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