Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 29th Dec 2008

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Happy New Year! Tom is leading the first walk of 2009 up Sugar Loaf Mountain, he's provided thorough details below but if you want to find out more please give him a ring; note the earlier start time.

Later in January we have a newly planned social event, a birthday party in Mumbles with a nautical theme! Read on for more...

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Sugar Loaf Mountain - Sun 4th Jan

Length of walk: 7 Miles

Ascent in feet: 1200.

Grade: Moderate (due to height gain)

Location: Black Mountain, Brecon Beacons.

Start time: leave town hall in Swansea gather at 9am for a 9.15 (not 9.30) departure for 10.30am start at pub. Important given long travel time to leave earlier than normal and on time.

Dog Friendly? A few stiles at start but otherwise is open moor and hillside.

Terrain: Fields, well made paths through grassy and braken enclosed slopes, ascend and descend long ridgelines, exposed in high winds. Highest point is a pronouced rocky ridge at 597 Metres, with panoramic views across the Beacons national park, Usk valley and across to Hay Bluff and Offa's Dyke.

Start point: Grid ref: OL13 Explorer, Map: Beacons East OS map. (REF: SO 281152). Name of pub which has a car park which is the starting point is the lamb and flag, can use car park if we drink there afterwards. Plenty of parking. Here is address of the pub: Brecon Road, Llanwenarth, Abergavenny, Wales NP7 7EW (you can multimap this).

It lies about a mile north of the outskirts of Abergavenny, cantref, on the A40. To get to the pub from Swansea the best route is to take the heads of the valleys road up through the vale of Neath, onto the A465m all the way to Llanfoist then turn onto the A4131 OVER USK BRIDGE IN THE TOWN, proceed for a km and then at major junction turn left, west onto the A40 (signposted Talgarth and Crickhowell) and go past Neville hall hospital and contine for one more km till you reach then pub on the A40 on the right, set back from road and with parking to the front.

There will be an opportunity, for those interested, to visit and sample the delights of the Sugar Loaf vineyard at end of walk, time permitting. The red Rondo variety is a bit weak and acid as a cherry flavoured red but the whites are aromatic and decent, if a bit elderflower-heavy and herbaceous on the nose....I should be able to demonstrate what a "Geneva double curtain" is also in trellising terms if we have the chance to look round the vineyard.

We will ascend the Mynedd Lanwenarth rideg and descend Deri, making a full circuit of the mountain to appreciate its fill and diverse character. Many off us who did the three peaks challenge last year will be relishing the chance to reaquaint ourself with this classic route in hopefully better conditions that on that stormy day! This will also be a great introduction to my own favourite area of the national park, personally, for al those going on the black mountains trip in February who are interested in a little "taster" of the area. Abergavenny itself is a delightful, delectable ancient market town in a commanding situation with mountains enclosing it all around, it has a fantastic market, and ruins if a priory and Norman Castle. Happy New year.

Tom Jack.

Mob: 07980 477164.

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Joint Birthday Party - Salt Bar, Mumbles - 24th Jan (Nautical Theme Fancy Dress!)

Rhidian and Louise are having a joint birthday party in Salt Bar. Everyone is welcome, but there's a catch (excuse the pun); you'll have to come in fancy dress of a nautical nature (or anything to do with the water/sea).

We'll meet in Salt at 7:30, don't worry there's nothing fishy going on, and there's a plaice for everyone. So if you're feeling a bit rudderless on this weekend, take out a few squid and ship yourselves down to Mumbles on the 24th, don't be crabby; if you're wondering what in cod's name it's all about give Rhidian a call on 07534960567.

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See some of you on the new year's trip to Aberystwyth, and the rest of you in 2009.

Cheers,

Doug

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 22nd Dec

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Rhidian Re-invents Rhossili Ramble - Sun 28th December

In a change from the usual route, Rhidian will lead a walk that starts from the carpark in Rhossili by Worm's head Hotel. Instead of following the usual route north to Rhossili Downs, the walk will head inland to Mewslade Bay before following the rugged coastline back to Rhossili. This walk should give you a new perspective on Gower, and also work off some of the Christmas calories!


Start Point: County Hall at 0930, or Worms Head carpark at 1020

Distance: 7 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Call: Rhidian on 07904 199350 for more details

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Tawe Trekkers Christmas Message

I was both flattered and humbled at the Christmas meal when presented with a lovely bottle of (organic) whisky from the Trekkers. Although this gesture was greatly appreciated, I feel it is all those involved, members and committee, that deserve the thanks for what has been a successful year at the club.

We've had more new people joining compared to previous years, and members old and new have done a great job in making things happen (which go far beyond things like these newsletters). A lot of this activity is 'behind the scenes' so people may not get fully recognised for their efforts. Please spare some thought then for those who enable all the walks, the website, publicity, finances, rights-of-way expertise, social events, I could go on... Those who maintain the social network should also be recognised for the role they play; this may not always be 'official,' but that doesn't matter, and it still greatly benefits the group by acting as the 'glue' that keeps everyone together. There's been more enthusiasm and involvement from more people this year, and also the best fashion sense on record!

It's probably too much to mention every person and what they've contributed, but you know who you are, so thanks. When all's said and done, the group would be nothing without the colourful range of people that go to make it up.

Here's wishing you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous 2009!

Cheers

Iechyd da

Fi sahitak

Skal

A votre sante

Le'chaim

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 16th Dec 2008

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Llwyn Onn Reservoir - Brecon Beacons - Sat 20th Dec

On Saturday Rob and Marie will be leading a walk from Merthyr to the Llwyn Onn reservoir in the Brecon Beacons. There's a fair bit of undulation but the walk has been cut down from the originally planned 12.5, to 10.5 miles (due to daylight considerations). The route will follow a path through Coed-y-Cymmer Woods and also includes a stretch of the Taff Trail.

Start: 0930 at County Hall, or 1030 at the start point in Merthyr: We'll park cars on Old Drillhall Road, near a church and near a junction with New Church Road. If you're having any problems finding it (could try consulting street maps/satnav!), give Rob a call on the number below.

Distance: 10.5 Miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Contact: Rob on 07990807510

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Christmas Meal - Meet at 7:30!

On Friday, as many of you will know, we'll the celebrating another successful year of the Tawe Trekkers at the Christmas Meal!

If you're booked on this, we'll be meeting at Vincent's at 1930. If you haven't got your menu choices to Caroline yet please do so, thanks!

Contact: Caroline on 07971018664

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That's it for this week, see you soon.

Doug

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 8th Dec 2008

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Ferryside - Sunday 14th Dec





As people wind down for Christmas, the Tawe Trekkers continue to walk on. This Sunday Bob takes us on a 7 mile easy walk from Ferryside (Carmarthenshire). The route will include a good variety of coast, countryside and woodland and there will be a choice of pub/cafe at the end.



Meeting: Usual meeting at County Hall at 0930 or in the car park in the centre of Ferryside at 1015.



Distance: 7 Miles



Difficulty: Easy



Contact: Bob on 07981 963681 for more details or directions.



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Swansea Swap 'til You Drop - 16 Dec 2008 18:00



Christine has a message for all the girls (and boys) who are after a bit of retail therapy with a twist...



Venue: The Environment Centre, Swansea.



Need something new for the Party Season but feeling the pinch of the credit crunch? Is your wardrobe bulging with clothes that you don't wear and want to see go to a good home?


Looking good doesn't have to cost the earth! Come to the first Swishing party hosted by SCRAP & The Environment Centre for your chance to make your unwanted items another person's treasure and take home some new delights for your own collection.


You will also have the chance to take part in our sewing workshop and learn to alter and fix clothing. Attendees must bring at least one item of clothing, jewellery, shoes or accessories. You will be able to take home as many items as you can get your hands on. But remember, This isn't an excuse for you to dump your ripped, stained, unwearable clothes but an opportunity to really clear out your wardrobe of all those things that don't quite suit you or no longer fit and exchange them for something that you will truly value.



The evening will go as follows:

6.00pm - 6.30 Guests arrive and place their items on the appropriate rails/tables

6.30 - 7.15 Time to browse through and try the items on (but no claiming until the Swish begins)


7.15 - 8.30 The Big Swish begins, run for your favourite item (with dignity & respect please.



Remember ladies, no scratching, spitting or snatching). Please bring your clothes on hangers and lots of your friend to join in with the festive fun.


The Environment Centre shop will also be open for you to stock up on your green gifts and eco products.Entry is just £3 and all guests will be treated to a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. All proceeds will be donated to the Environment Centre and any items left over will be evenly donated between SCRAP textile recyclers.
We look forward to seeing you there. Please help promote this event by circulating this e-mail around your networks, putting up the attached poster or giving out the invites and bringing along all of your friends. Please also let me know if you are able to help out by volunteering your time, clothes rails, mirrors etc...



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Thanks Bob and Christine.



Remember it's the regular pub night at the Brunswick on Thursday 11th Dec.



Finally, a quick update on the Black Mountains Weekend in Feb; it has filled up quickly and there are only four places left, so if you still want to come please get your cheque in to avoid disappointment.



Cheers,



Doug