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