South Wales LDWA

The Buzzard Way Part 3 (98), 22.4 miles, Saturday 17th October 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Bargoed Train Station, SO151001
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: This walk was cancelled in December 2025 and is the third stage (but the final one to be led) of the newly created Buzzard Way, a 90 mile long distance trail that explores the eastern South Wales valleys. We will walk from Bargoed Train Station to Taffs Well 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 Bargoed by 08:55. Do NOT forget to tap on AND off or you'll face a surcharge of £10! An autumnal 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 151 001, Start: SO 151 001, Finish: ST 125 832
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3030
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

From the Archives - Gower Gadabout, 26 miles, Saturday 24th October 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Parking area on Summit of Cefn Bryn, SS49079004
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Retracing the steps of a classic Gower adventure from 1987, when Nick Kaye led the group on a memorable journey around the peninsula. Starting from Cefn Bryn, we'll head out in search of the coast, picking up the Wales Coast Path and making our way around towards the Llanmadoc and Whiteford area. From there, we'll continue on to Llangennith and Rhossili before tackling the wilder coastal sections towards Port Eynon. Finally, we'll turn inland and make our way up towards Oxwich. A proper journey around some of the best coastline the Gower has to offer — with beaches, cliffs, headlands and plenty of miles along the way!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 4907 9004, Start: SS 4907 9004
• Map(s): Explorer: 164
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3100
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Jason Winney, Tel: 07704038902, email: jasonwinney73@gmail.com

A long walk spoiled?, 22 miles, Saturday 31st October 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Maryport Street North car park, Maryport Street, Usk NP15 1ED. What3Words: ///brink.nature.fish, SO376008
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A varied walk through the fields and woodland around Usk, we’ll head northwards initially to Gwehelog Common and Bettys Newydd before heading across to the Chain Bridge and picking up the Usk Valley Walk. It’s then down past Glascoed and Llandegfedd Reservoir before returning via Llangibby Park. The route is based on Gerry Jackson’s 2010 walk, Sor-brook – sore feet.
• Notes: Please bring torch, in case we finish in the dark
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 376 008, Start: SO 376 008
• Map(s): Explorer: 152. Landranger: 161, 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Simon Pickering, Tel: 07812011589, email: Sipickering@outlook.com

Llangorse Lake circuit, 12 miles, Wednesday 11th November 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Large layby on A40 approx 1 mile north west of Bwlch, SO130226
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A circuit of Llangorse Lake, walking sections of Three Rivers Ride & Beacons Way. 2 Marilyn tops - Allt yr Esgair & Mynydd Llangorse.
• Notes: Toilets & snack bar at start.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 130 226, Start: SO 130 226
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Hugh Woodford, Tel: 01633 862481, email: heatherhugh@hotmail.com

The Annual Gathering, c13 miles, Saturday 14th November 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: The Byfield Car Park Abergavenny, SO296141
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A day of activities to enjoy being a Leekie – including our Annual General Meeting and Xmas meal. There will lead a walk in the morning, from The Byfield Car Park, up onto the Blorenge and down and around into Cwm Llanellen, then in the afternoon we will meet up at St Michaels Centre for a guest talk from Longtown Mountain Rescue, our Christmas meal and a bit of group business (the AGM!).
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 296 141, Start: SO 296 141
• Map(s): Explorer: Ol13
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2700
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Jason Winney, Tel: 07704038902, email: jasonwinney73@gmail.com

Rain Wizard (99), 20.7 miles, Saturday 21st November 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Newbridge Railway Station Car Park (free), ST211969
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A circular walk exploring Mynydd Maen. Expect some steep ascents and descents.
• Notes: Time of walk chosen to enable people travelling via South Wales Metro to be able to arrive in time for start of walk. A winter high level walk. Please ensure that your rucksack is equipped for winter walking in the South Wales Valleys. Head torch required. One steep descent in woodland. Poles would be helpful.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 211 969, Start: ST 211 969
• Map(s): Explorer: 152 / 166. Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3986
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

Circles of Confusion 4 (100), 20 miles, Saturday 30th January 2027, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Whitestone Car Park, Wye Valley, SO524029
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A new Circles of Confusion route and 4th in the series to celebrate leading 100 walks for our South Wales LDWA Group! This walk has been designed with fun in mind and will be 20 miles with occasional views!! An opportunity to meet friends, chew the fat and enjoy winter mileage! No booking necessary. Just turn up. Car sharing urged.
• Notes: You will walk in a number of circles and revisit some places more than once! Walk will be led as a W.A.S.P walk. IE, walk at sociable pace. Some new paths, possibly for Wye Valley stalwarts!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 524 029, Start: SO 524 029
• Map(s): Explorer: 14. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2754
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: David Morgan, email: southwalesldwa@live.co.uk

Rhondda Rollercoaster Marshals' Walk (16 miles), 16 miles, Saturday 13th March 2027, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Trehafod village hall car park off the end of Lewis Street, ST045909
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: The 16 mile version of the Rhondda Rollercoaster Marshals'Walk. Led as a social walk by the walk leader
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 045 909, Start: ST 045 909
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: TBC

Marshal walk - 26ml Rhondda Rollercoaster, 26 miles, Saturday 17th April 2027, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Trehafod village hall car park off the end of Lewis Street, ST045909
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: The 26ml Rhondda Rollercoaster walk. This is for Marshals on the main event only and will be led as a social walk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 045 909, Start: ST 045 909
• Map(s): Explorer: 166. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5000
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: TBC

Bluebell heaven, 12 miles, Wednesday 5th May 2027, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Layby on A4042 between Llanover and Llanellen, SO306097
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Repeat of walk from February 2018 (too early for bluebells), exploring the area above Llanover & Llanellen
• Notes: Care - 2 crossings of busy, fast A4042
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 306 097, Start: SO 306 097
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2200
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Hugh Woodford, Tel: 01633 862481, email: heatherhugh@hotmail.com