South Wales LDWA

'Actions Speak Louder Than Words' (77), 22or16 miles, Sunday 1st January 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Pontypool Leisure Centre Car Park, SO285006
• Description: We welcome in 2023 with a bracing 22 mile walk over familiar hills from Pontypool.
• Notes: Pease ensure that your rucksack is equipped for winter. This walk is exposed and in wet and / or windy weather equipment will be required. Please bring a head torch. Car sharing recommended. A 16 mile alternative is available courtesy of Ang Williams. She intends leaving the main route at mile 13 and walking back to the start. So, if you have imbibed far too much, you'd best stick with the 22 miler for the full calories purge experience. Otherwise, the 16 miler is available! This walk will become *** (Hard) if snow is on the ground or the weather conditions are particularly challenging.
• 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): 3921
• Leader: David Morgan

Encil's Roundabout, 18 miles, Saturday 21st January 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet at Carpark in Trelewis in the Taff Bargoed Community Park, ST102976
• Description: Walking out to Mynydd Cilfach yr Encil and around to Deri with some good views over to the Aberfan area, some chats about the local history etc
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 102 976, Start: ST 102 976
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3750
• Leader: Jason Winney

The Three Castles walk, 20 miles, Saturday 28th January 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Free parking area in front of Skenfrith Castle, SO4566720246
• Description: The classic three castles walk between Whitecastle, Grosmont and Skenfrith.
• Notes: Bring a head torch just in case and be ready for winter weather.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 45667 20246, Start: SO 45667 20246
• Map(s): Explorer: 13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Sara Down

'Baby Can't Drive' (78), 25or18 miles, Saturday 4th February 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Disused Afan Nedd Centre Car Park - Free, SS767904
• Description: A winter walk exploring the hills north of Aberavon. Two relative hills will be visited on a varied route involving forestry, quiet paths and hill forts!
• Notes: People wishing to walk 18 miles can catch a bus from Pontrhydyfen (Oakwood) to Port Talbot. Bus Service 83 passes through at 1405 / 1505 / 1605 / 1705 / 1801
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 767 904, Start: SS 767 904
• Map(s): Explorer: 165. Landranger: 170
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4400
• Leader: David Morgan & Norma Lloyd

Aquae Sulis Rotundus (re-run), 22 miles, Saturday 18th February 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Changes: I've double checked the parking situation and it looks like we need to pay £2 for all day parking if we're not using the bus service. Payment is via the MiPermit app only.
• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Lansdown Park and Ride (£2 payable only by MiPermit) ST 73179 68111, ST731681
• Description: A re-run of a walk from the database. A complete circumnavigation of Bath complete with woods, canals and the Bath racecourse.
• Notes: Bring a torch. Might be a bit muddy in places.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 731 681, Start: ST 731 681
• Map(s): Landranger: 172
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3300
• Leader: Sara Down

Wild Camp Walk, 18 miles, Saturday 25th February 2023, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Meet in Talybont - Opposite the school by the two chapels , SN65518955
• Description: A wilderness experience into the wilds of upper mid-wales to Moel y Llyn, The Anglers Retreat and on to Cwm Gwerin (under Pumlumon)
• Notes: If the weather is bad (winter conditions) - I won't go ahead with the walk - best to check the walks programme for updates nearer the time
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 6551 8955, Start: SN 6551 8955, Finish: SN 803 891
• Map(s): Explorer: 213, OL23
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• Leader: Mike Batt

Two Castles, a Mill and a Wall (re-run), 18.5 miles, Saturday 25th February 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Magor Square Car park, NP26 3HY (free parking) ST 42486 87054, ST424870
• Description: This is a re-run of a 2010 walk from the database, taking us around the St. Brides valley and Gwent levels.
• Notes: Please note: I have not recce'd this walk, and will be following the GPX route on the day, please join me as me work things out together along the way.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 424 870, Start: ST 424 870
• Map(s): Landranger: 171
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Leader: Sara Down

Wild Camp walk, 15 miles, Sunday 26th February 2023, Route: (download)

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Cwm Gwerin, SN803892
• Description: From Cwm Gwerin we ascend Banc Llechwedd Mawr and make our way to Craig y Pistyll and Bont Goch.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 803 892, Start: SN 803 892, Finish: SN 6551 8955
• Map(s): Explorer: 213
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 2500
• Leader: Mike Batt

A Monumental Meander, 21 miles, Saturday 4th March 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:15. At: Symn Lane Car Park, Wotton-under-Edge, ST756932
• Description: A Spring walk in the Cotswolds taking in 5 ascents [and descents] of the Cotswold Edge and visiting two historic monuments.
• Notes: Parking is tricky in Wotton since half of the long stay spaces were made short stay [with a £70 fine!]. Please car share if you can. If you arrive at the designated start point and they are no spaces left I will direct you to another car park and provide a route description to the meeting point. Main car park Wotton under Edge The Chipping, Symn Lane, Wotton under Edge, Glos, GL12 7AD Secondary Car Park Wotton under Edge Potters Pond, Wotton under Edge, Glos, GL12 7HF Both are free but you need to display a ticket. In the Symn Lane car park make sure you park in the Long Stay bays!!
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 756 932, Start: ST 756 932
• Map(s): Explorer: 167. Landranger: 162
• Walk Grade: ** (Moderate).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3000
• Leader: Shirley Hume

A Bit on the Side- CANCELLED, 22 miles, Saturday 11th March 2023, Location

• Changes: DUE TO CURRENT CONDITIONS AND FORECAST NEXT TWO DAYS I AM POSTPONING THIS WALK. IM RESCHEDULING FOR EASTER SATURDAY. Hope to see you then
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Lay-by near Stanton. Please park at right angles to the road. Was clear on 4 th Feb, SO308217
• Description: Heading up the Llanthony Valley on the lower slopes either side to summit Bal Mawr and walk the ridge to the Chwarel y Fan, the County top of Monmouthshire. Descend to the Grwyne Fawr valley before ascending to summit Twyn Y Gaer. A varied walk on little known paths and tracks with some rough ground thrown in.
• Notes: This walk borders on a three star. There is a lot of climbing overall with some rough ground. It is still winter so please bring winter kit and a torch. Walk will be exposed along the ridge
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 308 217, Start: SO 308 217
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• Leader: Ange Williams

Withered Delilah (79), 38 miles, Saturday 18th March 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byfield Rd Car Park, Abergavenny What Three Words: suspended.foreheads.dynamic, SO297141
• Description: Time to get on with the training to increase fitness levels for the forthcoming challenge event season. A figure of eight walk. Loop 1 will be 22 miles long with 4200 ft ascent. Loop 2 will be 17 miles long with 3580 ft ascent.
• Notes: Winter kit (spare base layer / tracksters / socks in rucksack) as weather can be unpredictable on the higher hills in March. Please bring spare food and leave in your car as we will eat at the end of loop 1. We can add food to our rucksacks for loop 2. Torch definitely required. Car sharing recommended.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 7780
• Leader: David Morgan

The Black Mountains Roundabout , 26 miles, Saturday 25th March 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Changes: THIS WALK IS NOW FULL
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Crickhowell Youth Centre, New Road, Crickhowell NP8 1AW, SO216185
• Description: Circular route following the high ridges of the Black Mountains - taking in Crug Mawr, Waun Fach, Mynydd Troed, Mynydd Llangorse, Pen Allt-Mawr, Pen Cerrig-Calch and Table Mountain.
• Notes: Please contact walk leader to register for this walk. Numbers will be limited to keep the group size manageable.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 216 185, Start: SO 216 185
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
• Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6790
• Leader: Henny Clare

A bit on the side, 22 miles, Saturday 8th April 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Lay-by near Stanton. Please park at right angles to the road. SO308217, SO308217
• 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
• Leader: Ange Williams

Abergavenny Peaks Seven, 31 miles, Saturday 29th April 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Meet at Byefield Road Car Park , SO297141
• 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
• Leader: Mike Batt

Wye Valley Crazy Paving, 22 miles, Saturday 20th May 2023, Route: (download), Photographs

• 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
• 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
• Leader: Andy Thorpe

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
• 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
• Leader: Henny Clare