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7th - 15th
MARCH 2020
Crickhowell
Walking
Festival
crickhowellfestival.com
ESTABLISHED 2007
2
Crickhowell
Walking
Festival
2020
The Festival Planning Team
welcomes you to Crickhowell for
a great week of walks and events.
We are sure you will find something to suit you in our
exciting programme.
New for 2020:-
* The TM5 - an endurance challenge.
* Mindfulness - 3 walks and a workshop.
* The Usk Valley Walk over 4 days.
* The Beacons Way - 4 days west to east
* Talks on the Cambrian Way, Standing Stones,
Nature in the Beacons and more.
* A great local band to finish the week -
The Whiskey River Band!
We hope you have a super week.
CLOTHING AND FOOD At this time of year, appropriate clothing is required at all times:
BE PREPARED!
• Walking Boots (not trainers) • Spare warm clothing eg a jacket or fleece
• Hat • Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Gloves • Food and a (hot) drink
• Warm clothing • Rucksack
Note: Jeans are not acceptable, as they can act as a refrigerator when wet and contribute to hypothermia.
Starting times and places
Instructions on how to get to the start points of all walks are included on the website. Please allow
enough time to get to the start AND get prepared as the start times indicated are the time we need
to commence the walk. It is unfair on other walkers to keep them waiting.
The full Terms and Conditions can be seen on our website.
3
4
Crickhowell Walking Festival Events
Looking for something to do after your walk? Or perhaps you are not a walker and fancy an evening out.
Why not try one of our evening events? See the day details for more information.
Map Interpretation Workshop 10am to 12noon
CRiC
10am to 12noon
Nordic Walking Taster Sessions Castle Grounds
Crickhowell
Saturday 7th March
Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop 2pm to 4pm
CRiC
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Search and Rescue Dogs in the Brecon Beacons Bowls Pavilion
Crickhowell
Wales’ most challenging long distance trail 7.30pm to 9pm
Sunday 8th March - the Cambrian Way Bear Hotel
Crickhowell
Landscape change in the Brecon Beacons 7.30pm
- an invitation to speculate Bowls Pavilion
Crickhowell
Monday 9th March
Wellbeing Workshop 7.30pm
CRiC
Heiptrw Hw! 7.30pm
Tuesday 10th March - Droving in the Brecon Beacons Scout Hall
Crickhowell
7.30pm
Wednesday 11th March Stones with a Story Bear Hotel
Crickhowell
7.30pm
Thursday 12th March Curry and Quiz Horseshoe Inn
Llangattock
7.30pm
Friday 13th March Nature of the Brecon Beacons Bear Hotel
Crickhowell
Map Interpretation Workshop 10am to 12noon
CRiC
Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop 2pm to 4pm
CRiC
Saturday 14th March
2.30pm to 5pm
Hydro! A Video Presentation Scout Hall
Crickhowell
7.30pm to 10.30pm
Whiskey River Band Clarence Hall
Crickhowell
5
Walk or Run up and down Table Mountain
up to FIVE TIMES in 10 hours
SATURDAY
7 TH
MARCH 2020
Crickhowell
Walking
Festival
Each circuit is 4.5 miles and 1250 feet of ascent
Entry: book through website
Price: £10 under 25’s £5
Times: start from 8am
latest finish 6pm CRICKHOWELL
Book from
1st December 2019
via: crickhowellfestival.com
Sponsored by PelliTec®
6
SATURDAY 7th MARCH
The Table Mountain Challenge - TM5
Do you fancy a bit of a challenge for a change?! Then try the TM5. Walk or
run up and down Table Mountain from Crickhowell as many times as you
Saturday 7th March can up to 5 times. You will find your own way with checkpoints along the
Meeting Point: CRiC route.
Time: 8am to 6pm
Distance: 4.5 to 22.5 miles The route starts from CRiC, then you go up Llanbedr Road, along Oakfield
Road and up Cwm Cwmbeth. At the sheepfold you follow the stone wall
Ascent: 1250ft to 6250ft
round to Table Mountain. Descend through fields past Wern Farm and down
Leader: Self Guided
Llanbedr Road to CRiC. Subsequent circuits either way as you choose.
Price: £10 £5 under 25 There will be checkpoints at the sheepfold, Table Mountain and Wern Farm.
Sponsored by: Last circuit must start by 4pm. Route available free on ViewRanger - look
Pellitec - Blister Prevention Pads up Crickhowell then ‘Crug Hywel Challenge’.
Medals for entrants who complete 3 or more circuits.
WALK 1 GET HIGH STAY HIGH
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start Climb the stunning Dragon’s Back and then stay above 2000ft for over
Time: 8.30am to 5pm 9 miles along the lovely ridge which forms the West wall of the Black
Distance: 13 miles Mountains. A linear walk from Pengenffordd up the Dragon’s Back to Pen y
Ascent: 2600ft, 2 ascents Manllwyn and Waun Fach. We then follow the ridge via Pen Trumau, Mynydd
Leader: Andy Johns Llysiau, Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, finally descending via Table
Price: £13.50 (Incl £5 bus fare) Mountain to Crickhowell.
WALK 2 THREE PEAKS
Saturday 7th March This walk takes in three of our notable local mountain peaks. The walk starts
Meeting Point: CRiC easily enough along the river to Cwrt y Gollen and then Llangenny, where it
Time: 9am to 5pm starts climbing up to Sugar Loaf. A brief rest at the top before descending to
Distance: 16 miles the valley at Forest Coal Pit. Then via the lovely isolated church of Partrishow
Ascent: 4100ft up to Crug Mawr and down again to the Grwyne Fechan valley. Crossing the
Leader: Graham Dickenson river by a footbridge the route takes you up onto Table Mountain and then
Price: £8.50 down to Crickhowell.
WALK 3 THE BEACONS ROLLERCOASTER
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Henderson Hall, The Big Four Beacons Tops, plus a Diving Board, all in a classic linear walk.
Tal-y-bont LD3 7YQ, for bus to start Meet at Talybont for a bus to the start at Pont ar Daf. Then up the tourist path
Grid Ref: SO 114227 to the windy gap at Bwlch Duwynt for a short climb to Corn Du, followed by
a hop to Pen y Fan before dropping down Craig Cwm Sere and up the steep
Time: 9.30am to 5pm
path to Cribyn. Then down to the Roman Road and the last climb to Fan y Big,
Distance: 11 miles followed by the magnificent Craig Cwm Oergwm horseshoe. Then over Waun
Ascent: 3100ft Rydd and steadily down to the Talybont reservoir via Carn Pica, we follow the
Leader: Pete Childs Taff Trail into Talybont for well-earned refreshments.
Price: £13.50 (Incl £5 bus fare)
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 7
WALK 4 A CIRCUIT OF DYFFRYN CRAWNON
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Llangynidr Village Car Park A pleasant circular walk around the Dyffryn Crawnon. The route rises from
Grid Ref: SO 155194 Llangynidr village and the canal through woodlands and fields to reach the
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm road head at Tor y Foel and spectacular views across the Beacons and Black
Distance: 12 miles Mountains. It continues on the Brinore tramroad around the head of the
Ascent: 1500ft Dyffryn to reach Trefil quarries and the limestone. Onward along the south
Leader: Clive Busson east side of the valley at a high level through typical upland limestone scenery
Price: £8.50 to finally descend sharply through fields and then a pleasant and gradual
return to the start where hopefully the Red Lion will be open for orders!
Sponsored by:
Walkabout Wales Guided Walks
WALK 5 THE SLEEEPING GIANT AND THE SECRET STONES
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Car Park, Penwyllt,
A route within a wild setting in a very quiet corner of the Brecon Beacons
by Caving Club National Park, the route explores some of the newly discovered Bronze Age
Grid Ref: SN 856155 Stone Alignments of Penwyllt which are of huge importance to help how
Time: 9.30am to 6pm we understand the ancient civilisations in Britain, who were able to plan
Distance: 15.5 miles important tasks by using lunar, solar and stellar events. Also a previously
Ascent: 2500ft unknown Bronze Age Henge, an ancient preaching site all finished off with a
Leader: Jason Winney traverse of Cribarth – the sleeping Giant.
Price: £8.50
WALK 6 WELLINGTONS, CAIRNS AND DIVING BOARDS
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Upper Blaen y Glyn
Car Park We start in a forest which opens on to the magnificent Blaen y Glyn valley
Grid Ref: SO 055175 carved by glaciation. We’ll follow the stream into the heights visiting the
Time: 9.30am to 3.30pm haunting remains of a Wellington Bomber before visiting the impressive Carn
Distance: 10 miles Pica. Following the edges of the ridge we then make our way to the summit
Ascent: 2000ft of Fan Y Big for a photo opportunity on the diving board before descending
Leader: Allan Gibbs to the Gap Road, past the Neuadd reservoirs and returning to the start via
Price: £8.50 the Taf Fechan Forest.
Sponsored by:
Golden Valley Training
WALK 7 CROWN AND TOPPER
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Crown at Pantygelli,
NP7 7HR A circular walk from Pantygelli with the option of lunch at The Crown Inn. We
Grid Ref: SO 302179 ascend the Deri and walk under the shadow of Sugar Loaf before dropping
Time: 10am to 3pm down to Forest Coal Pit. A quiet road takes us past the chapel before we
Distance: 7 miles climb up Bryn Arw. This is a fine ridge, seldom visited, with fine views
Ascent: 1450ft of Skirrid and across to Herefordshire. At the end of the ridge we descend
Leader: Martyn Jones steeply to Cwm Brynarw then follow field paths back to Pantygelli.
Price: £8.50
8 Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com
WALK 8 TRETOWER AND THE USK
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: CRiC
Time: 10am to 2.30pm
Through fields and woods above the Usk valley from Crickhowell to the
Distance: 7 miles
fine medieval Tretower Court, a treasure trove of Welsh border history.
Ascent: 910ft Great views of the Brecon Beacons and Mynydd Llangatwg. Returning via
Leader: Mike Jones the Glanusk Estate permitted path and the river bank to Crickhowell.
Price: £6.50
Sponsored by:
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
WALK 9 YSGYRD FACH - LITTLE SKIRRID
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: Byfield Lane Car Park,
Tudor Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5DL Climb Little Skirrid - one of Abergavenny’s seven hills with breathtaking views
Time: 10am to 2pm over Abergavenny and the remaining six hills. A circular walk from the centre
Distance: 6 miles of Abergavenny, passing the Railway Station and crossing the A465 before
Ascent:1250ft an ascent of Little Skirrid. This walk uses a fairly steep path for the ascent,
Leader: Fiona McBain but returns on forestry tracks and fields skirting Little Skirrid.
Price: £6.50
WALK 10 USK VALLEY ROUNDABOUT
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: CRiC A gentle walk through woods and meadows on the slopes of the
Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm valley opposite Crickhowell. After crossing Crickhowell bridge, walk up
through Llangattock then along the canal to the Dardy, where there is a steep
Distance: 9 miles
climb (which will be taken slowly) up the Ffawyddog. Then through undulating
Ascent: 1300ft
fields with wide views over the Black Mountains before descending gently to
Leader: Rob Sunderland a level walk back along the canal and river to Crickhowell.
Price: £8.50
WALK 11 A FOLLY, A FORT AND A ROMAN ROAD
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: The Welsh Venison Centre,
LD3 7HQ
Grid Ref: SO 138227 This short circular walk starts at the Welsh Venison Centre and takes us over
Time: 1.30pm to 4pm Allt yr Esgair, an often-overlooked small peak west of Bwlch. We will discover
an Iron Age fort, a Roman road, a 19th century folly, and hopefully have
Distance: 4.5 miles
stunning views all round (weather permitting). The climb is moderate, and
Ascent: 900ft
will be taken at a gentle pace. Tea/coffee and cakes will be available at the
Leader: Dave Harris finish for a concessionary price.
Price: £6.50
Sponsored by:
The Welsh Venison Centre
WALK 12 DISCOVER CRICKHOWELL
Saturday 7th March
Meeting Point: CRiC
Time: 2pm to 4pm A gentle stroll around Crickhowell that focuses on its distinctive townscape.
Distance: 2 miles Historical changes in the regional economy are related to the growth of the
Ascent: 150ft market town in its physical setting, its characteristic buildings and land use
Leader: Robert Gant patterns. The role of important landowners in the development of the town
Price: £6.50 and changes in local society are examined and illustrated from historical
Sponsored by: CRiC records.
See website for directions to Start Points 9
10 You must wear appropriate clothing - check p3
WALK 13 NORDIC WALKING AT BWLCH
Saturday 7th March Nordic Walking instructor, Heather Maling, will lead a circuit of Buckland Hill,
Meeting Point: Forest Car Park, Bwlch renowned for the views towards Brecon and Abergavenny. Coaching will
Grid Ref: SO 145219 be given on techniques - uphill, downhill, on tracks and paths. This walk is
Time: 2pm to 4pm suitable for beginners and more experienced Nordic walkers who want to
Distance: 3 miles brush up their technique or simply to enjoy the trip! Walking poles will be
Ascent: 200ft provided, light weight walking boots recommended.
Leader: Heather Maling
Heather Maling will offer FREE Nordic Walking Taster sessions on Saturday
Price: £6.50
morning at Castle Grounds, Crickhowell. To book a session on Saturday
Sponsored by:
morning email heather@breconbeaconsnordicwalking.co.uk
Brecon Beacons Nordic Walking
Map Interpretation Workshop
Saturday 7th March Learn to correctly interpret what you see on a map. Once again we
Veune: CRiC welcome Kevin Walker to the Festival. His workshops have proved very
Time: 10am to 12noon popular. This indoor workshop introduces the art of map interpretation
Price: £6.50 which enables you to get an incredibly detailed picture of the ground
using simple techniques. Once you have been introduced to this simple
Sponsored by: yet effective skill, you will never look at a map in the same way again. Kevin
Kevin Walker Mountain Activities will have copies of his books on sale.
Nordic Walking Taster Sessions
Saturday 7th March Heather Maling is a fully qualified Nordic Walking Instructor. She will be running
Meeting Point: a series of FREE taster sessions in the Castle grounds, Crickhowell. Each session
Castle Grounds, Crickhowell will last about 20 minutes. To book a session email:
Time: 10am to 12noon heather@breconbeaconsnordicwalking.co.uk
Leader: Heather Maling If you have enjoyed the experience and would like to try something a little longer,
Price: FREE this afternoon there will be a session at Bwlch (Walk 13), for which booking
Sponsored by: is necessary through this site. Poles will be provided for both morning and
Brecon Beacons Nordic Walking afternoon sessions.
Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop
Saturday 7th March Learn to find your way on the hills in a fog! In this indoor workshop
Veune: CRiC Kevin Walker introduces the skills needed to navigate accurately in misty
Time: 2pm to 4pm conditions, including compass work and estimating time and distance.
Price: £6.50 Bring a compass, if you have one, but there should be enough around to
Sponsored by: borrow one for the lesson. Kevin will have his books for sale - so please
Kevin Walker Mountain Activities bring some cash!
Search and Rescue Dogs in the Brecon Beacons
Our nominated charity this year is SARDA - the Search and Rescue Dogs
Association - the South Wales branch will be here with some of their
Saturday 7th March dogs, to tell you about their work and how they go about training their
Veune: Bowls Pavilion, Crickhowell teams and examples of some of the rescues with which they have been
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm involved. They work very closely with the local Mountain Rescue teams, but
are increasingly brought in to assist the Police in searching for vulnerable
Speaker: Phillipa Lewis + SARDA Dogs!
and missing people in both urban and rural environments.They may even
Price: £6.50 be called in on major incidents outside the immediate area. All the funds
Sponsored by: sardawales.org.uk to support this essential service are raised by contributions and everyone
involved in SARDA is an unpaid volunteer. This promises to be a fascinating
insight into these unsung heroes of the rescue community.
Please read our terms and conditions on the website 11Mobile: 07968 085620
Email: kevin@mountain-activities.com
Web: www.mountain-activities.com
Courses & walks
Coaching & guiding
Writing & photography
BRINGING THE LANDSCAPE TO LIFE
12 You must wear appropriate clothing - check p3SUNDAY 8th MARCH
WALK 14 BLACK MOUNTAINS NORTH TO SOUTH
Sunday 8th March A walk taking in the entire length of the Black Mountains, from Hay Bluff in
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start the far north back to Crickhowell in the south. Starting with a steep ascent
Time: 8am to 5pm up Hay Bluff, the walk then drops down to Gospel Pass before climbing
Distance: 16 miles Twmpa. It continues via Waun Fach (the highest point in the Black Mountains
Ascent: 3000ft at 811m), Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch before descending into
Leader: David Moseley Crickhowell via Table Mountain. The route can be boggy in places and good
Price: £13.50 (Incl £5 bus fare) footwear is essential.
WALK 15 LLANTHONY VALLEY CHALLENGE
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: Llanthony Priory A challenging walk taking in a full circuit of the Llanthony valley from the
Grid Ref: SO 288278 Priory. The initial steep climb is west out of the valley to Bal Mawr and then
Time: 9am to 6pm heading north along the ridge to Rhos Dirion. Now heading east along the
Distance: 18 miles northern escarpment of the Black Mountains, with views into the Wye valley,
Ascent: 3000ft via Twmpa and Hay Bluff and then south along Offa’s Dyke Path, before a
Leader: Simon Foster steep descent back to the Priory.
Price: £8.50
WALK 16 A DIFFERENT GRWYNE FECHAN CIRCUIT
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: Tir y Nant See the upper Grwyne Fechan from a different perspective. Climb initially up
Grid Ref: SO 237237 to the eastern ridge, taking a short detour to visit a WWII aircraft crash site
Time: 9am to 4pm and then steadily north to Pen-y-Gadair, turn sharply down over tussocky
Distance: 11 miles grass to the lonely and infrequently visited standing stone Maen Llwyd. The
Ascent: 24000ft route now follows sheep tracks to the head of the valley before descending
Leader: Alan Moyle via Macnamara’s road. Meet the other walkers starting from here today for
Price: £8.50 complimentary tea and Welsh cakes at the end of the walk.
Sponsored by: One Step Beyond
WALK 17 QUIETER SIDE OF THE BEACONS
Sunday 8th March Avoid the crowds by approaching the Beacons from the north. Via the
Meeting Point: Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park remote beauty of Cwm Llwch there is a steady climb with a steep kick to the
Grid Ref: SO 006244 ridge and then on up to the summit of Corn Du. Now a level walk through the
pass of the black wind (aptly named!) and along Graig Fan Ddu ridge before
Time: 9am to 5pm
a steep descent to the Neuadd Reservoir. From here we ascend the gentle
Distance: 12 miles
Roman Road to Windy Gap, followed by two steep ascents – Cribyn and Pen
Ascent: 4000ft y Fan via Jacob’s Ladder. With the highest mountain in southern Britain in
Leader: Drew Walters the bag we will follow Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge and drop down across the
Price: £8.50 valley to our start point.
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 1314 Please read our terms and conditions on the website
Walk 18 MOUNTAINS OF THE MIND
On this walk, you will learn how to meditate through walking. Walking
Sunday 8th March
Meditation enables you to experience a greater sense of presence and
Meeting Point: Tir y Nant
affords a deeper connection with the mountain on which you walk. The
Grid Ref: SO 237237 session will help you pay attention to the way you breathe and connect every
Time: 10am to 2pm step. You may well practise seated meditation and this session will help you
Distance: 5 miles and complete novices to learn how to use walking to enrich your walking life.
Ascent: 1300ft We start in the heart of the Black Mountains and climb effortlessly to the
Leader: Rob and Tilly Lewis ridge. We take lunch overlooking the Fechan Valley and Beacons beyond,
Price: £6.50 before descending a single track to the valley floor. Meet the other walkers
Sponsored by: Mission Performance starting from here today for complimentary tea and Welsh cakes at the end
of the walk.
WALK 19 THE WITCHES POOL - PWLL-Y-WRACH
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: Talgarth Car Park Visit the pool which hides its secrets in a lovely secluded valley. Did St
Grid Ref: SO 153337 Gwendoline bathe here? But perhaps it hides a darker secret- was it a pool
Time: 10am to 3pm used in medieval times to decide whether witches were innocent or guilty?
Distance: 8 miles The walk takes a route out of Talgarth towards the distant Black Mountains
and then along their lower flanks before turning back towards the town. On
Ascent: 1600ft
the way back the Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve is visited. (This can be very
Leader: Richard Mitchley
muddy at times and so a road walk may be substituted.)
Price: £8.50
Sponsored by: Dragon Trails
WALK 20 UP MACNAMARA’S ROAD
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: Tir y Nant A circular walk up the Grwyne Fechan, discovering the secret life of John
Grid Ref: SO 237237 Macnamara, a colourful 19th century character. We walk up a track and
Time: 10.30am to 4pm through fields to the picturesque Tal-y-maes bridge then ascend the path to
Distance: 9 miles the saddle on the ridge above. We then head south along the ridge to Pen
Ascent: 2000ft Twyn Glas before descending to Tal Twrynau and the hairpin bend in the road
and then to Tir y Nant. Meet the other walkers starting from here today for
Leader: Graham Thomas
complimentary tea and Welsh cakes at the end of the walk.
Price: £8.50
WALK 21 TOLKIEN’S SHIRE
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: CRiC A delightful circular walk in countryside which may have inspired Tolkien
Time: 11am to 3pm to write The Hobbit. We follow the River Usk downstream then walk over to
Distance: 7 miles the Grwyne valley by way of Rheld Wood. From the massive chestnut tree
we walk beside the Grwyne river through the village of Llangenny, possibly
Ascent: 700ft
calling at The Dragon Inn for refreshment. We continue along the babbling
Leader: Janet Moseley stream then ascend to a road which takes us to a farmyard (often muddy)
Price: £8.50 then across fields, down Cwm Cumbeth to a housing estate and back to
Sponsored by: CRiC.
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
1516 See website for directions to Start Points
WALK 22 SUGAR LOAF AND TABLE MOUNTAIN BY MOONLIGHT
Sunday 8th March
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start A Super Moon will light the night sky tonight. From Abergavenny we walk
Time: 4.30pm to 11pm over the top of Sugar Loaf and down the western ridge to the Grwyne river.
Distance: 10 miles From Llangenny we ascend steeply up Table Mountain and descend to
Ascent: 2700ft Crickhowell through fields and a quiet road.
Leader: Bill Chase
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) Warm clothes, hot drinks, food, head torches and spare batteries
Sponsored by: essential!
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
WALK 23 GLANUSK ESTATE BY MOONLIGHT
Sunday 8th March A Super Moon will light the night sky tonight. A delightful walk along
Meeting Point: CRIC the river Usk, then through the Glanusk Estate – kindly opened by the
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm Estate – and back along the Mon and Brec canal. This easy walk starts
at Bullpit Meadow and follows the river to cross Glanusk bridge with fine
Distance: 4.5 miles
views of the river by moonlight. A short ascent to the canal which we follow
Ascent: 110ft
back to Crickhowell bridge.
Leader: Jane Bradbury
Price: £6.50 Warm clothes, hot drinks, food, head torches and spare batteries
Sponsored by: Crickhowell Adventure essential!
Wales’ most challenging long distance trail
- the Cambrian Way
Sunday 8th March The Cambrian Way is a long distance trail from Conwy in the north of
Venue: The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell Wales to Cardiff in the south. Whilst it is not a nationally recognised
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm long-distance path, there is now a Cicerone Guide to this most
Speaker: Will Renwick challenging of treks up the spine of Wales. This trek is not for the faint
- President of Ramblers Cymru hearted! It has been divided into 21 day sections which have a total
Price: £6.50 length of 283 miles with nearly 36,000ft of ascent.
Will Renwick writes for magazines including The Great Outdoors, and
Outdoors Magic which he currently edits. He is also a Trustee for the
Cambrian Way. In 2013, Will stepped out of the front door of his home
Cambrian Way
in the Vale of Glamorgan, walked to the coast, and began a 1034-mile The Mountain Connoisseur’s Walk
journey around the edge of Wales. For 2020, he’s currently planning
a north to south walk across Wales that will take in every mountain
along the way.
1718
MONDAY 9th March
WALK 24 A WILDLIFE WANDER FROM BRECON
Monday 9th March
Meeting Point: Kensington Car Park,
Brecon, LD3 9A (charge £4) This is a wander along paths and tracks to discover nature reserves
Time: 9am to 4pm and wildlife in a variety of habitats close to Brecon. From Brecon, we
Distance: 10 miles will climb the Crug Iron-age Hill Fort and visit two contrasting nature
Ascent: 1120ft reserves, Llandefaelog Wood and Cae Eglwys meadow. We will return along
Leader: Pauline Hill the Honddu valley to Priory Woods and Brecon.
Price: £8.50
Sponsored by:
Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
WALK 25 BEACONS WAY - WEST TO EAST DAY 1
Monday 9th March This is a challenging walk with ascents and descents across open moorland
Meeting Point: Llangynidr Village and hopefully terrific views of the Brecon Beacons and surrounding
Car Park for bus to start areas. This walk commences by ascending the upgraded footpath to the
Grid Ref: SO 155195 summit of Pen-y-Fan. We then descend via the maintained footpath to the
base of Cribyn and follow the path around its base to ascend Fan-y-Big.
Time: 9am to 5.30pm
A ridge walk follows before we descend Craig-y-Fan Ddu to Blaen-y-Glyn
Distance: 14 miles car park for our lunch stop. Our afternoon walk proceeds along the disused
Ascent: 5756ft railway line with views across the Talybont reservoir before ascending
Leader: Paul Wyatt to Pen Rhiw-calch and onto Bryn Melyn overlook and a gradual descent
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) to Llangynidr.
WALK 26 A BRYN WITH A VIEW
Monday 9th March
Meeting Point: Car Park at Talybont A gentle meandering climb up the Bryn with a superb panorama of the Black
Reservoir Mountains. Initially, back along the road to cross the Talybont dam and follow
Grid Ref: SO 099196 part of the Henry Vaughan trail, before crossing the Caerfanell river and
Time: 9.30am to 4pm climbing through beech woods and fields around the base of the Bryn. Then
Distance: 11 miles out onto open moorland to the summit with its great view and a majestic
Ascent: 2000ft Beacons backdrop. Back through woods, a lane and fields to complete the
Leader: Claire Key circuit.
Price: £8.50
WALK 27 THE HEIGHTS OF MYNYDD LLANGATWG
Monday 9th March
Meeting Point: CRiC A circular walk from Crickhowell up to and around the escarpment of Mynydd
Time: 9.30am to 4.45pm Llangatwg and back to the Usk Valley. A steady climb from the River Usk,
mainly over open fields up towards the Lonely Shepherd rock and onto
Distance: 10.5 miles
the wild limestone escarpment. We return via an old quarry and drop back
Ascent: 1700ft down to the Mon and Brec Canal and Crickhowell. Great views of the Black
Leader: Jeremy Dobbin Mountains throughout, and a fine window on the industrial hotbed that was
Price: £8.50 Llangattock Hillside in the first half of the 19th century.
Sponsored by: Natural Weigh
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 19WALK 28 HIGH HILLS, LEANING TOWER AND BLOODY REVENGE
Monday 9th March
Meeting Point: Queen’s Head Walkers
Car Park, Stanton A strenuous, invigorating and rewarding circular walk around the lower
Grid Ref: SO 311221 Llanthony valley, rich in history and with spectacular views of the Black
Time: 9.30am to 6pm Mountains, and a pint in the Queen’s Head to finish the day. We explore an
Distance: 13.5 miles Iron Age/Roman fort, hear the story of the Revenge Stone, visit the magical
Ascent: 3000ft Llanthony Priory, and Cwmyoy crooked church.
Leader: Brian Post
Price: £8.50
WALK 29 OUR FAVOURITE FULL WATERFALLS CIRCUIT
Monday 9th March Starting at Pontneddfechan we will explore parts of five rivers, taking in more
Meeting Point: Opposite Angel Inn, than eight waterfalls, a Gunpowder Factory, the site of an iron age settlement,
Pontneddfechan, SA11 5NR derelict farmhouse, cross a river by passing behind a waterfall, walk along
Grid Ref: SN 900076 a path high above another waterfall, pass by a resurgence pool and silica
Time: 9.30am to 5pm mines to return along a disused tramway passing the Farewell Rock.
Distance: 11.5 miles
Ascent: 1500ft Boots with good grips and waterproofs essential as is surefootedness and a
Leader: Clive Counsell head for heights as you will often be walking along narrow slippery paths.
Price: £8.50 Concentration required but not overly physically demanding.
WALK 30 A SKIRRID DOUBLE
Monday 9th March Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) is the most easterly of Black Mountains hills. Though
Meeting Point: Abergavenny Bus Station modest in height (486m), it is steeped in history and legend, with magnificent
Public Car Park, NP7 5HF views. We begin on the Beacons Way by lanes and fields before starting the
Time: 10am to 4pm main ascent through woodland and then the fine ridge to the summit – where
Distance: 11 miles there will be time for tales and hopefully a grand vista. Returning towards
Ascent: 1900ft Abergavenny, we take in our bonus hill, Little Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fach). This
used to be tree-covered, but after a recent tonsure, its open top gives fine
Leader: Andy Johns
views of the whole sweep of the Usk valley. A steady descent leads back to
Price: £8.50 the town.
WALK 31 OVER THE MOORS OF MYNYDD LLANGORSE
Monday 9th March
Meeting Point: Cwmdu Village Hall
A lovely and varied walk which gives the feeling of the open expanse of
Car Park
the high hills for a relatively modest ascent. We shall cross fields in the
Grid Ref: SO 180239 valley of the Rhiangoll and then climb gently onto the open moorland
Time: 10am to 3pm of Cefn Moel, Mynydd Llangorse and Pen Tir. We stop for lunch by a Bronze
Distance: 7 miles Age cairn before we drop down a quite steep path and a rough track to the
Ascent: 1100ft car park.
Leader: Roger White
Price: £8.50
WALK 32 THE LONELY DOG IN THE CHURCHYARD
This is a dog friendly walk through fields, canal, track
Monday 9th March and lanes. Your dog needs to be friendly, sociable and
Meeting Point: CRiC well behaved. Much of the walk is off lead but there is a
Time: 1pm to 4.30pm section on a lane on leads. Please wear walking boots as
Distance: 7 miles there is a rough track ascending to Llanelli Church. We
Ascent: 700ft will have a short break so bring a drink and snack then
Leader: Anthea James we will search for the dog that lives in the graveyard. We
Price: £6.50 will go to the dog friendly Bear Hotel for a cuppa at the
Sponsored by: The Bear Hotel end if you would like to join us. Non-dog owners also
welcome!
20 See website for directions to Start PointsLandscape change in the Brecon Beacons
- an invitation to speculate
Land use and wildlife conservation are, above all, human
choices. A highly urbanising nation, the UK is wanting more from
its National Parks: luscious landscapes, accessible recreation,
affordable food, abundant wildlife, thriving community, regulated
planning, mountain tops, reduced bracken, patchwork fields,
Monday 9th March native woodland, climate resilience, alien forest. What gives
Venue: Bowls Pavilion amongst this shifting expectation for a 21st Century Brecon
Time: 7.30pm Beacons? Come and partake in this illustrated interactive
Speaker: Rob Yorke conversation.
Price: £6.50
Sponsored by: Rob Yorke, rural commentator, surveyor and inhabitant of the
Black Mountains Hideaway AirBnB Black Mountains works with a wide range of interests. He hosts
diverse, robust and respectful conversations on the countryside
and you can join him on 13th March to continue the conversation
as he leads Walk 66. And/or go to www.robyorke.co.uk.
Licensed bar available.
Wellbeing Workshop: A New Perspective
Please note that this workshop is combined with Walk
39 on Tuesday 10th March, ‘Wellbeing Walk and Talk:
Connecting to Nature’. Booking is made for both the
workshop and walk on the walk’s page.
The idea of ‘wellbeing’ has become near-ubiquitous in daily life.
So much so that senior figures worldwide now propose it as a
Monday 9th March more meaningful economic measure than traditional financial or
Venue: Conference Room, CRiC productivity benchmarks. But do we even know what wellbeing
is? Where does it come from? Can it be enhanced, or put at
Time: 7.30pm
risk? If so, what affects it? In this relaxed but thought-provoking
Speaker: Dr Giles P Croft workshop, you’ll be invited to question preconceived notions of
life and the human experience. As a result, you’ll be pointed
back towards something about your true nature that you’ve
known all along but have simply forgotten.
You’ll have time for your insights to settle overnight, before
taking them out into the natural arena of the Grwyne Fawr valley
and Mynydd Du Forest the following day.
See website for directions to Start Points 2122
TUESDAY 10th MARCH
WALK 33 BEACONS WAY - WEST TO EAST DAY 2
Tuesday 10th March We have a steady ascent to Cefn Moel with views of Llangorse Lake
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start and a steep descent to the hidden valley of Blaen-y-cwm-uchaf. The
Time: 9am to 4pm path then leads us to a lane in Cwmdu where we stop for lunch at the
church. Our afternoon begins with an ascent along a lane and across
Distance: 10 miles
fields to Llewenau Draw. This has commanding views of the Usk Valley and
Ascent: 2500ft surrounding countryside. We then have a contour walk around the base of
Leader: Paul Wyatt Pen Cerrig-calch with one ascent to the lost village of Twyn. From here it
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) is a gradual descent to Crickhowell.
WALK 34 EASTERN VISION
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Black Hill Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 288328 A vision, two chapels, a gospel, a black hill and a cat’s back make for an
Time: 9am to 5pm interesting walk! Cross the lovely Olchon valley, up and over Offa’s Dyke
Distance: 13 miles and down to Vision Farm and the ancient hamlet of Capel-y-Ffin. A steady
Ascent: 3200ft climb up Nant Bwch to the northern edge of the Black Mountains, then
Leader: Graham Adkin traverse Twmpa, Gospel Pass and Hay Bluff. Back into England, past Black
Price: £8.50 Hill and finish with a stroll down the Cat’s Back ridge to the start.
Sponsored by:
Black Mountains Walking
Walk 35 USK VALLEY WALK - DAY 1
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Maryport Street North
Car Park, Usk NP15 1ED for bus to start Day One of the Usk Valley walk from Caerleon to Usk. We’ll take the bus
Grid Ref: SO 376008 from Usk to the start at Caerleon. From the bridge, we walk through the old
Time: 9am to 5pm village of Caerleon ascending past the Celtic Manor golf course. We then
Distance: 11 miles ascend to a forest and follow a track high above the river and the A449,
Ascent: 1450ft dropping down past Bertholey manor house. We climb again up Cefn Hill
Leader: Bill Chase then down to the quiet village of Llantrisant. We walk beside the river for
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) the final three miles to the town of Usk.
Sponsored by:
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
Walk 36 A NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Dragon’s Back Inn, A fine walk along the North West escarpment with fine views over the Wye
Pengenffordd valley and the Black Mountains. After a stiff ascent up the Dragon’s Back
Grid Ref: SO 175296 we walk along the top of the escarpment past Rhos Dirion and up Twmpa
Time: 9.30am to 4pm where we pause to admire the view. We descend Rhiw Wen and pick up
Distance: 11 miles undulating paths at the foot of the escarpment (often muddy) and return to
Ascent: 2500ft Pengenffordd. Parking is at the Inn for which there is a £2 cash payment.
Leader: Pete Childs Please bring the correct change.
Price: £8.50
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 23WALK 37 INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE, NATURAL BEAUTY AND SO MUCH MOOR!
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Neuadd Cottages, This energetic walk allows visitors to explore the reminders of once-thriving
Llangattock industry and the unique landscape around Llangattock. A steep ascent to
Grid Ref: SO 204169 the bleak moorland atop Mynydd Llangatwg takes us to the Witches Pool,
Time: 9.30am to 5pm the site of a Dark Ages battle, and the Lonely Shepherd via Twr Pen-cyrn.
Stunning views of the central Beacons and Black Mountains if visibility is
Distance: 12 miles
good - a brooding sense of ancient menace and a test of navigation if poor.
Ascent: 1500ft Climb includes some short but steep and rugged sections that need a good
Leader: Paul Moseley head for heights.
Price: £8.50 Julia at Ty Neuadd will kindly supply us with coffee and biscuits at the start
Sponsored by: and tea and cake at the end of the walk. Walk leaves Ty Neuadd at 10am.
Neuadd Cottages, Llangattock
WALK 38 CHARTISTS’ CAVE AND INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Top House Pub, Trefil
Grid Ref: SO 120129 A guided walk with local historian, Frank Olding, looking at the upland
Time: 10am to 3.30pm archaeology of Mynydd Llangynidr. The walk will take in industrial archaeology,
Distance: 6 miles the Duke’s Table, the Brinore Tramroad, prehistoric burial mounds, medieval
Ascent: Negligible hafods and the Chartists’ Cave.
Leader: Frank Olding
Price: £8.50
WALK 39 WELLBEING WALK AND TALK: CONNECTING TO NATURE
**Please note this walk has the Wellbeing Workshop on Monday
Tuesday 10th March evening as its first component. By booking this walk you get access
Meeting Point: Pont Cadwgan to the workshop as well.
Grid Ref: SO 267251 Following overnight reflection, we take our fresh perspective on wellbeing
Time: 10am to 3pm out into the fresh air. Starting in the glorious Grwyne Fawr valley, we’ll wend
Distance: 7 miles our way through the woods before heading out on to the hills. After a lunch
Ascent: 1400ft stop and group conversation at the 14th Century Partrishow church, it’s time
Leader: Dr Giles P Croft for the day’s climb up to the trig point at Crug Mawr. We’ll return along the
Price: £10.00 ridge and back down through forestry tracks. Throughout the walk there will
Sponsored by: be plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion, sharing of insights and a
gilespcroft.com deeper exploration of the principles underpinning our psychology. But mostly,
we’ll just enjoy being out in nature!
WALK 40 IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUGAR LOAF
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Llanbedr Village Hall
A gentle ascent on to the lower slopes of the Sugar Loaf. From Llanbedr
Grid Ref: SO 239204
Village Hall we follow the Gwryne Fechan river before ascending via footpaths
Time: 10am to 3.30pm and fields onto the foothills of the Sugar Loaf. With spectacular views across
Distance: 7 mile to the Brecon Beacons, we then descend via the Cwm Gwenffrwd valley and
Ascent: 1200ft return to Llanbedr via Llangenny following the Grwyne Fawr river.
Leader: Tim and Les Barton
Price: £6.50
24 You must wear appropriate clothing - check p3WALK 41 BEACON PARK BOATS CANAL WALK
Tuesday 10th March
Meeting Point: Beacon Park Boats
Grid Ref: SO 208171 Beacon Park Boats invite you to join them at their wharf outside Llangattock
Time: 2pm to 5pm following a pleasurable walk along the canal towards Brecon and back via the
Distance: 5 miles Usk Valley Walk. Initially, we’ll walk back towards Llangattock and then onto
the canal before heading west for about 2 miles when we’ll leave the canal
Ascent: 600ft
for a bit of a climb up to the Usk Valley Walk, which leads us back to the start.
Leader: Pat Davies At the end of the walk you’ll be able to see where the boats are built (uniquely
Price: £6.50 on this canal) and enjoy complimentary tea/coffee and home-made cakes.
Sponsored by:
Beacon Park Boats
Heiptrw Hw! - Droving in the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons National Park has a rich droving heritage, being one
Tuesday 10th March of the main routes running from west to east across the country. Mark
Veune: Scout Hall, Castle Road, will explore the history, culture and practice of droving and the routes
NP8 1AP that might have been taken through the Brecon Beacons to bring Welsh
Time: 7.30pm livestock to the English markets.
Mark Davis is one of a growing band of Brecon Beacons National Park
Speaker: Mark Davis
Ambassadors. It was the National Park’s Ambassador programme on
Sponsored by: Welsh culture that first piqued his interest in the Drovers. His enthusiasm
Glanpant & The Star Bunkhouse for, and interest in the subject has grown ever since. Join Mark to learn
more about the Drovers on his walk tomorrow, Walk 47.
2526
WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH
WALK 42 AROUND THE VALE OF EWYAS
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: Llanthony Priory
Grid Ref: SO 288278 Starting from the impressive ruins of Llanthony Priory we will walk up the
Time: 9am to 6pm Vale of Ewyas to the diminutive but no less impressive St Mary’s Chapel
at Capel y Ffin. Continuing up the valley we will join the high ground and
Distance: 16 miles
enjoy extensive views over the Wye Valley before summiting Twmpa. The
Ascent: 3000ft walk continues to Hay Bluff before a stroll along Offa’s Dyke Path back to the
Leader: Clive Busson start point. During the walk we will pass the sites of some aircraft crashes
Price: £8.50 and will take time to hear the history of these events.
Sponsored by:
Walkabout Wales Guided Walks
WALK 43 BEACONS WAY WEST TO EAST - DAY 3
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: Llanthony Priory This walk crosses three main ridges with spectacular views rewarding the
for bus to start effort. We make the ascent to Crug Hywel iron age hill fort via the well-worn
Grid Ref: SO 288278 path. Our descent to the ford over the Grwyne Fechan follows before an
ascent to Craig Mawr with superb views of the Grwyne Fechan Valley. We
Time: 9am to 5pm
then proceed down to Patrishow Church for a well-earned lunch stop. Our
Distance: 12 miles descent into the Grwyne Fechan valley continues with a gradual ascent along
Ascent: 3937ft a lane to the Revenge Stone at Coed Mawr. A ridge walk follows to Bal Bach
Leader: Paul Wyatt and a descent to Cwm Bwchel valley leads to our stop at Llanthony Priory.
Price: £13.50 (includes £5 bus fare)
WALK 44 USK VALLEY WALK - DAY 2
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: Llanellen Village Hall,
NP7 9HT for bus to start
Grid Ref: SO 304109 Day Two of the Usk Valley from Usk to Llanellen. Never far from the river,
Time: 9am to 5pm today’s walk is a delight as it follows the meandering course of the River
Distance: 11 miles Usk through meadows with little ascent. We cross the river at the Chain
Ascent: 500ft Bridge and pass Clytha Castle Folly then follow the river closely all the way to
Leader: Bill Chase Llanellen. There are no facilities on today’s walk.
Price: £13.50 (includes £5 bus fare)
Sponsored by:
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
Walk 45 YOMP THE THREE PENS
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: CRiC Take paths less trodden - the Three Pens with a difference! After a gentle
Time: 9am to 4.30pm start along the River Usk, we ascend into Cwm Mawr and then take a direct
Distance: 12 miles line up the Bryniog ridge, which climbs in a series of sculpted steps left by
Ascent: 2800ft the last Ice Age to reach Pen Gloch-y-pibwr; sometimes on paths, sometimes
Leader: Andy Johns not, but nothing extreme. Main trails to Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-
Price: £8.50 calch, then down by lovely grass sheep tracks to Table Mountain and Cwm
Sponsored by: Cumbeth. Great views and quiet trails throughout.
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 27WALK 46 FFAWYDDOG - A WELSH WALK
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: CRiC A circular walk to Ffawyddog and back – and an opportunity to learn or
Time: 10am to 12.30am practise speaking Welsh. We walk over Crickhowell Bridge to look at
Distance: 6 miles Llangattock church then along the canal westwards. A gradual ascent
Ascent: 430ft takes us to a lonely barn called Ty Rachel then across fields and Ffawyddog
Leader: Richard Mitchley common. We drop down to the canal and follow it past lime kilns and a giant
Price: £6.50 Wellingtonia, returning past Park Farm and the beech wood at Legar.
Sponsored by: Dragon Trails
WALK 47 DROVERS’ REVENGE
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: Queen’s Head Walkers’
Car Park, Stanton We will seek out features in the landscape that indicate a droving route that
Grid Ref: SO 311222 once led to Abergavenny. The mixed terrain will include the upland ridges
Time: 10am to 2pm favoured by some drovers, a ruined remote droving inn and the hollow ways
Distance: 6 miles that drovers used to come off the uplands. We will explore droving practices
Ascent: 1000ft and the things that impacted their choice of route. The walk will visit an
Leader: Mark Davis & Emma Harrison ancient hill fort and the site of infamous murder. Mark Davis will be talking
Price: £6.50 about drovers on Tuesday at the Scout Hall.
Sponsored by:
Glanpant and the Star Bunkhouse
WALK 48 THE LONELY SHEPHERD
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: CRiC Starting from Crickhowell we take in the whole southward view of the Usk
Time: 10am to 2.30pm valley, climbing Llangattock Hillside, traversing old quarry tramways to the
Distance: 7.5 miles huge rock called The Lonely Shepherd. Our return path contours below the
Ascent: 1400ft old quarries then down fields to Llangattock village, across the canal and
Leader: Martyn Jones back to Crickhowell.
Price: £8.50
WALK 49 OVER THE HILL FROM FAR AWAY
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start A linear scenic walk to Crickhowell over the summit of Sugar Loaf. From the
outskirts of Abergavenny a steady climb all the way to the top of the Sugar
Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Loaf via the Deri with the reward of 360 degree views when you get there.
Distance: 10 miles Then a long descent to the village of Llangenny, returning to Crickhowell via
Ascent: 2200ft lanes and paths. Nothing too steep for too long on this walk, but you feel
Leader: Pam Knowles you’ve climbed a mountain!
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare)
28 You must wear appropriate clothing - check p3WALK 50 SUGAR LOAF ROUNDABOUT
Wednesday 11th March
Meeting Point: Mynydd Llanwenarth
Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 268167 A spiralling approach to the summit of Sugar Loaf – not too steep, except for
a short stretch towards the summit. Expect 360 degree views of the Black
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Mountains, Usk Valley, Herefordshire and beyond, if the weather is kind. Quite
Distance: 4 miles steep down to start with, but we’ll take it gently.
Ascent: 1000ft
Leader: David Thomas
Price: £6.50
Stones with a Story
Wednesday 11th March Alan Bowring, the Geopark Officer with the Brecon Beacons National Park
Veune: Bear Hotel, Crickhowell Authority, will explore facets of the history and prehistory of the National
Time: 7.30pm Park through some of its ‘longer-lived’ characters – the individual rocks
Speaker: Alan Bowring which decorate the landscape. From erratics to tumbled boulders,
Price: 6.50 standing stones to boundary markers - enduring in our landscape for long
years, they wrap themselves in moss, mist and myth to varying degrees.
Meet some ‘old friends’ and prepare to come across new ones in this
illustrated talk.
Please read our terms and conditions on the website 2930
THURSDAY 12th MARCH
WALK 51 BEACONS WAY WEST TO EAST - DAY 4
Thursday 12th March We start with a steady ascent to Offa’s Dyke path and to the trig point
Meeting Point: B4521 Skirrid Car Park following this southerly path to the iron age hill fort with commanding views
for bus to start of the Olchon Valley. The way then descends to Llanvihangel Crucorney
Grid Ref: SO 328164 where we have lunch at the church. Our afternoon commences across fields
with gates and stiles to the foot of Ysgyryd Fawr and then a steady ascent
Time: 9am to 4.30pm
to the summit. The descent to the car park provides views of the Usk Valley
Distance: 11 miles and Black Mountains.
Ascent: 2000ft
Leader: Paul Wyatt Note this is a National Trust Car Park. Free to NT members,
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) £3 non-members, please bring the correct change.
WALK 52 USK VALLEY WALK - DAY 3
Thursday 12th March A tough day mostly following the Mon and Brec Canal with a climb towards
Meeting Point: Car Park opp. Llangynidr the end. The canal winds its way gently through Llanfoist, Govilon, Gilwern
Village Hall, NP8 1LS for bus to start and Llangattock before the trail leaves the canal and ascends fields and
Grid Ref: SO 155196 woods high above the River Usk with wonderful views of the Black Mountains.
Time: 9am to 5pm We then have a short walk along the canal ending today’s walk at Llangynidr
Distance: 14 miles Village Hall.
Ascent: 850ft
Leader: Bill Chase
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare) Please note that The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny, named Best in
Sponsored by: Wales by the Good Hotel Guide 2020, will be supplying us with a
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny complimentary packed lunch today.
Walk 53 THE BLORENGE, IRONWORKS AND HILL’S TRAMROAD
Thursday 12th March
Meeting Point: Llanfoist Crossing
Car Park The walk explores the Industrial Archaeology of the north side of The
Blorenge. Crossing the Mon and Brec Canal, we ascend steeply up a tramway
Grid Ref: SO 286133
incline then contour round to visit The Punchbowl on the way to The Blorenge
Time: 9.30am to 5pm
summit. We then cross Gilwern Hill to meet Hill’s Tramway at Tyla Quarry and
Distance: 11.5 miles follow it to Pwll Du tunnel and on to Garnddyrys forge. We continue along the
Ascent: 2500ft tramroad to return down the incline to our start.
Leader: Graham Dickenson
Price: £8.50
WALK 54 MYNYDD LLANGATWG - A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
The highlight of this walk is the largely unexplored top of Mynydd Llangatwg
Thursday 12th March with panoramic views of the Usk Valley below and the Black Mountains to
Meeting Point: CRIC the north.
Time: 9.30am to 4pm Starting at CRIC, we cross the canal to join the Usk Valley Walk heading west,
Distance: 12 miles before climbing up to the escarpment. We then head broadly east. There are
Ascent: 1400ft no footpaths on the plateau and we will be “off piste” for about 3 miles with
Leader: David Moseley sometimes challenging conditions underfoot. You are unlikely to see any
Price: £8.50 other walkers up here. Eventually we leave the plateau to drop down the
escarpment to return to Crickhowell via Llangattock village.
Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 31Specialist Suppliers of Outdoor Clothing and Footwear since 1977.
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32WALK 55 STANTON STROLL
Thursday 12th March
Meeting Point: Fro Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 292200
Time: 9.30am to 12 noon This is a wonderful and fairly easy walk in the lower reaches of the Grwyne
Fawr valley. Gentle paths take us to a Grade 1 listed building, Llwyn Celyn,
Distance: 5 miles
recently restored by the Landmark Trust. We will be stopping here to look
Ascent: 800ft
at the house and a small museum. We will also pass by a small secluded
Leader: Ruth Pickvance nature reserve.
Price: £6.50
Sponsored by:
element-active.co.uk
WALK 56 BUCKLAND AND MORE
Thursday 12th March We follow lanes and tracks up onto little walked Buckland Hill passing
Meeting Point: A40 Layby near Bwlch Buckland Hall on the way. Views include the Brecon Beacons and valley back
Grid Ref: SO 129227 to Sugarloaf. Crossing the A40 we meander up onto Cefn Moel and from
Time: 10am to 4pm there drop down past Heol-las farm. Then begins the search for Blaenllynfi
Distance: 9.5 miles the hidden castle. Taking a lane, followed by a Roman road leads us up to the
Ascent: 2300ft fort on Allt-yr-Esgair where we drop down via the hidden Paragon tower and
Leader: Anthea James back to our cars. This walk has three ascents but all will be taken at a steady
Price: £8.50 pace for all our enjoyment.
WALK 57 CASTLE, TABLE, DRAGON, SAINT
Thursday 12th March
Meeting Point: CRiC A circular walk taking in Crickhowell Castle, Table Mountain, Llanbedr, the
Time: 10am to 4pm Grwyne rivers and Llangenny. A walk full of historical interest. Find out who
Distance: 8 miles drowned in Butler’s Pool, why an Austrian psychiatrist slept near the Dragon’s
Ascent: 1400ft Head and what happened to Lady Sybil’s forearms.
Leader: Rob Sunderland
Price: £8.50
WALK 58 HILL CHILL PILL
Thursday 12th March This beautiful valley, home of monasteries, priories and stillness is the perfect
Meeting Point: Trwyn Tal, Capel-y-ffin place to relax: big views to still the mind, quiet paths, babbling streams,
Grid Ref: SO 252322 magnificent mountains that fill your senses. If you live at a fast pace, let
Time: 10am to 3.30pm these hills help you slow down for a breather. Taken at a steady, relaxing
pace we head gently up towards Gospel Pass, then soak up the views
Distance: 6 miles
on the well managed path to the summit of Twmpa (aka Lord Hereford’s
Ascent: 1300ft Knob). Descending to the west, we then pick up the source of Nant Bwch
Leader: Sarah Maliphant and follow that down the picturesque valley to waterfalls, then around the
Price: £8.50 hillside back to the farm. A perfect opportunity to unwind whilst you walk,
Sponsored by: chat, take space to yourself. Walk time allows for time to sit and gaze -
www.more-to.org weather permitting! Tea and home baked cake provided afterwards.
WALK 59 MYNYDD LLANGYNIDR - THE ‘OTHER’ HOLY MOUNTAIN
Thursday 12th March
Meeting Point: Blaen Onneu Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 156171 Join us on an exploration of one of Wales’ most extraordinary landscapes
Time: 10am to 4pm –these moorlands were designated an SSSI due to their ‘globally significant’
interstratal karst landscape – whatever is that? Come and find out! Besides
Distance: 7 miles
caves, cairns and quarries, rock arches and disappearing lakes, there are
Ascent: 700ft
shakeholes galore. Rough underfoot in part.
Leader: Alan Bowring & Dilys Harlow
Price: £8.50
You must wear appropriate clothing - check p3 3334
WALK 60 TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE
Thursday 12th March A classic walk over Table Mountain. We climb steadily out of Crickhowell
Meeting Point: CRiC and into green meadows, a hillside copse and open moorland to reach the
Time: 11am to 3pm summit of Table Mountain with its Iron Age heritage. We take our lunch on or
Distance: 6 miles close to the summit with shelter from the wind on one side or the other and
Ascent: 1300ft with sweeping views over Crickhowell and the Usk valley. Then we cross the
Leader: Roger White moorland to descend the wooded valley of Cwm Cumbeth and return to CRiC
Price: £6.50 past the Church, the High Street and the Castle.
Curry and Quiz
It’s back again! An eclectic mix of questions with an outdoor feel
Thursday 12th March and a feelgood bowl of curry! A few questions may relate to the
Venue: Horseshoe Inn, Llangattock Festival so a good read of the Festival booklet may prove useful –
Time: 7.30pm or even recruit your walk leader to help, we understand they have
Price: £10.00 per team - pay on the night very reasonable rates!
Special Offer: Curry at £6.50
Sponsored by: No need to book - just turn up as a team or join one!
The Horseshoe Inn, Llangattock Maximum of 6 per team; adhoc teams encouraged on the night.
Please note: this is a Google-free zone
35FRIDAY 13th MARCH
WALK 61 USK VALLEY WALK - DAY 4
Friday 13th March
Meeting Point: Brycheiniog Car Park
Brecon, LD3 7EW for bus to start
Grid Ref: SO 046281 Day Four of the Usk Valley Walk from Llangynidr to Brecon. Our last day
Time: 9am to 5pm mainly follows the canal for a mile then veers away to the base of Tor y
Distance: 12.8 miles Foel and Aber village then climbs again around Coity Wood before dropping
Ascent: 1600ft down the canal at Pencelli. We cross an aqueduct over the River Usk before
Leader: Bill Chase walking the last two miles into Brecon.
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare)
Sponsored by:
Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell
WALK 62 AROUND THE RHIANGOLL
Friday 13th March
Meeting Point: Cwmdu Village Hall
Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 180239 A walk on beautiful moorland ridges around the unfrequented Rhiangoll
Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm valley with sweeping views on all sides. We climb up to Pen Gloch-y-pibwr on
the eastern side and along the Allt Mawr Ridge to Pengenffordd. Around the
Distance: 14 miles
back of Mynydd Troed before climbing up Cockit Hill onto Mynydd Llangorse.
Ascent: 3300ft We finish by descending Pen Tir to Cwmdu for a well-earned drink to finish.
Leader: Huw Dullea
Price: £8.50
Sponsored by: Treads and Trails
WALK 63 THE HIGH ROAD FROM TORPANTAU TO CRICKHOWELL
Friday 13th March
Meeting Point: CRiC for bus to start
Time: 9.30am to 5pm Pretty wild walking to the south of Crickhowell. A long and rewarding walk
across rough moorland back to Crickhowell taking in Mynydd Llangynidr,
Distance: 15 miles
the Chartist Cave and Mynydd Llangattock with excellent views into
Ascent: 1700ft the Usk valley and of the Black Mountains.
Leader: Graham Dickenson
Price: £13.50 (incl £5 bus fare)
WALK 64 DISCOVERING THE HIGHEST CASTLE IN WALES
Friday 13th March
Meeting Point: Dragon’s Back Inn,
Pengenffordd A strenuous circular walk visiting the remains of the highest castle in England
Grid Ref: SO 175296 and Wales, with spectacular views of the Black Mountains, Wye Valley, the
Time: 10am to 5pm Central Beacons and Llangorse Lake (if the weather is kind). Parking is at
Distance: 10 miles the Dragon’s Back pub and there will be £2 cash payment. Please bring the
Ascent: 3400ft correct change.
Leader: Paul Moseley
Price: £8.50
36 Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.comYou can also read
