October

 

 

Saturday

10th October

Heart of the Beacons

A walk above Ystradfellte

Leader: Clive Rees

6.5 miles

Tel: 07969-378750

Moderate

 

 

 

Description:

 

Our route follows part of The Beacons Way, a long-distance path through beautiful countryside with lovely panoramas.

 

We begin from the riverside Forestry Car Park at Blaen Llia in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog.

 

We’ll join Sarn Helen, (an ancient Roman Road used by the Roman Legions) where we will pass the monolith of Maen Madoc.

 

We then descend to the attractive riverside of Nedd Fechan where we can keep our feet dry by crossing on the footbridge and stopping for lunch.

 

Passing by the farm at Blaen Nedd Isaf, we begin a steep climb which we will do at a gentle pace. The climb is well worth the effort as we have views across open country as we ascend onto Carnau Gwynion. 

 

Here we will pass through a fantastic area of shake holes and twisted rock formations that are an absolute delight.

 

We then follow a bridleway path which descends back to the road, a short distance from the car park.

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Dogs: To remain on short leads

 

Stiles: None.

Toilets: Public toilets at Pontneddfechan before the walk.

Terrain:

  • Open countryside with some rough sections underfoot.
  • Steep sections taken at a gentle pace.

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Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to:

The White Horse in Pontneddfechan.

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Fantastic scenery on our walk

The ancient monolith of Maen Madoc

Walking the Roman Road of Sarn Helen

An attractive lunch stop on the banks of the Nedd Fechan

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Ystradfellte: Blaen Llia: Forestry Car Park

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Directions: 

·       Head to M4 Jct 43 at Llandarcy.

·       Join A465.

·       Head north on A465.

·       Exit onto A4109, signposted Glynneath.

·       Turn right at crossroads onto B4242 for Pontneddfechan.

·       Take 2nd left, signposted Pontneddfechan.

·       Pass through village then ascend on left fork by The Dinas Inn.

·       After 4 miles, pass through Ystradfellte.

·       After nearly 2 miles, descend right at Forestry Car park sign.

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(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: length.bullion.thrusters

Post Code: CF44 9JD

Lat/Long: 51.8366, -3.5585

 

GR:

SN

927 164

 

 

Sunday

11th October

Pont Walby and Penderyn

Leader: Karen Gibbs

10 miles

Tel: 07748-349264

Moderate

 

 

Description:

 

A moderate walk from Craig y Ddinas along the Nedd River to Pont Walby Geopark.

 

Gradual ascent to Rhigos and Penderyn, returning to the car park via Moel Penderyn.

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Dogs: Assistance Dogs Only

Stiles: There are stiles on this walk.

Toilets: None.

Ascent: 1,395 ft / 425 m.

Livestock: There will be livestock on the way.

Terrain:

·       Reasonable paths, some stony and probably muddy in places.

·       Gradual ascent to Rhigos and Penderyn.

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Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to a local venue.

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Start:

Starting Place:

 

10:00 a.m.

Pontneddfechan: Dinas Rock Car Park

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Directions: 

·       Follow A465 northward past Glynneath then take slip road onto A4109.

·       Turn right at crossroads onto B4242.

·       Turn left, signposted Pontneddfechan.

·       Follow Pontneathvaughan Road past the Angel Inn.

·       Continue straight, joining Dinas Road.

·       After half a mile, bear right at NRW Dinas Rock sign.

·       Cross narrow bridge and turn left into car park.

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(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: landlady.fishery.carpentry

Post Code: SA11 5NB

Lat/Long: 51.7595, -3.5787

 

GR:

SN

911 079

 

 

Thursday

15th October

SA1 & Swansea Minster

Wellbeing Walk

Leader: Lynne Esson

Up to 1 hour

Tel: 07754-435221 or 01792-845845

Easy Access

 

 

 

Description:

 

Another of our monthly ‘Wellbeing Walks’.

 

These walks are very short and are measured by time and not distance.

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This month our ‘Wellbeing Walk’ will be slightly different.

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The walk is a little longer as we will be taking in a visit to Swansea Minster (St. Mary’s Church) to see the giant Earth installation, (A 6-metre sphere showing the Earth from the sky).

 

From Sainsbury’s, we will walk up Wind Street to the Minster and back along the ‘Crunchie’ Bridge and the Marina.

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Dogs: To remain on short leads

Stiles: None.

Toilets: At Sainsbury’s | In Swansea Minster

Terrain: Flat, hard-surfaced paths.

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Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments into Sainsbury’s for a coffee/tea.

N.B. Please be aware that Sainsbury’s car park has a limit of 2 hours.

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Start:

Starting Place:

 

10:00 a.m.

SA1: Sainsburys Car Park - rear entrance of coffee shop

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: lonely.fence.soda

Post Code: SA1 8JA

Lat/Long: 51.6201, -3.9344

 

GR:

SS

661 930

 

 

Saturday

17th October

Part of Mumbles Way

Leader: Christine Rees

6 miles

Tel: 07967-716568 or 01792-403547

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

Walk part of the Mumbles Way without its head and tail!

 

A circular walk through the hinterland of Swansea Bay from Blackpill to Mumbles, connecting green spaces and encountering places of historical interest.

 

An urban walk on prepared paths and some roads.

 

We will stop for a short coffee break and a lunch break, please bring your own munchies!

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See photographs of the previous walk on The Mumbles Way.

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Dogs: To remain on short, non-extendible leads

Livestock: None.

Stiles: None.

Toilets: Woodman & Oystermouth Castle.

Terrain: Some occasional ascent.

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Social after walk

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to the Woodman Inn.

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Passing by Oystermouth Castle

 

Walking along the promenade

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Blackpill: The Woodman: Car park (Clyne Gardens Section)

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Directions:

·       From the city centre, head west along Oystermouth Road.

·       Turn right at The Woodman then right into car park.

·       There is an area to the left which is free for Clyne Gardens users.

·       If full, there is a pay & display car park at Derwen Fawr Road, off B4436.

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 (Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: every.legal.motel

Post Code: SA3 5AS

Lat/Long: 51.5962, -3.9961

 

GR:

SS

618 905

 

 

Saturday

24th October

Cowbridge and Llansannor

 

Leader: Andrew Morgan

6.7 miles

Tel: 07719-409504

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

A walk in the attractive countryside of The Vale of Glamorgan, passing in Llansannor, the Tudor mansion reputed to have belonged to the family of Nell Gwynn.

 

We’ll start in the village of Aberthin and head immediately into the lush farmland.

 

You have to be eagle-eyed to spot the disused railway line that we cross as we make our way towards the centre of Cowbridge.

 

As we reach the outskirts of the town, we instead turn north to re-enter farmland alongside the hidden (but heard!) A48 bypass.

 

We follow an old tree-covered lane to reach the western end of the village where we again turn north below a wooded hill where high above ‘Witch Hill’ Wood, Penllyn Castle commands the area.

 

There will be panoramic views across the farmland of the old racecourse to the high ground of Stalling Down as we make our way to join the Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail to walk below Standby Wood.

 

We arrive at the hamlet of Llansannor with its ancient church and Tudor mansion then cross more fields to make our way back to Aberthin.

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Dogs: To remain on short, non-extendible leads

Stiles: 3-4 ancient stone stiles (and awkward!).

Toilets: In the pub.

Livestock: Cows, Sheep, Pheasants and Chickens!

Terrain:

  • Farmland.
  • Woodland.
  • Undulating paths, nothing steep.
  • Some mud expected but generally good underfoot.

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Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to the farmers Arms.

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The family mansion of the Gwynn family, disputed relatives of Nell Gwynn!

 

We may be lucky to still see Sunflowers (if they haven’t gone over!)

 

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Cowbridge: Aberthin: On-street parking

(Just after Farmers Arms pub or in the side streets).

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Directions: 

 

·       Take M4 east to junction 35 (Pencoed).

·       Take 1st exit onto A473.

·       At roundabout, take 3rd exit, sign posted Pencoed Cemetery.

·       Continue straight at next roundabout.

·       Road passes under the M4.

·       Continue 3 miles to Pentre Meyrick.

·       Turn left onto A48.

·       After a mile, go straight at roundabout.

·       Turn left off the raised bypass to descend into Cowbridge,

(Care – the exit is a very sharp 270-degree bend).

·       Continue along Cowbridge main road, passing ‘The Horse and Groom’.

·       Continue along Cowbridge main road to light-controlled cross roads.

·       Turn left and drive almost a mile.

·       Farmers Arms Pub is on the left.

·       Park just after the pub or in streets to the right.

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(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: corporate.cheerful.badge

Post Code: CF71 7HA

Lat/Long: 51.4674, -3.4298

 

GR:

ST

007 752

 

 

Thursday

29th October

Penclawdd

A Taste of Gower Walk

Leader: Al Evans

4 miles

Tel: 07791-408184

Moderate

 

 

 

Description:

 

A lovely walk on North Gower with beautiful views over Loughor Estuary to Llanelli and Burry Port.

 

We will walk from Penclawdd to Hermon Chapel and back.

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Dogs: To remain on short, non-extendible leads

Livestock: None.

Stiles: None.

Toilets: In GG’s | Public Toilets near car park.

Terrain: Ascents and descents on narrow paths.

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Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to GG’s Café & Ice-cream Parlour.

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The view from above Penclawdd across Loughor Estuary

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Penclawdd: Foreshore Car Park (free)

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Directions: 

·       From Gowerton, follow B4295 westward to Penclawdd.

·       Negotiate the double bend in the village.

·       Pass over the pedestrian crossing.

·       Turn immediately right into the car park.

              (The Chip shop is to the left and GGs is to the right).

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(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: pining.skillet.area

Post Code: SA4 3YF

Lat/Long: 51.6429, -4.1038

 

GR:

SS

545 958

 

 

Thursday

29th October

Oystermouth Castle

A Guided Ghost Tour

 

 

Description:

 

The Social Committee has arranged a Ghost Tour of Oystermouth Castle just before Halloween!

 

We will have a tour of the castle which is said to be haunted.  The tour will last between 90 minutes to 2 hours.

 

Members will have been emailed details on how to book.

 

Maximum Number: 20

Cost: £6 (Usually £14)

 

 

N.B.  You must book in advance your place on the tour

 

 

Start:

Starting Place:

 

7:00 p.m.

Oystermouth Castle: Castle gates

What3Words: stuff.nerves.examine

Post Code: SA3 4BH

Lat/Long: 51.5768, -4.0024

 

GR:

SS

613 883