Helo pawb,

 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and didn't eat too much.

 

Firstly thanks to Robert Hall for leading our walk around Beaupre Castle on the 21st of December. I hear it was a nice little pre-holiday walk taking in great views of the local castle and many random stiles. Our programme has now gone on a little hiatus over the Christmas period and we will return on the 11th of January 2015. Janet Thomas has kindly agreed to swap walks with me as I've been unwell and unable to recce my Gowerton walk. The first walk of the year will therefore be at Ponsticill. I'm sure it will be a great opportunity for everyone to catch up after the New Year break.

 

For those of you joining me for the New Year trip in Milford Haven this year I am aiming to arrive at the bunkhouse for about 11am and to go for a short walk around Milford Haven at about 12pm. I haven't go the trip planned to the nth degree but there will be opportunities to eat out or you can make yourselves a meal that night if you want at the excellent facilities provided. There is a Tesco store a short drive away in Milford town centre so it will be easy to get food if it's needed. Contact me on 07540 746360 if you need any more information but bare in mind I'm still a little unwell and not really in the mood to talk. You might be better off texting me.

 

The bunkhouses have wood burners so if you want to bring your own wood then feel free to. You can buy some in the bunkhouse for a reasonable price though and the bunkhouses also have central heating so don't worry about it if you don't.

 

Diolch. Dylan

Helo pawb!

 

Please find details below of Sunday's walk led by Robert:

 

A very pleasant, gentle 8 mile walk in the Vale of Glamorgan.  The main feature of the walk is a visit to Old Beaupre Castle.  Not really a castle – more a fortified manor house.  It has been a setting for Dr Who and Torchwood. There may be a little bit of mud in places.  The stiles – of which there are many – are often in poor condition.  There will be sheep in several fields.  There is some road walking in the middle.  A painted sign states “No dogs” at the start of the path to the Castle but I don’t think this is enforceable.

 

Meet at 09:30 at the Civic Centre for car sharing or go directly to the start in Llanblethian by 10:15.  We are meeting close to the Church Hall, Bridge Road.  Grid Reference is SS 987 738; sat nav is CF71 7JG.  If you are going direct to the start please let Robert know – 07981 963681.

 

On another matter guys I have some final details of plans for New Year for your info:

 

1) All bedding is provided by the bunkhouse. Obviously if you want to bring your own that is fine.

2) The landlords have confirmed that they wouldn't really be happy with dogs staying in the cars. Their reason for this is that the bunkhouse is on a small farm and they have children. Braking is likely to upset the children and there is not really any facility for you to get the dogs out of the car for a walk in such circumstances. I do apologise for the dog owners who have to deal with this issue guys. I will provide better for you all in the future.

 

Merry Christmas all. Nadolig Llawen.

 

Dylan

Hi fellow Trekkers,

It seems the period of merriment and excess we have been waiting patiently for all year is finally upon us! On Saturday evening (12th December) the Tapestri restaurant in Swansea played host to 26 festive trekkers, dressed up to the nines, and eager for fun. By all accounts a great night was had by all and thanks are extended to Dylan for organising this Christmas extravaganza. Dylan was otherwise pre-occupied with being ill however, and was unable to attend in person and only in spirit.Three cheers to the lad!

"Beyond St. Clears" was the title of Graham's splendid post -walk analysis of last weeks walk (8th December). Famous for leading walks of unparralled intricacy and precision far from the madding crowd, Graham's most recent offering appears to have lived up to expectations, serving up " a farmyard deep in slurry, thorns and brambles, some cheeky little hills, and a walk length that proved mysteriously longer than the advertised ten miles" (G.Rutt 2014). Nine intrepids were in attendance for this one, although three were apparently lost towards the end. But such is life! Thanks Graham for extending your reach yet again!

This Sunday (14th December) Dave followed with his famous "Gluvine" walk around the woods of Margam Park. The rain and heavy mud did nothing to dampen the spirits of our little group, neither did the temporary loss of Luca the dog, or the antics of the ever disobedient Yogi (another, much smaller dog)! Lunch was taken in the ruins of the church over-looking the majestic Margam Park house, a hastily assembled fire adding much needed warmth and additional cheer.Tentative carols were sung around this fire and all was well. Post-walk drinks were taken around the roaring fire of The Prince of Wales public house in Kenfig.Thanks in abundance go to Dave for this one!

Robert picks up compass and map for next weeks walk (21st December) which is advertised as "taking in parts of the valeways Millenium heritage trail". The highlight of this walk will be a stop over at Beaupre castle, where, if lucky we will get to meet and share mince pies with the one and only Dr.Who! Miss this walk and you will be exterminated!!! You have been warned! The meeting places for this walk are 9.30 a.m. at the civic centre, Swansea or 10.15 a.m. at the Tardis (sorry, phone box) on Bridge Road in Llanblethian. For more information Robert (Hall) can be contacted on 07981 963 661.

That's all for now folks. Seasonal greetings and all that,

Paul

Gower Walking Festival and Christmas meal final listings

A Call for Help from the Gower Walking Festival

 

Helo pawb!

 

The Tawe Trekkers have recently received an email from the Gower Walking Festival (GWF) Chairperson, Barbara Parry. This email is asking for volunteers to lead walks for the Gower Walking Festival this coming June 2015.

 

If you would like to volunteer your time to support this fledgling local festival please can you contact Barbara at barbara19652@hotmail.com and she can then provide you with further details. Please note that if you volunteer your time for this you will be given the opportunity to Walk Leaders course and First Aid Course in order to support you with this. If you don't want to provide first aid on your walk then you can request that GWF provide a First Aider for you.

 

On other Matters!

 

I have now made final bookings for the Xmas meal. Please find below a list of the names (minus 2) who have booked to attend the meal. If your name is not on this list and you have advised me of your intention to attend please can you contact me asap on 07540 746360. I don't think I have missed anyone but there is always the chance.

 

Dylan Couch, Andrew Bevan, Jane Pearce, Katherine Smithson, Silvana Powell, Maddy Adams Stringer, Janet Thomas, Graham Rutt, Anwen Cale, Caroline Richards, Paul Shadrach, Robert Joy, Helen Thomas, Tracy Hatherall, Robert Hall, Charlotte Barry, Julian Llewellyn, Sylvia Manuela, Christopher Haynes, Andrew Martin, Julian Evans, Jonathan Jones, Patricia Hanna, and Ann Boyce.

 

Diolch. Dylan.



 

 



Beyond St Clears...

 

8th December 2014

 

 

For a last ditch replacement today's walk turned out rather well. The fine weather certainly helped to show the Carmarthenshire countryside at its best. This was a gentle, rolling landscape unspectacular but with a peaceful, timeless charm. Beech woods nestling on the valley sides alternated with farmland on the hill tops. The highlight of the walk for many was the sighting of a barn owl, appropriately enough in a barn. Unfortunately the walk leader, who is a keen birdwatcher, missed out on this piece of serendipity :-(

 

The group of nine proved to be a resilient bunch, coping with a farmyard deep in slurry, thorns and brambles, some cheeky little hills and a walk length which proved mysteriously longer than the advertised 10 miles. Conscious of having lost three people on his last outing the walk leader was at pains to avoid an embarrassing repetition. However, a loss of concentration right at the end of the walk led to three of the group going astray in Llanddwror village just minutes from the end of the walk. Thus his average was maintained.

 





 

An attempt to sample the delights of the White Hart in Llanddarog was later thwarted by it being closed but kyle quickly founds us an alternative venue in the form of the Abadam Arms in Porthyrhyd. ln these congenial surroundings three members of the group tucked into large rolls packed with leftover turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Our two newcomers -  Kevin and Parisa - seemed to enjoy the day and we hope to see them again in the near future.

 

Graham.

 

 

...and Other Matters

 

Helo pawb,

 

A huge thanks go out to Graham for contributing to our newsletter this week. We're hoping to encourage more and more people to do this in the future so that everyone can hear the many different voices that make up the Tawe Trekkers. It really was a fantastic day and I for one am looking forward to some more walks from Graham in this area in the New Year.

 

I hear on the grapevine that this weeks pub quiz was a popular affair. We didn't win unfortunately but that's not always the point is it? What's most concerning though is that the two medical professionals on the team failed to get the medical questions correct. Dear! Dear! Dear! The pub quiz will continue at the Westbourne every Tuesday evening throughout the seasonal period (as far as I'm aware anyway). If you would like to join in the fun please contact Robert Hall on 07981 963681. 

 

I now have the final bookings for the Christmas meal in Tapestri. Twenty-six of us will be there this year and I look forward to seeing you all. The table is booked for 7pm but for those of you who have the time I will be in the Grand Hotel for a quick pint from 6:30pm. I've had some feedback this year that future Christmas meals might be better for some people on a Saturday as opposed to a Friday. I'd be grateful for your feedback on this. You can do this by speaking to me directly, responding to this newsletter when it is emailed to you, or by contacting me on Facebook or 07540 746360.

 

That's all for now. Diolch. Dylan.

 

 

Further updates

 

 

Helo pawb,

 

I have no doubt that you will all start getting tired of these newsletters soon so I will try to get everything in here so I don't have to send another one before the New Year.

 

Xmas Extravaganza

 

As you are all aware we are going to Tapestri this year to celebrate together for a nice meal and then maybe a few drinks in town afterwards for those who can move after all the munchies. There are now limited spots left and I am planning to pay the final deposits on Monday the 08/12/2014. Please note that if you have not paid your deposit and made your meal selections by Monday then you will not be able to come. I will not be taking any further bookings after this date. If you would like to join us please contact me as soon as possible on 07540 746360. First come first served!

 

New Year in Milford Haven

 

There is now just 1 female place left for this trip. If you would like to join us you will need to provide the full payment of £48 as soon as possible. Please contact me on 07540 746360. First come blah blah blah.

 

I travelled down to the bunkhouse today for a brief recce. I am extremely pleased with the quality of the bunkhouse and the friendliness of the owners, Mandy and Shaun. For those with dogs please remember that they are not allowed in the bunkhouse. If you would like to take advantage of a local dog-sitting service then contact Kathleen from 'Happy Paws'. She is fully licensed to provide a dog-sitting service by Pembrokeshire County Borough Council and is located less than a 10 minute walk from the bunkhouse. Details are as follows.

Tel: 07779 974145
 

Price: £10 a night. Bring your own dog-baskets and food.

 

The bunkhouse is on a small working farm so you will not be able to sneak the dogs in behind Mandy and Shaun's backs. Please be aware that I have made this very clear and I will not be lenient on the issue. Mandy and Shaun have been incredibly accommodating today, giving me an independent hostel guide for future trips and giving me advice on local pubs and walks. I have no desire to let them down by breaking my promise to them on this issue.

 

There is a local pub/B&B down the road that some people have also booked in. I believe that they still have places. If you would like to join us but there are no further spaces at the bunkhouse then you can contact The Taberna Inn on 01646 693498. It is a Camra pub located less than half a mile from the bunkhouse. I suspect that we will be spending the odd night there. Can I ask that those people who choose this option take their own transport please. If you are going to take this option or already have done so please can you advise me on 07540 746360.

 

The bunkhouse is located on the main road and can be easily missed. I would recommend that you use sat-nav if you have it. Shaun has advised that Tom-Toms work well, but you should be careful if using a Garmin device. Apparently they like to lead the user into the sea. We are located with easy footpath access leading directly to Milford Haven or to the Wales Coastal path and there are local stores (including Tesco) just a 5 minute drive away.

 

I also took a drive down to the Marina and there are 2 pub/restaurants there. There are also at least 2 other pubs in walking distance from there that we might want to try out. I'm sure we'll recce a few pubs on the first day. With regards to NY day there does not seem to be much interest in the Saundersfoot swim. I have also found a short 5-mile walk that starts and finishes in the pub at Dale so that might be an option for our recovery day. The puffin bus goes straight past the bunkhouse and I'm told that we can simply flag it down from the gate. 

 

Anyway I think that's enough for now.

 

I hope to see you all soon, either on a walk or at the Xmas meal.

 

Diolch! Dylan.

 

UPDATE

 

 

Helo pawb,

 

There are just a few updates below in order to keep people informed of upcoming events.

 

1) There is now just 1 female space left available on the Milford Haven trip this New Year after Lesley Smith has wisely chosen to join us. If you would like to add your name to the trip of trips please contact me on 07540 746360. First come! First served!

 

2) There are now just 2 seats left for the Xmas meal at Tapestri on the 12/12/2014. If you would like to join us please contact me on 07540746360.

 

3) In anticipation of our 10th Anniversary Celebrations Mr David Horton is seeking information regarding interest in our staying in Pwll Du Adventure Centre in Blaenavon next March for the Abergavenny 3-Peaks Challenge. If you are interested please could you contact Dave on 07414 590217 asap.

 

Diolch! Dylan!

The Tawe Trekkers and the Crack of Doom

30th of November 2014



Hi fellow Trekkers,

Many thanks are extended to those of you who braved my infamous "crack" walk this past Sunday (30th November). Ten intrepids (plus four excited dogs) set off from Ystalyfera in the Upper Swansea valley, completing a circular walk of the two prominent hills either side of this delightful former Welsh mining village. We were blessed with perfect weather, deep blue skies and surprisingly warm temperatures as we climbed steadily through the dead bracken of the first hill, the expansive views from the top just reward for our efforts. Keeping to sheep paths, and in view of semi-wild horses we tramped along the ridge line of this hill, before descending gradually through woods to the valley floor and to Ystalyfera.

Following a brief toilet stop at Tesco (yes, Tesco) our route took us on an elaborate loop around the village to our lunch spot in the adjoining village of Ystradglynlais, where we picnicked at the impressive ruins of Ynyscedwyn ironworks. Then along and across the river Tawe and into Diamond Park (its name derived from the especially hard nature of the coal that was once mined here) before beginning the climb up Varteg hill towards the infamous "crack".



With muscles slightly numbed and bodies beginning to need the fuel that was lunch, we zig-zagged up surprisingly wide, green paths, cutting off before the top to explore the "crack" itself. Often referred to as "the finger of death" by locals, the "crack" (for want of a better description) is an impressive boulder strewn walkway through the middle of this finger. The approach to the crack itself entailed some mild scrambling over wet rocks, the scree occasionally giving way underfoot (much to our delight). Credit is given to the entire group for coming to grips with the mild fear that always accompanies such activity, and thus we all safely made it through the dark tunnel of the crack, arriving through the other side to fantastic views of the two villages below.



A brief, albeit lung-busting scramble up the grass to the side of the finger of death saw us safely out of harms way, or so we thought, because it was not long before two canine members of our party (Tirion and Yogi) disappeared (literally) down a substantial hole, well camouflaged by deep red bracken. Comedy was achieved by the author of this newsletter lending himself to valour in an attempt to rescue the unfortunate dogs, by lowering himself head first underground, all the while being held from slipping into this chasm by Dave, Dylan and Peter (thanks fellas). With dogs rescued and after a quick dusting down our happy group made it to the safety of the established path, a private sense of relief the order of the day.



A large sheep unable to stand had to be rescued next, Linda gallantly taking the lead on this task. Grateful or otherwise, and following a helpful hand up, this fortunate ram duly wobbled across the moor to join his harem, non the worse for his encounter with his strange human rescuers. All feeling good about ourselves for potentially saving the lives of three animals, we proceeded down and off Varteg, somewhat humbled by the events of the previous hour, to reach the cycle track alongside the Tawe. Then, a river crossing and a gentle stroll through woods saw us back at the cars and the prospect of a post-walk drink.





Drinks were taken in The Wern in Ystalyfera, the locals in attendance much amused by our presence and the fact we had travelled so far on foot to reach our final destination! Thanks again for all who attended this great day out, and special thanks to Trudi and to Martin who dusted down their respective boots after an absence from TT walks to join us.

The pub quiz takes place again next Tuesday (2nd of December) at The Westbourne (on the corner of Westbourne Road and Brynymor Road), kick off at 8.30p.m. Dust down those brain cells and give it a go, you know you want to!!!

Graham takes up the reins this coming Sunday (7th of December) and leads us on an eleven mile moderate/strenuous trek in the secluded Cynin valley in the heart of Carmarthenshire. If history is anything to go by, Graham will have devised a walk virtually untrodden by others and where others fear to tread, so come along to this one why don't you? If you need more information about Graham's walk please contact him on 07770 435 341.

Places are still available for the Xmas meal at The Tapestri in Swansea for those of you wanting a fun-filled night out. But hurry, places are limited. Give Dylan a call on 07540 746 360 and get into the groove (man)!

That's all for now folks. Be good and be safe.

Paul

BREAKING NEWS

Two spaces have come available for this year's New Year trip to Milford Haven. These spaces can only be filled by 2 women. First come first served!

The trip will be from the 30th of December until the 2nd of January (3 nights) and we will be staying at Upper Neeston Lodges: http://www.bunkhouse.org.uk/.

If you are interested please call me on 07540 746360. You will need to pay a total of £48 for the three nights.

Diolch. Dylan

Photo Competition November '14

Photo of the Month Competition (October/November)

 

 

Helo Pawb!

 

Over the past few months we have been running a photo of the month competition on our Facebook page. Unfortunately a competition was not held last month so today it is making a glorious return, incorporating photos from the last two months. If you would like to vote for your favourite photo please respond to this email with number 1, 2 or 3 as listed below. Please vote for one picture only. I will have to discount your vote entirely if you vote for more. DEADLINE 10PM, WEDNESDAY 03/12/2014.

 

1. Whiteford Sands

 

Taken by Helen Thomas on our little jaunt around Whiteford Bay National Nature Reserve towards the end of October.

 



 

      2. Remembrance

Taken by Kyle Jones during our Remembrance Day walk this year.

 



      3. Ystalyfera

Taken by Kyle Jones during our Crack of Doom walk right at the end of November.

 



The winning photo will get to be our cover month for the rest of the year. Next month I will be running a photo of the year competition and the winner will get to be our Facebook cover photo for the next three months as I have decided o keep this a quarterly competition in the future. The winning photographer will also get to choose the nominations for the next quarters' competition.

Diolch! Dylan