South Wales LDWA

A bit on the side, 22 miles, Saturday 8th April 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Lay-by near Stanton. Please park at right angles to the road. SO308217, SO308217
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Heading up the Llanthony Valley on the lower slopes either side to summit Bal Mawr and walk the ridge to Chwarel y Fan, the County top of Monmouthshire. Descend to the Grwyne Fawr valley before ascending to summit Twyn Y Gaer
• Notes: This walk borders on a three star hard walk. There is a lot of climbing overall with some tough ground
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 308 217, Start: SO 308 217
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Contact: Ange Williams, Tel: 07976 320586, email: Angew29@outlook.com

Offa's Twisted Wye Kanter - Challenge Event, 24/19/16/13 miles, Sunday 16th April 2023, Location

• Description: Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter is an event run by South Wales LDWA. Different routes are provided each year and the event has been extremely successful selling out each year, so early entry is advised. South Wales members are encouraged to enter as sufficient help has now been sourced to ensure a successful day.
• Notes: Entries can be made at: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=10174 Price unchanged from 2022 - £13

Social Event: 16 Mile Rhondda Rollercoaster Marshal's walk, 16 miles, Saturday 22nd April 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Barry Sidings car park, ST053908
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A chance for the marshal's for the Gwyn Mathews Rhondda Rollercoaster to walk (and route test) the 16 mile course.
• Contact: Jamie Lewis, Tel: 07377377480, email: Jplewis42@hotmail.com

Elephant Bear & Bull 100 Marshals' , 100 miles, Saturday 29th April 2023, Location

• Description: The annual LDWA 100
• Notes: 48 hour event Paper entry only. Further details at: https://ldwa.org.uk/2023Hundred/W/8187/marshals-event-rules.html

Abergavenny Peaks Seven, 31 miles, Saturday 29th April 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Byefield Road Car Park , SO297141
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: The historical Abergavenny '7 peaks' walk returns, but in reverse and maybe with a twist or two. You can drop out after 3 peaks (c12 miles) or 5 peaks (c19 miles) if you'd like a shorter day and walk back to Aber. You'll need to pre-register with the walk leader please.
• Notes: Capped at a maximum of 30 people to keep it manageable. We won't descend the north side of the Blorenge, before anyone asks!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141, Finish: SO P29 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6000
• Contact: Mike Batt, Tel: 07737 809565, email: barrymike23@hotmail.co.uk

Social Event: Rhondda Rollercoaster Marshals walk (long route), 26.5 miles, Saturday 6th May 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet at the Trehafod HQ for the Rollercoaster., ST045909
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A chance for those lovely people who volunteered to marshal the Rhondda Rollercoaster to walk out the route and get their hands on a certificate.
• Contact: Jamie Lewis, Tel: 07377377480, email: Jplewis42@hotmail.com

The Gwyn Matthews' Rhondda Rollercoaster, 26.5/16 miles, Saturday 13th May 2023, Location

• Description: South Wales LDWA Challenge event. Members encouraged to contact Jamie Lewis in order to offer help.

Wye Valley Crazy Paving, 22 miles, Saturday 20th May 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Forest Holidays Forest of Dean, Bracelands Drive, Christchurch, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7NN What Three Words: ///premiums.heaven.bake, OS map OL14 grid ref: SO568129, SO568129
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A meander through the Wye Valley AONB visiting Symonds Yat viewpoint, Headless Hill and the Kymin. We'll pass sites of archaeological interest, several geological formations and visit the most Easterly point in Wales! Fine views over Monmouth and the Black Mountains (usual Terms & Conditions apply).
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 568 129, Start: SO 568 129
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14 (Wye Valley & F
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4100
• Contact: Andy Thorpe, email: andrew@bikerider.com

Elephant Bear & Bull 100, 100 miles, Saturday 27th May 2023, Location

• Description: The annual LDWA 100
• Notes: 48 hour event Entries at: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=10376

The Dragon and the Whale, 19 miles, Saturday 3rd June 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Dinas Castle Inn (formerly the Dragon’s Back Inn) walkers carpark, Pengenffordd, LD3 0EP. £2 for the day - paid via the honesty box., SO174296
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Circular route heading out up the Dragon’s back and returning over Waun Fach (with a ridge, a down and a big up in between). Quite a lot of ascent for the distance and great views if the weather allows. The walk includes two major ups, both are quite big pulls as the total ascent for the walk is 4000ft.
• Notes: Car park a good size, but please car share if you can. No need to book.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 174 296, Start: SO 174 296
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Contact: Henny Clare, Tel: 07711380419, email: hennyclare@hotmail.com

For Whom the Golden Bells Toll, 25 miles, Saturday 17th June 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall, SO392278
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: An exploration of Herefordshire's Golden Valley taking in its rural splendour. We will visit a number of historic churches at Abbey Dore, St Margarets, Peterchurch, Urishay and Michaelchurch Escley
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 392 278, Start: SO 392 278
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 149
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2500
• Contact: Simon Pickering, Tel: 0781 2011589, email: southwales@ldwa.org.uk

Abergavenny to Monmouth , 25 miles, Saturday 1st July 2023

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: Linear walk from Abergavenny to Monmouth via Pandy and Offas Dyke Path.
• Notes: Limited group size with preference given to South Wales members. Walkers must book by emailing the walk leaders. Joining instructions will be provided to those who have a confirmed place.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13 & 14
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• Contact: Rob & Jill Richardson, email: rwr1907@gmail.com

Vale Dreaming, 57 miles, Saturday 12th August 2023

• Meet/Start time : Start at carpark in Dinas Powys (location provided to those booked on walk)
• Description: An epic tour of sleepy villages, quiet valleys and stunning coastline in the Vale of Glamorgan. A chance to cool your feet in the sea too :) Dare you take on South Wales LDWA's longest ever social walk?
• Notes: Resupply options of water and food are limited, but the leader will sort something out for a resupply halfway. Please let leader know if you are coming at least two weeks in advance, A friendly pace perfectly suited to anyone used to these distances, Has failed the Mini QC check though... she doesn't do more than high 20s.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: 151
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Contact: Mike Batt, Tel: 07737809565, email: barrymike23@hotmail.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 5 miles, Friday 1st September 2023, Location

• Changes: gpx file will be available nearer the date
• Meet/Start time : Lake District, SD413986
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Open to South Wales LDWA members only. A 5 night (6 day) wild camp backpack commencing 1st September. Please advise the leader by 15 August if you would like to attend. Day 1: Drive to Windermere and park in suburbia. Meet at Booth's supermarket cafe. 5 mile early evening walk and camp at Garburn Nook.
• Notes: Attendees to be self-sufficient although I have included a village shop on days 3 and 5 for restocking. Part way through day 4 it should be possible to catch the bus back to Windermere for anyone wanting a shorter trip. There are low level alternatives for days 2 to 5 should the weather be poor. There are additional options for days 2, 3 and 5 if the weather is good and we are feeling fit.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SD 413 986, Start: SD 413 986
• Map(s): Explorer: OL7. Landranger: 97
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 1200
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: +447884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 13 miles, Saturday 2nd September 2023

• Meet/Start time : Lake District
• Description: From Garburn Nook past the hamlet of Kentmere then up onto Kentmere Pike and Nam Bield Pass, the down along the west side of Haweswater to hopefully camp alongside Measand Beck. A low level alternative is available should the weather make it necessary.
• Notes: See 01/09/2023
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL5. Landranger: 90
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2800
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: 07884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 13 miles, Sunday 3rd September 2023

• Meet/Start time : Lake District
• Description: Up onto the Roman Road at Red Crag, followed by Kidsty Pike, Angle Tarn and Glenridding. Then a camp on Glenridding Common. A low level alternative is available should the weather make it necessary.
• Notes: 2 shops in Glenridding for restocking of food.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL5. Landranger: 90
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3400
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: 07884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 11 miles, Monday 4th September 2023

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: From Glenridding Common up onto Catsye Cam, Helvellyn and Seat Sandal. Cross the A591 at Dunmail then up again onto Steel Fell with a camp alongside Codale Tarn. A low level alternative is available should the weather make it necessary.
• Notes: Anyone wishing to leave the trip early can catch the bus at Dunmail back to Windermere
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL4 & 5. Landranger: 90
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4300
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: 07884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 11 miles, Tuesday 5th September 2023

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: To Stickle Tarn and up onto Pavey Ark hopefully via Jack's Rake. Then Harrison Stickle and down to Dungeon Gill, along Langdale to Chapel Stile before climbing Dow Bank and Loughrigg Fell and camping at Lily Tarn. A low level alternative is available should the weather make it necessary.
• Notes: Shop in Chapel Stile for restocking of food.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL5. Landranger: 90
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3300
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: 07884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Lakeland Backpack, 7 miles, Wednesday 6th September 2023

• Meet/Start time :
• Description: Returning to Windermere via Ambleaide and Orrest Head. Then the drive home.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL7. Landranger: 90
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 1200
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: 07884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

South Wales at 40: West Yorkshire Visit Weekend - Walk One, 20 miles, Saturday 23rd September 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations, South Wales will be hosting our friends from West Yorkshire LDWA over the weekend of 23-24 September with a number of walks in the Abergavenny area.
• Notes: A classic walk from Abergavenny. Walk will visit Sugar Loaf, Crug Mawr, Partrishow and Deri prior to returning to the town.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4200
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

South Wales at 40:West Yorkshire Visit Weekend - Walk Two, Sunday 24th September 2023

• Meet/Start time : Abergavenny
• Description: As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations, South Wales will be hosting our friends from West Yorkshire LDWA over the weekend of 23-24 September with a number of walks in the Abergavenny area. Further details to come.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Contact: Simon Pickering, email: southwales@ldwa.org.uk

4 Across: Very Wire, 21 miles, Saturday 7th October 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in lay-by on north side of A4136 Staunton Road. When approaching from Monmouth the lay-by is about 200yds on your left after you pass the "Welcome to the Forest of Dean" sign, SO539124
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: 40 years ago this month I led the second group walk. This is not the exact route but based on the route of 1983. Mainly forest tracks and field paths. Total road walking less than 2 miles.
• Notes: Bring £2 or swim and it's October so don't forget a torch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 539 124, Start: SO 539 124
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3800
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, Tel: +447884967288, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

"World On Fire" (81), 32 miles, Saturday 14th October 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Magor Square Car Park, NP26 3HY (free parking) What Three Words: nervy.cheerily.knowledge, ST425871
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: An autumnal walk following WCP, sections of Y100SF and rolling Monmouthshire hills. Views all day if weather is good.
• Notes: Walk grade due to distance to be walked. Chance of resupply in Chepstow. Some quiet lane walking involved. Please ensure head torches are in your rucksack.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 425 871, Start: ST 425 871
• Map(s): Explorer: 171 / 172. Landranger: OL14
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3300
• Contact: David & Gill Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

"Seven" (82), 20 miles, Saturday 21st October 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Margaret Street Car Park, Abercynon (free) What Three Words: bulldozer.crouches.songs, ST082948
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Exactly 57 years ago to the day, the Aberfan disaster devastated the lives of so many in a small mining community and touched the hearts of many more around the world. This walk remembers that catastrophic event.
• Notes: Bring a head torch just in case. Please ensure your rucksack is equipped for winter conditions. Railway station in Abercynon with several trains arriving prior to 08:30 otherwise car sharing advised.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 082 948, Start: ST 082 948
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2364
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

"Mind Your Manners" (83), 26 miles, Saturday 4th November 2023, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llynfi Road Car Park (free), Maesteg What Three Words: thing.shower.ledge, SS851914
  (It is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Exploring the hills near (and not so near) Maesteg.
• 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
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk