TT Newsletter - 28th July to 3rd Aug

Please note that this week Rhidian the 'Rhidmeister' has changed his walk from that advertised in the Programme to a jaunt in the Dare Valley. Before Rhidian's bit though, a remider to all those that are doing a walk or event for the next programme to make sure that Trudi has all the details so that she can put the next programme together. Take it away Rhidian...

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As Andrew was doing a walk in Carmarthenshire the previous weekend I thought instead of going back out to carmarthen and beyond the very next week it may be better to have a walk in the opposite direction to provide some variety. The walk I propose is:

The Dare Valley Walk , Cwmdare, west side of Aberdare - Sat 2nd Aug

Difficulty: Moderate with some steep inclines

Distance: 7.5 miles

The walk begins at the Dare Valley Country Park, which is located at the foot of the valley in Cwmdare.

We start off along the cycle track that leads into the Country Park beside a small lake, but soon leaves this wooded area onto an open area containing a small reservoir and some former colliery headstocks that have been retained as a symbol of the coal-mining history of the area.

The next section of the walk involves a gradual but lengthy incline which leads up to the head of the valley where there are some spectacular views down the valley and accross to the Brecon Beacons.

The second half of the walk in contrast involves a mixture of marshland, the river Rhondda Fach (where we will stop for lunch), a very attractive lake, followed by a relatively demanding section through the wooded side of the valley, before finally re-joining the Coed Morgannwg Way and its sweeping views of Aberdare and beyond.

To find the Dare Valley Country Park, take junction 43 off the M4 and take the A465 past Resolven, turning right at signs for Aberdare along the A4059. Go through a small village called Penywaun, straight on at the next roundabout followed by next right up Bwllfa Road (next to a school). At the top of this road you will see signs for the country park - take the left branch of road at the brown coloured Country Park Sign that descends through a wooded area until you reach the car park of the Country Park.

Meet 9.30 County Hall - for 10.20 start at the Dare Valley Country Park ( 45 min drive from Swansea)

Proper walking boots are recommended for this walk as some of the ground is uneven / rough in places.

Rhidmeister - 07534 960567

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That's it for another week. Next pub night at the Brunswick is on 7th August. Happy walking!

Doug

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 21st July to 27th July 2008

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Llansteffan - Sun 27th July

Andrew B takes us on a lovely walk around Llansteffan amongst green rolling hills in Carmarthenshire’s back garden. The walk will take in stretches of the estuary by Llansteffan, is not too steep and will follow a 'figure of 8' loop. We can take a look at the castle to start with and then walk eastwards along the coast. Andrew says in his description...

If the tide is out we can walk on the beach, otherwise we can go through a wooded area overlooking the coast. We then cut inland through some fields and farmland in an anticlockwise direction heading back to the coast, and the midway point of the figure of eight - then back inland through some more fields and ending up in Llansteffan village

The walk is generally easy but with a couple of steep sections.

Some parts could be muddy if its been raining.

Meeting: County Hall at 0930 or the start point in Llansteffan at 1045. The start point for the walk is the beach car park at Llansteffan - close to the castle - grid reference is SN3531010455

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5 Miles

Call Andrew on 07791 545342 for directions and details


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Programme Meeting - Thursday 24th July - Vivs Pub in Sketty

Another reminder that our next Programme Meeting will take place this Thursday; 24th July at the Vivs in Sketty. Things will kick off at 8pm. Everyone's welcome; please come along with your ideas and walking routes.

A reminder about membership: all walk leaders must be a member of the Ramblers Association for liability purposes, you can join online at the RA website (stating your group as Tawe Trekkers), or collect a membership form from Doug.

To discuss the Programme meeting or if you have any questions, concerns, queries, comments or qualms please call Trudi on 07807726441.


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'Tom's Hot One' - Curry Night - 25th July

Tom is organising a Curry Night at the award winning restaurant; Mumbai (TBC) in Blackpill. This will be a nice end to the week and a good way to reward yourselves after the programme meeting! Needless to say, there is also a pub involved. Current plans are to meet at the Woodman Pub in Blackpill at 1830 for a drink, and then go on to Mumbai at 1945, although you will need to check details with Tom when you book as this has yet to be fully confirmed.

To book your place at the restaurant call Tom J on 07980477164.


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Duaa's Leaving Do - Message From Christine

Hello to everyone going to Truffle on 31st July.

The restaurant needs to know what people want to eat in advance, so I need to let them know by the 26th. I already have choices from Caroline, Doug, Oliver, Rhidian, Tyra & Louise, so could the following people let me know asap (by email is fine): Alex, Andrew, Christian, Lorraine, Sarah, Duaa & Layla. (If you're not listed but are expecting to go then please let me know!!)

The menu is on the website: http://www.truffle-swansea.co.uk/ And just to remind you that the meal is booked for 7pm.

Thanks,

Christine

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And that's it for another week!

Cheers,

Doug

Hello everyone,

Here's what's going on this week in the Trekkers, including a nice easy evening walk on East Gower on Thursday and a somewhat longer ramble in the Vale on Saturday.

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Caswell Bay Walk - 17th July PM




Becky takes us on very pleasant summer evening stroll from Caswell Bay to Brandy Cove and along the rocky coastal path to the pebbly beach of Pwll Du. Our walk then turns inland through the streamside woodlands of the Bishopston Valley, returning to Caswell Bay via farmland and lanes. We should be back in time for refreshments at the beachfront cafe!

The walk may be very muddy in places so bring decent footwear. Dogs are welcome, as long as they can cope with some mud (dachshunds may struggle).

Start Time: 1900

Start Point: Caswell Bay Carpark (SS595876)

Call Becky on 07818 097615

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Roberto has sent us this message for his walk...

Nash Point and Llandow

Rob and Marie lead the way on a majestic coastal walk in the Vale of Glamorgan. The route starts and finishes at Nash Point via Broughton, Llandow Sigingstone and Llantwit major. We go past a HUGE greenhouse and a go-kart track as well as looking out for the big horn as well, it is really BIG. The Terrain is pretty flat, so the walk is classed as moderate to strenuous only because of the distance of 16 Miles.

As with all walks led by us, dogs are welcome as long as the owners behave themselves.

We meet in Swansea at 0930 as usual and we will get to the carpark at Nash Point at 1020, where there will be a small consideration for parking (GR SS 916 683).

Call Rob on 07990807510.

Hope to see you there!

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Programme Meeting - Thursday 24th July - Vivs Pub in Sketty

Our next Programme Meeting will take place on Thursday 24th July at the Vivs in place of our regular Brunswick pub night. Things will kick off at 8pm. Everyone's welcome; please come along with your ideas for walks and events, to get them on the programme and make them happen! Or just turn up for the craic.

A reminder about membership: all walk leaders must be a member of the Ramblers Association for liability purposes, you can join online at the RA website (stating your group as Tawe Trekkers), or collect a membership form from Doug.

To discuss Programme affairs please call Trudi on 07807726441.

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I believe the photo of Caswell was taken by one of the people on our mailing list (culled from their flickr site) - hope they don't mind!

See you soon,

Doug