South Wales LDWA

Go West, a Theme on a Variation, 22 miles, Saturday 25th July 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: what3words ///fatherly.bids.asleep...Parking spaces area by a small lake next to Margam Park., SS802864
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A slight variation on a group walk from 2019 beginning at Margam Park and walking northwards to Foel y Dyffryn and Foel Trawsnant before returning via Bryn and Mynydd Margam.
• Notes: Exit M4 at J38 onto A48 East. After 100 metres turn left and follow road signed Margam Abbey. Ignore turning into Margam Abbey and follow road round to the left to reach car parking area on the right by a small lake. Room for about 12 cars so car sharing is advised.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 802 864, Start: SS 802 864
• Map(s): Explorer: Explorer 165, 166
• Walk Grade: *** (Hard).  (What's this?)
• Ascent (feet): 4000
• 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: Tony Alcock, Tel: 07957190222, email: apadecoration@btinternet.com

Making (Even More) Hay While the Sun Shines, 63 miles, Saturday 1st August 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Crickhowell start/ finish. Exact start location to be given to signed up attendees.
• Description: An epic 100km loop out to Hay on Wye via the Black Mountains and back via the Begwyns and Llangorse Lake. Make it big this summer and earn the accolade of completing SWLDWA's toughest ever social walk! This is tough (11100 ft ascent), but friendly pace, group, plenty of breaks.
• Notes: Fully self supported inc. if you need to drop out. You MUST sign up in advance; if the walk leader doesn't know you then it's your job to convince him you can safely tackle this walk. One shop at 28 miles. Attendees will get full details closer to the time.
• Grid reference(s): Meet:
• Map(s): Explorer: OL13
• 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 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

The Brynmawr 500 - New date, 35 miles, Saturday 8th August 2026, Location

• Changes: This is the new date. Rearranged from 11 July due to high temperature forecast
• Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet in Forge Lane Car Park (free) best accessed off Station Road in Blaina, SO200083
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: A circumnavigation of Brynmawr taking in the 5 surrounding trig points that are over 500m
• Notes: This walk takes in some rough and sometimes boggy ground. Walking poles will aid you in these locations. No dogs I'm afraid. This is a social walk which will be lead at a social pace which means we may finish after dark so pack a torch. Natural water sources on route will be virtually non existent. Only sources of replenishment will be the Route 46 caravan at 20 miles (google route 46 caravan cafe) cash and debit card only and a Co-op 250yds off route at 27.5 miles. So if its hot bring plenty of fluids.
• Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 200 083, Start: SO 200 083
• Map(s): Explorer: OL12 and 13. Landranger: 161
• 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: Andrew Clabon, email: andrew.clabon@tiscali.co.uk

Social Event: SOLAR ECLIPSE SPECIAL, 13+5 miles, Wednesday 12th August 2026, Location

• Meet/Start time : 10:30. At: Walk 1: Rockfield Road car park (free) Monmouth SO50261274 Walk 2: Kymin car park (free) SO528126, SO50261274
  (Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet/start time)
• Description: Walk 1: Broadly, the '3 Circles of Monmouth' 13 miler (with modifications). See https://www.southwalesldwa.org/wp/?page_id=4136 for route description & gpx file. 1750 feet ascent. Probable time to look around Monmouth for those wishing to do Walk 2. Walk 2: Optional walk for those who'd like to observe the solar eclipse (hopefully clear skies). Start time 16:45 at Kymin Car Park SO528126 5 miles, with the intention of arriving back at the Kymin around 18:45 to see the solar eclipse over Monmouth at 19:13. [Don't forget your eclipse glasses and heed the warnings at www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/eclipse-tips-safety.html For more info about the eclipse, see www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/@2647730?iso=20260812] 850 feet ascent.
• Notes: Mix & match - one or both walks, it's up to you! Hopefully, weather will be clear (fingers crossed). Phone signal is sporadic in the Forest so you might not get an answer.
• 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: Andy Thorpe, Tel: 07926235333, email: andrew@bikerider.com

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

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

Hold for Simon, Saturday 14th November 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 in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Simon Pickering

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

Hold for Simon, Saturday 28th November 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 in any images, please inform the walk leader before the walk begins so we can ensure your wishes are respected.
• Contact: Simon Pickering

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