South Wales LDWA

From the Archives : Swansea Bay Circular, 28 miles, Saturday 15th August 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet at rough carpark that is not mentioned on the OS Map. From Swansea Centre direction, Drive on A4067 towards Blackpill, on passing speed camera and Welcome to Mumbles sign on left, move into right hand lane and take right turning into Mill Lane. Follow lane as it winds, up to the rough car park on the right., SS61389073
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A circuitous route designed and led by Tim Gronow in 1991, this walk begins by following bridleways and woodland trails to the cycle track in the Clyne Valley. The route then passes through Dunvant before joining a section of the Gower Way, taking us to our morning destination, North Gower. Upon reaching North Gower, we cross the central ridge that runs east to west across the peninsula and descend into South Gower. From here, the scenic volume is turned right up as we follow the stunning coastal path back to Blackpill.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 6138 9073, Start: SS 6138 9073
• Map(s): Explorer: 164
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3200
• 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 Trip to the Gallery, 23 miles, Saturday 5th September 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Large layby on A470, 1/3m north of Libanus. What3word: oval.hopeless.crackling . Try to park away from snack van. , SO001266
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A quiet upland circuit from Libanus, passing Trallong Common on the way up to the Maesmerddyn ridge above Llanfihangel Nant Bran. The route then drops to the hamlet itself before joining the opposing ridge and following the old parish boundary past Maen Richard, down to Aber-bran and out to Twyn y Gaer.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 001 266, Start: SO 001 266
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12, 188. Landranger: 160
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 3500
• 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

Another Maesycwmmer midweek meander, 12 miles, Wednesday 16th September 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Maesycwmmer Community Centre, ST155942
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A mix of old & new. Sections of Rhymney Valley Ridgeway FP, 2014 Valleys 100, Caerphilly Summits. New, long, steep ascent from Llanbradach to Senghenydd Dyke.
• Notes: Double crossing of fast, busy A469.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 155 942, Start: ST 155 942
• Map(s): Explorer: 166
• 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 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

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, c12 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 and 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):
• 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

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