GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME SPRING 2011

Transcription

1 Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME Most of these walks go into the hills. Participants are reminded that the following gear must be taken. Walking boots, rucksack, hats, gloves, warm clothing (not jeans), spare sweater, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course waterproof jackets and trousers. A whistle and torch should be carried, particularly during the winter months. Participants must satisfy themselves that the walk is suitable for their abilities. You can take advice by ringing the walk leader whose telephone number is given. No liability will be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result of taking part. An adult must accompany young people (under 18). MOST OF THESE WALKS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED WALKERS Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route due to adverse weather conditions. walks require fitness and stamina to cope with several steep climbs and/or cover a good distance at a steady pace. walks generally involve two steep climbs but they will still require determined application. walks will seldom have steep climbs but if they do the climb will be taken at a relaxed pace. Dogs (well controlled) are permitted unless stated otherwise in the programme. It should be noted that under the CROW Act, when taking dogs onto Open Access land they must be on a fixed lead, no more than two metres long, whenever livestock are near, and at ALL TIMES from 1st March to 31st July. Non-members of the Park Society will be asked to make a donation of 5.00 each per walk. Half price for the under 16 s, the unemployed and students.the fee is deductible from the membership fee on joining the Society within two months of the walk. General Enquiries to: Anne Pritchard, tel: eannepritchard@hotmail.com MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES: SEE BACK PAGE REGISTERED CHARITY:

2 FEATURES Welcome to the Brecon Beacons Park Society Guided Walks and Events Programme for Spring 2011, we hope you enjoy it. Thanks to our wonderful band of volunteer walk leaders we have another varied and interesting programme of walks covering all grades from to, all areas of the National Park, and for variety several walks on the fringes and just outside the Park. We revert to the usual Spring and Summer format of one walk each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Bank Holidays. We are again contributing to the Crickhowell Walking Festival see page 3 for details of how to book for Festival walks. We have a Special Interest walk with a National Trust warden in the Central Beacons which will visit the summits of Pen y Fan and Corn Du, but will be taken at a gentle pace to give us time to discuss erosion control and the history, flora and fauna of the area. Our series of illustrated talks at the Bear continues with a talk on The Human Side of Antarctica and a discussion of the future of Tidal Power in the Severn estuary and elsewhere. If you would like to have a go at leading a walk, have an idea for a talk or event, or any comments or suggestions for improvement of the programme, please contact Anne (walks) tel: or eannepritchard@hotmail.com Gerry (events) tel: or janedaphne@aol.com Future Society events for your diary The Society AGM will be held at Talgarth on Saturday 11 th June, and will be accompanied by the traditional lunch, talk and walks in the Talgarth area. Society members will receive notification of the details nearer the time. Pembrokeshire weekend. Malcolm and Wendy Winney are arranging a weekend of guided walks and accommodation in Pembrokeshire from 17 th to 20 th June see or telephone for details. Non-Society events The Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival is taking place between Saturday 21 st May and Sunday 5 th June, details at Former Society walk leader Geoff Williams has arranged another Informal Meet in North Wales on 20 th to 23 rd May (this is not part of the Society Guided Walks programme). Details can be found on the website at or by phoning Geoff on Page 2

3 CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS MARCH A WEEK OF WALKS IN THE EAST, from Saturday 26th February to Sunday 6th March inclusive. This part of our programme (the walks in italics) 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 BBPS Members, BBPS Members do need to book their places on these walks in advance. This should be done through the Festival office, using the booking form in the Festival programme or downloaded from the website, where full details of the programme can also be found. Please note that Society members need to book their place on all other Festival walks, for which the normal Festival rates apply as in the programme. CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: BRINORE TRAMROAD Tuesday 1st March 21km (13 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm ANNE PRITCHARD CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: CASTELL TO CRUG Wednesday 2nd March 21km (13 miles) 9.30am 5.00pm JIM WILSON Park at Henderson Hall situated just off the main road at the western end of Talybont-on-Usk (follow the Recycling signs) GR SO , 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 using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website Meet at the CRiC in Crickhowell GR SO for bus to start at Castell Dinas, Pengenffordd. 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 using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website Page 3

4 CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: A CLASSIC WALK AROUND LLANTHONY Thursday 3rd March 18.5km (11.5 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm CHRIS PLAYFORD CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: BWLCH WITH ALTITUDE Friday 4th March 21km (13 miles) 9.30am 5.00pm PHIL EVANS CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: VALLEY TO VALLEY Saturday 5th March 19km (12 miles) 10.00am 4.00pm STEVE FLYNN A NORMAL SOCIETY WALK: JOHN PAUL GEORGE AND RINGO Saturday 5th March 20km (12.5 miles) 9.30 am 4.00 pm CLIVE EILES clive.eiles@hertford.oxon.org From Llanthony Priory GR SO A high level circuit of the Ewyas Valley via Cwm Bwchel, south along the ridge and over the Gaer, across the valley to Cwmyoy, up Hatterrall Hill, north along Offa s Dyke path and down the beer trail back to the Priory. Advanced Booking Essential using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website Meet in car park of New Inn Bwlch GR SO Head north onto Mynydd Llangorse to the cross tracks, west via the shepherd s cottage near the roping centre to Llangorse, visit the 15 th century church then follow a footpath to the lake for lunch. Go past the Crannog and follow the path around the west side of the lake to Llangasty church. Then up Allt yr Esgair to the Paragon Tower and the ancient British fort on the summit. South East along the ridgeline and back to Bwlch via the Roman Road. Advanced Booking Essential using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website From Blaen y Cwm car park GR SO 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 using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website From the top car park on the A4069 Llangadog to Brynaman road, GR SN The peaks of Garreg Lwyd and Carreg Las, with their burial cairns, and on the way back the flatter peaks of Cefn y Cylchau and Cefn y Truman. And a taste of the life of the quarrymen who worked and lived on the mountain during the week, at a place without a name. Page 4

5 CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL: SUGAR LOAF Sunday 6th March 16km (10 miles) 10.00am 4.00pm ROS GRANT Meet at Abergavenny TIC GR SO for a circular walk on the Sugar Loaf visiting St Mary s Vale, a hidden mission hall and the summit, with far reaching views on a fine day. Advanced Booking Essential using Festival Booking Form, available from CRiC on or downloaded from the website A NORMAL SOCIETY WALK: WATERFALLS, RIDGES AND RESERVOIRS Sunday 6th March 14km (9 miles) 10.00am 3.00pm GERRY SMITH UP HILL AND DOWN DALE FROM PENCELLI Friday 11th March 18km (11 miles) approx 10.00am 4.00pm FRANK COOK Meet at the Blaen-y-glyn car park GR SO for a circular walk in the central Beacons. The route follows a series of small waterfalls, then takes the ridge to the spectacular Blaen Caerfanell waterfall, and round the escarpment to Fan y Big. Returning via the Gap, the Neuadd Reservoirs and the Taff Trail. From the layby at Pencelli, GR SO , a circuit using parts of the Usk Valley Walk, Taff Trail, Brinore Tramroad, Beacons Way and the Mon & Brec Towpath. Pub stop for drink in afternoon. A RHIANGOLL CIRCUIT Saturday 12th March 22km (14 miles) 9.30am 4.00pm CHRIS PLAYFORD CARREG COCH & CRIBARTH Sunday 13th March 14km (9 miles) am to 3.00pm PAULA ACE From The Castle Inn Pengenffordd on the A479 GR SO (Parking fee 1). Up to Pen Allt Mawr via Mynydd Llysiau saddle. Drop down to cross the Rhiangoll north of Cwmdu and return above Cwm Sorgwm and Cockit Hill. Meet at the Gwyn Arms (park along road by pub) GR SN A climb above Dan-yr-ogof show caves and out to Sinc-y-giedd, returning over Carreg Coch and Cribarth and through to Craig-y-nos country park. Page 5

6 PAST THE PARK: HISTORY & LEGEND NEAR WHITECASTLE Friday 18th March 14km (9 miles) 10.00am 3.30pm CHRIS BARBER From the large lay by on a bend just beyond Llanvetherine on the B4521 GR SO An interesting walk taking in Whitecastle, Hen Cwrt moated site, Llantilio Crossenny Church, Llanvetherine Church and brief sections of Offa s Dyke Trail and the Three Castles Walk. BEACONS WAY DAY 7: LLANDDEUSANT TO CARREG CENNEN CASTLE Saturday 19th March 21.9km (13.6 miles) 9.30am 5.00pm ANGELA MORGAN Meet At Carreg Cennen Castle GR SN at 9.30am for car share back to Llanddeusant Youth Hostel. 1 donation per person to the Youth Hostel will be collected at the start of the walk. A meal will be booked in the Red Lion in Llangadog for all walkers who wish to attend. Please indicate when booking whether you wish to attend the meal. Booking Essential please angela.morgan@burdens.co.uk or ring Numbers will be limited so please book early. No dogs please. BEACONS WAY DAY 8: CARREG CENNEN CASTLE TO LLANGADOG Sunday 20th March 16km (10 miles) 9.30am 3.00pm ANGELA MORGAN THE GLORIOUS ROLLING HILLS OF LLANDEILO & LLANBEDR Sunday 20th March 24km (15 miles) approx 9.30am 5.00pm SEAN O DONOGHUE odonoghue.books@virgin.net Meet at Carreg Sawdde Bridge GR SN at 9.30am for car share to Carreg Cennen Castle. Booking Essential please angela.morgan@burdens.co.uk or ring Numbers will be limited so please book early. No dogs please. Because of shortage of parking in Painscastle, we will meet at the car park in The Begwyns, GR SO , and ferry walkers from there this is not marked as a car park on OS map but is on the road which runs from Clyro to Painscastle, near the northern cattle grid just as you exit or enter the Begwyns. We will walk from Paincastle towards Builth. SUGAR LOAF AND CRUG MAWR Friday 25th March 18.5km (11.5 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm ANNE PRITCHARD From the Fro car park on the minor road between Bettws and Forest Coal Pit GR SO Taking the back way up the Sugar Loaf, descending via Mynydd Pen-y-fal to the confluence of the Grwyne rivers, over Crug Mawr to Partrishow church, and crossing the Grwyne valley once more on our return. Page 6

7 ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE HUMAN SIDE OF ANTARCTICA Place: Speaker Friday 25th March Bear Hotel, Crickhowell 7.30pm Rachel Morgan A SHORT WALK WITH A BIT OF CLIMB Saturday 26th March 16km (10 miles) 9.30 am 4.00 pm CLIVE EILES clive.eiles@hertford.oxon.org PAST THE PARK: THE LEADON VALLEY Sunday 27th March 19km (12 miles) 10.00am 5.00pm CHARLES AND HELEN HENDERSON Rachel spent 18 months at Rothera Station on the Antarctic Peninsula. She is currently Director of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. She may also be joined by her husband Tudor who spent 33 months at Rothera and is now Operations Manager for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. From the small car park on the Trecastle road (an unclassified road running north from the Tafarn y Garreg on the A4067). GRID REFERENCE OF STARTING CAR PARK SN (Grid Reference of Tafarn y Garreg SN ) A rough walk it is the West across Moel Feity and Afon Trinant and their crash sites. Then underneath the escarpment and up onto it via Bwlch Blaen Twrch. Down to Llyn y Fan Fawr and down Nant y Llyn with its waterfalls to the Standing Stone, Circle and Avenue by Afon Tawe. To return up the road would be too short so we will return via Cefn Cul. Park on the verge of the minor road just to the north of Redmarley d Abitot GR SO (Explorer map 190). A walk around this rural corner of north-west Gloucestershire which is the stronghold of the native English daffodil (which we hope will be out). APRIL SPECIAL INTEREST WALK: CONTROLLING EROSION IN THE CENTRAL BEACONS Expert: Friday 1st April 9km (5.5miles) approx 10.00am 3.00pm ANNE PRITCHARD ROBERT REITH ACCESS WARDEN NATIONAL TRUST Meet at Pont ar Daf car park GR SO for a walk on land owned by the National Trust, taking in Pen y Fan, Corn Du and if time permits the Tommy Jones obelisk, returning via Storey Arms. Our guide will explain and show what it is the National Trust does to control erosion, and will discuss the history, flora and fauna of the area, and what the future may hold. Page 7

8 PAST THE PARK: THE BRISTOL TRANGULAR WALK Saturday 2nd April 28km (18 miles) 9.30am 6.00pm JUDY COX PAST THE PARK: NORTH OF BRECON Sunday 3rd April 24km (15 miles) 9.30am 5.30pm SOO TURNBULL Meet on the concourse of Bristol Temple Meads Station for 9.30am start. A surprisingly varied, scenic and interesting walk through woods and across the Downs and through historic parts of the City. A circuit starting from the picnic site SW of Llaneglwys, GR SO exploring Brycheiniog Forest and several patches of access land to the east of it. Should be some good views, weather permitting. WALES MOST SOUTHERLY PEAK Friday 8th April 18km (11 miles) 10.00am 3.00pm CHRIS PLAYFORD From parking space next to north end of Pontsticill reservoir (just off Pontsticill Talybont road) GR SO Taff Trail through woods to Pontsticill, across dam to Merthyr common, past Insrcibed stone and up to seldom visited Carn Felen trig point. Return via quarries and Cwm Callan. PAST THE PARK: TWO HILLS EAST OF HAY Saturday 9th April 17km (11 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm WENDY SLADEN PAST THE PARK: ACROSS THE ROOF OF CARDIFF (3 of 3) Sunday 10th April 21km (13 miles) 9.30am 4.00pm WENDY WINNEY Park in one of the 2 lay-bys on the B4352 road, approx 3 1/2 miles out of Hay eastwards, GR SO This walk covers farm land, tracks, moorland, 3 ups and a spot of history at lunchtime. This is the third and final section of three circular walks taking in some of the high ground and woodlands just north of Cardiff, and includes Garth Hill, Craig Yr Allt and Fforest Fawr woodlands. This final section begins at Castell Coch Car Park (Post code CF15 7JS) GR ST OS Explorer 151. No charge but please park down the bottom end of car park away from the Castle. Opportunity for tea and cakes at end of walk. No dogs please. Page 8

9 CWMYOY AND OFFA S DYKE Friday 15th April 16km (10 miles) 10.00am to 3.45pm FRANK SCOTT From Llanthony Priory car park GR SO we follow the Afon Honddu to Cwmyoy before climbing Hatterrall Hill at a relaxed pace. We return along Offa s Dyke path to enjoy the views and descend to the priory. WOODS, WATERFALLS AND WONDERFUL VIEWS Saturday 16th April 16km (10 miles) 10.00am 4.00pm ROGER WHITE Meet at Blaen-y-glyn car park GR SO on north side of Talybont-Merthyr road. Through woods to the Caerfanell and its spectacular waterfalls. Over moor and up steep ridge to magnificent escarpment of Cwar y Gigfran. Across to northfacing escarpments leading to Fan y Big and its diving board. Down to Bwlch ar y Fan. Return by Gap Road and Taff Trail, with slight diversion through Taf Fechan Forest to give some added interest. TO THE WATER AND BACK Sunday 17th April 21 km (13 miles) 9.30am to 4.30pm MALCOLM WINNEY A CATS BACK RAMBLE Friday 22nd April 12km (8miles) 11.00am 3.00pm STEVE FLYNN CLASSIC BEACONS CIRCUIT Saturday 23rd April 22km ( 14 miles) 9.30am pm GERRY SMITH Park in the car park of the Castle pub Pengenfford ( 1) map OL13 GR SO Up Castell Dinas, Y Grib, Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, up to Waun Fach and back to the pub. No dogs please. Meet at the Black Hill picnic area, 7km north west of Longtown at GR SO for a classic Black Mountains ridge ramble. Up the narrow crest of the Cat s Back, with great views on either side, to Black Hill, then over to Offa s Dyke Path and on to Hay Bluff for its terrific panoramic outlook. Returning via the Olchon Valley and some pretty little waterfalls. From the Blaen Taf Fechan car park GR SO , 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. Page 9

10 PANT MAWR & SARN HELEN Sunday 24th April 20 km (12 miles) 9.30am 3.30pm PAULA ACE Meet at lay-by at Craig-y-nos on the A4067 GR SN Up to the National Nature Reserve, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, along Sarn Helen, returning via country lanes. THE TRADITIONAL EASTER MONDAY THREE CASTLES WALK Monday 25th April 32 km (20 miles) 8.30am to 6.00pm MALCOLM WINNEY PAST THE PARK: A WEDDING WENVOE WANDER Friday 29th April 18km (11 miles) figure of am 3.30pm KEVIN MCANULTY WILLIAM COOPER via A BEACONS HORSESHOE CWM OERGWM Saturday 30th April 21km (13 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm STEVE FLYNN From Skenfrith Castle on the B4521 Abergavenny to Ross road (park in the lay-by over the bridge GR SO ). A classic walk between Skenfrith, White and Grosmont Castles, with a pub stop at Grosmont. No dogs please. An alternative to the Royal Wedding (pick up highlights later in the day!). Meet near Wenvoe Village Hall GR ST OS Explorer 151 (possible parking in hall car park but space on quiet roads in village). The first part takes in two impressive Neolithic stone monuments, back to car for lunch before fields and woodland on the other side of the main road. A brand new walk. From the Pencelli lay-by on the B4558 GR SO Up to Gist Wen, along the ridge to Craig Cwareli and around Craig Cwm Oergwm to Fan y Big, descending via Cefn Cyff. MAY PAST THE PARK: MORE VIEW POINTS ACROSS THE PARK Sunday 1st May 18.5km (11.5 miles) 9.30am 4.00pm PENNY LEONARD Park by the phone box in Pontfaen, 5 miles north west of Brecon, GR SN A circular walk through traditional farmland with good panoramic views. The route includes Mynydd Bach, a section of the Epynt Way and Battle Hill. Page 10

11 RESURGENCES AND WATERFALLS Monday 2nd May 19km (12 miles) 10.00am 4.30pm JUDY COX From Ystradfellte village car park GR SN Following the Nedd and Mellte looking at the resurgences, caves, waterfalls and wild flowers. Can be tricky underfoot. ALL AROUND WAUN FACH! Friday 6th May 24km ( 15 miles) 9.30am pm David Thomas Meet at Tir y Nant GR SO :- Take Llanbedr Road from Crickhowell for 4 miles. Right at no through road sign. (Brook Cottage on pre-2009 maps). Climb onto the eastern edge of the Grwyne Fechan and over Pen y Gadair Fawr. Not quite up to Waun Fach before heading east down to the Grwyne Fawr dam. Then north to the head of the valley, not quite up Waun Fach (again!) and return via Macnamara s road or Pen Twyn Glas. ILLUSTRATED TALK: TIDAL POWER Place: Speaker: Friday 6th May Bear Hotel, Crickhowell 7.30pm DAVID ELLIOTT The Severn estuary is one of the best sites for tidal energy collection in the world, given its large tidal height range. Ideas for harvesting this free, clean, natural energy have included large tidal barrages across the estuary, trapping the high tide and then letting it out through turbines to generate electricity. That could produce about 4.5% of the UK s electricity, but it would be a very expensive and invasive project costing over 30 billion and potentially having a major impact on the local ecosystem. Last October the government decided not to support this concept at present, or, for the moment, any of the other ideas for tidal energy that had been put forward for the Severn. But there are many smaller tidal projects underway elsewhere in the UK and around the world, using approaches which could be cheaper and less invasive including tidal lagoons, tidal fences and free-standing turbines running just on the tidal flow. Some of them may be suited to the Severn. In this talk Prof. David Elliott, recently retired from the Open University, will be looking at the various tidal energy plans for the Severn estuary and elsewhere, at the alternatives to tidal barrages, and at what might happen in the tidal energy field in future. Page 11

12 PAST THE PARK: RAIL RAMBLE Saturday 7th May 22km (13 miles) 9.15am 5.30pm DAVID GRANT Meet at Abergavenny Station GR SO Parking fee or in nearby streets, for 9.28am train to Craven Arms. Group fares may apply. The walk from Craven Arms follows the Way through Shropshire countryside to the historic town of Ludlow. Return train at pm from there to Abergavenny by Earlier one may be possible. AROUND AND UP AND DOWN AND AROUND Sunday 8th May 24km (15 miles) 9.30am pm MALCOLM WINNEY COMMONS AND WOODS ABOVE THE WYE Friday 13th May 18km (11 miles) 10.00am 3.30pm CHRIS PLAYFORD FOLLY, BOMBER AND GOOSE AND CUCKOO Saturday 14th May 18km (11 miles) 10.00am pm GERRY SMITH PAST THE PARK: CIRCUIT OF THE NANT BRAN Sunday 15th May 24km (15 miles) 9.30am 5.30pm SOO TURNBULL Park in the car park near the loos at Llangors, map OL13 GR SO Around the lake, up Allt yr Esgair, Cefn Moel, Mynydd Llangorse, Mynydd Troed and back to Llangors. No dogs please. Just Past the Park. From car park at west end of Glasbury bridge GR SO , just off A438. (Parking is also possible in the road near the village hall at SO ). A short section of the Wye Valley Walk to Llowes, followed by a climb through woods and fields to the Begwyns which we cross to return via Cil Twrch and Ffynnon Gynydd commons. Meet at the Pontypool Leisure Centre car park GR SO 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. Starting at Trallong church hall, GR SN , following the ridges on either side of the Nant Bran, and using a short section of the Epynt Way. This is an extended version of the Trallong walk in the last programme, but hopefully there will be no black ice this time to prevent people getting to it! Page 12

13 THE RIVER USK, TWO TRIBUTARIES AND TABLE MOUNTAIN Friday 20th May 13km (8miles) 10.00am 4.00pm ROGER AUSTIN PAST THE PARK: THREE ELENYDD PEAKS Saturday 21st May 22.5km (14 miles) 9.30am 4.30pm ANDREW LEONARD CASTELL DINAS and THE DRAGON S BACK Sunday 22nd May 14km (9miles) ROS GRANT O ER THE SIDES OF CWM OERGWM Friday 27th May 20km (12 miles) 10.00am pm David Thomas DYFFRYN CRAWNON AND TOR-Y-FOEL Saturday 28th May 17.6km (11 miles) 9.30am 4.00pm WENDY WINNEY From the lay-by at Cwrt Y Gollen on the A40 GR SO Along the River Usk, up the Cumbeth, over Table Mountain and down the Grwyney. Meet at Llanerch-y-Cawr car park, GR SN901616, seven miles SW of Rhayader by telephone box on road leading to the Claerwen reservoir. Our route climbs along paths and open country to Y Gamriw, then across the open plateau to Gorllwyn and Drygarn Fawr (641m). The peaks are known for their Bronze Age cairns and panoramic views. No dogs please due to the presence of young lambs and ground-nesting birds. There should be time afterwards for tea at the Visitor Centre or otherwise at the Triangle Inn. From the Castle Inn, Pengenffordd, GR SO , car park charges. A visit to the site of an early Norman Castle, before contouring the base of the scarp and ascending via Rhiw Cwnstab to Rhos Dirion for lunch and hopefully good views. Returning down Y Grib to the pub! From Llanfeigan Church, Pencelli GR SO , over fields before ascending a sunken lane onto The Bryn. Along the eastern side of Cwm Oergwm to Fan y Big. Long rolling descent to Llanfrynach followed by a short steep climb and some more fields to the start. Ascent 2500 ft. Meet in car park opposite Llangynidr Village Hall, OS map 0L13 GR SO Climbing up above the Dyffryn Crawnon valley onto open moorland, descending via Cwm Pyrgad to valley bottom, followed by further climb onto the Beacons Way overlooking Talybont Reservoir. A last climb takes us over Tor-y-foel, returning to Llangynidr via the Beacons Way and Brecon canal. If the weather is kind we shall have beautiful views. No dogs please. Page 13

14 UP TO THE BLACK HILL FROM HAY-ON-WYE Sunday 29th May 32km (20 miles) 9.30am 6.00pm Sean O Donoghue PAST THE PARK: GOLD & DIAMONDS IN THE USK VALLEY! Monday 30th May 26.5km (16.5 miles) 9.30am 5.30pm JIM KEAR Meet at Hay-on-Wye car cark GR SO opposite the Castle. Charge for car park but free parking is available in car cark on Brecon Road by the playground / near the fire station and on Forest Road. The walk will take us up over the back of Llanigon, following the Digidi Brook, to Gospel Pass, Hay Bluff & Offa s Dyke for a bit, the Cat s Back to Crib y Garth. We will return along Offa s Dyke path to Hay. A walk on both sides of the river in the Vale of Usk, visiting the little known Llangibby Castle, the beneficiary of gold and diamond trading in South Africa. Then on to yet more gold with (IF LUCKY) sweeping views over the valleys of the Usk and Severn. Returning via historic mansion and tunnel. Details of the Park Society s walks and events programme, and much more, can be found on: The programme is available to download from the website, and will print out in exactly the same format. If you no longer wish to receive a posted hard copy, please advise Ben Sladen on ben.sladen@aulden.plus.com. To report illegal off-roading in the Brecon Beacons National Park go to: To report any problems with footpaths and rights of way such as obstructions, map errors, misleading signs, etc to the Park Authority, call Avril Barnes at the National Park headquarters on or row@breconbeacons.org; or contact Area Wardens. You can check the Mountain Weather Forecast for the Brecon Beacons National Park on the Met Office website at: or use the Metcheck website which allows you to check the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons separately: Page 14

15 COURSES COURSES 2011 GET LOST Saturday 18th June and Sunday 19th June A two-day basic navigation course From 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday. GET LOST Saturday 27th August and Sunday 28th August A two-day basic navigation course From 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday. GET LOST AGAIN Saturday 29th October and Sunday 30th October A two-day more advanced navigation course From 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and 2.00pm to 10.00pm Sunday. Course is now Full however places available on reserve list in case of cancellations. Information about Navigation Courses, can be found on: The Get Lost Course is limited to 10 places and the Get Lost Again to 8 places. These usually get filled up some time in advance so it is essential to check for availability and to reserve a place on the course as early as possible. For more information or to reserve a place: Telephone: Ian Smith on or ian_m_smith@hotmail.com Page 15

16 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION The Brecon Beacons Park Society Membership No. I/We wish to apply/renew my/our membership of the Society Title and Name. Title and Name. Address..... Post Code..Telephone Address. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Individual per annum. Under per annum Family per annum. Family Life (under 65) (over 65) Individual Life (under 65) (over 65) I/We enclose cheque for:.. (Please make cheques payable to: The Brecon Beacons Park Society) We would be grateful if you could pay your subsequent subscriptions by Standing Order as this will save us time and expense. You might also wish to consider treating your annual subscription as Gift Aid which will enable us to enhance the value of your donation. Please indicate below if you wish to receive details of these schemes. Standing Order Gift Aid Please return this form to: Ben Sladen, Hon. Treasurer Oak House, Aulden, Ivington, Leominster, HR6 0JT Page 16