South Wales LDWA

From the archives - A large circle around Caerphilly, 25 miles, Saturday 14th March 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST210891
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• 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
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Kathryn Gordon

Cwmucopia, 19 miles, Saturday 21st March 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Parking at south side of Beacons Reservoir, SN98951834
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• 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
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Mike Batt, Tel: 07737809565, email: barrymike23@hotmail.co.uk

Midweek Cwmbran Wander, 13 miles, Wednesday 25th March 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Penylan Fields Free CP, Coed Evra, Cwmbran what3words /// army.pitch.safe, ST275942
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• 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
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Tony Alcock, Tel: 07957190222, email: apadecoration@btinternet.com

Cymoedd Sir Fynwy South Loop, 20 miles, Saturday 28th March 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Byefield Lane Car Park, SO297140
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• 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
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

North Cardiff Loop, 20 miles, Saturday 4th April 2026, Location

• 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
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• 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
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Judith Fox, email: judithfox224@yahoo.com

Llanygynidr Loosener, 34 miles, Saturday 11th April 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: From the carpark in Llangynidr, SO1556519586
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Limber up for spring with a tour of seven hills from Llangynidr.
• Notes: A good introductory Loosener for those who haven't tried out SWLDWA's traditional spring epic. Need proper hill gear/ torch/ food for whole route.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 15565 19586, Start: SO 15565 19586
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12; OL13
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 6600
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Mike Batt, Tel: 07737809565, email: barrymike23@hotmail.co.uk

Cymoedd Sir Fynwy, 50,30&20 miles, Saturday 18th April 2026, Location

• Description: A challenge event being organised by the South Wales Group. All volunteers to help run the event would be greatly appreciated.
• Notes: The event is over 24 hours but most volunteer helpers will only be required for some of that time. Please let David Morgan know as soon as possible if you wish to help and put the dates in your diary now!
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.

A stroke of misfortune, 13 miles, Wednesday 22nd April 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:00. At: Outside Court Farm water treatment works, Ponthir, ST338935
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Fields, tracks, lanes, plus a boardwalk, taking in Llanhennock, Caerleon & Ponthir
• Notes: IMPORTANT - if coming from West of Newport (e.g. Cardiff) leave M4 at junction 26 and come via Grange Hospital, Cwmbran, as cannot exit at junction 25.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 338 935, Start: ST 338 935
• Map(s): Explorer: 152
• 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 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

Hunnypot 100 Marshals' Walk, 100 miles, Saturday 2nd May 2026, Location

• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.

Cambrian Way Part 4, 26 miles, Saturday 9th May 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Brecon Bus Station - Stand 3 - Timing details to be confirmed - Catching bus to Crickhowel and walking back to Brecon - parking is anywhere you can find in Brecon but make your way to the Bus Station on Heol Gouesnou. What Three Word - (presides.scrub.bowls), SO048284
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Continuing our journey, this time walking the Cambrian Way from Crickhowel to Brecon. This is the last leg of the Cambrian Way. After the Tommy Jones Obelisk - we depart the route and head on down to Brecon. The route finishes at the Town bridge on the Usk.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 048 284, Start: SO 218 184, Finish: SO 042 285
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13, OL12
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 5800
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear 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

Hunnypot 100, 100 miles, Saturday 23rd May 2026, Location

• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.

Hold for Jason, Saturday 20th June 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Hold for Jason, ST142944
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 142 944, Start: ST 142 944
• Map(s): Explorer: OL14
• Ascent (feet): 4400
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear 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

Cymoedd Sir Fynwy Marshals' Walk, 50,30or20 miles, Saturday 27th June 2026, Location

• Description: Members can choose to enter either the 20 / 30 or 50 mile event. Members to be self sufficient. If doing the 50 mile event, a resupply from your car in Abergavenny can be possible before setting out on the second loop.
• Notes: This walk is ONLY available to members who helped marshal Cymoedd Sir Fynwy on 18/19 April. Please do not ask to enter if you did not help during the weekend as a refusal can often be interpreted as rude! Further information will be provided via the WhatsApp Group that has been set up for the members who have volunteered to assist on the main event.
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.

The Brynmawr 500, 35 miles, Saturday 11th July 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Full details to follow
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s):
• Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous).  (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 appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Andrew Clabon, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Hold for Mike, Saturday 1st August 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time :
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• 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 appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Mike Batt

SOLAR ECLIPSE SPECIAL, Wednesday 12th August 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : There's a partial solar eclipse today (the sun will be 94% obscured). I'm planning a walk so as to arrive at Sugar Loaf soon before solar maximum at 19:13. Details to follow.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• 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 appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Andy Thorpe

Hold for Mike, Saturday 12th September 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time :
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• 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 appear in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Miek Batt

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 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

Rain Wizard (99), 20 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.
• 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): 4025
• Privacy: Photos may be taken during our social walks for purposes such as sharing updates on social media. If you prefer not to appear 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 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