Newsletter - Kenfig Pool Walk - Sat 4th Nov

Hi All,

I'm back from Japan and into the swing of things again with this week's installment of the Newsletter.
This Saturday Jo is taking us on an easy walk around Kenfig Pool, and later in the evening we'll be celebrating, or rather commiserating Lindsey's leaving with a farewell Meal. Yes it's her that's jetting off this time, to Australia of all places. I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing her all the best for her travels and thanking her for all the good work she's done for the Trekkers as Social Secretary.

Kenfig Walk: Sat 4th Nov

An easy 5 miler around Kenfig Pool and Nature Reserve. Meeting at 0930 at County Hall Carpark, or if you want to meet us at the walk start point, about 1030 at Kenfig Nature Reserve Carpark (GR 804812). It's off Jct 37 of the M4, and if you want detailed directions, or have any other queries on the walk give Jo a ring on 07811 654826.

Lindsey's Leaving Do: Sat 4th Nov

At 730pm we'll be meeting in the Westbourne Pub on Byn-y-Mor Road, and then after a drink or two, we'll most likely head for one of the fine Curry Houses of St. Helen's Road. And by the way Linds, the Ozzies make awful curries so enjoy it while you still can!

Feedback From Training Day

Here's Lindsey's feedback on the navigation/first aid training she organised in the Beacons. Hopefully this will stimulate interest for future events!

Just thought I would update you guys on the training that me, Catrin and Laura attended on Sunday 15th Oct. it was well worth going and was excellent value at 20 pounds. The first part of the morning we went through what to pack in a backpack. Gave us some good tips on what to pack along with essential items to include in a first aid kit. Then in the afternoon we covered compass reading and navigation with exercises in the field.
It was a great course. the guy that runs it (Peter Brook) was great, and told us there is a 'bronze' course on Nov the 18th. He also said that in the new year the centre may start running weekends that combine the safety in the hills course with the bronze. His contact details are 01874 625053. He seemed willing to put a course on for just the Tawe Trekkers if there was enough people.

Linds.

Equipment Show - Message from Roberto (Rob)

Just letting people know that there is a mini outdoor equipment show in the Scout and Guide HQ in Bryn Road, Brynmill organised by Leiseurequest and a number of their suppliers, including their specialist suppliers.Doors open at 6.30pm and entry is free. However, you may want to make a donation to Mountain Rescue. Maybe worth calling in on the way to the Brunswick!

Well thats about it for this installment. Remember it's pub night at the Brunswick on Thursday, and I'll also mention here that there are still places left on the Pembrokeshire Weekend (24 - 26th Nov) so reserve your place now if you haven't already! For details call me, Doug, on 07766652837.

Newsletter - Llanmadoc walk 29th October

Hi there folks,
Even if I say so myself, we had an excellent walk last week, great company, good pub, the walk had good variety. Doug called in on the pub on the way back from foreign climes to re-aquaint himself with the group after almost a month away. A quieter week this week, but we do have an other welcome walk for you to enjoy - here are the details.

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Llanmadoc Walk 29th October

Leaving County Hall at 9.30am.

Please make sure you are at County Hall in plenty of time to depart at
9.30am. If you want to meet at the walk start it will be at the Cwm Ivy
car park, Llanmadoc grid Reference : 439935(Explorer 164). Meet here at
10.10am latest. There is no mobile reception at the car park so if you are meeting there make you know the start point!

The Cwm Ivy car park is an honesty car park costing only £1 for the
whole day. Please do make sure you support this.

The walk is graded as easy with one gentle climb. It is about 9 miles long.

Leaving Cwn Ivy we head over Llanmadoc Hill, passing the earthworks and Nine Wells. We then head down into Llangennith, passing the Kings Head (a bit too early for a pint when we get here!) and continuing down to Hill End and Rhossili beach. We will walk along the beach to the island and explore the ancient ruins here, before heading off into the dunes towards Whiteford Sands. Another lovely beach walk takes us to the old coastal pine woods, where we will then loop around the edge of the marshes, before heading back through old deciduous woods to the car park and a well earned pint at the Britannia Inn.

The walk is very dog friendly (may be sheep on Llanmadoc hill), with two big beaches for them to frolic on! There are about three stiles which pooch will have to carried over!

This is a reverse of the previous Llanmadoc walk - due to the tide times - so you can enjoy the views that were over your shoulders the last time!

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Spooky walk with the Swansea Outdoor Group

In keeping with the time of year, I'm leading a walk on Wednesday 25th October round some of the graveyards of Mumbles. We meet at 7.30pm outside the gates of Oystermouth Castle/ The walk is about 3 miles long, with a drink at the end to calm the nerves!
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That's all for this week, no Brunswick this week, but don't forget the next one, on Thursday 2nd November, when we will be meeting from 8.00pm.

Newsletter - Ewenny Priory, artistic endeavours and more

Hello trekkers,
With so many of us away at the moment, to far flung corners of the earth, it falls to me again to update with the latest news. This weeks update on the walk I'm leading to Ewenny Priory and an invitation to view Robert Conybear's latest exhibition of sculpture, called "Inner Portraits" in Swansea. By the way, hope to see some of you down the Brunswick this Thursday.

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Ewenny Priory Walk - Saturday 21st October
This is a fairly flat 11 miler starting and ending at the priory, taking us in a circular route around and down to the coast. There are splendid viewpoints and incorporates downs, cliff-top, beach, woods and meandering brooks. The walk also goes through Coed y Bwl nature reserve, Park opposite Ewenny Priory.

Dogs - Dogs are welcome to bring their owners, as long as they behave themselves.

Meet Point - 9:30 at the county hall and 10:15 at Ewenny Priory car park, opposite the old Priory Building. Click here for a map.

Equipment - As with any trekker walk, please read carefully the equipment requirements. We do remind people that a requirement is walking specific equipment such as proper footwear and clothing that will not inconvenience when wet.

Refreshments - The Prince Of Wales in Kenfig.

If you need more information, give me, Rob, a call on 07990807510.

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Robert Conybear's Sculpture Exhibition
The Swansea Sculptor, Robert Conybear is having an exhibition of his work in the Mission Gallery in the Marina in Swansea. It is there 'til Christmas and is well worth a visit.

Comedian Paul Merton is sponsoring the exhibition of work. Paul Merton first met Robert when performing at the Fringe Festival in Swansea many years ago. Paul Merton's support has enabled the creation of a new body of work, including large sculptural objects, and drawings. On display in the gallery will be life size, figurative sculptural forms made from welded stainless steel and copper, and a variety of other materials including amber, polymer cast stone, metal leaf, and coloured plastics.

The sculptures are of an "intelligent bomb family" and are inner portraits of these individuals' life interests which tackle a series of related themes such as anthropological, scientific and medical issues including Tourettes syndrome. The show runs from 14th October -31st December.
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Brunswick Week
Don't forget, there is a Brunswick night on Thursday 19th October if you want to meet up down there starting at 8:00pm. Its a great opportunity for new members to meet the group before coming on a walk. We generally meet in the corner next to the telly, or give Rob a call on 07990807510 if you wish to come.
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That just sums up everything for this week, don't forget, if you want anything included in the Newsletter, let one of the committee know, or just email info@tawetrekkers.org.uk.

Newsletter - Graham's Pontarddulais Adventure

After an excellent walk last weekend led by Martin, we have another busy weekend for the trekkers. Some of us are attending a navigation training day in Libanus near Brecon while Graham leads a walk in Pontarddulais on Saturday.

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Pontarddulais Adventure - Saturday 14th October

Hi there,

Hope you had a good weekend.

On the walk this weekend we walk up the Dulais Valley from Pontarddulais experiencing fine views across to Gelli-gwm Crags. At the top of the valley we pick up St Illtyd's way and follow it back towards Pontarddulais with expansive views of the Loughor Valley, the Burry Inlet and North Gower

Meet point County Hall Car at 9.30 am.

Starting Point for walk will be in Pontarddulais at SN602037. You can find a map by clicking this link.
View a map for the start point by clicking here.

Approaching Pontarddulais from Swansea on the A48, turn right onto Goppa
Road after the Fountain Inn.

Start time at Pontarddulais will be 10.15

If anyone has queries they can call me on 07770 435341

Regards,

Graham
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St Davids weekend
Just a reminder that people are sending in their cheques for deposits for places on this weekend, if you wish to come, remember that places are limited so remember to pay your deposits to avoid disappointment.
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Thats all folks for this weekend, hope to bump into a few of you over the weekend.

cheers
Rob

Newsletter - Torpantau - Graig Fan Las - Craig Cwareli - Sunday 8th October

Hello there,

Many of you are already aware of Martin's corker of a walk next Sunday, I'm looking forward to it. I'll include the details of it in case you missed any other bits and pices of information that you may not have heard about.
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Torpantau - Graig Fan Las - Craig Cwareli

Walk description:

An initial steep climb is rewarded by four miles of fantastic escarpment walking, with great views of Brecon and the Beacons, returning past the Neuadd Reservoirs.

The walk is approx 8 miles with only a 200m height gain. We should have superb views of the northern Beacons and of course Pen-y-Fan! The walk takes in some of the least trod escarpments, visits Fan-y-Big and then drops down towards The Upper Neuadd Reservoir, before heading back through the Taf Fechan Forest.

Additional info:

Only graded 'Hill Scramble' because of the altitude, it is mostly on easy, well-defined paths. The escarpments are steep but not sheer. Look out for kestrels soaring near the start - and buzzards later.

For full walk info click here - : http://www.wwtl.co.uk/pdfWalk2155.pdf

Meeting Points:

Please meet at County Hall as normal - ready to leave at 0930.

If you wish to meet at the start of the walk it is at the Car Park found at Start grid ref: SO052172 OS map: Explorer OL 12, Landranger 160.

Expect to be at the start point around 10:15 or so. As there is no mobile reception could you text me if you are meetingthere so we know to expect you!

The walk starts on the top of the pass from Pontsticill to Talybont. Once you drive over the highest pointin the road there is a small track to the left and a car park sign. The car park is down this track about 100 yds.

There is no mobile reception here so if you are meeting us there please make sure you know the route to the ar park!

Meet at the walk start at about 1015.

Dogs - more than welcome - this is a good mutley walk!

Refreshments on the way back at the pub in Pontsticill

That's about it - if you need any extra info please feel free to give me a bell - 07868 737 591

Hopefully see you on Sunday


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Brunswick Week

Don't forget, there is a Brunswick night on Thursday 5th October if you want to meet up down there starting at 8:00pm. Its a great opportunity for new members to meet the group before coming on a walk.

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Sustrans Work Camp
Laura tells us of a voluntry work camp in North Gower, working on stage 2 of the North Gower trail, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October, with a party on the Saturday night (don't get too hungover for Martin's walk on Sunday).

If you want to take part, give Dave Judd a call or Ann Georgiou a ring on 01792 467954, or email Ann at Sustrans ann.georgiou@sustrans.org.uk .

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News from Glamorgan area
Alex Marshall has passed on the following information and some dates for your diary.

• For your diaries and next programme. The Area Walks 2007 will take place on Sunday 13th May 2007. You will be advised about the Venue and walks details once they are decided upon.
• May I also remind you of the Area AGM in Welsh St Donats village hall on 11th November. GR SS 036 761. There will be a morning walk starting at about 10.30am – details from Ian Fraser.
• We have a presentation at 2pm prior to the AGM business from Berry Coffman of the “Greening the Valleys” organisation. In view of the threat to the valleys of about 300 turbines – at the present time – you all have an interest in this issue.