Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 30th Nov 2009

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Steel Works Spectacular - Saturday 5th December

This week's walk takes us into the hills overlooking Port Talbot and we should be rewarded with spectacular views over the coastal strip, Swansea Bay and Margam Steel works belching forth flame and smoke. Please note that due to the necessity to adjust the route as a result of findings on the recce, the walk is longer at 11miles and more strenuous than advertised.

Synopsis

Starting in Baglan village we first traverse the flanks of Mynydd Dinas before dropping into the Afan valley. Crossing the river we then ascend Mynydd Emroch and Mynydd Bychan before descending through woodland back into the Afan valley near Cwmavon. A steady climb back to Bagan village along the edge of a forested area completes the walk.

Features of interest

Really stunning views of the coastal strip with it's urban and industrial landscape. Rarely walked routes across pleasant hillsides. A hill fort and earthworks.

Distance: 11 miles

Grade: Moderate/Strenuous

This walk uses little-used paths which are sometimes uneven, overgrown and slippery. There are some some steepish climbs. I would grade it as moderate/strenuous. Good boots are essential and I would also advise waterproof trousers because of wet vegetation.

Contact: Graham on 07770 435341

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Christmas Meal at Garuda - Thurs 3rd Dec, 7:30pm

All is set for our Christmas Meal at Garuda; the well renowned Indonesian restaurant on St. Helen's Road. Thanks to everyone who has given their menu choices; these have been passed to Garuda, and remember we will be ordering all accompianments (rice/noodles) on the night.

The tables (well, in fact the whole restaurant) have been booked for 7:30.

Last but not least; remember to bring some drink with you! Wine and/or beer is fine, but no spirits (Scots take note)!

Any questions call me, Doug, on 07766652837. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

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Proposed Trip to Germany in June - Please Register Interest!

Dave (Horton) is organising a TT walking trip to Germany and is looking for names so that flights and accomodation can be booked. Current plans are are to fly from Stanstead on 19th June, returning on 26th/27th: 4 days of hut-to-hut walking, followed by 2 nights staying in a hostel in Munich. The cost will be around £250 (flights and accomodation).

The walks will be between 5 and 6 hours per day and at a good pace, with some strenuous and mountainous terrain. We need to stress that the conditions and extended period of walking will demand a good level of stamina and fitness. The huts are very basic and we'll need to carry 'everything' with us while we walk (incl. sleeping bags); in Dave's words; we're going to have to 'rough it' a bit, so if you can't do without your creature comforts and mod cons then this may not be the trip for you! Nevertheless, the routes Dave is looking into pass through some breathtaking wild landscapes, and the effort should be well worth it!!

There will be space for a maximum of 8 people and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Anyone interested should call Dave on 07828621311, or email him on dafydd2@gmail.com. He's planning to hold a meeting with people in early January to talk about arrangements in more detail, and so as not to miss out on the cheap flights.

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Programme Meeting

That time is nearly upon us when we will be furnishing our programme with a new list of walks and events. All are welcome to come along to the next Programme Meeting, which will be held at the Vivian Arms in Sketty at 7:30pm on Thursday 17th December. If you would like to lead a walk, organise a social event, or have ideas that you'd like to see included, please bring info with you on the night. Alternatively, pass it on to to Emyr or Trudi who will include it on the programme beforehand.

Contact: Emyr on 07846879210, or Trudi on 07807726441.

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That's all for another week, see you soon,

Doug