Hi fellow Trekkers,

Four intrepid souls joined Dylan BeardoCouch for a rain-soaked stroll in Cwn llandeilo (Bishopston valley) on Friday evening. By all accounts this was an enjoyable walk, the rain unable to dampen the spirits of this little ensemble. Thanks Dylan for persisting with the elements where others may have floundered!

Thanks also to Janet Thomas and her unstoppable labrador Shona for leading a group of over twenty on an eight mile walk which turned into a ten mile walk (smiles) around the open forests and moors near Penwyllt. Penwyllt (according to Wikapedia)  is a Welsh Hamlet located in the Upper Swansea Valley to the East of Black Mountain. Penwyllt also boasts a long history of quarrying, and as such the landscape is dotted with the remnants of this industrial past (if only the rocks could speak). Two trekkers (myself and David Horton) walked seperately to the main group in the same area, picking up a farm dog at the start of our walk who simply refused to turn back for home, completing a circular walk of ten miles (unbeknown to his owner)!

It was great to see so many new faces on Janet's walk, some borrowed from Swansea Outdoor Group, and made (I hope) to feel welcome amongst the regulars! Come again all you Sogsters, our door is always open.

First appearance also for Anwen Cale's dog Molly, recently acquired by Anwen and likely to become a familiar doggy face in the ever increasing doggy crowd! Welcome Molly!

A well deserved post-walk drink was enjoyed in the garden of The Ancient Briton pub in Penycae, most of us somewhat crammed into the outdoor gazebo (for want of a better word), the more sensible among us more relaxed around a picnic table. Thanks again Janet for a most pleasant day in the great outdoors!

Next week's Sunday walk should  also be a beauty. Dylan Beardo Couch leads us around Llanmadoc Hill, Broughton Bay and through Whitford Burrows National Nature Reserve! Please note the earlier meeting time (at the civic centre, Swansea) at 9.00 a.m. and the early start time of 10.00a.m. from Whitford Bay car park. There is a one pound parking fee so remember to have some gold with you for this one. The walk is advertised as moderate and of 10-12 miles in length. Post-walk drinks will be taken in the Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc, for those of you who are that way inclined.

That's all for now. Take care,

Paul Harris