Newsletter - 3 Peaks - Merthyr Mawr Dunes - More Midweek Comedy and More!

STOP PRESS - We will be doing another walk that's new to the programme on Sunday in addition to Saturday's Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge (for those of you who don't fancy a 20 mile leg-buster). This option of an altogether more leisurely stroll is a splendid 7.5 miles around the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes led by Tom J.


Of course, the Abergavenny 3 Peaks Trial is still on so if you're feeling hard-core then why not try both!

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Abergavenny 3 Peaks Trial - Sat 29th March


Every year the Cardiff Outdoor Group organise this event as a test of stamina and navigation. It is also a great deal of fun plus the scenery and landscape in this region is really something else.

There are a choice of routes, and we are lined up for the 'Gold Route:' This is a circular challenge walk of about 20 miles and 5000 feet of ascent. It crosses over three prominent peaks around Abergavenny: Skirrid, Sugar Loaf and Blorenge. This route is never far from civilisation yet there is no obvious route so that concentration on map reading is essential to keep to the best route.


The event will start from the Red Cross Hall at Fairfield Car Park, Abergavenny (GR S0299146). If you want to share lifts from the Swansea area and/or be part of the Team Tawe Trekkers (TTT) then please use me as a central point of contact: Doug - 07766652837.


To register on the day we will have to be at the start point by 8am. This means an early start, and will mean leaving from Swansea area at about 0630 - aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!


It will help if you read the conditions on the website before the walk so that you come prepared: if you're not sure about anything call me or the number provided on the Cardiff outdoor Group Website - http://www.cardiffoutdoorgroup.org.uk/.


We need a map, compass and whistle between each three people. I have two maps, one whistle and one compass so others may need to provide some equipment depending on how many we've got turning up. Please ring me if you want to join in and I'll advise accordingly.

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Merthyr Mawr Sand Dune Walk - Sun 30th March


We realised late-on that we had been a bit inconsiderate putting two hard walks on two consequetive weeks, and may have been putting off the people who prefer more leisurely routes!

To redress the balance we've commisioned the services of Tom J (yes, we have two Tom's now), to lead a lovely walk through farmland, forest and across the Merthyr Mawr dunes in the luxuriant landscape of the Vale of Glamorgan. Tom is an experienced orienteer and he hails from vale himself so you'll be in safe hands! His walk touches on the same route we followed on the Bridgend walk the other week, but heads south to the sandy realm of the dunes rather than north to Bridgend. Here's the lowdown:


Distance: 7.5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy (200 metres of ascent, 3-4 stiles)

Meet Points/Times: 0930 at Swansea County Hall Carpark or 1030 at the Carpark by Ogmore Castle. (You may want to park in the Pelican Pub from which we were ejected by the proprietor the last time we were there, but it's not recommended given his temperament.)

For more details or directions please call Tom J on 07980477164.

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Social Event - Comedy at the Grand - Wed 26th March


These nights are great way to break up the week and are proving very popular with the Trekkers! Rob L is organising another one of these at the Grand Theatre; be there by 730 for an 8pm start to get a ticket before this month's selection of stand-up is revealed!

Call Rob on 07990807510 for details.

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Malverns Weekend Update - 4/5/6th April

Thanks to all of those Malvern Weekenders who got back with info about lifts; plans are coming together now and we have a couple of car-fulls sorted. I'm still waiting for responses from a few people so could everyone coming to the Malverns please email the club as soon as possible and say:

Whether you can give/need a lift

Where you're going from

What time you're planning on leaving

We've also got some information from the Black Country Group on the Saturday's walk, it involves a short train journey as it is a linear walk. Here's a brief description sent by the Black Country Group who will be kindly leading the walk for us!

Start time 9.45 from Ledbury Station to allow time to get ticket and catch 10.07 train to Malvern Link Start Point: Ledbury Train Station has a free car park. This is a linear ridgeway walk taking in North Hill, Worcestershire Beacon, Pinnacle Hill, Herefordshire Beacon and Eastnor Park. There is a pub stop half-way.

Walk leader: Gene: e-mail: bcwg@hotmail.co.uk

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That's it for now. See you on the far post.

Cheers,

Doug