Date
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Venue
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Comments
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Photos
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---------- Winter/Spring 2012 ----------
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Sun 15 Jan |
Cotswolds |
 Nine members of Chepstow Hill Walking Club set off from Coaley Peak car park in the Cotswolds on a bright, sunny, very cold day. We walked across frozen fields to Nympsfield and down Slidden's Covert where we had coffee in a sunny spot sheltered from the cold wind. We continued down the valley to Waghill and up the Lutheridge valley past the two farms. We came upon a log pile which seemed a good place to stop for lunch, with numerous pieces of wood to sit on.
Owlpen Manor House was passed and then we were on a very muddy track with liquid mud almost over the top of our boots. Following a climb up Uley Bury we followed the Cotswold Edge back to Coaley Peak. The sun was going down and it was starting to feel frosty again by the time we reached our cars.
Many animals had been passed, stroked or admired during the day - long horned cows, pigs, piglets, a goat, chickens, ducks, a dozen rather too friendly horses and a cat who wrapped herself round the neck of one of our group and fancied a ride on his rucksack.
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1 to 21 |
---------- Summer/Autumn 2011 ----------
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Sun 11 Dec |
Bristol |
 The last time the CHWC walked through Bristol it was as an emergency response, in March 2001, to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Even in the city there were areas of the Downs taped off because of concern about the spread of the disease. This time we were able to visit the new goat enclosures and could see, in the distance, moving white woolly shapes. The goats have been introduced to control the scrub, increasing the areas of grassland and allow more spaces for some of the rarer plants to grow. .
Despite the weather forecast we only experienced brief, very light showers as we made our from the Seawalls to Clifton Suspension Bridge and then down hill visiting the plaque to Edward St John Daniel awarded the VC when he was 17 for his actions in the Crimean War.
Windsor Terrace also features a plaque to Hannah More, a religious writer and philanthropist.
Following Hinton Lane we dropped down to the Harbourside, inspecting the lock connecting the Avon to the Floating Harbour. After coffee by the waterside we continued via Millennium Square up Brandon Step to visit the newly restored Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill. Then down to the nightingale-less Berkeley Square, past the top section of the 1850's copy of the top section of the High Cross.
Lunch in Castle Park followed a walk down Christmas Steps and by a viewing of the artwork in Nelson St. We also paid a quick visit to the "nails".
Then it was on to Valentine Bridge past the "cheese grater" bridge and through Netham Park. The allotments on Blackswarth Rd featured a particularly evil looking Father Christmas. At Avon View cemetery we visited the grave of William Butler.
Our timing was perfect for arriving at the chimney on Troopers Hill and enjoying the views, before heading downhill in the dusk for tea and mince pies while drivers collected their cars from Clifton. Heavy rain fell as we shut the front door. |
1 to 37 |
Sun 13 Nov |
Remembrance Sunday - Black Mountains |
 On a bright and sunny Remembrance Sunday seven walkers began a walk in the Hermitage Valley to visit the site of an aircraft that crashed in the Black Mountains on 16th September 1943.
The aircraft was a Flying Fortress 'Ascend Charlie' which was part of the 390th Bomber Group, Framlingham, Suffolk, US 8th Army Air Force.
After walking down the road for a while we reached the point where we could climb up to the ridge where the aircraft crashed. Climbing steeply were eventually saw the cairn that marks the site of the crash and made a bee-line towards it through the heather.
The site of the crash is marked by a stone cairn and cross with a plaque listing the names of the ten airmen who perished that day. After we had laid our poppies at the cairn, we stood quietly to remember the sacrifices that were made by members of the armed forces in many wars.
Moving out of the wind we had coffee just below the crest of the ridge. After coffee stop we walked upwards to the higher ground turning north-west onto the ridge leading to Pen y Gadair Fawr.
After reaching the summit of Pen Twyn Mawr we struck out over the pathless moorland in our quest to reach Maen Llwyd - a standing stone which is reputed to be the highest in Wales. Before descending to Maen Llwyd we stopped in lovely sunny spot to enjoy our lunch.
After the descent to the stone we proceeded to walk through a wood where it was extremely muddy underfoot. After gaining the path above the Tal-y-Maes bridge it was just a short walk back to the cars. |
1 to 20 |
Fri 21 Oct
to
Sun 23 Oct |
Derbyshire |
Staying at Hathersage Youth Hostel we started the weekend with an excellent meal on the Friday evening at the Little John Hotel. Everyone arrived in time to enjoy the meal despite the heavy traffic on the motorways at the begining of half-term.
 Saturday's walk started from the hostel and walked via a selection of stiles, footpaths and lanes with views into the Hope Valley and its cement works. We then emerged onto Bamford Moor where there was some heather burning in progress. The fires were burning rather briskly in the strengthening wind but fortunately we were able to avoid walking through the worst of the smoke. Crossing the moor was fairly difficult as there were no paths but on reaching the higher ground of Moscar Moor, we found a path and very soon climbed up on to the ridge of Stanedge Edge - a four mile long outcrop of gritstone.
It was a dry day and mostly sunny but we were glad to find shelter from the wind for both coffee and lunch stops. The walk back to Hathersage was along Stanage Edge which was very busy with climbers on nearly every rock face. We diverted from the direct route to visit Stanage Pole and had a brief chat with another walking group from Rotherham. After our second trigpoint we dropped down off the edge and returned to Hathersage via the church,looking at the grave of a very tall man reputed to be Little John, Robin Hood’s Lieutenant. Everyone enjoyed our evening meal in the hostel, washed down with a few bottles of wine.
 For the Sunday walk we drove west to park at the National Trust carpark below Mam Tor. The weather had taken a turn for the worse being rather dark and very blustery. Undeterred, we walked to the south over rising fields before turning east and north to descend into Cave Dale. This is a narrow deep and winding gorge with many caves. High above the bottom of the gorge perched on the edge of the rocky outcrop is Peveril Castle.
Coming out of the Dale, we came into the bustling town of Castleton but it was not long before we were once again out in the countryside, with the weather improving all the while, on our way to Lose Hill. It was a steep climb up onto Lose Hill but on the top there were beautiful views of large areas of the surrounding countryside. The undulating ridge of about two miles has several peaks including Back Tor, Hollins Cross and Mam Tor. This was a very enjoyable if rather windy high-level walk. The early cloud lifted by the afternoon to give us more fantastic views, with a few glimpses of sunshine. From the trig point at Mam Tor a short descent brought us back to the car park. The ridge was very busy with walkers and we were pleased to see lots of children amongst them.
We drove back to Hathersage for tea at the outdoor shop cafe before returning south after a very enjoyable weekend. |
1 to 37 |
Sun 16 Oct |
Garway Hill |
 Although there was a slightly misty start to the day when nine members of the group set off from Skenfrith Castle for Garway Hill, the weather became unseasonably hot with just a hint of the beginnings of Autumn.
The gradual, 1200ft ascent, to the top of Garway Hill meandered along the River Monnow, through wooded areas, across fields occupied by inquisitive cattle, along tree-lined farm tracks and provided fine views of the surrounding countryside and the Sugar Loaf.
A leisurely lunch at the top of the hill afforded the group a spectacular 360-degree view of seven counties, highlights of which were the Skirrid, Sugar Loaf, Hatterall Ridge, Hay Bluff and May Hill. White mountain horses and sheep roam freely at the top of the hill and a pond (Black Pool) near the summit, provides their water all year round. It is also the home to a protected species of Great Crested Newt. Garway Hill is also a popular venue for model aircraft enthusiasts and the group was lucky enough to witness a brief display as it neared the top of the hill.
On the return leg of the walk, some enjoyable time was spent looking around an arts and craft display put on by locals in the chapel in Garway Village. The group also went in search of a dovecote and preceptory, both of which are linked to St Michael's Church, Garway, which was founded by the Knights Templar, but discovered that the dovecote could only be viewed from a distance as it was on private land and the preceptory was buried underground.
Upon return to Skenfrith Castle, some of the group indulged in refreshments at the local tea shop, which is housed in a garage and manned by volunteers to raise money for Skenfrith village - a fitting end to the day.
|
1 to 15 |
Thur 22 Sept
to
Mon 26 Sept |
Dartmoor |
Friday
 Starting from our base at the Powder Mills Bunkhouse, we walked past
the remains of the old gunpowder mills and their towering chimneys, before
climbing out onto the wild expanse of Dartmoor and onto Longaford Tor, where
we turned south to walk down the ridge, past Littaford Tor to Crockern Tor -
the site of the Stanary Parliament - where we unexpectedly found a
geocache/letterbox hidden in the rocks, while enjoying our coffee break. From Crockern Tor, we dropped down to follow the West Dart to Two Bridges.
A short detour through the Hotel Car Park gave us a closer view of the old
two-arched bridge (usually only glimpsed by traffic using the newer bridge).
A short section of road walking (uphill) brought us to a bridleway which
dropped back down to the Blackbrook river, which we crossed and then
followed upstream towards Batchelor's Hall, where we joined the Dartmoor
Way.
After a short delay while we searched for the Crock of Gold (which we
found, but not at the published grid reference) we had a leisurely lunch.
After lunch, we continued following the Dartmoor Way through the ruins of
Swincombe village and across the footbridge (sadly the ford proved too deep,
but the pseudo-stepping stones were a worthy challenge), before detouring
past the (former) Gobbet Tin Mine and the pipeline tunnel before crossing
Hexworthy Bridge (a little fast and narrow for pooh-sticks). We then
climbed up through Huccaby before dropping back to the river at Dartmeet.
The adventurous few took the opportunity to cross the stepping stones (each
way) at Dartmeet before using the road bridge and finding the cars in the
Dartmeet/Badgers Holt car park.
A linear walk of 11 miles
Saturday
 Starting from the Fernworthy Reservoir car park, a short section of minor
road walking brought us to Yardworthy where we joined the Two Moors Way
which we followed to Teigncombe. A combination of paths, tracks,
bridleways, ascents and descents, together with a section of the Mariner's
Way brought us to Gidleigh. Sadly we didn't see much (any ?) of the castle,
but we did get a view of the renovated mill. Some moor road walking, and a
lovely stretch through Blackaton Wood brought us to Highbury Bridge - which
was a suitable for pooh sticks. Another short road section (fortunately
with limited traffic) brought us to the old green lane to Leigh, with
stepping stones across the North Teign river (paddling sandals not
required). Safely across the river, it seemed the ideal opportunity to stop
for lunch.
After a short detour to look for (and find) the restored Cross by Leigh
Bridge, and to take a closer look at the cricket-themed garden beyond, we
returned to our steeply climbing track back to Teigncombe. This time we
continued out onto the open moor and climbed to Kestor Rock (does that count
as a Tor?).
Descending to Batworthy Corner allowed us to follow the full length of the
Stone Rows, interspersed with Cairns and Boundary Stones until we reached
the solitary Three Boys Standing Stone. Unable to easily reach Thornworthy
Tor because of the walls, we bypassed the tor and headed towards the
reservoir, and followed the shoreline to the dam. A footbridge just below
the dam provided a final opportunity for some climbing (down and up again)
before we completed the circuit back to the cars, wondering why the
fishermen stand waist-deep in cold water..
Circular walk of 11 miles.
Sunday
 Princetown's Visitors' Centre's Car Park provided the perfect start (and
end) point for our Sunday stroll. Heading away from the Prison (and town)
in a South Easterly direction, we quickly passed South Hessary Tor, with
sweeping views in all directions (provided you kept your views below the
clouds!). The route was straightforward to Nun's Cross (although we failed
to explain its name), where we turned West, towards the deserted Tin
workings - an ideal spot for an early coffee break. After a quick look at
the leat and its tunnel, we continued in a westerly direction, amused by the
locals' (largely unsuccessful) horseback attempt at pony-herding, while
wondering at their ancestors' stone-row building efforts..
Down Tor provided our lunchtime venue, with rocks for the adventurous,
sunshine for the snoozey and views for all. Our route continued with
wonderful views out over Burrator Reservoir, down to Northswothy bridge, and
then back up, through the woods, along a leat, past another ancient (but
restored) Cross, and up to Leather Tor (another scrambling opportunity for
the youngsters), and on to Sharpitor.
>From Sharpitor, we dropped down to the dismantled railway (taking care while
crossing the road!) which we followed back to Princetown - although we did
take a shortcut before Swelltor quarries, to cut off King's tor (and about 2
miles).
A circular walk, 10 miles.
Monday
 Advance planning for a post-walk cream tea meant that we had to park at
Dartmeet Car park ready to benefit from the Badger's Holt facilities.
Retracing our steps from Friday back to Huccaby Farm (although without the
stepping stone crossing because, without the sign saying that after heavy
rain the stones might be impassible, the stones were so far under water
that you couldn't tell they were there!). From Huccaby Farm we followed the
road past Huccaby Cottage, and thence to Huccaby Tor. There was almost
nothing visible at Huccaby Ring - although the Outer Huccaby Ring was
clearly visible. Laughter Tor provided an apt location for coffee.
After the solitude of Laugter Tor, Bellever Tor seemed positively crowded -
although we had the trig-point-crowned summit to ourselves for quite a
while. The crowds were probably bemused by our antics at the next
crossroads as we trudged off down each arm in turn, seeking (and finding)
stone crosses, hut circles and cists. Eventually we continued on our main
route, past Bellever YH, and to the Clapper Bridge next to the more modern
(and more complete!) Bellever Bridge - a perfect place for lunch.
Suitably refreshed, we struggled to the top of Riddon Ridge (380m) - sadly
missing out on the delights of Whiteslade (Snaily House) before rejoining
the road at Babeny. The footpath just beyond Rogues Roost took us towards
Yar Tor, where our detour to find the stone row was unrewarded - although it
did, perhaps, give a more gradual ascent. As the clouds darkened and rain
threatened, we chose the quickest route back to the tea room, where
cream-consumption kept us occupied as the heavens emptied outside. Suitably
refreshed and in the dry again, we trudged back to the cars for our journeys
home. |
1 to 60 |
Sun 11 Sept |
Malverns |
 Lacking some of the regular group – due to holidays – a select group set off from the British Camp car park, and followed the easy path to the summit – climbing gently with lovely views out over the reservoir, and out towards the Severn. After a quick tour of the camp, we descended across the ramparts, back towards the car park. After a quick chat to the ATBRU (All Terrain Bike Response Unit) team, we safely negotiated the main A449, and descended across open fields towards Colwall.
After coffee, taken looking up at the Malvern ridge extending northwards, we continued our own route northwards, parallel to the main ridge, through fields and woodland, passing through Downs School, taking care not to disturb the deer in our excitement at the Worlds Oldest Private Narrow-Guage Railway. We continued North, passing the Park Wood Lime Kilns.
Lunch was taken, with equine company, in Mathon Park and, suitably refreshed, we started to climb. Passing through West Malvern, we noticed a number of recently restored springs (although we took notice of the warning about boiling the water), before returning to the open hills and climbing up to Table Hill (although missing the slightly higher North Hill). We then followed the higher ridge, over Sugarloaf, and up to the highest point of the day: Worcestershire Beacon (425m), with its commemorative topograph, and wonderful views.
Unfortunately, just as we reached the trig point, the shower arrived, and for the next 20 minutes or so, we were buffeted by strong winds, and heavy rain – causing us to bypass a couple of the lesser tops along the ridge. The weather soon cleared, and the views to East and West opened up again, as we continued south from The Wyche, returning to the British Camp car park in time for a well deserved ice-cream – before the journey home. From a start point at about 200m, rising to a high point of 425m, the 15km walk incorporated about 800m of ascent. The ice-cream was clearly justified. |
1 to 14 |
Sun 14 Aug |
Wansdyke, Wiltshire |
 The walk this month covered a lot of Wiltshire’s ancient history, starting in the car park on Overton Hill where there are a series of Neolithic round barrows or burial mounds. Across the road from the car park is a modern representation of The Sanctuary. Originally a set of six concentric rings of timbers built around 3000BC which is linked to Avebury by the Kennet Avenue, a 25 metre wide and 2.5 kilometre long stone avenue.
Walking to the south on a rising path there were good views of the rolling Wiltshire countryside. After cresting the hill our destination – Walkers Hill – was sighted. The hill rises amid cross dykes and earth works and on the summit is a long barrow called Adam’s Grave. On reaching the summit, coffee was enjoyed amid the wild flowers of Pewsey Nature Reserve.
Walking on round the hill, we came upon the Alton Barnes horse, a figure etched into the chalk hillside which was created in 1812 on the orders of Robert Pile. Walking on to Milk Hill, we came upon a group of parascenders taking advantage of the stiff breeze.
As we came over the top of the hill we got our first view of The Wansdyke. The Wansdyke is an early medieval (5th or 6th century) earthwork consisting of an embankment up to 4 metres high and a ditch 2.5 metres deep. It is thought that this earthwork originally stretched from Bristol to Marlborough. Walking on top of the embankment gave good views for miles around and lunch was taken in the shelter of the ditch.
Walking north-east now, we headed downhill coming eventually to Kennet Long Barrow. The barrow was constructed about 3650BC being the burial place of nearly fifty people in a series of chambers. After inspecting the inside of the barrow we had an apple stop on top of it. From the top of the barrow we could see Silbury Hill which is the largest man-made mound in Europe. Built around 2400BC, its purpose is still a mystery. From the barrow we walked back to the car park on Overton Hill. |
1 to 9 |
Sun 03 July |
Brecon Beacons |
 Following the club barbecue on the Saturday, eight of us set off from Talybont Reservoir on a very hot day. By the time we reached the summit of Carn Pica a cool breeze was blowing which was most welcome. We continued on along Graig Fan Las and were surprised to see clouds of white smoke in the distance, and then black smoke and the sound of an explosion. With the help of binoculars we could make out marquees, lorries, caravans, etc. and guessed that filming was in progress in Cwar Yr Ystrad quarry.
We had lunch beside a waterless waterfall (lack of rainfall) before going down Craig Y Fan Ddu, crossing the road and climbing up to the trig point on Pant Y Creigiau. As we were going along the ridge we saw more thick black smoke above the quarry, a fire ball and a helicopter hovering overhead. Filming or looking for casualties – we did not know! Our path then led gently down to the reservoir and, as we crossed the dam, were delighted to see the ice cream van still there for our well earned refreshment.
P.S. Did you by any chance pick up one of my plates after the barbecue? It is white melamine with a strawberry design on it. |
1 to 14 |
Sat 02 July |
Wye Valley |
 The annual CHWC walk and BBQ.
Good weather this year for a short walk followed by a very enjoyable evening in wonderful garden. |
1 to 5 |
---------- Winter/Spring 2011 ----------
|
Sun 12 June |
None |
With rain forecast all day, and many of our regular walkers away, the small group that came to Chepstow car park had a telephone discussion with the walk leader in Bristol and the joint decision was that the walk should be postponed with the planned walk being moved to the 2012 programme. |
None |
Fri 03 Jun
to
Sun 05 Jun |
Exford |
We arrived at Exford Youth Hostel on a very warm summer's evening on the Friday in time for drink or two and a meal at the Crown Hotel. Earlier in the week the forecast was for a hot and sunny weekend but after a promising start on Saturday the weather deterioated so that we were glad of our waterproofs by Sunday lunchtime. However, we missed most of the showers and after a good meal in the very friendly hostel on the Saturday and our usual self catering porridge breakfasts we finished a very enjoyable weekend with a cream tea at Tarr Steps.
Between the eating and drinking we did also do some walking, with the Saturday being 14 miles along the coast path from Coombe Martin to Lynmouth. This part of the coast path involved over 3,000 feet of ascent with most of it in the morning in the warmest weather. Unfortunately one of the group was unable to walk but he kindly volunteered to take the car drivers back to Coombe Martin at the end of the walk which made the car shuffling much easier.
Sunday's walk was circular from Tarr Steps and lunch found us sheltering from a cold wind in the tumulus near the trig point on Winsford Hill. We were pleased to get back into the shelter of the Barle valley on the walk back.
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1 to 23 |
Sun 8 May |
Bluebell walk, nr Monmouth |
Eight of us parked at Monmouth Leisure Centre and followed the river Wye northwards through meadows to Mallybrook and Dixton church. From the meadows we crossed the dual carriageway and then walked uphill past Newton Court from where we had wonderful views over Monmouth and surrounding hills. We proceeded up through woods on the West side of Buckholt where some bluebells were still in flower.
We eventually came out onto Welsh Newton Common, taking a lane to the right and over a style to the left where we were 'amused' by 13 piglets with their mother - a Gloucester 'Old Spot'.
Continuing through another small beech wood we then had to take a signposted path through a private garden to a style with wonderful views towards the Black Mountains. After lunch (taken behind a hedge due to temperate winds), we continued through further fields to Welsh Newton church. Crossing the road we then continued up onto 'Shop Lane'. Back into Buckholt woods then taking a right path across a further 2 styles into further fields planted with lovely rape flowers.
We crossed the main Osbaston road past. Monnow Vines' and down past Monnow and the hydro-electric plant by Forge Weir and back along the main road into Monmouth and back to the Leisure Centre.
Blessed with sunshine and one short shower and predominantly gentle breezes. |
1 to 17 |
Wed 27 Apr
to
Sun 1 May |
North Lakes |
This year's backpacking trip took us over some hills that we hadn't seen
before, and allowed us to stay in a couple of hostels that we hadn't
previously visited. As a consequence, our route, from Borrowdale to Skiddaw
House, on to Helvellyn (hostel), to Grasmere and back to Borrowdale was a
little more strenuous than the usual day walks.
Day 1 of our route took us sharply up and over High Spy and Cat Bells,
across Derwentwater (OK, so we cheated a little and caught a boat for part
of the route) and into Keswick where we bought the necessary provisions (and
an ice-cream) for the night at the self-catering Skiddaw House Youth Hostel.
Fortunately, the group had been warned that it was still a long walk from
Keswick up into the northern fells.
Day 2 saw us drop back down into Threlkeld, where we crossed the
surprisingly quiet A66, and then climbed up onto Clough Head (having decided
against the delightfully named Fisher's Wife Rake), and thence over the
Dodds (Great, Watson and Stybarrow) to Sticks Pass. At this point the
sensible members headed down directly to Helvellyn Hostel, while the
over-enthusiastic youngsters took the longer route over Raise. The evening
saw a small contingent make the journey down to the Traveller's Rest pub in
Glenridding - a decision that they may have reconsidered had they realised
just how far back it was, uphill, in the dark..
Day 3 was the shortest of the trip, but with more ascent to compensate. The
refreshed group made short work of the ascent of Catstye Cam - no doubt
benefiting from starting 'half-way up' at the hostel (thank-you Leader),
where the views in all directions were breathtaking. After a sheltered
coffee stop (on the top of Catstye Cam), we followed the short ridge to the
Swirral Edge scramble and experienced the full force of the rather gusty
'breeze' (some would say that it was more like a 'gale'). The winds across
the summit then set the tone for the rest of the day (too close to the edge
and you could hardly stand, but in the shelter it was warm and pleasant).
Lunch was planned for the edge of Grisedale Tarn, but the conditions
'encouraged' us to delay until Grisedale Hause. After lunch, the group
split: some chose the descent via Great Tongue while others opted for a
windy ascent of Fairfield, and the prospect of the long ridge walk back to
Rydal - although that proved impractical in the conditions, and the group
descended via Stone Arthur. Everyone eventually found the Butharlyp Howe
hostel (some directly, some via the shops, and some with a short rest in the
Swan Hotel).
Day 4 began with the steep ascent of Helm Crag, and the lovely ridge walk,
past the Lion, Lamb, and 'Howitzer' rock formations (or over them if you
have the chance J). Coffee was taken in a sheltered spot with wonderful
views back down towards Grasmere, and Lunch in a slightly less sheltered
spot on Greenup Edge. Here the group again split - those having to return
early to drive home took the direct route down Greenup Gill and Stonethwaite
Beck, while those with the luxury of more time were able to enjoy a cup of
tea at Watendlath (having climbed Ullscarf, and descended via Blea Tarn -
where we enjoyed superb views of a mountain rescue helicopter practicing its
manoeuvres).
Overall, the four days walking covered approximately 80km (50 miles), with
(according to the altimeter with us) a little over 5,000m (16,000') of
ascent. Given the strong winds, that might explain some of the feedback
comments (including 'challenging' and 'quite tiring'). However, the superb
weather conditions over the four days meant that we had consistently good
views, throughout the entire circuit of Derewentwater, giving us almost
unrivalled views ranging from Skiddaw/Blencathra to Ullswater, to High
Street, to Windermere, Coniston Water, the Langdales, Crinkle Crags,
Bowfell, Sca Fell, Great Gable, Grasmoor and Bassenthwaite (which is the
only Lake in the Lake District, but that's another story).
|
1 to 40 |
Sun 17 Apr |
Coity Mountain |
A small group set out from Whistle Halt Car Park, Blaenavon, they then climbed gradually onto the high moorland of Coety Mountain then descended through a valley to the site of Blaenmelyn Coal Mine, now abandoned and landscaped, another climb brought them to Mynydd Varteg Fawr to the trig point and a cast iron memorial to a dog "Carlo" a setter who was accidentally shot on August 12th. 1864 belonging to H.M.Kennard of Crumlin Hall.
A leisurely lunch was taken in the warm sunshine before proceeding across the moorland then descending to an old tramway and Big Pit Mining Museum and Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, then back to the car park by Garn-yr-erw lakes. |
1 to 8 |
Fri 18 Mar
to
Sun 20 Mar |
Mid Wales |
Staying at Borth Youth Hostel Saturday - The walk started at the car park near Aberystwyth Marina, then climbed Pendinas Hill to view the Wellington / Waterloo Memorial, before descending to walk around the Harbour to Aberystwyth Castle where elevenses were enjoyed, the walk then continued to Constitution Hill, where some of the party ascended by the Cliff Railway. The Ceredigion Coast Path was then followed to Clarach Bay and Wallog where Lunch was enjoyed overlooking Sarn Gynfelyn, a morraine ridge which runs out to sea. After some steep ascents and decents Borth War Memorial was reached on a headland with extensive views along the coast to Aberdovey and Towyn, the summit of Cader Idris could be seen also Plynlimon ( tomorrows walk ). Downhill now to reach Borth Village and along the main street to the Hostel. A clear sunny day.
Sunday - After a drive to Maesnant Bunkhouse where we had arranged to park the cars. The walk followed a rough boggy path up the Afon Hengwm valley in wet misty weather to a waterfall, then an ascent to the Cairns on Bryn Cras and the source of the River Severn, the cloud had by now lowered so views were non existent, a fenceline was followed to Pen Pumlumon Arwystli and the source of the River Wye. A steep descent then followed to Llyn Llygad Rheidol Reservoir and the service road followed back to the road SW of Maesnant. |
1 to 25 |
Sun 13 Mar |
Cotswolds |
Having parked on a minor road, ten walkers joined The Heart of England Way to walk downhill into the lovely village of Blockley. At the western edge of the village the walkers joined The Diamond Way eventually crossing the A44 and carrying on south to arrive above some lovely secluded valleys, walking through woodland down to another minor road before leaving The Diamond Way, walking up a steep slope and having lunch on a bank under beech trees.
The weather which had been rather disappointing at the start of the walk now improved when the sun came out and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The walkers continued on to re-cross the A44 and walk through the village of Longborough before turning north on The Heart of England Way once more to reach Bourton-on-the-Hill. This really is a lovely village with its honey-coloured stone houses glowing in the afternoon sun. A short climb then brought the walkers back on to the road where the cars were parked. |
1 to 16 |
Sun 13 Feb |
Nine Wells & Trellech |
A glorious sunny spring day ... on the Saturday. On the Sunday for our walk it rained - all day as forecast. So our leader was surprised to see 14 other eager walkers arrive at the car park at 9am, including two joining us for the first time.
The walk was through Nine Wells Wood, past Trellech Furnace in Woolpitch Wood, to Trellech Village and then to Beacon Hill. At Trellech we visited the three standing stones 'Harold's Stones'; the village is said to be named after these three flat stones. We also the admired the wooden sculpture before sheltering under yew trees in the churchyard for a combined late coffee and early lunch break.
In view of the weather the route was shortened so that we were back to the cars by 1.30pm but we still managed to bag a trig point on Beacon Hill on the way back. |
1 to 6
|
Sun 16 Jan |
Black Mountains |
A group of 9 walkers parked cars near Llanbedr and passed through two farmyards before climbing out onto the open fell. We then made our way round the base of the mountains before climbing up on to the ridge north of Pen Allt-mawr. We had coffee before the main climb sheltering from the wind behind a wall. After coffee a misty drizzle started to fall and had progressed to proper rain by the time we reached the ridge. We turned south along the ridge going over Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, unseen by those wearing glasses as the driving rain and strong wind made sight through the glasses almost impossible. We descended a little way and eventually had lunch about 2.30 when the rain and wind had lessened. It was then not very far back to the cars to peel off all our soggy outer garments. |
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