South Wales LDWA

The Pudding Puncher - The Emergence of Major Splatt Pudding, 22 miles, Monday 1st January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Machen Village Hall Car Park, ST20978910
• Description: An incongruous and allegedly, a circuitous route, of the Sirhowy Area
• Notes: Possible Winter Conditions
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 2097 8910, Start: ST 2097 8910
• Map(s): Explorer: 166,152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5500
• Leader: Jason Winney

'Nothing Else Matters' (84), 14 miles, Wednesday 10th January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Street parking near the Lancaster Arms Guesthouse, Pandy, SO333218
• Description: A winter exploration of Hatterall & Longtown
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 333 218, Start: SO 333 218
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2128
• Leader: David Morgan

Llangynidr Shuffle, 15 miles, Saturday 13th January 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at the free carpark in Llangynidr, SO15581958
• Description: A 'quiet' shuffle around Llangynidr, Tor-y-foel and Twyn Disgwlfa
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 1558 1958, Start: SO 1558 1958
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2800
• Leader: Jason Winney

Memories of Water, 20 miles, Saturday 20th January 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Pontben Llwyd (just south of Penderyn on A4059). Pull into Pontpren road parallel to A4059 and find parking - please be quiet/ discreet as residential. Carshare if possible. Meet outside Penderyn Community Centre at north end at 08.30 to start. Check eternal roadworks on A465 before setting off. , SN95050800
• Description: A nice mix of lots of forest/ waterfalls with a couple of low hills and moorland, wandering around Waterfall Country.
• Notes: Main hazard is slippery and muddy in places (esp. if icy) and needing to take care over footing. Good boots, gaiters, walking pole go a long way. This is a winter hillwalk - it is your responsibility to be properly equipped and prepared to self-navigate back if you choose to drop out. Expect 1-2 hours walking in the dark.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 9505 0800, Start: SN 9505 0800
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Mike Batt

'Fade To Black' - CANCELLED DUE TO INJURY, 15 miles, Wednesday 24th January 2024, Location

• Changes: This walk is now cancelled due to a knee injury to walk leader. Rest is required and all things being equal, normal mid week service will soon be resumed.
• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Foresters Oaks car park, ST429939
• Description: A winter exploration of an ancient forest.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 429 939, Start: ST 429 939
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2900
• Leader: David Morgan

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 27th January 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: This will be supplied to pre-booked walkers. 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., SO2921620026
• Description: Circular route in the Sugar Loaf area taking in 3 little peaks (all below 600m). Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 29216 20026, Start: SO 29216 20026
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4250
• Leader: Henny Clare

Usk Valley Saunter, 16 miles, Saturday 3rd February 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: School Car Park - Crickhowell, SO21651854
• Description: A saunter around the Crick area, Glan Usk Estate, Llangattock Escarpment.
• Notes: This is the easier walk for the Essex & Herts LDWA Group on the 23rd March, most of you will no doubt be on the harder walk that day, so by putting it in as a walk on the planner, it gives you a chance to do both walks
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2165 1854, Start: SO 2165 1854
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Jason Winney

'Enter Sandman' (85), 12.5 miles, Wednesday 7th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
• Description: A circuit of Sugar Loaf and a visit to the top.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2569
• Leader: David Morgan

Bath Time, 19 miles, Saturday 10th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Goytre Wharf - Pay & Display car park (£1 - cash). What Three Words ranch.applauded.presuming, SO312065
• Description: Exploring the mixed terrain north-east of Pontypool, we’ll traverse the shoulders of Mynydd Garnchochdy and Mynytdd Garn-wen, as well as the pastoral land and woodland it looks down upon.
• Notes: The pastoral sections have a number of stiles and some areas are likely to be boggy. Please bring £1 coin (correct as of 22/1/24) for parking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 312 065, Start: SO 312 065
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Simon Pickering

Of Mines and Men, 18 miles, Saturday 17th February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: Walk shortened due to weather
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Speculation Car Park, about 1/4 mile North of Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. See https://gridreferencefinder.com/os.php#gr=SO613135 for exact location; click on icon to get What3Words (but ignore postcode given). Website for Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is www.forestryengland.uk/forest-dean-cycle-centre (quoted postcode is the nearest reliable postcode to Speculation Car Park)., SO6130013500
• Description: A meander along tracks and pathways to visit the sites of some of the more than 200 disused coal- and iron-mines and quarries in this heavily exploited area of the country.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 61300 13500, Start: SO 61300 13500
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14 (Wye Valley & F
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

'Master Of Puppets' (86), 18.5 miles, Wednesday 21st February 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pontypool Leisure Centre Car Park, what3words - passively.electrode.passage, SO285006
• Description: An old favourite repeated. Visiting the hills to the south west of Pontypool.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 285 006, Start: SO 285 006
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: David Morgan

Wild Camp Walk, 44 miles, Saturday 24th February 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Meet at Hafod Nature Reserve Car Park - on the Cwmystwyth Road, SN76807365
• Description: Three days walking in Ceredigion - we have options to wild camp or use the various bothies that are nearby if the weather is not too good. Day 1 is approx. 13 miles, day 2 is approx. 14 miles and day 3 is approx. 16 miles
• Notes: If the weather is really bad I won't run the trip and postpone until summer - please kindly check the walks program for updates nearer the time....
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 7680 7365, Start: SN 7680 7365
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 8500
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wild Camp Walk, Sunday 25th February 2024, Route: (, download)

• Meet/Start time : Continuation of the three day trip in Ceredigion
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Leader: Jason Winney

Wild Camp Walk, Monday 26th February 2024, Route: (, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : Final day of the Wild Camp Walk in Ceredigion
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 187, 213
• Leader: Jason Winney

Merthyr Madness - CANCELLED, 22 miles, Saturday 2nd March 2024, Location

• Changes: CANCELLED - we're sorry to cancel this walk due to leader illness; it will be rescheduled for another date.
• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Merthyr Leisure Centre carpark. Park at the rear where we can meet up., SO050055
• Description: We'll head out to Mynydd Aberdare and then down Mynydd Merthyr and Twyn Brynbychan to Abercynon. Return via Mynydd y Capel and Merthyr Common.
• Notes: It's early March, so you'll need to be prepared for four seasons and winter hill conditions. Bring a headtorch in case we finish late.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 050 055, Start: SO 050 055
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2600
• Leader: Mike Batt / Norma Lloyd

'Mind Your Manners 2' (87) , 26 miles, Saturday 9th March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llynfi Road Car Park (free), Maesteg. What Three Words: thing.shower.ledge, SS851914
• Description: Exploring the hills near (and not so near) Maesteg. A repeat of the 04.11.23 walk that was truncated due to bad weather.
• Notes: This is an exposed route. Please ensure that you have spare clothing, head torch and equipment that will ensure that you are equipped for winter hill walking.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 851 914, Start: SS 851 914
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5550
• Leader: David Morgan

'Promise' (88), 19.5 miles, Saturday 23rd March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell what3 words - brushing.fuse.allows, SO216185
• Description: This is a joint walk with our friends from Essex & Herts LDWA Group. An exploration of the western Black Mountains via lesser known paths and a ridge finish.
• Notes: Please ensure that you have spare clothing. Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains and this walk will be exposed when on the mountain ridge on return to Crickhowell. Please also ensure that you have a head torch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4200
• Leader: David Morgan

Usk Valley Circuit, 15.5 miles, Saturday 23rd March 2024, Location, Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell what3 words - brushing.fuse.allows, SO216185
• Description: A second offering for our friends from Essex & Herts LDWA who don't wish to participate on the walk called 'Promise' due to distance and height ascent.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2343
• Leader: Jason Winney

Both Sides of the Storey, 20 miles, Saturday 30th March 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad layby on A470, 1.6ml N of Storey Arms. What3words: briskly.dugouts.attitudes ., SN971222
• Description: A visit to a number of the hills and surrounding areas to the north of Storey Arms. The itinerary includes Fan Frynych, Daudraeth Illtyd Nature Reserve, Cefn Llecid, Cwm Llwch and Y Gyrn.
• Notes: Some areas of rough ground and some areas likely to be boggy. A number of ascents.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 971 222, Start: SN 971 222
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12. Landranger: 160
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4200
• Leader: Simon Pickering

'For Whom The Bell Tolls' (89), 33 miles, Wednesday 17th April 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Fedw Woods Car Park, ST506984
• Description: A repeat of a walk that I led in March 2022. 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. Led at a brisk pace.
• 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

'Dr Alibi' (90), 37 miles, Saturday 27th April 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, , SO297141
• Description: A spring training walk that will see the Group follow an undulating route west from Abergavenny and into the Valleys. We will visit locations used on the 2014 Valleys 100 route and we will even visit the Alps.
• Notes: There will a shop to resupply at approximately 18 miles into the walk. You MUST be an experienced walker to come on this walk. If you are not a regular member of the South Wales LDWA Group, please email the walk leader and provide information that will reassure that you are able to complete a walk of this nature. Brisk pace and if you feel that you will not be able to complete the distance, you must make arrangements to return yourself to Abergavenny.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12, OL13, 152. Landranger: 160, 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 7377
• Leader: David Morgan

Back to Black, 32 miles, Saturday 4th May 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Start in the lay-by by the Tafarn-y-Garreg pub. Limited parking, so please car share if possible., SN849171
• Description: A somewhat epic loop of the Black Mountain. Generally fairly good walking, with short sections of bog or tussock in places. Out to Brynamman, up to Pen y Clogau and back roughly along the Beacons Way.
• Notes: This is exposed and the second half is wild and remote. Bring appropriate mountain walking kit, can be surprisingly chilly even in early May. Boots/ gaiters if you want dry feet!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 849 171, Start: SN 849 171
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5500
• Leader: Mike Batt

From the Archives - Torfaen Toddle, 22 miles, Saturday 18th May 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pontypool Carpark, SO28520065
• Description: A walk led by Peter Davies in November 1984, a route that goes over to the Cwmcarn area
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2852 0065, Start: SO 2852 0065
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

From the Archives - Wye Valley Meander, 24 miles, Saturday 8th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Wire Works Free Carpark - Forge Lane, SO52650009
• Description: A repeat of John Short's Wye Valley Meander from back in December 1990
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 5265 0009, Start: SO 5265 0009
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4700
• Leader: Jason Winney

Somewhat Moorish, 22 miles, Saturday 15th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Park at Crickhowell Sports Centre, New Road, Crickhowell., SO216185
• Description: Over to the Lonely Shepherd, and then a meandering walk across Llangattock and Llangynidr moors as far as the Chartist's Cave, linking some points of interest, legend and history as we wander across an empty land
• Notes: Often faint, sometimes non-existent, paths, but generally ok walking apart from one impressive bit of bog we have to get through (serious splodge potential) and some tussocky goodness (four star for this). Maybe not for those who don't like off-path walking, but it isn't that bad. Exposed most of the day.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2400
• Leader: Mike Batt

Over the hills and near away, 18 miles, Saturday 29th June 2024, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Llanvihangel Crucorney, by the church, SO32532056
• Description: A meander around the Mid Range of the Black Mountains
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 3253 2056, Start: SO 3253 2056
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Jason Winney

Post-Election Day Detox - CANCELLED, 24-30(approx.) miles, Saturday 6th July 2024, Location

• Changes: Walk cancelled - the minimum number of walkers has not been reached.
• Meet/Start time : 20:30. At: Forest Holidays, Forest of Dean, Bracelands Drive, Christchurch, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7NN, SO5684712977
• Description: A night walk to experience the sounds of the forest when the tourists and locals are tucked up in bed. I am keeping to main forestry tracks to avoid getting lost (things look different at night). Shop/cafe at start (closes 8 p.m.) and at finish (opens 9 a.m.) This walk will be at a casual pace and is based on time (12 hours), not distance*. So, distance and elevation gain will be dependent on our speed but we'll be finishing at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday morning regardless. Head- and/or handheld-torch absolutely necessary. IMPORTANT: It's essential to let me know if you want to come so I can monitor the numbers and inform people if we do not reach the minimum of 6. *As a broad guideline, I anticipate between 24 and 30 miles.
• Notes: Please note: there is a maximum number imposed by Forestry England of 25 including the leader. For safety reasons, a minimum of 6 for the walk to go ahead.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 56847 12977, Start: SO 56847 12977
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14 (Wye Valley & F
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

Not the CSF 20, 20 miles, Saturday 20th July 2024, Route: (view, download)

• Changes: Start time updated and route notes added - please read these.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanfoist Crossing Car Park (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time), SO2857213330
• Description: Same circuit as CSF 20 but different route, (mostly). Going up to the side of Blorenge to cross the Tumble to go down then up Gilwern Hill. Then dropping down, via Carreg Maen Taro, to meet the CSF 20 and cross the B4248 and climb up to Coety Mountain, leaving the CSF to continue to Bobby’s Helmet and across to the Dog Memorial Stone and down to Varteg. To cross the A4043 to follow CSF 20 for a short while before turning towards Blorenge, via Carn y Defaid. Then up to Blorenge and direct route down to return down the steep track to the Car Park.
• Notes: Some overgrown sections, particularly for 100yards around mile 1 is very overgrown, if you wear shorts you will get scratched. The descent from Varteg to A4043 has some very loose gravel, so sticks are advised for those that use them and caution for those that don’t. The descent from Blorenge is zigzag not straight down! Due to lack of suitable spots I am thinking of , 11ses at ~4.4 miles, lunch at ~11.3miles and 3ses at ~17.6 miles so you may want to plan your snacks accordingly. Great views for most of the route which is a mixture of sheep tracks, wide paths, some road and some rutted tracks and stony paths. At the moment the surfaces are very loose as it is so dry so some caution needed. Have made it “Hard” grade due to amount of climbing.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 28572 13330, Start: SO 28572 13330
• Map(s): Explorer: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: Philippa Crocker