Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog
Brecon Beacons Park Society
GUIDED WALKS
AND EVENTS
SPRING
PROGRAMME
2010
MARCH
CRICKHOWELL
WALKING FESTIVAL
A WEEK OF WALKS IN THE
EAST,
from Saturday 27th February to Sunday 7th March inclusive.
This part of our programme (the walks with the Day
and Date in purple and underlined) is the Society's contribution to the
Crickhowell Walking Festival. The walks also appear in the Walking Festival's programme where in some cases the walk descriptions have been changed slightly
to make them more understandable for a wider audience.
Please note that although all the Society walks for the festival are free
for members, members do need to book their places on these walks in advance,
this should be done through the
festival office. The Society walks for the Festival are those walks in
our programme with the Day
and Date in purple and underlined.
Last year the Walking Festival was so successful that some of the Society
walks in the festival were really over subscribed (eg 55 on Ros's walk). This
was to
an extent due to Society members not needing to book places on Society walks.
The organisers and the leader therefore didn't know till the day how many people
would turn up and this led to excessive numbers on some of the walks.
In 2010 we need to have better control over numbers for safety reasons but also
for people's enjoyment of the walks. As a result the numbers for any given walk will be
capped at a reasonable level and, unlike last year, Society members need to
book their place on the Festival walks put on by the Society. So book early to avoid disappointment (this
means as soon as possible after the Festival opens for bookings on the 4th Jan
2010). OVER
THE BLACK MOUNTAINS TO MAEN LLWYD. 9.30am
- 4.00pm 18km (11 miles) Strenuous Another
try at the walk which was blown off course in November. Meet
at Castle Inn car park (£1 parking fee) on A479 at Pengenffordd GR SO 174296. Up
“dragon’s back” (Y Grib) to Waun Fach and Pen y Gadair Fawr, then down
tussocks to the remote standing stone of Maen Llwyd. Return
by well-chosen sheep paths and the Rhiw Trumau bridleway. Leader:
01873 811 539 ROGER WHITE
Leader:
01454 775731 DILYS APRIL Friday
2nd April
Leader:
01497 822831 (07816821745),
odonoghue.books@zen.co.uk SEAN
O’DONOGHUE
Some additional ordinary Society walks (Day and
Date in the usual green) have been put on during the Festival
period to give members alternatives to the Festival walks.
For information on the full festival programme and how to book your places
see the web site
www.crickhowellfestival.com
Monday
1st March
AROUND THE RHIANGOLL.
9.30am - 5.00pm 23km (14
From Cwmdu Village Hall GR SO 180239 (parking £1).
A walk on beautiful moorland ridges around the unfrequented
Rhiangoll valley with sweeping views on all sides. Up Pen Tir on the western
side and on over Mynydd Llangorse and Mynydd Troed to Pengenfordd. Up again to
Mynydd Llysiau and the eastern edge, before descending by Cwmrhos.
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader: 01873 810563 ANDY JOHNS
Tuesday
2nd March
BRINORE
TRAMROAD. 9.30am
- 4.30pm 20km (12.5miles) Moderate
Park at Henderson Hall (£1) situated just off the main road at the western
end of Talybont-on-Usk (follow the Recycling signs) GR SO 113229, for a walk
along the Brinore Tramroad, with a dip down into the Dyffryn Crawnon valley.
Historical interest, pretty woodland, plus a chance of some fine views if
we’re lucky.
Advanced
Booking Essential:
Leader: 029
2061 0397 (mobile
07748 463545) ANNE PRITCHARD
Wednesday
3rd March
CASTELL TO
CRUG. 9.30am
- 5.00pm 21km (13 miles) Ascent
2700
ft
Strenuous
Meet at the CRiC in Crickhowell GR SO 218184 for bus to start
at Castell Dinas, Pengenffordd (bus kindly sponsored by Penlan Bach, Self
Catering, Llangynidr). A linear walk from
Pengenfordd via Castell Dinas up the Dragon’s Back to the top of Waun Fach.
Then back via Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Allt-mawr,
Pen Carreg Calch and Crug Hywel to Crickhowell.
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader: 01291 691184 JIM WILSON
Thursday
4th March
A CLASSIC WALK AROUND LLANTHONY.
10am - 5.00pm 16km (10 miles)
Ascent
2500ft Energetic
From Llanthony Priory GR SO 288278. A high level circuit of
the
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader:
01497 820074 CHRIS PLAYFORD
Friday
5th March
TWO RIDGES ASTRIDE GRWYNE FAWR.
9.30am - 5.00pm 23km (14 miles) Ascent 3000ft Strenuous
From Pont Cadwgan GR SO 267252. North via Bal Mawr and
Chwarel y Fan, descending to cross the river near Blaen y Cwm, then up to Pen y
Gadair Fawr, returning south via Pen Twyn Mawr and Disgwylfa.
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader:
01873 860356
MIRIAM GRIFFITHS
Saturday
6th March .....
A Normal Society Walk (no booking required)
THE ELENYDD AGAIN BUT WITHOUT TUSSOCKS OR
PEAKS. 10.00am - 4.00pm 17kms (10.5 miles) Moderate
Meet at Llanerchi carpark GR SN 909638 five miles SW of Rhayader, across the Garreg-ddu
viaduct/dam and to the north-west of the church. A low-level circular walk through
farming, forestry, water-supply and one time mining country.
Leader: 01874 636674 ANDREW LEONARD
Saturday
6th March
VALLEY TO VALLEY. 10.00am
- 4.00pm 19km (12 miles) Ascent 2500ft Energetic
From Blaen y Cwm car park GR SO 252285. Up through
woodland at first then open hill to the Blacksmith’s Anvil. Descend to
Capel-y-Ffin, with its tiny churches and monastery before another climb up onto
Darren Lwyd. Returning via Rhos Dirion and the Grwyne Fawr reservoir.
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader: 077923 40933 STEVE FLYNN
Sunday
7th March
THE LORNA DOONE VALLEY
From the car park opposite the Storey Arms on the A470 GR SN
982203. A walk along the Taff
Trail before crossing to the dramatic Craig Cerrig-gleisiad, then down to the
old turnpike road to Cwm-du where the BBC’s “Lorna Doone” was filmed. A
steady climb onto Fan Frynach to the shoulder of Fan Fawr
and back down to Storey Arms.
Advanced
Booking Essential: through the Festival (Tel: 01873 811970, email: walks@crickhowellinfo.org.uk)
Leader: 01495 773495
JUDY COX
LLANTHONY - CAPEL-Y-FFIN. 10.00am -
4.30pm 16km (10miles) Energetic
Meet at Llanthony Priory GR SO 288278. Another classic circuit above the Vale of
Ewyas, north along one ridge, across the valley at Capel-y-ffin, return along
the other ridge.
Leader: 029
2061 0397 (mobile
07748 463545) ANNE PRITCHARD
Friday
12th March
AROUND
THE FANS CLOCKWISE AND SCENERY WISE.
9.30am - 5.00pm 20k (13 miles) Energetic
Meet at the lay by on the old Road at the Gwyr
Inn GR SN 846164 at Glyntawe The track to Carreg yr Ogof, the Fans escarpment
and return via Fan Hir
Leader: 01558 822960 Mobile 07748 865992 (on the day of the walk from 8 a,m to
start time) GEOFF WILLIAMS
Saturday
13th March
MAEN LLIA FROM THE WEST,
AND A TRAMWAY, AND A ROMAN ROAD.
9.30am - 4.30 pm 20km
(12 miles)
Strenuous
From Penwyllt Quarry at GR SN 856155. (Approach by minor road off
A4067 just south of Craig y Nos, at GR SN 845155). To Maen Llia via Fan Nedd,
and back via Sarn Helen, Maen Madoc and the
Leader: 01550 740188
CLIVE EILES clive.eiles@hertford.oxon.org
Sunday
14th March
A MORE MODERATE WALK FROM LLANGYNIDR. 10.00am - 4.00pm
17km (11 miles) Moderate
Meet at Llangynidr car park opposite the Village Hall, GR SO 155196, for a walk
up the Claisfer valley, across the common, down to the canal and, providing
its not been raining, back along the River Usk. Pleasant varied scenery.
Leader: 01495 773495 JUDY COX
Friday
19th March
TABLE
MOUNTAIN & THE GRWYNE RIVERS.
10.00am - 4.00pm 16km (10 miles) Moderate
From the lay-by at Cwrt-y-gollen Lodge on the A40 just west of Glangrwyney,
GR SO 230172. Up to the Table Mountain returning by the Grwyney Fechan
& Grwyney Fawr rivers.
Leader:
01495 773495 JUDY COX
Saturday
20th March
Sunday
21st March
ROUTES
ANCIENT AND MODERN. 9.30am - 4.30pm 19 km (12miles) Energetic
Leader: 029
2061 0397 mobile 07748 463545 ANNE PRITCHARD
Friday
26th March
A CATHEDRAL AND TWO FORTS.10.00am - 3.00pm 12km (7.5miles) Moderate
From the car park at the Cathedral in Brecon GR SO 043290. Ascend to Pen-y-crug Hillfort.
Then by road through Cradoc to Y Gaer Roman Fort. Return by bridleway through
meadows and woods to the River Usk Promenade at Brecon.
Leader: 01873 810145 ROGER AUSTIN
Saturday
27th March
NANT BWCH FROM GRWYNE FAWR. 10.00am - 4.00pm 17km (10.5 miles)
Moderate/Energetic
Starting from the Blaen y Cwm car park GR SO 252284, up over the ridge via the
Blacksmith's Anvil and down (steeply) to Capel-y-Ffin. Then up the picturesque
Nant Bwch valley to the north ridge of the Black Mountains. Returning via Rhos
Dirion and the Grwyne Fawr dam.
Leader: 01873 812011 DAVID THOMAS
Sunday
28th March
THREE Ts – PEN TIR, MYNYDD TROED. 9.30am - 4.00pm 16.5km (10 miles) Energetic
From Cwmdu Village Hall car park (fee £1.00). A circular walk, including
Mynydd Llangorse, on the edge of the
TEA afterwards in
the Village Hall.
A
CIRCUIT OF THE CNWR ESTATE OR FAN GYHIRYCH (NOT THE HARD WAY) 9.30am
- 5.00pm approx 20km (13miles) Energetic
From the lay-by Pont Gyhirych at GR SN
887213 on the South side of the A4067 to Fan Gyhirych, Nant Byfre, Garnyr Onen,
Fan Nedd, Bwlch y Gwynt and Nant Gyhirych.
Leader: 01558 822960 (mobile 07748 865992 from 8 to the start time on the day of
the walk) GEOFF WILLIAMS
Saturday
3rd
April
LOW HILLS AND
STEEP
VALLEYS.
9.30am - 5.30pm 18km (11miles)
Strenuous
From the higher car park on the A4067 Brynaman Llangadog road. GR SN 732187. To
the low peaks of Garreg Lwyd and Carn Fadog, and then down into the steep sided
valley of the Twrch and the Twrch Fechan. And back via Garreg Las and the
waterfalls at the top of Afon Clydach.
Leader: 01550 740188
CLIVE EILES
Sunday
4th April
PAINSCASTLE – GLASCWM. 10.00am -
5.00pm 18km (11 miles)
Energetic
Because of shortage of parking in Painscastle, we will meet at the carpark in
The Begwyns GR SO
181145 and ferry walkers from there – this is not marked as a carpark
on OS map but is on the road which runs from Clyro to Painscastle by Bryn y
Garth, near the northern cattle grid just as you exit - or enter - the Begwyns.
Monday
5th April ..... Traditional Easter Monday Walk
THE TRADITIONAL EASTER MONDAY THREE
CASTLES WALK. 8.30am - 6.00pm
32km (20 miles) Strenuous
From Skenfrith Castle on the B4521 Abergavenny to Ross road (park
in the lay-by over the bridge GR SO 459202). A classic walk between Skenfrith,
White and Grosmont Castles, with a pub stop at Grosmont. No
dogs please.
Leader: 029 2062 8861 MALCOLM WINNEY
FOLLY, BOMBER AND GOOSE AND CUCKOO. 10.00am
- 4.30pm 18km (11 miles) Energetic
Meet at the Pontypool Leisure Centre car
park GR SO 285006 for a walk in the extreme south east of the park. Visiting the
shell grotto and the folly and
continuing on hillside and through the woods to the Goose and Cuckoo for the
lunch stop (please let the leader know if you would like lunch in the pub so we
can give them advanced warning). Returning via Mynydd Garnclochdy and Mynydd
Garn-wen.
Leader: 01989 565679 GERRY SMITH
Saturday
10th April
.....
Some infrequently visited corners of the Park
THE THREE DARRENS (TAKE 2). 9.30am
- 4.30pm 18km (11 miles) Energetic
From the Llanthony Priory car park GR SO 288278. A walk to the
Cwmyoy, Red and Black Darrens along the rocky crags that lie to the east of
and west
of Hatterrall Hill.
Leader: 01600 715739 FRANK SCOTT
Sunday
11th April
CRIBARTH RIDGE AND HENRHYD WATERFALLS.
10.00am - 3.30pm 14km (9miles)
Moderate
Park in the laybye next to Craig y Nos Castle at GR SN 8409 1523.The walk start
at Craig y Nos castle with a steady climb up onto Cribarth ridge then down the
valley to the river Tawe to follow the Llech to Henrhyd Waterfalls, returning to
Craig y Nos via Penwyllt.
Leader: 07967 140689
PAULA ACE
Friday
16th April
THE
FAR WEST AND THE TOWY
From the Forest Car park on the Llangadog to Brynamman Road at GR SN71752555 (Maps OL12 and Explorer
186). An ascent
through Forestry to Pen Arthur, Banc Cerrig Foel
Gam, Bwlch
y Gors, NNW to Pont Bren Arath, SSE and E to Garn Goch, and return via
lanes to the start. Taking in one of the largest Neolithic hill Forts in Europe,
a
mushroom farm and the site of a Roman Villa.
Leader: 01558 822960 (mobile 07748 865992 from 8 to the start time on the day of
the walk) GEOFF WILLIAMS
Saturday
17th April ..... Past the Park
BRILLEY. 9-30am -
4-00pm 18km (11 miles) Energetic
Park at the Village Hall /School GR SO 263 497 for a walk on tracks, lanes and
open moorland in the Brilley area (north of
Hay). The rewards should be magnificent all-round distant
views. Milton Hill, so-called Brilley Mountain and Cwmmau Farmhouse will be on
our route.
Leader: 01568 720424 WENDY SLADEN
Sunday
18th April
CARREG CENNEN
CASTLE ROUNDABOUT.
10.00am -
4.00pm 11km (7 miles)
Moderate
From Carreg
Cennen Castle GR SN 666193 through farmland up on
to the Black Mountain. Visit pillow mounds, farm enclosures, burial cairns
and a trig point, before returning through farmland again to Carreg Cennen
Castle. Car park at Carreg Cennen is owned by the National Park, and there
are tea rooms next to the castle.
Leader: 01558 824663
ANGELA MORGAN
Friday
23rd April
A CLASSIC BEACONS CIRCUIT.
9.30am - 5.00pm 22km (14 miles) Strenuous
From the Blaen Taf Fechan car park SO 036171, the route follows the ridge
above Neuadd reservoir over Graig Fan Ddu, Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn, Fan y Big
to Bwlch y Ddwyallt. Thereafter continuing along to Cairn Pica and returning via
Cwar y Gigfran and Graig Fan Las. A classic day on the hill.
Leader: 01989 565679 GERRY SMITH
Saturday
24th April
OUTSIDE
THE PARK: THE HISTORY OF AND THE STRUGGLE IN THE DOETHIE
Start at the Llyn Brianne dam car park at GR SN 79304850 (toilets ). Across the dam
and into the woods to the isolated chapel at Soar y Mynydd, the drove road to
Ty’n y Cornel independent hostel for a lunch stop then down the Doethie valley
to Troed Rhiw Ruddwen and NNE over to the dam and return.
Leader: 01558 822960 (mobile 07748 865992 from 8 to the start time on the day of
the walk) GEOFF WILLIAMS
GET LOST - Sat 24th April and Sun
25th
April
A
two-day basic navigation course
From 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday.
See the Navigation Courses section of the web site http://www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/psNavigationCourses.htm
for more details
Course
Tutor: IAN SMITH
Sunday
25th April
BLUE BELLS OF RUDRY AND MACHEN. 9.30am -4.30pm(ish) 24km (15miles) Energetic
Meet Machen Village Hall car park in
Leader: 02920628861/07773389561 WENDY WINNEY
Friday
30th April
UP THE AFON HEPSTE AND DOWN THE AFON MELLTE.
9.30am - 4.30pm 17km (11miles)
Energetic
From the NP car Park at GR SN 93451230 (fee payable) SE to Tir-dyweunydd, NE to
Hepste Fechan (to look for medieval house platforms and neolithic remains), NW
to Llyn Pen Fathor, and Blaen Tringarth to Castell Coch & Castell Mellte and return.
Leader: 01558 822960 (mobile 07748 865992 from 8 to the start time on the day of
the walk)
GEOFF
WILLIAMS
MAY
Saturday
1st May
OVER AND AROUND MYNYDD TROED.
10.00am - 4.00pm 16km (10 miles) Energetic
Meet at Cwmdu Village Hall (£1 parking fee), GR SO
180239 for a walk over Mynydd Troed and neighbouring hills.
Leader:
01873 810145 ROGER AUSTIN
Sunday
2nd May
LLANFRYNACH
HORSESHOE. 9.00am - 4.30(ish)pm 25km (15miles) Strenuous
Meet Llanfrynach village (park where convenient and meet outside toilets) GR SO
077258 Explorer OL12
No dogs please.
Leader: 029 2062 8861 MALCOLM WINNEY
Monday
3rd May
RESURGANCES AND WATERFALLS.
10.00am - 4.30pm 19km (12 miles) Energetic
From Ystradfellte village car park GR SN 929134. Follow the Nedd and Mellte
rivers over limestone and millstone grit.
Leader: 01495 773495 JUDY COX
Friday
7th May
THE SUGAR LOAF, BRYN ARW AND A "CROWNING
EXPERIENCE"! 9.30am - 3.30pm
14km (9 miles) Energetic
Meet at the car park at Porth y Parc, GR SO 288166, for a leisurely circuit taking in the
oft visited Sugar Loaf, the rarely visited Bryn Arw with a stop for
a drink at the occasionally frequented pub at Pant y Gelli.
Leader: 01600 860582 FRANK COOK
Saturday
8th May
FIVE
CWMS AND THE
Meet
at Storey Arms Car Park GR SN 983203, for a walk over Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn &
Fan-y-Big and down the ridge to Pencelli. Volunteers required to leave cars at
end of walk to ferry walkers back to Storey Arms. Also, please let leader know
you are coming so that we can guestimate number of cars required at walk’s
end.
Leader: 01497 822831
(07816821745), odonoghue.books@zen.co.uk
SEAN O’DONOGHUE
FFOREST FAWR
GEOPARK FESTIVAL (Sat 22 May – Sunday 6 June)
For the complete programme see:
http://www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk/GeoFest2010
Sunday
23rd May
….
LAKES
From the Water Board car park GR SN 799238. (At the Youth Hostel in Llanddeusant
follow signs to Llyn y Fan Fach). Llyn y Fan Fach, Bannau Sir Gaer, Picws Du,
Fan Foel, Fan Brycheiniog and Llyn y Fan Fawr. Old Red Sandstone and ice.
Leader: 01454 775731 DILYS HARLOW, Geology Guide ADRIAN HUMPAGE (British
Geological Survey)
Friday
28th May
…. Fforest
Fawr Geopark Festival
PAVEMENTS AND
PLANTS. 10.00am - 5.00pm about 8km
(5miles) ascent 200m Moderate (but
some rough walking)
From Penwyllt car park GR SN 855155 (approached by the minor road off the A4067
just south of Craig y Nos, at GR SN 845155). A walk through Ogof Fynnon Ddu
National Nature Reserve looking at limestone and gritstone pavements and plants
(we should see the Lily of the Valley) and anything else interesting.
No dogs please.
Leaders: 01454 775731 DILYS HARLOW and
JON WOHLGEMUTH (CCW Reserves Manager)
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