South Wales group walks in 2020 - select Leekman marker for details
Major Splat Pudding - The Lost Trousers, 21 miles, Wednesday 1st January 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Machen Village Hall, ST209890
- Description: Major Splat Pudding has lost his trousers, he has tasked the group to go and find them. Possible off piste route as his trousers could be anywhere ! The first half of the walk is to led by Jason and the second half by Mike.
- Notes: The first in a series of three demanding routes for 2020, if you complete the three walks in full, you get a special badge to commemorate your madness. Bring a head torch and a flask of tea.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
- Map(s): Explorer: 166/152
- Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 6000
- Leader: Jason Winney/Mike Batt
Cambrian Way Part 1, 25 miles, Saturday 11th January 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 07:00. At: Meet at Pontypool Train Station to catch the 07:20 to Cardiff Central Arriving at 07:54 (train times/prices may change, so lookout for any email communications regarding this), SO301003
- Description: Meet at Pontypool Train Station to catch the 07:20 to Cardiff Central (Arriving in Cardiff at 07:54) walking back to Pontypool along the Cambrian Way, the route follows the Taff Trail out to Tongwynlais and over the Ridgeway to Machen, Twmbarlwm, Mynydd Henllys and down to Pontypool. Come dressed for winter and bring a head torch.
- Notes: Train Cost for a single ticket is £9.00 (Prices as of August 2019). A long route for January, planning the route this way was easier as transportation wise as getting trains from the Crosskeys line proved more difficult and expensive. Please note, walkers can pull off the walk at Crosskeys and get a train to Pontypool. The journey is 90 minutes with a change at Newport, this route is 18 miles.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 301 003, Start: ST 181 758, Finish: SO 301 003
- Map(s): Explorer: 151,152. Landranger: Caerdydd
- Ascent (feet): B
- Leader: Jason Winney
Cambrian Way Part 2, 22 miles, Saturday 25th January 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Meet at Abergavenny Railway Station to catch the 08:34 to Pontypool. Train arrives at 08:44., SO305136
- Description: Walking from Pontypool back to Abergavenny, the route goes over the Garn Fawr Ridge and up onto Sugarloaf and down to Forest Coalpit. We leave the Cambrian Way at Five Ways (SO285210) to get back to Abergavenny on foot via a suitable route.
- Notes: Costs of train is £5.30, the car park is chargable at £4 per day, best to find parking in surrounding side streets (as of August 2019) for the Abergavenny - Pontypool 08:34 service. Walkers could leave the route in Abergavenny which will make for a shorter 13 mile day.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 305 136, Start: SO 300 003, Finish: SO 305 136
- Map(s): Explorer: 152, OL13. Landranger: Caerdydd
- Ascent (feet): B
- Leader: Jason winney
Joining Up The Green Lines, 15 miles, Wednesday 12th February 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 09:30. At: Public car park (free) Maryport Street, Usk, SO376007
- Description: Low level, Monkswood, Penperlleni, Prescoed, Llanbadoc. Taking in sections of Usk Valley Walk. Café at finish.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 376 007, Start: SO 376 007
- Map(s): Explorer: 152
- Walk Grade: * (Easy/Introductory). (What's this?)
- Leader: Hugh Woodford
Cancelled: The Cwmdu Climber, 17 miles, Saturday 15th February 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Changes: This walk was cancelled due to Storm Dennis
- Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Pengenffordd. Car park is located on the north side of The Dragon's Back Inn on the A479. Parking is £2 for the day (honesty box). , SO173296
- Description: Starting at the Dragon's Back Inn and taking the Y Grib ridge up to Waun Fach, before heading south along the ridge to Pen Gloch-y-pibwr. A short section of off-roading before picking up footpaths through Cwmdu, over Mynydd Llangorse and the final climb of Mynydd Troed. Spectacular views to be had and a pub at the end.
- Notes: Climbs/ decents are steep but grassy (no scree or scrambling involved). If the weather is too horrendous for the higher tops then we'll do a lower level walk and call it the Cwmdu Non-Climber.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 173 296, Start: SO 173 296
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4800
- Leader: Richard Brown
Spring Loosener 2020 - Deep Into The Black, 28 miles, Saturday 7th March 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Start in the lay-by the Tafarn-y-Garreg pub. Limited parking, so please park considerately/ car-share if possible., SN849171
- Description: Limber up for spring with an epic trek of some lesser-walked areas of the Black Mountain. Cribarth, Cefn Carn Fadog, Garreg Las, Fan Brycheiniog, Moel Feity, Cefn Cul. Bleak, wild, beautiful country.
- Notes: This is winter walking in wild and exposed terrain, with no shelter. Only suitable for experienced LDWA walkers. You must be appropriately equipped and mindful that the weather can deteriorate rapidly whatever the forecast. We will be walking in the dark too. There is a lot of off-path walking, and the terrain is very boggy and 'tussocky' in places - boots and gaiters recommended. If the weather is truly foul, the walk may be modified on the day.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SN 849 171, Start: SN 849 171
- Map(s): Explorer: OL12
- Walk Grade: ***** (Very Strenuous). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 5000
- Leader: Mike Batt
The Whipping Tree, 19 miles, Saturday 14th March 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Talgarth car park, SO15303372, SO15303372
- Description: Varied walk around Talgarth and the northern edge of the Black Mountains. Visits Rhos Fach common, the 'friendless' St Ellyw's Church, Y Grib and the Dragon's Back, Trefecca and, of course, the Whipping Tree - bring your own equipment.
- Notes: Some rough ground and paths. Likely to be muddy and wet in places. ROAD UPDATE: The A479 (Tretower-Cwmdu-Talgarth) is currently closed due to a landslide. People travelling via Crickhowell/Abergavenny will need to go via either B4560 at Bwlch or onwards on A40 then A470 and A438.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 1530 3372, Start: SO 1530 3372
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4000
- Leader: Simon Pickering
Cancelled: Not short changed, 19 miles, Wednesday 25th March 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Changes: Cancelled due to COVID-19
- Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: From Parc Lodge car park South of Sugarloaf, SO288166
- Description: A route born from a recce, to find out how to get 'onto' the CW (Cambrian Way) below Sugarloaf, from Parc Lodge car park, and then how to get 'off the' CW at table Mountain to get back to Parc Lodge. This recce (which has now subsequently become a proper walk) was for CW Part 3 in August where we will be starting from Parc Lodge. The walk goes out to Twyn y Gaer, Patrishow Hill, Crug Mawr and Table Mountain. The 'not short changed' comes from the fact that we don't summit any of the surrounding mountains but you'll still have a good day out.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 288 166, Start: SO 288 166
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: United Kingdom
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4400
- Leader: Jason Winney
Sleepers, Wake!, 20.5 miles, Saturday 8th August 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 09:00. At: Fedw Wood, near Chepstow, ST505984
- Description: An exploration of the splendour of the Wye Valley using some familiar and some less frequented paths. The route visits Tintern, Whitebrook, Newmills, Trellech Common, Catbrook, Hale Wood and Ravensnest Wood. Includes the Great Stone Wall and Stone Rapids of Monmouthshire.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 505 984, Start: ST 505 984
- Map(s): Explorer: OL14
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3300
- Leader: Simon Pickering
Back In Black, 18 miles, Saturday 15th August 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Byefield Lane Car Park, Abergavenny, SO297141
- Description: The LDWA Chair’s favourite walk visiting Sugar Loaf, Crug Mawr, Partrishow and Deri.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 297 141, Start: SO 297 141
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4000
- Leader: David Morgan
Into the Valley, 22 miles, Saturday 29th August 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Heol y Cyw, SS946845
- Description: Dipping in and out of the Garw and Ogwr valleys on the way to Llyndwr Fawr. Some decent climbs to get you in the mood for Spring walking.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SS 946 845, Start: SS 946 845
- Map(s): Explorer: 151 and 166
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4000
- Leader: Tony Alcock
Make Hay While the Sun Shines, 24.5 miles, Saturday 5th September 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Talgarth, SO155337
- Description: Circular walk from Talgath using Three Rivers Ride, Offa’s Dyke National Trail and other paths to Hay-on-Wye, following Wye Valley Walk to Glasbury and then footpaths via Felindre and Park Wood back to Talgarth.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 155 337, Start: SO 155 337
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3500
- Leader: Simon Pickering
Border Patrol 2, 21 miles, Saturday 12th September 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:15. At: Rockfield Road, Monmouth car park (free), SO50291276
- Description: Back by popular demand. Another exploration of frontier land on lesser used paths via Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, St Maughans & Skenfrith. A repeat of last year's walk in the reverse direction (minus the mud of Hendre Farm!}.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 5029 1276, Start: SO 5029 1276
- Map(s): Explorer: OL14. Landranger: 149,161 & 162
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3050
- Leader: Rob Richardson
My Antidote, 25 miles, Saturday 19th September 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Llanthony Priory Car Park (Free), , SO289278
- Description: Circular walk from Llanthony via Hatterrall Ridge, Cat’s Back Ridge, Hay Bluff, Twmpa, Rhos Dirion, Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, Bal Bach and return.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 289 278, Start: SO 289 278
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3800
- Leader: David Morgan
Llangynidr Circular, 27 miles, Saturday 26th September 2020, Route: (view, download)
- Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Llangynidr car park , SO155195
- Description: A loop out to the Dragon's Back. Hopefully some fine ridge walking, may tweak the route if weather is poor. May well finish in the dark, but if we do it will be a pleasant canal stroll back to the cars. Note: Not much shelter for the first 20 miles, so please come equipped for walking on the high ridges.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 155 195, Start: SO 155 195
- Map(s): Explorer: OL13. Landranger: 161
- Walk Grade: **** (Strenuous). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 5500
- Leader: Mike Batt
The Late Departing AGM Walk, 22 miles, Saturday 14th November 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Machen Village Hall car park (free), ST209890 , ST209890
- Description: The 2020 AGM walk that we didn't get to walk, taking in Mynydd Machen and the Rudry area. You will need a head torch.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 890, Start: ST 209 890
- Map(s):
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3700
- Leader: Jason Whinney
Friendless Again, 22 miles, Saturday 21st November 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:00. At: Chepstow Road car park, Raglan, SO414076
- Description: A re-run of May 2019’s Friendless Pilgrame, the walk links together three Grade I listed churches looked after by the Friends of the Friendless Churches - St Jeromes at Llangwm Uchaf, St Michael and All Angels, Gwernesney; and, St David's, Llangeview. A bonus visit to St Aeddan's at Bettws Newydd - also Grade I listed and home to one of the oldest Yew trees in Britain.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 414 076, Start: SO 414 076
- Map(s): Explorer: 13, 14, 152. Landranger: 161, 171
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 2500
- Leader: Simon Pickering
Ridgeway and the Rhymney Valley , 21 miles, Saturday 28th November 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Machen Village Hall car park, ST209891
- Description: Glamorgan Ridgeway above Cardiff, Rhymney River Circular and Craig Ruperra and Llysfaen.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 209 891, Start: ST 209 891
- Map(s):
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 2500
- Leader: Mike Batt
Christmas Walk , 18 miles, Saturday 5th December 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : Llanwenarth car park, nr Abergavenny, SO267168
- Description: A classic Black Mountains route going out to Forest Coal Pit, The Gaer, Partishow Hill, Crug Mawr and back to Sugarloaf. We don't summit any of the hills, but walk around the flanks. Plenty of ascent with a mixture of lesser and more frequent routes in and out of the hills.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 267 168, Start: SO 267 168
- Map(s):
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4000
- Leader: Jason Winney
Cwm Circle , 20 miles, Saturday 12th December 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: Silent valley nature reserve car park (parking on street adjacent if car park full), SO1869005958
- Description: The walk starts in the carpark of silent valley nature reserve and traverses the hills either side of the Ebbw Vale valley. We head up the Cwm Alpine climb route and then drop down into the Tredeger valley and walk down the old railway route to Markham. Then back up to the top on the lanes and down the other side to Aberbeeg. We then head up onto the mountain on the other side of the valley looking down on Abertillery and circle the whole of the mountain up to West Monmouth golf course and then back through the nature reserve to the start point.
- Grid reference(s): Meet: SO 18690 05958, Start: SO 18690 05958
- Map(s):
- Walk Grade: ** (Moderate). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 3500
- Leader: Justin Speake
The Gelligaerian Perambulator, 24 miles, Saturday 19th December 2020, Route: (view, download), Photographs
- Meet/Start time : 08:30. At: CP in Trelewis by the ponds , ST102976
- Description: An exploration of the Rhymney valley area, from Trelewis up to Cefn Gelligear and over to Deri, across to Philips Town and Mynydd Bedwellte, returning along the Rhymney River and cycle tracks to Trelewis
- Grid reference(s): Meet: ST 102 976, Start: ST 102 976
- Map(s):
- Walk Grade: *** (Hard). (What's this?)
- Ascent (feet): 4200
- Leader: Jason Winney