South Wales LDWA

The Pudding Puncher - The search for Dr Breen, 22 miles, Thursday 1st January 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Station Road opposite Train Station Entrance , ST142944
• Description: A circuitous route out to the Sirhowy Valley
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 142 944, Start: ST 142 944
• Map(s): Explorer: 166,152
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4600
• Leader: Jason Winney

Desperate Times (94), 19 miles, Saturday 10th January 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Margaret Street Car Park, Abercynon (free) What Three Words: bulldozer.crouches.songs, ST082948, ST0822694852
• Description: Step out of the comfort zone peeps.......... Walk leaders needed. Walk entered to keep activities ticking over for the Group.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 08226 94852, Start: ST 08226 94852
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3300
• Leader: David Morgan

Machen Rumble , 18 miles, Saturday 24th January 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Our old haunt - Machen Village Hall , ST20968910
• Description: Exploring the lowlands around Machen, Rudry, Rhuperra, and Ochrwyth, our route climbs the lower flanks of Mynydd Machen before following the old Waterloo Tin Plate Works line into Rudry, where the remnants of Rudry Colliery reveal the story of the Red Ash/Rider Coal Seam. We’ll trace the ancient lead mines of Coed Cefn Pwll Du, whose history stretches back to Roman times, before heading to Rhuperra hill fort and finishing with a climb to Upper Ochrwyth. A walk of history, industry, and hills—welcome to the Machen Rumble.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 2096 8910, Start: ST 2096 8910
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Buzzard Way Part 4 (95), 22 miles, Saturday 31st January 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Taffs Well Train Station, ST125832
• Description: The fourth stage of the newly created Buzzard Way, a 90 mile long distance trail that explores the eastern South Wales valleys. We will walk from Taffs Well Train Station to Hengoed Train Station.
• Notes: This series of walks will be led solely with train travel in mind. We will be using the new tap on and tap off of the South Wales Metro which also provides cheap train travel. If people wish to use their cars, please make your own arrangements. All stations including those furthest away on the Metro network can arrive at Taffs Well by 08:24. Do NOT forget to tap on AND off or you'll face a surcharge of £10! A winter high level walk, so please ensure that you are carrying the appropriate equipment to keep you safe on the hills.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 125 832, Start: ST 125 832, Finish: ST 153 949
• Map(s): Explorer: 152 / 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4015
• Leader: David & Gill Morgan

The Buzzard Way Part 5 (96), 21.1 miles, Saturday 7th February 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:50. At: Hengoed Train Station, ST153949
• Description: The fifth and final stage of the newly created Buzzard Way, a 90 mile long distance trail that explores the eastern South Wales valleys. We will walk from Hengoed Train Station to Llanhilleth Train Station.
• Notes: This series of walks will be led solely with train travel in mind. We will be using the new tap on and tap off of the South Wales Metro which also provides cheap train travel. If people wish to use their cars, please make your own arrangements. All stations including those furthest away on the Metro network can arrive at Hengoed by 08:35. Do NOT forget to tap on AND off or you'll face a surcharge of £10! A winter high level walk, so please ensure that you are carrying the appropriate equipment to keep you safe on the hills.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 153 949, Start: ST 153 949, Finish: SO 217 007
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3722
• Leader: David & Gill Morgan

Lower Wye Wander, 13 miles, Wednesday 11th February 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Chepstow Leisure Centre Free CP, ST529943
• Description: Renewing the old midweek walks, visiting some familiar and not too familiar parts on both sides of the River Wye between Chepstow and Tintern.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 529 943, Start: ST 529 943
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

The Buzzard Way Part 1 (97), 17.2 miles, Saturday 14th February 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanhilleth Train Station, SO217008
• Description: RESCHEDULED PREVIOUSLY CANCELLED WALK. The first stage of the newly created Buzzard Way, a 90 mile long distance trail that explores the eastern South Wales valleys. We will walk from LlanhillethTrain Station to Ebbw Vale Parkway Train Station.
• Notes: This series of walks will be led solely with train travel in mind. We will be using the new tap on and tap off of the South Wales Metro which also provides cheap train travel. If people wish to use their cars, please make your own arrangements. All stations including those furthest away on the Metro network can arrive at Llanhilleth by 08:21. Do NOT forget to tap on AND off or you'll face a surcharge of £10! An winter high level walk, so please ensure that you are carrying the appropriate equipment to keep you safe on the hills.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 217 008, Start: SO 217 008, Finish: SO 175 071
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3157
• Leader: David & Gill Morgan

A Reversed walk : Wye Valley Meander , 22 miles, Saturday 21st February 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Upper Wireworks Carpark Tintern - What3Words - safe betrayed cuddled, SO526001
• Description: The walk that was lead in 2023, reversed so it will definitely feel like a different walk. From Tintern we make our way up to Devils Pulpit and along the Offa's Dyke to St Briavels. Popping over to Newland, Redbrook and Trellech before picking up old tracks back to the start
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 526 001, Start: SO 526 001
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4400
• Leader: Jason Winney

'March of the Woodland Critters', 18.2 miles, Saturday 28th February 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Byefield Lane Car Park, SO296141
• Description: A loop from Abergavenny to Crug Mawr and back via the Sugar Loaf, passing through some woodlands along the way.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 296 141, Start: SO 296 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: Celeste Crabbe

Abergavenny Midweek Wander, 13 miles, Wednesday 4th March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Bayfield Lane Free CP, Abergavenny, SO296141
• Description: A nice midweek wander visiting the Punchbowl, Blorenge, Gilwern Hill and then back along the Brecon Canal to finish.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 296 141, Start: SO 296 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2200
• Leader: Tony Alcock

Three Little Peaks, 17 miles, Saturday 7th March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• 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. (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time), SO2920320043
• 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 29203 20043, Start: SO 29203 20043
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4250
• Leader: Henny Clare

From the archives - A large circle around Caerphilly, 25 miles, Saturday 14th March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST210891
• Description: A repeat of Mike Batts walk which he led in September 2018
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 210 891, Start: ST 210 891
• Map(s): Explorer: 151;152;166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4500
• Leader: Kathryn Gordon

Cwmucopia, 19 miles, Saturday 21st March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Parking at south side of Beacons Reservoir, SN98951834
• Description: A cornucopia of deserted cwms. Includes cutting straight across the northern cwms of the Central Beacons from east to west; great views, but it is a bit like walking the length of a Toblerone bar - a tough, but rewarding day out.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 9895 1834, Start: SN 9895 1834
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5900
• Leader: Mike Batt

Midweek Cwmbran Wander, 13 miles, Wednesday 25th March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Penylan Fields Free CP, Coed Evra, Cwmbran what3words /// army.pitch.safe, ST275942
• Description: Up onto the Mynydd Henllys ridge before walking along to the Twmbrlwm Hillfort for some far reaching views. Visiting Cwmcarn and Mynydd Maen before circling back round through fields and lanes to the start.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 275 942, Start: ST 275 942
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2250
• Leader: Tony Alcock

Cymoedd Sir Fynwy South Loop, 20 miles, Saturday 28th March 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byefield Lane Car Park, SO297140
• Description: A chance to reacquaint yourself with the southern loop of our 2026 challenge walk, check out the route description and possibly deliver flyers to premises we pass through.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 140, Start: SO 297 140
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4300
• Leader: Andrew Clabon

North Cardiff Loop, 20 miles, Saturday 4th April 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Changes: Please note the change in start point. Due to essential tree felling the car park at Fforest-fawr, which was the original start point, has been temporarily closed. The new start point is the overflow car park at Radyr railway station.
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Radyr Railway Station overflow car park, De Clare Drive CF15 8EJ what3words// beard.adults.strict, ST135804
• Description: Visiting some of the summits north and west of Cardiff - Craig-y-Allt, Garth Hill and Caerphilly Mountain.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 135 804, Start: ST 135 804
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3300
• Leader: Judith Fox

Llanygynidr Loosener, 34 miles, Saturday 11th April 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: From the carpark in Llangynidr, SO1556519586
• Description: Limber up for spring with a tour of seven hills from Llangynidr.
• Notes: A good introductory Loosener for those who haven't tried out SWLDWA's traditional spring epic. Need proper hill gear/ torch/ food for whole route.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 15565 19586, Start: SO 15565 19586
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12; OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6600
• Leader: Mike Batt

A stroke of misfortune, 13 miles, Wednesday 22nd April 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Outside Court Farm water treatment works, Ponthir, ST338935
• Description: Fields, tracks, lanes, taking in Llanhennock, Caerleon & Ponthir
• Notes: IMPORTANT - if coming from West of Newport (e.g. Cardiff) leave M4 at junction 26 and come via Grange Hospital, Cwmbran, as cannot exit at junction 25.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 338 935, Start: ST 338 935
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Leader: Hugh Woodford

Rhondda Rollercoaster - social walk, 26.5 miles, Saturday 9th May 2026, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Barry Sidings car park - public transport option via Trehafod train station, ST053908
• Description: An old favourite Returns. Chance for the group to revisit a cherished walk and to brutalise our legs pre-100 (main event). Notes for anyone who has only ever walked this route as a challenge, this will be self supporting with a chance to resupply roughly halfway (no checkpoints, sorry!)
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 053 908, Start: ST 053 908
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Leader: Jamie Lewis

Bridge Over the River Wye, 13 miles, Wednesday 13th May 2026, Route: (view, download)

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Outside Dixton Church (St Peter's), Old Dixton Road, off the A40 Monmouth roundabout, ///otherwise.sublime.schematic, SO5185713557
• Description: From Dixton church, over the Wye Bridge at Monmouth and up to the Kymin to enjoy the views (weather permitting). Meandering to the Biblins Bridge, across to the Doward to visit King Arthur's cave and the hillfort. Down to the Wye and back to the cars via the Wye Valley Walk.
• Notes: Social pace. Suitable for dogs on a lead and for those with an aversion to stiles.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 51857 13557, Start: SO 51857 13557
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2500
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

3 Castles Walk , 20 miles, Saturday 16th May 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Free parking area in front of Skenfrith Castle. Limited spaces available so please share a lift if you can. , SO456202
• Description: The classic three castles walk between Whitecastle, Grosmont and Skenfrith.
• Notes: Hoping to catch bluebells and wild garlic in full bloom.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 456 202, Start: SO 456 202
• Map(s): Explorer: 13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Enrique Santafe

Usk Midweek Wander, 13 miles, Wednesday 3rd June 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Usk centre free car park. what3words///cattle.raking.outnumber, SO376008
• Description: Following the Usk Valley Walk northwards before circling round and returning via Bettws Newydd and Gwehelog Common.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 376 008, Start: SO 376 008
• Map(s): Explorer: OS 152, OL13
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2000
• Leader: Tony Alcock

Star Trek 4, 24 miles, Saturday 6th June 2026, Route: (view, download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet at Millfield Car Park, Pontypridd CF37 2PU located under the viaduct arches in Mill Street. Parking fee of £1.50 for the day , ST06949007
• Description: From 2011 a repeat of Star Trek 4, one of 5 walks from Pontypridd created by Gwyn Matthews. A varied walk climbing out of Pontypridd to Mynydd Meio, on to Caerphilly Mountain, Rudry Common, through Caerphilly and Llanbradach to then follow the Senghenydd Dyke path to Mynydd Eglwysilian and back to Pontypridd.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 0694 9007, Start: ST 0694 9007
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3550
• Leader: Cheryl Llewellyn

From the archives : Crickhowell Chrimbal Cracker, 26 miles, Saturday 20th June 2026, Location

• Changes: Weather is forecasted to be hot again so bring additional water. Shops in Abergavenny for additional supplies if needed.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Crickhowel High School Free Car Park, SO21641855
• Description: A repeat of Peter Lewis's Crickhowel Chrimbal Cracker from December 1986 - some familiar ground, that winds its way over to Abergavenny through the Black Mountains before weaving our way back to Crick. The original route followed the canal back, we're doing a slightly different route back to Crickhowel to improve on the variety. The route can be reduced to 16 miles if you decide to catch the bus back to Crickhowel from Abergavenny
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2164 1855, Start: SO 2164 1855
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6200
• Leader: Jason Winney

Cymoedd Sir Fynwy Marshals' Walk, 50,30or20 miles, Saturday 27th June 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byfield Car park, Abergavenny, SO29691405
• Description: Members can choose to enter either the 20 / 30 or 50 mile event. Members to be self sufficient. If doing the 50 mile event, a resupply from your car in Abergavenny can be possible before setting out on the second loop.
• Notes: This walk is ONLY available to members who helped marshal Cymoedd Sir Fynwy on 18/19 April. Please do not ask to enter if you did not help during the weekend as a refusal can often be interpreted as rude! Further information will be provided via the WhatsApp Group that has been set up for the members who have volunteered to assist on the main event.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 2969 1405, Start: SO 2969 1405
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 10k
• Leader: N/A

Cambrian Way Part 4, 26 miles, Saturday 4th July 2026, Location, Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 07:00. At: Brecon Bus Station - Stand 4 - 07:23 - Catching bus to Crickhowel and walking back to Brecon - parking is anywhere you can find in Brecon but make your way to the Bus Station on Heol Gouesnou. What Three Word - (presides.scrub.bowls), SO048284
• Description: Continuing our journey, this time walking the Cambrian Way from Crickhowel to Brecon. This is the last leg of the Cambrian Way. After the Tommy Jones Obelisk - we depart the route and head on down to Brecon. The route finishes at the Town bridge on the Usk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 048 284, Start: SO 218 184, Finish: SO 042 285
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13, OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5800
• Leader: Jason Winney

Cancelled: The Brynmawr 500, 35 miles, Saturday 11th July 2026, Location

• Changes: Postponed due to hot weather forecast and the strenuous nature of the walk. Future date to be announced.
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Forge Lane Car Park (free) best accessed off Station Road in Blaina, SO200083
• Description: A circumnavigation of Brynmawr taking in the 5 surrounding trig points that are over 500m
• Notes: This walk takes in some rough and sometimes boggy ground. Walking poles will aid you in these locations. No dogs I'm afraid. This is a social walk which will be lead at a social pace which means we may finish after dark so pack a torch. Natural water sources on route will be virtually non existent. Only sources of replenishment will be the Route 46 caravan at 20 miles (google route 46 caravan cafe) cash and debit card only and a Co-op 250yds off route at 27.5 miles. So if its hot bring plenty of fluids.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 200 083, Start: SO 200 083
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12 and 13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6000
• Leader: Andrew Clabon