Front Cover Mailing List: [email protected] 1 Swansea Ramblers wish to thank all walk leaders for providing the walks for this programme. Without volunteer leaders, a programme of walks would not be possible. If you are a member of the Ramblers and would like to lead a walk, please contact the Programme Secretary. Secretary [email protected] John France Tel: 01792 547439 Membership [email protected] Steve Hawkes Tel: 01792 360495 Programme [email protected] Roger Brown Tel: 07977 144074 Swansea Ramblers www.swansearamblers.org.uk Ramblers UK www.ramblers.org.uk The Ramblers' Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. A registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1093577. A registered charity in Scotland, no: SC03979. Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. Swansea Ramblers, (formally known as West Glamorgan Ramblers) was formed in 1981. Since then we have welcomed many new walkers to the group who come to share our enjoyment of the countryside. We organise walks across a wide area into East Wales, West Wales, Mid-Wales, and of course Gower. Programme version 3 (2013_04_30) 2 Programme Updates: www.SwanseaRamblers.org.uk Joining a walk Walks are open to anyone, including visitors on holiday. Newcomers are especially welcome; those who wish to walk regularly with us will be invited to become a member. It is at the discretion of the Leader to refuse to take anyone considered to be unsuitably equipped or likely to cause a problem during the walk. Walkers must wear suitable footwear and clothing, carry enough food and drink and a small First Aid pack. In case of accident, ID and contact numbers should be carried. While the safety of members is always of paramount concern, accidents may occasionally occur. It is important to appreciate that you have a responsibility for the safety of yourself and fellow walkers. Dogs are NOT allowed in the lambing season (1st Dec. - 30th April). At other times dogs on short leads are permitted if indicated in the walk description. Meeting for the walk The start point of a walk is sometimes given in the programme in addition to the meeting point. In exceptional circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, the leader might need to cancel the walk. The leader will only inform those present at the meeting point. Anyone wishing to travel directly to the start point is advised to contact the leader to confirm if the walk will go ahead. Walks are graded as follows:- Easy: Generally 6 miles or less using good footpaths with no major inclines or obstacles. These walks are suitable for new or infrequent walkers. Moderate: 6 to 12 miles long across coastal, farmland and forested areas with occasional ascents, stiles and obstacles. These walks are suitable for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Strenuous: Generally greater than 12 miles across upland, moorland and rugged countryside with several steep climbs and obstacles. These walks are suitable only for regular, experienced walkers with a good level of fitness and stamina. Mailing List: [email protected] 3 April Saturday 6th April Briton Ferry Reservoirs Leader: Lynne Esson 3.5 miles Tel: 01792-845845 Moderate Description: Walk to both reservoirs with views of Swansea Bay on the way down. Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 1.00 p.m. Jersey Marine Park GR: SS 748 949 From Swansea take old Briton Ferry bridge (A48). 1st left onto A474. Turn right at lights into Ynysmaerdy Road. Take 1st turning right, past cemetery bear right. Car park at end of road. Sunday 7th April Chartist Cave from Trefil Leader: Dave Bird 11 miles Tel: 01792-233634 Moderate / Strenuous Description: Mostly on paths over moorland, with good views north over the Usk valley and south towards the industrial valleys. Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 9.00 a.m. On-street parking at rear of Guildhall GR: SS 643 924 Tuesday 9th April Twyn y Garth and Llandeilo Hill Leader: Tim Gronow 8 miles Tel: 07710-231630 Moderate Description: Moorland and farmland walk above the Wye Valley. Registered Assistance Dogs Only Meet: Meeting Place: 9.00 a.m. Co-op Car Park, Cross Hands GR: SN 565 130 Saturday 13th April Melincourt Waterfall, near Resolven Leader: Gail Allen 3 miles Tel: 01792-469232 Easy Description: An old tramway to the waterfall, a ruined ironworks then a wander beside the River Nedd. Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 2.00 p.m. Melincourt Car Park GR: SN 822 020 From the A465 in the Neath valley, turn off at the Resolven roundabout. Stay on B4434 for about a mile, car park is on the right. 4 Programme Updates: www.SwanseaRamblers.org.uk Sunday 14th April Mike’s going up Kilvey again! Leader: Mike Lewis 5 miles Tel: 01792-546118 Moderate Description: Another chance to see Swansea from the top of Kilvey Hill. Those of you who know Mike’s walks will know it will be a lovely day out. - (and no need of a tide table, Mike?) Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 11.00 a.m. Pentrechwyth Road Car Park(B5444) near junction with A4217 GR: SS 664 947 Saturday 20th April River Clydach & Mynydd Gelliwastad Leader: Lynne Esson 5 miles Tel: 01792-845845 Easy/Moderate Description: Walk along River Clydach, Mynydd Gelliwastad and woods of Graig Felin. Couple of small(ish) climbs Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 12.00 p.m. RSPB Car Park, Craig Cefn Park GR: SS 684 026 Sunday 21st April Cilmeri to Llandrindod Wells Leader: Dave Bird 13 miles Tel: 01792-233534 Strenuous Description: A repeat of the wet day’s walk from last September’s weekend. We will take paths to Builth, then over the moorland of the Carneddau (hopefully with views this time) and on to catch the 5.54 train back from Llandrindod to Cilmeri (perhaps a meal at the Prince Llewelyn?) Registered Assistance Dogs Only Meet: Meeting Place: 8.30 a.m. Co-op Car Park, Cross Hands GR: SN 565 130 Members of Cynon Valley and Swansea Ramblers enjoying a joint walk in Gower Mailing List: [email protected] 5 Saturday 27th April Clyne in Bloom Leader: Merfyn Williams 6 miles Tel: 01792-520181 Easy Description: A walk around Clyne Gardens and Clyne Country Park. We can expect to see a spectacular display of azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells in bloom. Well behaved dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 11.00 a.m. Clyne Gardens Car Park GR: SS 618 905 NOTE: Many buses, particularly the 2B and 3A, stop on Mumbles Road opposite the Woodman Inn. Turn from Mumbles Road in front of Woodman Inn, Blackpill. Turn right into car park and park in one of the free bays designated for visitors to Clyne Gardens. Sunday 28th April Henrhyd waterfall Leader: Gail Allen 5 miles Tel: 01792-469232 Easy / moderate Description: A riverside walk, then up the uniquely special wooded valley of Nant Llech to the highest waterfall in south Wales, with a very interesting audio trail called ‘Falls, Forest, Fossils and Fleeces’. Walking sticks recommended. Registered Assistance Dogs Only Meet: Meeting Place: 9.30 a.m. On-street parking at rear of Guildhall GR: SS 643 924 OR 10.15 a.m. Penycae Inn Car Park (A4067 up Swansea valley, past the Ancient Briton pub to Penycae Inn on left). GR: SN 844 137 Sunday 28th April Narberth Circular Joint with Gower Society Leader: Jo Shercliff 12 miles Tel: 01792-541292 Moderate Description: A walk west of Narberth along paths and country lanes, taking in Llawhaden Castle, Blackpool Bridge, and returning along the Knights Way through Canaston Woods. Registered Assistance Dogs Only Meet: Meeting Place: 8.30 a.m. Co-op Car Park, Cross Hands GR: SN 564 131 6 Programme Updates: www.SwanseaRamblers.org.uk May Saturday 4th May Kilvey Hill The Big Welsh Walk Weekend Leader: Richard Beale 5 Miles Tel: 01792-207833 Moderate Description: A walk to the top of one of Swansea’s best known landmarks to see the panorama of Swansea Bay. The route will include the promenade, the Maritime Quarter, the Sail Bridge and St. Thomas. Part of the route on the hill may be muddy. Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 10.00 a.m. Outside Main Entrance to Civic Centre (County Hall) GR: SS 652 923 Sunday 5th May In Praise of Parks The Big Welsh Walk Weekend Leader: Mike Clarke 4 miles Tel: 01792-843590 Easy Description: An easy walk of approximately 2.5 hours along the beach to Victoria Park then continuing on the sand to visit Brynmill Park and finally Singleton Park Botanical Gardens where we’ll stop for refreshments before heading back down to the beach for a stroll back to the Civic Centre. Registered Assistance Dogs Only Meet: Meeting Place: 11.00 a.m. Outside Main Entrance to Civic Centre (County Hall) GR: SS 652 923 Monday 6th May Copper and the Sea: Swansea Docks The Big Welsh Walk Weekend Leader: John France 2 miles Tel: 01792-547438 Easy Description: A journey through Swansea’s Industrial and Mercantile Past Dogs on short leads Meet: Meeting Place: 11.00 a.m. Outside Toys R Us GR: SS 659 931 Mailing List: [email protected] 7 Wednesday 8th May Whiteford Lighthouse Joint with Cynon Valley Ramblers Leader: Bob Denley 10 miles Tel: 01792-371248 Moderate / Strenuous Description: A low-water visit to the enigmatic lighthouse. Built in 1865, it is the only sea-washed cast-iron lighthouse in Britain and listed by CADW as a ‘Grade II’ structure.