South Wales LDWA

Major Splatt Pudding - On Stranger Shores, 26 miles, Saturday 1st January 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Free car park, Llangynidr, SO155195
• Description: Major Splatt Pudding has been urgently dispatched out to a strange land where the 'Rice Crispy Tribe' and the 'Naughty Men of the North' have both secretly collaborated to hide a packet of biscuits. The Intelligence Core has pointed to a secret river where the Biscuits may be hidden and Major Splatt has been tasked to find the secret river and pass on the information to Intelligence whilst remaining undetected.
• Notes: Bring a headtorch and a hot drink
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 155 195, Start: SO 155 195
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12/OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6200
• Leader: Jason Winney

Step On My Old Size Nines (70), 24 miles, Saturday 15th January 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Dare Valley Country Park Free Car Park, SN984026
• Description: A winter upland walk that features infrequented hills (from perspective of South Wales LDWA Group) forestry tracks and either fog or glorious views. There is 4500 ft of ascent on this walk. All climbs are well graded and on good quality paths. If weather forecast appalling, walk leader will postpone and re-schedule due to exposed terrain.
• Notes: Just turn up, no need to phone the walk leader. Sunset at 16:33. Bring a torch as this walk will finish in the dark. The last hour should provide fabulous views over the illuminated villages below. One short section with a steep descent. A trekking pole will certainly help. Expect wet feet if streams are in spate.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 984 026, Start: SN 984 026
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: David Morgan

Dawdling Around Deri, 20 miles, Saturday 22nd January 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Station Road, Ystrad Mynach - park near bottom of the road opposite Nancy's Cafe, ST142944
• Description: A wander north of Ystrad Mynach around the Darran Valley - some fine views to be had
• Notes: Just need suitable gear for the winter hills. No need to book for this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 142 944, Start: ST 142 944
• Map(s): Explorer: OL166
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2500
• Leader: Mike Batt

Circles Of Confusion (71), 19 miles, Saturday 29th January 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Whitestone Car Park, Wye Valley, SO524029
• Description: A circular (with circles) walk in the woodlands of the Wye Valley. Sometimes you'll question your sanity as you go round and round as we all spin each other right round baby, right round.
• Notes: Don't come if you don't like trees!! This walk has been designed with fun in mind and will be 19 miles with some views!! An opportunity to meet friends, chew the fat and enjoy winter mileage! No booking necessary. Just turn up. Car sharing recommended.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 524 029, Start: SO 524 029
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2400
• Leader: David & Gill Morgan

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 5th February 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Fro car park, Abergavenny. There is only parking for about 10 cars at the start point, so numbers on the walk need to be limited. Please let walk leader know if you are lift sharing when booking on - as this will allow more attendees., SO292200
• Description: Circular route in the Sugar Loaf area taking in '3 little peaks' (all tops below 600m). Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 292 200, Start: SO 292 200
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4250
• Leader: Henny Clare

Two by Two (CANCELLED), 21 miles, Saturday 12th February 2022

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Ystradfellte area
• Description: A winter walk north of Ystradfellte exploring some lesser-trodden hills and cwms. Please be equipped for winter walking in the mountains. Sometimes following faint or non-existent paths with a bit of tussocky fun thrown in - pole helpful.
• Notes: Does have the Mini paw of approval, so not too strenuous/difficult :) To avoid too much car-park congestion, please car-share if you can and let me know you are coming - I will then tell you the start location. Aiming for 10 cars maximum.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• Leader: Mike Batt

Bothy Walk, 22 miles, Saturday 26th February 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Lay-by by entrance to the visitors center on the A44, SN71878126
• Description: Walking out to the Nant Syddion Bothy via Drosgol and Pumlumon, we pick up bits of the Aberystwyth to Borth trail on route.
• Notes: If the weather is mild but wet, will still go ahead but with an altered bad weather route which is a bit shorter, if its bad weather and very cold I'll postpone it. The plan is to wild camp by the bothy, due to covid, but the bothy is handy for emergency purposes and the conveniences
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7187 8126, Start: SN 7187 8126, Finish: SN 7731 7903
• Map(s): Explorer: 213
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4700
• Leader: Jason Winney

Three Peaks Platinum route, 19 miles, Saturday 26th February 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Changes: ******Please note the bus is now full. Leader is holding a reserve list. ***** FURTHER UPDATE ; Possibility of a car share - contact leader
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byefield Lane, Castle Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EE Minibus at 8am to take walkers to the start point at Llanthony Priory, SO296140
• Description: A linear walk from Llanthony Abbey to Abergavenny over Bal Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Sugar Loaf.
• Notes: Please contact the walk leader, it's essential to book a place on this walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 296 140, Start: SO 289 279, Finish: SO 296 140
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Ange WIlliams

Bothy Walk, 15 miles, Sunday 27th February 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Nant Syddion Bothy, SN77317903
• Description: From the Bothy we head up onto the uplands above the forest and drop back down into the forest and pickup the Aberystwyth to Borth trail back to the Visitors center
• Notes: Bring £4 for the waterfalls at Devils Bridge if you fancy seeing them, a slightly modified route if the weathers bad will keep us down in the forest.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7731 7903, Start: SN 7731 7903, Finish: SN 7187 8126
• Map(s): Explorer: 213
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Call Of The Wild (72), 17or22 miles, Saturday 5th March 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Changes: Please note: This GPX file crosses private land between SN 880 015 and SN 886 005 due to the fact that the public right of way that links the two points does not exist on the ground. Please bear this in mind when following this route as the route follows the only viable option.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pen Pych Forest Car Park, Blaencwm, SS924991
• Description: Exploring more underwalked (possibly never walked) terrain by the South Wales LDWA Group. Two short sections of rough ground. This walk can only go ahead because local farmers have provided permission to cross their land. Walkers on shorter walk will have to self navigate the last mile to the car park. Please car share if possible. NO DOGS due to lambing.
• Notes: Don't contact the walk leader. Just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 924 991, Start: SS 924 991
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: David Morgan & Jamie Lewis

Boulevard Of Broken Hearts (73), 33 miles, Saturday 12th March 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Fedw Woods Car Park, ST506984
• Description: An early spring 30+ mile walk that will stretch the legs as we prepare for the longer events that will soon be upon us.
• Notes: Bring a headtorch and enough food for the day. It will be possible to top up water at miles 10 and 27. Please do not contact the walk leader and just turn up on the day. Please note the walk grading and only attend if you are comfortable walking the distance advertised.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 506 984, Start: ST 506 984
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4600
• Leader: David Morgan

Taking it over the Edge, 20 miles, Saturday 19th March 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Wotton -under- Edge Visitor Centre, Chipping Car Park, Wotton-under- Edge. There are some long stay spaces, otherwise street parking nearby (ST756931), ST756931
• Description: Valleys and views, woods and parkland
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 756 931, Start: ST 756 931
• Map(s): Explorer: 167 and 168
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 1000
• Leader: John Roberts

Cymmer Chameleon , 22 miles, Saturday 26th March 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Free car park in centre of Cymmer. Take direction Glyncorrwg out of the village and the car park is signposted on the left going downhill. Space for about 13/14 cars., SS862962
• Description: A walk through a mixed landscape of forest, open hillsides and valleys that are rarely visited by the group.
• Notes: Some rough open ground which is boggy in parts but generally fine. No booking needed, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 862 962, Start: SS 862 962
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

The Last of the Looseners, 37 miles, Saturday 9th April 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Grid Reference SO 054144 - on map OL12 there is a parking sign near the dam. The parking is north of Pontsticill. Drive out of the village north on the Talybont-on-Usk road. You will reach a junction, which is signposting Dolygaer down a T-junction bearing slightly right. Take the leftish turn signposted Talybont-on-Usk 8 miles. About 150 yards on there is a car park to the right. It is just before an old converted church. It's fairly obvious but if you manage to go past you can turn around 1/2 mile on. , SO054144
• Description: The beast is back with a vengeance - a mighty journey through the Central Beacons to welcome in the spring walking season. The gauntlet is laid - dare you take the final and greatest Loosener challenge?
• Notes: Conditions this time of year vary greatly - highly weather dependent - it's your responsibility to bring the right kit for the conditions. Places will need to be booked on this walk. Generally fairly good paths, but some rough terrain mixed in and there will be night walking. If you are not well-known to the walk leader, please understand that for safety reasons you will be asked a number of questions about your ability to complete the walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 054 144, Start: SO 054 144
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12 and OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6500
• Leader: Mike Batt

Challenge Event: Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter, 25,22,15or12 miles, Sunday 24th April 2022

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter is an event run by South Wales LDWA that was previously held for three years in January 2017, 2018 and 2019. Following a gap in 2020, and 2021 South Wales LDWA are pleased to announce that the event will be held again on 24 April 2022. Different routes are provided each year and the event has been extremely successful selling out each year, so early entry is advised. ENTRY: online only at SI Entries
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Leader: N/A

Son of a Circle, 22 miles, Saturday 30th April 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Rockfield Road car park, Monmouth, SO503126
• Description: An exploration of the border country north of Monmouth. We will visit Buckholt Wood, Welsh Newton (and its Common), Llangarron, Llangrove and Ganarew. We will see churches, a martyr's grave, an unexpected airfield and plenty of goats - amongst other things.
• Notes: No need to book, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 503 126, Start: SO 503 126
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• Leader: Simon Pickering

The Grwyne Fawr Horse Shoe, 20 miles, Saturday 14th May 2022, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Cadwgan Car Park in the Grwyne Fawr Valley, SO267251
• Description: A convoluted route around the Grwyne Fawr Valley area
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 267 251, Start: SO 26731 25149
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4600
• Leader: Jason Winney

Abergavenny Seven Peaks Walk, 30/20/13 miles, Saturday 21st May 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Changes: This walk will be capped at a maximum of 30 people to keep it manageable, with pre-registration now requested.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Byefield Road Car Park, Abergavenny, SO297141
• Description: Follow the historical '7 peaks route' that preceded the well-known 3 peaks walk. You can drop out at 2 or 5 peaks if you would like a shorter day and self-navigate find your back to the start. Something for everyone :) You will need to pre-register with the walk leader please.
• Notes: About 6000ft for the whole challenge (4 major climbs). For 2 peaks Blorenge and Llanwennarth (c13 miles). For 5 peaks add in Rholben, Sugar Loaf and Deri (c20 miles). For the whole route add in Skirrid Fawr and Fach.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6000
• Leader: Mike Batt

LDWA 50th Annivesary Big Walk: Taith Torfaen: Part 1 (South), 26 miles, Saturday 18th June 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontypool Free carpark, Pontypool, SO2854600630
• Description: Walking the South Loop encompassing the Sirhowy Valley area
• Notes: There is no booking onto this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28546 00630, Start: SO 28546 00630
• Map(s): Explorer: 166/152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jason Winney

LDWA 50th Annivesary Big Walk: Taith Torfaen: Part 2 (North), 26 miles, Sunday 19th June 2022, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontypool Free carpark, Pontypool, SO2854600630
• Description: Walking the North loop of the Taith Torfaen, walking The Garn fawr and Coiety Ridges.
• Notes: There is no need to book onto this walk, just turn up.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28546 00630, Start: SO 28546 00630
• Map(s): Explorer: 152/OL13
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jason Winney

Unfinished Business, 22 miles, Saturday 25th June 2022, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llanwrthwl Village, there's little parking so see if you can do your best to park somewhere convenient for yourself and the villagers , SN9757663739
• Description: Heading out to Y Gamrhiw and Gorllwyn (quite rough territory) and dropping down into Gornoeth forest, to then ascend Craig Chwefri and over to Drum Ddu, Trembyd, then to pick up the Wye Valley way back to Llanwrthwl.
• Notes: The section from the summit of Y Gamrhiw to Gorllwyn is tough going if you're not used to off the path walking, for around 3 miles, and may require a swear box for some.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 97576 63739, Start: SN 97576 63739
• Map(s): Explorer: 200
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3800
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wilder Vs the Wilder, 20 miles, Saturday 2nd July 2022, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: In dead end layby behind Tafarn y Garreg Inn, SN8492017123
• Description: Two loops, 8 miles & 12 miles exploring the Black Mountain and Fan Ghyhiric, Penwyllt
• Notes: Walk is graded as hard due to the off path walking on the first loop on the Black Mountain. There is about 4 miles of pathless terrain. Not too hard going but will slow us down a bit
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 84920 17123, Start: SN 84920 17123
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney