday Wander pace. Leader Fiona McBain Contact 07979037243

Round the Lake - or not Date & Far car park, Activity Centre 27/07/2018 10:00am-4:30pm Time SO 148267 OL 13 Level Strenuous The walk will include Allt yr Esgair, Buckland Hill, Dist. 21k 13 miles Mynydd Llangors and possibly Llangors Lake common (if not flooded) Ascent Leader Anthea Scott Contact 07967886497

Blacksmith Anvil, Rhos Dirion and lunch at Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Date & Blaen-y-Cwm car park. OS 253284 28/07/2018 9:30am-3:00pm Time GR 253285 Map: OL13 Level Moderate Up through woods to escarpment and Black |Smiths Dist. 14.7km / 9 miles Anvil is the only serious uphill section of this walk. We proceed north west along the escarpment to Rhos Ascent 320m / 1000ft Dirion then south west to meet Cwm Cwnstab before Leader Nick Trew heading south east to follow Grwyne Fawr to the

Contact reservoir for lunch. Just a 2 mile slow down hill return to the car park.

Two Ridges and Hidden Falls of Nant Ddu Date & car park 29/07/2018 10:00am-4:30pm Time SN988181 OL12 Level Energetic A470 then take A4059 Hirwaun Road, and meet at the Dist. 18km 11m Beacons Reservoir car park on right. Park at the car park or one of the reservoir lay-bys. Following the Ascent rocky falls of Nant Ddu to Graig Fan Ddu and Peter Robbins and Richard Leader returning via Cefn Crew. Davies Contact 07443119004/07986562584

10 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018

AUGUST 2018

Cats Back Date & Black Hill Picnic Site car park (lower car park if full) 01/08/2018 10:00am-2:30pm Time SO288328 OL13 Level Moderate Meet at the upper car park by the Picnic Site. Gentle Dist. 10.4km 6.5m ascent beside the Olchon Brook at a WW pace to the Trig Point, then returning along Crib y Garth and the Ascent 640m Cats Back. Alternative Monnow Valley route if high Leader Peter Robbins winds. Contact 07443119004

Central Beacons Circuit Date & Blaen - y - Glyn, picnic Car Park. 03/08/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SN 057176 OL 12 Level Energetic A level start with an easterly approach to Tor - y - Dist. 21km 13m Foel. Up and Over, returning at a higher level along Bryniau Gleision. Ascent 1100m / 3610ft Leader Phil & Stuart Contact 07912943881

The little ridge with a BIG bite Date & The Dam at Talybont Res 04/08/2018 9:00am-5:00pm Time SO103205 OL12 Level Strenuous Walking out to the Bryn and then up on to Waun Rydd Dist. 15 miles, 25km from Talybont Res, coming back via the quiet but adventurous Cwm TarthWynnie, a lot of off the path Ascent 1100m, 3600ft walking but on good ground. Two ascents; one being Leader Jason Winney up onto the Bryn and the other a longer climb up onto Contact 7798521550 Waun Rydd via Cefn Bach.

Buckland and even more Layby with toilets on A40 between Bwich and Talybont Date & 05/08/2018 10:00am-4:00pm turn Time SO129 227 OL 13 Level Energetic Over Buckland Hill then on for a tour of Mynydd Dist. 20km 12m Llangors. Over to Allt yr Esgair then back to the cars. Ascent Leader Anthea Scott Contact 07967886497

Vagar Hill and Snodhill Castle from Dorstone Date & Dorstone village centre car park 8/8/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Time SO315415 Level Moderate A lovely circuit with beautiful views and a medieval Dist. 13km, 8 miles castle. Climb through fields to Vagar Hill, along the Ridge and back via Snodhill Castle Ascent 290m, 900ft Leader Ian Stead Contact 07833137096

11 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 Sugar Loaf and Bryn Arw Date & Abergavenny Free car park off Tudor Street 10/08/2018 9:30am-4:30pm Time GR SO 297142 OL13 Level Energetic We car share to Porth y parc, from where we walk up Dist. 16k 10m Sugar Loaf and descend to Forest Coal-pit for an ascent up Bryn Arw.The return is over the Deri and Ascent 730 m through oak woodland. Leader jill taylor Contact 01873840668

Cwm Gwesyn Waterfall walk Small car park 600m North East from minor road junction at next to the village hall, public Date & 11/08/2018 10:00am-5:00pm toilets and a red telephone box, . Time SN 859 530 OS Explorer 200 / Elan Valley Level Energetic A walk to the head of the Cwm Gwesyn Valley Dist. 16km 10mls passing wonderful waterfalls and pools along the way, continuing we head to the rooftop of Drygarn Ascent 520m 1700ft Fawr, then explore the Irfon valley national nature Leader Robert Pritchard reserve. 07773713605 There is a shallow ford to cross at the start of this walk Contact so bring an old pair of footwear to use if you would like to keep your feet dry.

Craig y Fan Ddu, Fan y Big & return via Taf Fechan Forest track. Date & Top Car Park at Blaen y Glyn 12/08/2018 9:30am-3:30pm Time GR056175 Map: OL12 Level Moderate Up beside waterfall then steep climb to Craig y Fan Dist. 13k / 8 miles Ddu. We follow the ridge of Graig Fan Las north east before moving west along further ridges to stop for Ascent 500m / 1650ft lunch at Fan y Big. Leader Nick Trew We drop of Fan y Big to take the large track below Tor

Contact Glas. Finally onto the forest track and a little bit of road back to the car park.

Vale of Glamorgan - Three Castles and a Battlefield Date & Cowbridge Town Hall car park 15/08/2018 10:00am-4:00pm Time SS 997747 Explorer Map 151 Level Moderate We follow the Thaw Valley from Cowbridge towards Dist. 13km, 8miles Llanblethian and then onto Old Beaupre Castle, St Hilary, Stalling Down and Aberthin. Ascent Leader Richard Davies Contact 07986562584

Mynydd Myddfai Date & Myddfai Village Hall, SN 772301 17/08/2018 10:00am-3:30pm Time SN 772301 OL12 Level Energetic A walk on Mynydd Myddfai on open country across to Dist. 15km, 9m the Usk Reservoir. Partial circuit of the Reservoir and then back via the Roman marching camp, Y Pigwn. Ascent 400m, 1300ft Refreshments availbable in the Village Hall cafe after Leader Robin Barlow the walk. Contact

12 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 Pant Mawr & Sarn Helen Date & Lay-by near Craig y Nos on A4067 18/08/18 9:30am-4:00pm Time SN840152 Map OL12 Level Energetic A steady climb above up to the National Dist. 14mls/22kms Nature Reserve at Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, on to Pant Mawr returning along Sarn Helen. Ascent Leader Paula Ace Contact 07484137031

Three Pens and a Table Date & Crickhowell High School 19/08/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SO 216185 OL13 Level Energetic Three Pens, Pen Gloch-y-pibwr, Pen Alt-mawr and Dist. 19km 12m Pen Cerrig-calch then returning via Table Mountain with a drink at the Bear (optional). Ascent Leader Peter Robbins Contact 07443119004

Wednesday Wander over Layby on left after Libanus (heading towards Storey Date & 22/08/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Arms) Time SN989249 OL12 Level Moderate A Wednesday Wander along the NT permissive paths Dist. 11km 7m of the Afon Tarell leading to the , then ascending Y Gyrn on the Canbrian Way at a WW Ascent pace before returning via the waterfalls and NT Leader Peter Robbins woodland paths that descend into the . Contact 07443119004

Llanthony Loop. Date & Llanthony Priory Car Park 24/08/2018 10:00am-5:00pm Time SO 288278 OL13 Level Energetic A high level loop of the Magnificent Ewyas Valley via Dist. 19km / 12m Cwm Bwchel, Beacons Way, Twyn - y - Gaer, Cwmyoy & Hatterrall Hill. The last leg is along Offa's Ascent 1000m 3280ft Dyke Path & down the monks beer trail, back to the Leader Stuart & Phil Abbey Bar! Contact 07858627950

Castell Carreg Cennen Date & Castell Carreg Cennen car park. 26/08/2018 10:00am-4:00pm Time SN 667193 OL12 Level Energetic We’ll walk around the castell but rarely losing sight of Dist. 16km 10mls it. Discover where the true West begins. Ascent Leader Wally James Contact 07967016917

13 GUIDED WALKS & EVENTS SPRING 2018 Circuit of Tor y Foel Date & Henderson Hall (Village Hall) Talybont-on-Usk 29/08/2018 10:00am-3:00pm Time SO113228 OL13 Level Moderate From the car park of the Village Hall (formerly known Dist. 13.5km (8.5miles) as Henderson Hall) Talybont-on-Usk. A walk around Tor y Foel from Talybont via the Brinore Tramroad, Ascent 300m (990ft) Beacons Way and the towpath of the Brecon and Leader Anne Pritchard Monmouth Canal. Contact 07748463545

Year of the Sea Small farm field carpark with honesty box charge £2, Date & opposite New Mill Farm, Monknash CF71 7QQ, turn 31/08/2018 9:30am-4:00pm Time down a narrow lane past the Plough and Harrow pub. SS 912 700 Explorer 151 Level Energetic Celebrate Wales 'Year of the Sea' with a jaunt along Dist. 19km 12m the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and inland through the rural Vale of Glamorgan. Ascent Leader William Milne Contact 07528701952

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NAVIGATION COURSES

The Brecon Beacons Park Society is again offering navigation courses covering navigation

for hill walkers – from understanding maps and using a compass to more advanced skills such as relocation strategies, thanks to Rob Pritchard. The two day Get Lost Course (9th &

10th June, 2018) is for beginners and the Get Lost Again Course (6th & 7th October, 2018) is

for the more advanced.

There are limited places on these courses and in the past, they have filled up some time in

advance.

To book a place and/or for more information contact:

Rob Pritchard on [email protected] or phone 07773 713605.

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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]