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