Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 27th May 09

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Tintern Abbey, Brockweir and the Devils Pulpit - Sat 2nd May

A longer than usual drive but well worth it!

Start point: 9.30am at Swansea town hall car park or 11.00am at Tintern Abbey CADW car park, or for free parking at the large car park opposite the police station in Tintern or indeed anywhere in Tintern. Therefore, I propose we congregate at the entrance to Tintern Abbey.
Start point assembly point Grid RefL OL 14 Map, Wye valley: ST 532 001.

Length: 9.5 miles.

Ascent: Moderate and gradual, 600 ft.

Grade: Moderate.

Dog friendly: Only a few stiles, so Dogs are welcome.

Walk description: Walk consists of mixed terrain, riverside paths (can occasionally be muddy), mature oak woodland, a step-ish rise up limestone valley side and a walk back through woodland and meadow-lands.
The route proceeds through Tintern and along a beautiful meander of the river Wye at which point we cross the bridge to the picture postcard village of Brockweir and enter England. We then proceed on the low level route of Offas’s Dyke path, following the river North for a few miles before rising gradually up an old cart track through gnarled and ancient oak woodland to reach the plateau above the valley. At this point we reach the ancient earthworks of Offa’s Dyke itself and follow it south over St Briavels common and down a little side valley, rising up the other side and entering the delectable Caswell woods. We then proceed along the cliff top edge with excellent views all along from Wye valley and along to the stunning and famous viewpoint of Devils pulpit. A gradual descent to Black Morgan’s wood then leads back onto the riverside path along the river Wye and an easy walk back to the footbridge which when crossed leads directly back into the village of Tintern.

Points of Interest: For those not keen on the full-length walk, Tintern can be a stimulating day excursion in itself. The Abbey was the last to be destroyed by Henry VIII and was the largest abbey of its order in the U.K. and is one of the best preserved Tintern itself has a range of “Hay on Wye” style bookshops and a Vineyard you can visit, a heritage railway station and a range of shorter riverside rambles – so plenty of walk options or wet weather alternatives! The village has several pubs, including one inside the old abbey mill itself, and the walk covers a long stretch of Offa’s dyke, a prominent ancient earthwork erected by King Offa, a Saxon king of Mercia to keep the marauding Welsh out.

Contact: Tom J on 07980477164 if you are planning to meet at the start point in Tintern, or for more details.

Tom

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Programme Meeting - Thursday 14th May

That time has swung by yet again when we need to gather together to plan the next programme. As usual we'll be holding the programme meeting at the Vivs in Sketty, please come along at 19:30 for a 20:00 start, and bring along your ideas for walks and social events! Note that this meeting will replace the regular pub night (at the Brunswick).

If you want to lead a walk or organise a social event for the next programme, or for any programme related questions please call Trudi on 07807 726441, or Emyr on 07846 879210.

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The regular pub night is this Thursday (30th April) from around 20:00 at the Brunswick. Why not drop in for a pint and a chin wag if you're in the vicinity? We're getting a good crowd turning up to the pub nights nowadays, but the more the merrier, that's what we say!

Christian and I are off to America on hols for three weeks, but we will be thinking of you all back home while we're enjoying ourselves!

Happy walking and see you soon.

Doug