Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - Mon 31st May

There's a lot going on next weekend with a camping trip and a walk on the Saturday and Sunday. If you're feeling very energetic it is technically possible to do everything; there will be a prize/s for anyone who does the camping and both walks!

For some reason my computer/the blogging website is not letting me upload photos this week, which is a shame because both walks are in particularly beautiful locations. If you want to have a look though just do a Google search on either location.

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Walk and Camping at Llanthony Priory - Fri 4th/Sat 5th June

The ruin of the Augustinian Llanthony Priory nestles in the secluded and idyllic Vale of Ewyas which is prime territory for walking. On Friday and Saturday nights Dave will be hosting a camping trip at the Priory, and on Saturday - leading a 17 mile walk from the Priory around the Vale of Ewyas. Although the 17-miler may sound like a long trek, Dave will consider putting on a shorter walk (but this will be dependent on demand).

The option is there to camp one or both nights (the campsite is very cheap at £3 per night!), or to just go up for the walk.

For more details on meeting times and other arrangements please call Dave on 07828621311.

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Caerfanell Horseshoe Walk - Sun 6th June

This walk encapsulates every sort of landscape found in the Brecon Beacons. Perhaps its most notable attraction is the superb skyline vistas on view around the ridges of the Caerfanell Valley. The walk starts by climbing steeply on to an impressive peak and then stays at an elevated position to give way to a range of stunning elevated views across the National Park. On the way we pass the wreckage of a Canadian bomber which crashed on a training flight in 1942 (killing all crew on board). We descend back to the start point through sumptuous wooded glades riven with waterfalls.

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Meeting: 0930 at County Hall or 1030 at the start point; the carpark on the road between the Pontsticill and Talybont reservoirs - GR056175.

For more details or if you plan to meet at the start point please call me, Doug, on 07766652837.

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That's it for another week. If you're getting this on email the final version of the programme should be attached. (Only some small changes from the last version after walk leaders returned with some minor amendments.) This version will also appear on the website shortly.

Cheers,

Doug

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter 23/05/10

Hi all

Hope you've made the most of the splendid weather over the weekend either on the beach or out walking!

Vale of Glamorgan - Beaupre Castle - Sunday 30th May

Bob leads us on a walk that takes us through the rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan and a visit to Beaupre Castle which was featured in Doctor Who.

Distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Meeting point: County Hall at 9.30am. If you would like to go directly to the start point of the walk please contact Bob on 07981-963681.

Pembrokeshire & Skomer weekend - 9th - 11th July

The cost of Dave's Pem's weekend will be £36 for the hostel accommodation and £17 for the boat trip to Skomer. We'll be staying at the hostel on Friday 9th July and Saturday 10th July. On both Saturday and Sunday there will be 10 mile walks along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. We will start these walks at Broadhaven and on one day there will be a boat trip to Skomer island.

If you would like to come please send a cheque for £36 to Dave Horton, 40 Tair-y-Felin, Bridgend, CF31 1SH. Places can only be guaranteed on receipt of the cheque. If you would like more details about the weekend please call Dave on 07828-621311.

Gower Gallop - Saturday 12th June

Emyr will be leading us on the 12.5-mile route of the Gower Gallop this year. The walk starts at the Sports Pavillion in Pennard and you will need to register between 9-9.30am at the start point. Registration costs £6 on the day or you can register beforehand for £5. If you would like more information or would like to join us please contact Emyr on 07846-879210. Further details can also be found on the Swansea Outdoor Group website: (www.sue.alston.care4free.net/gowergal.htm)

Regular pub night - Thursday 27th May

It's that time again to meet at our regular haunt, The Brunswick at 8pm this Thursday so why not come along for a bevvie or two.

I think that's it for another week.

Christian

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 16th May 2010

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 16th May 2010

Thursday 20th May 2010 - Evening walk/Mumbles

Bob leads us on another evening walk. This time we start at Mumbles Head, with the route including a nature reserve and battlements.

If it's anything like his Kilvey hill walk a few weeks ago it should not be missed! Sorry Bob, I can't make it this time!!

Liquid refreshments at the Salt Bar afterwards.

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Start time: 7.30pm

Meeting point: Southend Car Park, Mumbles

For more details please call Bob on 07981 963681.

Sunday 23rd May 2010 - Blaenavon/The Iron Mountain Trail

A few words from your walk leader, Emyr (or his guide book!)

The Iron Mountain Trail is a unique opportunity to explore the wonderful landscape of this World Heritage Site - 'one of the finest surviving examples in the world of a landscape created by coal mining and iron making' - which is situated between the towns of Blaenavon and Abergavenny in the South-West corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This spectacular trail follows former tramways, inclines and footpaths linking many of the historic features which make this landscape of world significance.

Starting from Pen-fford-goch Pond Car Park (locally known as Keeper's pond) at SO 254 197. The route follows tram roads, ancient tunnels, the punchbowl (woodlands trust reserve) and Blorenge mountain. Dogs welcome!

Length: 7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Meeting point: 0930 at County Hall car park.

For more details, or if you want to meet at the walk start point please call Emyr on 07846 879210.

And finally........

Llanthony Priory camping weekend

This is just a brief advance notice that Dave is organising a fantastic walk and camping weekend in June. I can recommend the walk, the landscape and views are truly stunning! Word has it the bar in the priory cellar also does gorgeous homemade cake, but they'd sold out when I went!

More details will follow, but if you want to know more in the meantime, please call Dave on 07828 621311.

That's it for this week! Great to see so many of you on todays walk.

Trudi

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 10th May 2010

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Scurlage and Knelston - Sunday May 16th

This walk explores some of the lesser known footpaths and byways of Western Gower. Starting in Reynoldston, this circular route takes in the villages of Berry, Horton, Scurlage and Knelston. We'll walk through pleasant farmland and woodland rich in spring flowers and birdsong. There is a fine sea view at Horton and potential for an ice cream or coffee stop. Other features of interest include historic quarries, lime kilns and ponds.

In general the gradients on this walk are very benign but there is some uneven ground and plenty of styles to cross. Dogs are welcome but there are lots of sheep, cattle and horses throughout, so canine companions need to be on a lead for the majority of the walk.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 8.5 Miles

Meeting: County Hall at 930 or Reynoldston at 1000. If you plan to meet at the start point in Reynoldston please contact Graham.

Contact: Graham on 07770435341

(Looks like Graham is teaching a pony how to read a map, and that's after training a cow how to take photos!)

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Night Out - Friday 14th May

It's going to be a very sociable week this week!

Firstly, Bob's doing another quiz at the Westbourne on Tuesday night (call Bob on 07981963681 if you're interested in joining the team).

Secondly, it's our regular pub meeting on Thursday night at the Brunswick...

Thirdly we have a Tawe Trekkers night out on Friday. We'll be meeting at the Pumphouse bar in Swansea Marina from about 7.30 (pm, obviously). Should be a good craic; Chris Price is even planning on coming down from the Midlands! As I've said, I haven't made any arrangements for food (as the focus is expected to be on liquid refreshment), so maybe best to grab a bite before we meet, or bar meals are available at the Pumphouse on request.

Any questions call me, Doug. See you there!

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That's it for another week, bye for now!

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 3rd May 2010

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Melincourt (Upper Neath Valley) - REVISED WALK from Original Programme

Sun 9th May

The walk on Sunday 9th May has been revised since the ongoing problem with paths through someone’s garden hasn’t been resolved. But the new walk still goes through someone’s garden so you won’t miss that experience! The walk starts from the car park near Melincourt Falls and takes in forests, farmland and open moor with a close-up view of some wind turbines. The walk is moderate which means that you need to wear good boots and be prepared for a couple of steep uphills – but it is well within the capabilities of the vast majority of the group. It’s just less than 8 miles long with ascent of about 600 metres. There will be lots of lambs on much of the route so dogs must be under close control.

Meet at 9.30 at Swansea Council Offices car park or 10:00 at Melincourt Falls car park (SN 821 020) on the B4434. Please let me know if you are going there directly. Further details from Robert (07981 963 681)

Cheers,

Robert (Bob)

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Other Reminders

As well as Bob's waterfall walk, here's a reminder of the other dates for your diary:

* Programme Meeting @ Vivs in Sketty from 7.30 - This Thursday (6th May)! All welcome, please bring ideas for walks and events for the next Programme. Call Emyr or Trudi for details.

*Tawe Trekkers Night Out - Friday 14th May from 7.30 @ The Pumphouse in Swansea Marina. If you're going to be a bit later, don't worry, we'll be hanging around in the Pumphouse for a while. I haven't made any specific arrangements for food so you may want to grab a quick bite before leaving, or bar food is available on request at the Pumphouse. Call Doug for details.

More details available on these events and more from previous newsletters on our website.

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That's it for another week!

Cheers,

Doug