Newsletter - Beacons Walk 3rd Feb

Here we are with another set of offerings for you to peruse. No pub night this week, hopefully we will see you on the walk next Saturday, led by Doug. Also some other pieces of info that you might be interested in that we have been sent.

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Fan Fawr - Fan Lila - Fan Fawr - Sat 3rd Feb.


This is an excellent way to spend a sunny day, in the Brecon Beacons with beautiful views in all directions. This walk is on the western side of the A470 and is therefore much quieter than the busy Pen-y-fan routes to the east.

There are two steep climbs during this walk, one at the start and one at the end. Don't be put off however, as the rest of the walk is quite easy and the views on a clear day are worth the exertion. The navigation for this walk is reasonably simple and the waymarks
are mostly at easily identifiable features such as the top of hills. The paths in this area can get muddy in the winter and overgrown in the summer, so if you cannot find a path or do not wish to get dirty, pick an alternative route, it should be fairly easy without danger of becoming lost. Should you however lose your way or be hit by bad weather, a general lost procedure should be to head east (towards the start point) until you reach the A470 (the major metalled road) and
make your way back to the start point.
This area is quite isolated and is subject to rapidly changing weather. Make sure you are carrying good waterproofs, warm clothes, plenty of fluids and a whistle in case you should become stranded at night or in poor weather. Always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.

Access information:
The walk starts at SN983203; there is space here to park your car. If this car park is full (as it often is), there are car parks on either side of the road in both directions within five minutes' walk of the start point.

Meeting @ County Hall Carpark @ 0930

or

carpark opposite Storey Arms @ 1030.

Any further ino required, give Doug a call on 07766 652837.


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12th May 2007

Following on from the ever-popular Twmbarlwm Trek, which ran for ten years and covered the eastern side of the county, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Countryside and Landscape Service is offering another challenge to walkers of all abilities. This year’s event will be held on Saturday 12th May 2007 , starting and finishing at Parc Penallta near Ystrad Mynach. There are routes of 26 or 15 miles for experienced walkers and a fun walk for familiesaround the Parc Penallta.

The walks will take you through the spectacular valleys landscape of the county borough through woodland, farmland, and across open moorland. Weather permitting you will be treated to some fantastic views over the county boroughtowards the Brecon Beacons and over Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel to Somerset and North Devon, and will lead you past some interesting and unique historical sites including the imposing ruin of Ruperra Castle.
We expect as in previous years that demand to take part will be very high so early entry is strongly recommended. Pleasenote that the low entry charge of £5.00 is made possible by European part funding and is likely to increase in futureyears.
If you need any further information or to request an application form, please call Phill Loveless on 01495 235881

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Age Concern Sponsored walk 30th September - Needs your help.

Age Concern Swansea are organising a sponsored walk on the 30th September.

If you like, you can enter this event to raise money for this charity that specialises in campaingning and caring for the elderly. Their services are in demand and cash is in short supply. However, there is a catch, they have not yet got a location for the walk.

If you have any ideas to assist them, they would be more than happy to hear from you. Please give their funding officer, Nicola Jones a call on 07970093502/01792 648866, if you wish to help, or have any ideas that you think will be of benefit to her.

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Thats everything for this week, hope to see you soon.

Rob

Newsletter - Oxwich to Port Eynon - Sun 28th Jan

Hi all,

Please note the link to the Programme is down at the moment on our website, but Rob and Martin are working to fix this. Bloody technology, and what was ever wrong with a piece of old slate and stick of chalk eh?!

Nevertheless, here's the details for this Sunday's walk:
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Oxwich - Port Eynon

Date: Sunday 28th January
Grade: Easy
Distance: 9 Miles
Meeting Times: 0930 at County Hall Carpark, or 1015 at the Carpark for Oxwich Beach.

Description: Walking the coast path from Oxwich, through Horton to Port Eynon and back. Beaches, ancient woodland, salt pans and ice cream shops - perfect!!!

The Gower is a wonderful place this time of year, with the bracing, fresh sea air. This is one you shouldn't miss.

Christian will be leading this classic route, so if you want detailed directions to the start point, or any more details about the walk itself please contact Christian for more info on 07813 498468

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Newsletter - Ystradfellte Walk - Sat 20th Jan

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Ystradfellte Walk - Sat 20th Jan

Hi folks. Here's some details for the walk on Saturday, the first walk of 2007!

From Ystradfellte, we'll follow the River Mellte downstream to Porth-yr-Ogof before crossing to the Nedd valley and following the Nedd upstream. Although this walk is in 'Waterfall Country' the main interest is the peaceful scenery and the various rock formations - caves, underground rivers and a limestone pavement.
This walk will include a small detour to the impessive Porth yr Ogof caves (pictured), but we won't be doing any potholing so claustophobics fear not!

This walk has been graded at 'moderate' and runs to about 6.5 miles.
Meeting at County Hall Car Park at 0930, or at the start point of the walk at about 1030.
Rough directions to the start point are: Follow the A465 towards Merthyr, and turn off along the A4059 towards Penderyn. After passing through Penderyn take a road to the left signposted Ystradfellte, and follow this towards the village. The car park where we'll be starting from is situated just above the Porth yr Ogof caves at GR928124 and is a left turn from the said road to Ystradfellte.

There's a superb pub on the way back tucked away up a sideroad near Penderyn (so superb in fact that I've forgotten it's name but I think it's something like the Red Lion). They usually do a good range of proper beers and it has a roaring log fire for weary walkers to rest their feet by. No doubt we'll stop there.

If you want more detailed directions to the start point, or any other information about the walk ring me (Doug) on 07766652837.

See you there!

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Next Pub Meeting - Brunswick Pub - 25th Jan

We had a fairly good turn out to the pub last week, and the next meeting is not this Thursday but the one after (25th Jan).

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Newsletter - Stepping stones training and next walk

Hi there,
We have been all nursing hangovers, over indulging and generally having a good time. New year has come, and everyone is crawling back to work and re-start our normal routine of looking forward to the weekends again. There is a new programme out and available for download and there is already a change to bring to everyone's attention, such is the dynamic group that we are.

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Ystradfellte and the Nedd Valley 20th January 2007

Doug leads this 6.5 mile walk From Ystradfellte, following the Mellte downstream to Porth-yr-Ogof before crossing to the Nedd valley and following the Nedd upstream. Although this walk is in 'Waterfall Country' the main interest is the peaceful scenery and the various rock formations - caves, underground rivers and a limestone pavement. Meeting at County Hall car park at 9:30.
Please contact Doug for more info - 07766 652837

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Stepping Stones training
Our very own Doug has volunteered for stepping stones training. The stepping stones project is a Ramblers Association initiative to make access to the countryside more available to those who are physically challenged. The training is to give ideas as to how this may be implemented and integrated into our own walks programme. Usually, this is carried out by having some very short walks (of only a few miles) along a route that would be appropriate for those who would not be able to enjoy one of our regular expeditions.

The training takes place in Swansea Guildhall 13th January 2007 in Committee Room 6 at 9.30 with buffet lunch at 12.30. If you are interested in joining Doug, then give him a call on 07766 652837

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Brunswick Meeting - 11th January 2007

The next Brunswick night will be on Thursday 11th January at 8.00pm, our regular fortnightly gathering in this distinguished hostelry. Here is a map on how to get there

It is an opportunity to catch up on stuff, meet new members and ..... sample a few of the fine beers on offer behind the bar!

Hope to see some of you there.

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That's everything for this week, don't forget, if there is anything you want included here in the weekly newsletter, send and email to info@tawetrekkers.org.uk, and we will include it.
see you soon,
Rob
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