Newsletter - Rhossili Walk - 28th Oct

Hi all,

It's been a busy time of year for the TT, with the shiny new programme being put together, preparations for some great walks underway, and also the Christmas Meal in December. We hope that our members can share in the fruits of all this activity through their enjoyment of the walks and other events. Here's what's coming up...

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Walk This Sunday (28th) - Rhossili and Burry Holm

From Rhossili, we climb the Beacon for some great views, then descend to Llangennith and walk across the dunes to the beach. Before returning we will explore Burry Holm island where we can sniff out some Iron Age Relics.

Rhossili Beach recently won an international award as one of the top ten beaches in the world, and you can see why, just look at it!

Leader: Doug; 07766652837

Meeting Points: County Hall at 0930 or the start point, Rhossili Car Park at approx. 1000. Please note that as the day's get shorter we have reverted to meeting at County Hall at 0930 in order to make the most of the sunlight.

Difficulty: Easy

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The Winter Programme is Here!

Last Thursday we had a successful Programme Meeting and came up with a series of walks and social events to take us through to the beginning of Feb. Please note that a copy of this programme is attached here for your perusal, and should also be appearing shortly on the TT website.

For those who have volunteered to lead walks, please check that you are happy with the details that appear against your names so that we can sort out any problems early on.

We thought that the social scene was being left out of the agenda somewhat since Lindsey left for Oz, so we've included three great social events on the programme including the Christmas Meal which you should've received details of in a separate email. We now have 11 people going along to The Woodman on the 7th Dec. Tyra has now returned from the Fjords so give her a call or drop us an email if you want to be added to the list of festive revellers!

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Pub Night - 1st Nov @ The Brunswick

A reminder that the next regular pub night is as above, from about 8. Come and join us at the Brunswick, or the 'Brunnie' as we now affectionately refer to it as, for a bit of banter, a good old yarn or two, and also to ask anything about club matters.

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And that's about it for this week!

Roger and Out,

Doug

Newsletter - Gnoll Estate Walk

Hi all,

This weekend Christian leads a walk around the little-known Gnoll Estate Country Park near Neath.

Many features still remain in this beautiful and historic garden where we will stroll around the lake, enjoy the views besides one of the 18th century ponds and hear the sound of cascading water as we walk the paths through the woods.

Entry and car parking are free of charge.

Meeting at: Swansea County Hall Car Park at 1000, or if easier for you, the walk start point at approx. 1045.

Start Point: Grid Ref. 766976 (Gnoll Estate Visitor Centre). From the A465 at Neath follow B4434 signs for Tonna and then the brown signs off Gnoll Park Road. For more detailed directions, or for any other questions about the walk call Christian on 07791089942.

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Programme Meeting on Thursday - Reminder

Just to remind you, the Programme Meeting is this Thusday (18th) at 19:30 at the Viv's in Sketty. We have the salubrious and regal 'back room' especially booked for our purposes.

If you are interested in leading walks, have ideas for walks, or social events, then please come along or get in touch with us to get your event on the programme.

As well as leading this weekend's walk, Chris is also the Programme Secretary so you can contact him on the same number as above on any programme matters.

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Hello there!

Well after returning from the mystical East I'm ready for some more walking. Mount Fuji was great; the volcanic landscape a real change from the usual. However, couldn't see any views at the top due to severe weather. The real highlight for me was a small, northerly island called Rebun. Reminded me a bit of Gower but with different plants and geology. Fascinating stuff and I'll chat about it to anyone who's interested in due course.

Anyway, on matters closer to home; here's some details of the next walk near Neuadd Reservoir and also notice of the next Programme Meeting on Thursday the 18th October.

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Neuadd Reservoir and Taf Fechan Forest - Sunday 14th Oct

This is a fairly flat and easy walk that goes through the forestry and hills at the foot of the Neuadd Reservoir. We should be treated to some great views of the Brecon Beacons in the background as we journey on our way.

Meeting points are at County Hall Car Park at 10am, or at the walk start point at 11am.

If you're meeting us at the start point then go up the A465 towards Merthyr, and just after you cross the intersection with the A470, follow signs to Cefyn Coed, then Pontsicill. Follow the road past the Pontsticill and Dol-y-Gaer Reservoirs to the forestry picnic area at Grid Ref. 048163. This is our start point but if you want more detailed directions or want to talk about any other aspect of the walk then give me, Doug, a ring on 07766652837.

Distance: 5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

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Programme Meeting - Thursday 18th Oct - 19:30@The Viv

Hot damn, it's that time again; I'm sure that the space-time continuum must be accelerating out of control or something!

Our next programme meeting will be on Thursday 18th at 7:30 at the Viv pub in Sketty. Please note that this will replace our usual fortnightly pub night in the Brunswick.

As always we are keen to have lots of people involved in leading walks, providing routes, and generally getting involved. If you would like to lead or propose a walk but aren't sure about any aspect then don't be shy, give us a call and we'll offer you all the assitance we can in order to bring your walk to life!

Likewise, we are planning to include some social events on this next programme. Since Lindsey left for a Land Down Under all that time ago, we have been slack and haven't followed her great tradition of lively social events. Therefore, if you have any ideas, or would like to lead/organise a social event then get in touch or bring it along with you to the Prog Meet.

Contact for all matters Programme related is Christian on 07791089942.

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Walking Books

Finally, I have access to 20 copies of a Ramblers Association book on walk routes in the Swansea Valley. Going spare and surplus to requirements. It would appear that walking in the Swansea Valley wasn't quite as popular as the RA initially thought. Anyway, if you turn up to the walk or Programme Meeting and grovel then you might just get one! Now that's what I call a freebie!

See you on the far post,

Doug

Newsletter - Dunraven Bay walk and a Pub Night!

Hi there,

A bit busier this week, we had a good outing last week in Afan Argoed, but we must not rest on our Lauels. We have a pub night planned for tonight (Thursday) and a walk on Saturday, here is the SP for both.

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Dunraven Bay - High Cliff - Deep Valley Walk Saturday 6th October.

Great variety of coastal and inland scenery including steep sided wooded valleys, open common land and spectacular cliff top views.

Meet time - 10:00 at County Hall East car park, remember with it being a saturday there is a £1.50 parking fee if you wish to leave your car parked there and you accept a lift with someone else, if you are helping to transport people to the start of the walk, let the attendant know and he will allow you to enter the car park to meet the rest of the party without having to pay.

Start Point – Car park at the Heritage Centre Dunraven Bay.

Please note – there may be a car parking charge. In season this is £3 per car. This walk is out of normal season, so the price may be lower. Please have change to help the drivers with this charge.

Distance – 9 miles – easy to moderate. A few steep climbs on the coastal path.

Strongly recommend full arm and leg cover, one part of the walk is overgrown with nettles.

Toilets and refreshments – There are toilets at the start point. Also we pass a pub and village shop on the walk.

Dogs – Dogs are welcome but will need to be kept on leads as there are livestock in fields that we pass through. There are also a large amount of dog UN-friendly stiles. Please be aware that owners will need to carry the dogs over the stiles. On the coastal path the cliffs have become eroded in parts with steep drops. Owners are advised to ensure there dogs are on leads.

Hope to see you there!
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Pub Evening in the Brunswick.

If you are new to the group and want to meet us before the walk on Saturday, why not call down the Brunswick in Duke Street this evening (Thursday 4th August), it is a chance for us to get together with a pint of beer or two (each, not between us!)

We meet there from about 8.00 onwards. If you can't find us, we are usually sitting near the entrance in the corner.

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Well, thats all for this week and hope to see you sometime soon!

Rob