Join us for this eight-mile, Olympic themed walk as part of the Ramblers ‘Get Walking for the Games’ weekend. We loop around Llandegfedd Reservoir, a popular sports training venue for Welsh sailing and windsurfing athletes in the heart of rural Monmouthshire. Look out for some hot waterfront action, a stunning bluebell woodland, lovely views over rolling hills and countryside, the site of a WW2 munitions factory and a disused railway line. The reservoir is run as a country park and is a wildlife haven so you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of birds.

This walk is a mixture of woodland and fields, with some walking on narrow but quiet country lanes. Several stiles and the occasional steep slope. Muddy in places. At the walk start point there are facilities and a refreshment kiosk, which serves ice creams and snacks. Drinks afterwards in the Carpenters Arms pub. Large free car park. New members and dogs welcome.

Directions

Luke will meet you at Llandegfedd Reservoir (ST328985), which is off the A4042 between Cwmbran and Pontypool. From Pontcanna, follow the M4 towards Newport and leave at Junction 26. Take the first exit at the roundabout coming off the M4 and follow the A4051/ A4042 towards Abergavenny. You’ll then go through five roundabouts (right at the first, left at the second and straight through the other three) before taking the 3^rdexit at the New Inn roundabout (Llandegfedd Reservoir is signposted). From the main road through New Inn, turn right onto Jerusalem Lane and, after 300 metres, turn right onto Sluvad Road. Follow the road until it crosses over the reservoir dam, drive up the hill on the other side and enter the car park on your left.

Starting from the Blaen-y-Cwm  car park in the Mynydd Du Forest (Grid Ref SO 252285) the route take us up beside a mountain stream to the summit of Pen y Gadair Fawr with, weather permitting, great views of the Black mountains.  From there we follow the ridge to the North over Waun Fach and beyond, following the ridge. We circle back via Rhos Dirion and continue along a peaty/boggy (in places) path to the forest and forest tracks to our start.

Possibility of an extension to 13 miles, but need to recce this before confirmation.

We'll pay a visit to Wales' Jurassic past for this Wednesday evening walk.

I will bring along some information to explain a bit about the fossils and some from my "collection" to give you an idea of what to look for, but really its just about us wandering around hoping to stumble upon some decent ones.  I promise you'll find some, as there are loads there, but you'll need lady luck and a sharp eye to get any really good ones.  

We'll meet in the car park near Cardiff Barrage (Penarth side), have a quick chat then down to the beach and start hunting.  The beach here is very rocky and grubby so suggest you wear your oldest grottiest trainers.

Hunt debrief will be in the OysterCatcher so if you want to avoid paying to park at the Barrage you could leave your car there and walk down which takes about 10 minutes.

Join us for this eight mile (13 km) walk from Gilwern as we explore the Clydach Gorge, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Lots to see, including the Clydach Ironworks, Devil’s Bridge, Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve, disused railway lines and tunnels, waterfalls and spectacular views of Sugarloaf and the Black Mountains.

Mostly easy side of moderate, with a few steep climbs and descents. Drinks afterwards at the Navigation Inn. Car park is free but small, so car sharing advisable. However, it should be possible to park in surrounding residential streets. New members and dog walkers welcome.

Directions

Luke will meet you in Gilwern, which is off the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road between Abergavenny and Brynmawr. From Pontcanna, follow the M4 towards Newport and leave at Junction 26. Follow the A4051/ A4042 towards Abergavenny and at the big roundabout just before Abergavenny take the 1st exit onto the A365 Heads of the Valleys Road. Take the 3rd exit at the next roundabout onto Abergavenny Road/ A4077 (Gilwern signposted here) and follow the road into Gilwern. The main car park is on your right immediately after the pelican crossing.

Originally scheduled for April but cancelled due to a combination of atrocious weather and a sudden attack of common sense on my part, I will now be leading this testing little stroll on the Tuesday of Jubilee week.  Sixty Glorious Miles (if you do it four times)!

We shall climb Pen Tir, Pen Allt Mawr and Pen Cerrig Calch: nearly a kilometre of ascent - and all before lunch!  No doubt you will be disappointed to learn that the latter half of the walk isn't quite so stiff.

Cwmdu Village Hall at the northern end of the village has a car park.  I've given them plenty of notice, so I hope we will be able to reserve spaces.  Cost is £1 per car.

There's a lovely pub called the Farmer's Arms near the car park.  It serves food in the evening so if anyone on the walk decides, half way along, that they would like some grub at the end of it, let me know and I'll call ahead to book it for you.

I'll provide directions for drivers on the day, but if you want to plan a route the post code for the pub is NP8 1RU.

A short but spectacular walk up Garth Hill just North of Cardiff. Starting from the Gwaelod Y Garth Pub car park, there is a gradual climb up the north side of the Hill/ mountain until we reach the trig point. Weather permitting, we will admire the fabulous views of Cardiff, the estuary and the valleys.  From there it's a short but very steep descent down back to the pub for post walk drinkies.

Boots Advisory - Not a difficult walk but can be really muddy and is steep in places so boots are strongly advised. 

Dog Advisory - The walk goes through farmland and common land with livestock so dogs will need to be on leads at least some of the time. 

Stile Advisory - 'Bout 8.

Style Advisory - I don't go fast especially uphill. There will be stopping to look at the views.  In the case of inclement weather, best to call me before you leave as it's no fun up there in the rain.

This is the second of two walks exploring the hills and lesser known valleys between the Taff and Rhymney rivers.

This walk starts from the Taf Bargoed Climbing Centre bwtween Trelewis and Bedlinog and crosses Parc Taf Bargoed before heading northwards onto and along the eastern side of the ridge which includes Mynydd-y-Capel and Mynydd Cilfach-yr-Encil. Below  us we will see Cwm Taf Bargoed and the village of Bedlinog, with Gelligaer Common rising behind it.

Continuing along the ridge we reach the southern reaches of Merthyr Common high above the town of Merthyr itself, with the Brecon Beacons rising behind the  Ffos-y-Fran opencast mine to the north.

Returning along the western side of the same ridge, we will have views of the Taff valley below us, including the village of Aberfan where 116 children and 28 adults were killed in the disaster of 1966.

We return to the start point via a minor road, a woodland, the village of Treharris and Parc Taf Bargoed.

A short walk around Sully Island and back, ending up in the Captain's Wife.

How about joining us for a linear walk that doesn't involve any driving?

We shall walk through the beautiful Bute Park and shall stop briefly at the new Cafe for people to buy a take out coffee (other beverages are available) and for a quick toilet break.

From there we shall walk up the Taff Trail past Llandaff Cathedral, the old Melingriffith Works water pump, up to Castell Coch. We then continue through the woods to reach the top of Caerphilly Mountain (ok hill but I didn't name it) for a lunch break with views over Cardiff and Caerphilly.

After lunch we descend to Thornhill for a well earned drink at the Ffynon Wen pub on Thornhill Road. This is the end point of this walk but public transport is on hand to take us back to Cardiff City Centre using the No.27 bus. Buses arrive every 30 mins on Sundays at 06 and 36 mins past the hour.

Link below to timetable: -

http://www.cardiffbus.com/english/pdfs/routes/27.pdf

Cardiff Bus operate an Exact Fare Only policy so you will need £1.70 (fixed fee) to get back to the City Centre. The bus stops on North Road near to the Hilton Hotel. Cross North Road via the subway to the entrance to Bute Park. Follow the footpath to the River Taff, turn right and cross the bridge and walk back towards Fields Park avenue.

This is a spectacular but strenuous walk with a total ascent of 600m. We will be walking at a relaxed pace (the walk leader doesnt do speed) with plenty of rest stops to allow everyone to catch up. However, this is still a taxing walk and a reasonable level of fitness is required: an ascent of 600m is the equivalent to a bit more than twice the height of Garth Hill when walked from Taffs Well railway station (or 4 times the height of Garth Hill when walked from the Gwaelod y Garth pub). There are no toilets at the start of the walk (or anywhere along it), nor places to buy food. There is a farm about a mile from the carpark that serves tea and cake which we will visit at the end of the walk. The walk start point is tricky to describe (and find): a road atlas is essential and a satnav is a big help! Please contact the walk leader for details of the walk start point. This walk starts with a 2.5-mile uphill stretch across open access moorland (no paths) until we reach the summit Fan Brycheiniog. Our hard work will be rewarded by spectacular views over the western Brecon Beacons and two exquisite glacial lakes, Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. We will then make our way westwards along the rim of the Llyn y Fan Fach glacial valley, and then a steep descent to the lake itself. From there it is an easy downhill 2-mile walk along a farm road back to the carpark. This walk ascends to 800 metres and is therefore subject to the TBR Mountain Safety Policy. Even if it is sunny and hot when we start, the weather can change dramatically above 700m. Sturdy walking boots are essential, as are quick-drying leggings (walking trousers or running leggings, etc, not jeans). It is also essential to bring a waterproof jacket, a fleece, gloves, warm hat, lunch, snacks and at least 2 litres of water). Bring a cap/hat and suncream too.  

This walk will start and finish at the usual Pontcanna meet point in the car park. 

We will follow the Taff Trail but on the wrong side of the river.  The path isn't as .... shall we say .....defined on this side but it does mean a lot less dodging cyclists etc.

As this is pretty much the longest day and it should be light until about 10 so I'm not starting til 7 to give everyone plenty of chance to eat their tea first as its a longer than usual Wednesday night walk.

Suitable for dogs, no stiles, will need to cross the A48 and a couple of short parts without proper paths.

Cardiff Circular Walk part 2 of 2

Further details to be confirmed........soon.

Rough plan is to catch no. 27 bus to Thornhill from City Centre then walk up to the Travellers Rest, along the Caeprhilly ridge for views over Cardiff and Severn Estuary.

We shall then walk back to the City Centre via Lisvane, Roath Park and Cathays.

Exactly route details being worked out, but expected to start/end in Treorchy (with option to take the train) head up Cwm Parc towards Bwlch yr Afan, down the Ogmore Valley before returning to Treorchy. Expect a few challenging climbs to be rewarded with excellent views.

A circular walk through casehill woods in Dinas Powys, close to Michelstone-Le-Pit.

The walk is relatively easy but beware of a very steep downhill slope, where sticks are advised.

The walk was muddy when I recced it so boots/wellies are strongly recommended. 

Finish in either the Three Horses or if people want food, The Star.

Starting from the car park near Torpantau, this walk follows the stream south-east out of the car park until it joins the Blaen y Glyn river.  There is a path but, last time I was there, it was criss-crossed with trees and a bit of an obstacle course.

Having joined the main river, the walk heads north along a well-used track for a short period, following the river and eventually heading cross-country along the side of the river towards Waun Rydd.

Leaving the river (and waterfalls), the walk heads east, along the ridge, descending towards the eastern end of the Talybont   Reservoir.

After a largely cross-country first half, the second half of the walk follows a disused railway line on the south-eastern side of the reservoir.  Probably a welcome relief, as the first half can be quite slow going. 14 miles

Join us for this eight mile (13 km) walk from the historic village of Caerleon, the site of a Roman legionary fortress, Isca Augusta. We follow the Heritage Trail, which includes the amphitheatre and barracks, stroll along the newly finished River Usk footpath, explore woodland and fields around the Lodge Hill Iron Age hill fort and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, River Usk and City of Newport.

Mostly easy side of moderate, with one steep climb. Refreshments in the village afterwards. The Caerleon Arts Festival is taking place at this time so be sure to visit the exhibits and events after the walk. Free car parking. New members and dog walkers welcome.

Directions

Luke will meet you in Caerleon, which is between Newport and Cwmbran. From Pontcanna, follow the M4 towards Newport and leave at Junction 26. Turn right at the roundabout coming off the M4 and then right around the next roundabout to go up onto the bypass flyover. Turn right at the roundabout (after the Sainsbury’s traffic lights) and then follow the signs for Caerleon. As you go through Caerleon, turn left before the Common (opposite the Town Hall) and Cold Bath Road is the first road on the left.

Starting at Goodrich, we follow the Wye Valley Walk via Welsh Bicknor to Symonds Yat Rock. We then come down the other side and use the chain ferry to cross over to the other bank and cut back up to Goodrich. Beautiful countryside, peaceful surroundings and great views. Mostly a fairly easy riverside ramble apart from climbing up to Rock.

One point of note, one small bridge was in a poor state of repair when we did the recce, so this walk is not recommended for those with a strong fear of water.

One for those who fancy a challenge...

The Three Castles Walk is a way-marked, long-distance walk linking the castles of Skenfrith, White Castle and Grosmont in Monmouthshire.

We will start and finish as Skenfrith, and do the route in a clockwise direction.

More information about the Three Castles Walk can be found here and here.

This walk starts out in the Dare Valley Country Park and heads west over the surrounding countryside to the Lluest Wen Reservoir, which should be a lovely spot for lunch if we time it right! Expect the journey there to be pretty boggy in places though.

After circling the reservoir through the surrounding forest, the walk heads back towards the Dare Valley Country Park.10

Join us on this 10 mile (16 km) walk through the picturesque Cwmcarn Forest and along the Gwent Ridgeway to the summit of Twmbarlwm (1,375ft/ 419m), a well-known sight throughout the region because of its mound (‘the tump’). It features what is presumed to be the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, later followed by a Roman signal point and a Norman motte and bailey castle. 

The walk comprises a gradual ascent via winding forestry tracks and open moorland on the ridge, followed by a couple of steep descents through woodland. Tea and cakes afterwards from the visitor centre. New members and dog walkers welcome.

Directions

Luke will meet you at the Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre (ST229936), which is in Caerphilly just off the A467 between Risca and Newbridge. From Pontcanna, follow the M4 towards Newport and leave at Junction 27 (High Cross). Take the 1^stexit at the roundabout onto the B4591 and follow this road through Rogerstone, Risca and Crosskeys. Turn right at Crosskeys railway station and follow the High Street/ B4591. The turning for the Cwmcarn Forest Drive will be on your right before you get to the roundabout with the A467.