Llandrindod Midweek Walkers Archives

10:26

Updated:24/12/2024 10:46:34

Panorama of Llandrindod

Llandrindod Wells Mid-week Walkers Programme

2024 Walks in reverse order

Walks:

18-Dec Christmas Walk & Lunch

Parking arranged in the Golden Lion car park, Newbridge on Wye. A gentle walk to Disserth church for coffee and then back via the old road and round the Bog (if we have time). The last bit can be missed if a shorter walk is preferred. Lunch in the Golden Lion with quiz by Alan Fay.

Start Point:SO015584

What 3 words:canal.sailor.ramps

Conditions:4.8 or 4 miles. 7 reasonable stiles, plenty of gates, 1 steep down with steps and handrail, a couple of streams to cross and some gentle inclines.

Leader:Peter Balfour, Jon Hodges and Clive Barrett. 01597829621

04-Dec Breaking new ground in Llanwrthwl

Parking: in front of the church. Also, plenty of street parking nearby. Start Point: Church in Llanwrthwl. This is an exciting opportunity to follow a route that hasn’t been accessible for many moons. Thanks to the efforts from local volunteers, including our own Jill Willey and Alan Austin, we can now follow a very pleasant route through forestry and common land before returning on paths many of us have used in the past.

Start Point:214 SN 97575 63757

What 3 words:weeks.winds.legend

Conditions:6 Miles. Short stretches on quiet lanes to start with and after elevenses. The newly opened paths we will encounter in the morning are a touch on the boggy side and gaiters will help to keep your trousers dry unless, naming no names, you fall over in the mud! The rest of the route is on well established paths. No stiles but one small gate to scale.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655

30-Nov Chris Jones Memorial (Saturday)

It is a 10.30 start at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre for a short launch event with tea and biscuits. After the launch of the leaflets there will be an opportunity to go for a short or slightly longer walk from the Visitor Centre

Start Point:SN928646

What 3 words:replace.explorer.slopes

Conditions:The short walk of around 2 miles will take us through the Elan Village before climbing gradually through woodland to the top of Caban Coch dam. Then it is just a short walk back down to the Visitor Centre. The longer version follows the same route to the top of the dam but then continues to follow the well-known dambusters route. This is around 5 miles and does involve a steep ascent and descent before returning to the Visitor centre.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655

27-Nov Wye Valley walk and wilderness experience

Start Point: Free public car park in Llangurig. A spectacular walk initially following the Wye Valley Way south from Llangurig. We then pass over common land offering spectacular views all round before rejoining an established path back to the car park. 1324 feet of ascent nearly all of which is before lunch; gradual rather than steep inclines. Opportunity for tea and cake in the local café at the end.

Start Point:214 SN908797

What 3 words:fleet.searching.verges

Conditions:7 Miles. Just under a mile at the start on quiet lanes and then the established Wye Valley Way which is kind on the feet. Less established paths on the common but still reasonably easy going. If the weather hasn't been kind some bits could be a touch on the boggy side. Last section back on established paths.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655

13-Nov Rhaeadr - Maen Serth Circular

Parking and Start in the lay-by in Rhayader at junction with Aberyswyth mountain road.

Start Point:Map 200 SN966678

What 3 words:echo.scouting.succumbs

Conditions:7 miles approx. We will be walking on open, exposed hilltops but also in some ancient oak woodland and across farmland. The paths are mainly gravel/stone tracks or grass with some boggy places. There is one very long fairly gentle ascent followed by a quite long descent which is steepish in places (but we will be going down!).There are one or two very short, sharp climbs plus streams to cross, some gates to climb and a number of stiles in good condition. Don't be put off by all that! It is an enjoyable walk with excellent views.

Leader:Nick Tuffnell 01597 851476

02-Oct Penygarreg Reservoir

STARTING AT 10AM!!! Circumnavigating Penygarreg Reservoir from Penbont carpark

Start Point:SN 91503 67308

What 3 words:file.bossy.stirs

Conditions:6.5 Miles. The two ascents, one of which is steep, are in the first half of the walk, with an easy flat return to the cars from Craig Goch Dam. 1147ft of ascent. Path down to Nant Brithgwm is always wet, but stream was manageable when we reccied. PCs at Craig Goch Dam. No stiles, one low wooden gate to climb over.

Leader:Geraldine King 01597 822512

25-Sep Llandegley

Meeting Point - Layby 100 metres on right past Llandegley towards Kington . If you see a Burger van in layby you've gone too far!

Start Point: Map200 SO141623

What 3 words:wash.relaxed.lakeside

Conditions:8 Miles. The walk will be soft underfoot for initial section to Llandegley Church . Total ascent 300 metres to top mostly gradual except for one section of 100 metres in length . We cross one small stream , ford generally good but could be a bit awkward after heavy rain . Good views on top , gradual descent back to start .

Leader:Dave Osborn 07733 968202

11-Sep Short Walk and Lunch

Parking to the right of D.Jones gates (permission granted). An easy walk round Bredward and Chickward then drive to the Swan Hotel in Kington for lunch. The AGM will be held after the meal.Main Menu. Puddings

Start Point:Map 201 SO274542

What 3 words:gardens.practical.ringside

Conditions:3.8 Miles. Some road and footpath across a bowling green lawn and about 5 reasonable stiles. Ten minutes of yomping unless it has been cut down by the time we get there. Some pleasant exercise to work up an appetite. The Swan Hotel

Leader:Peter Balfour 01597 829621 and Jon Hodges

28-Aug Druid's Circle

2 loops either side of Gaufron.Minor roads and paths to and from Druid's Circle climbing to 477 where we will venture into the Bronze Age.Both loops give 360 degree panoramas.

Start Point:200 SO 000 680

What 3 words:blink.stews.barn

Conditions:7 - 7 1/2 miles. On Northern side through farmland and woods,climbing to 360.Rather invasive veg --I cleared a path - so suggest long sleeves, leg coverings and insect repellent. This is a very short section.

Leader:Jill Willey 01597 811373 07594 443459

21-Aug Wynford Vaughan Williams Heather and Bilberries walk

Parking - parking at the start point is limited - 3 cars at most. There are three further options a little way beforehand. The first one is at the entrance to the Montgomery Wildlife Trust’s Glaslyn Nature Reserve at SN 83728 95224. What three words - sulked.economics.salt - 3 cars at most here as well. A little further down the hill before the start point are two small laybys on the right side of the road than can accommodate a couple of cars. Take your pick. If you park at the Nature Reserve or one of the 2 lay bys simply walk down the hill to the start point. We pass all the parking places on the way back to the start in the afternoon.This is a truly breath taking walk starting at the Wynford Vaughan Williams Memorial View point. We then go upwards to the trig point on Foel Fadian with 360 degree views before descending to the shores of Lyn Glaslyn. This has a lovely shingle beach and provides an opportunity to have a paddle before moving onto the highlight of the day at a view point a little bit further away from the water. You will not want to leave this point. Then we circumnavigate Lyn Glaslyn before joining the Glyndwr’s Way back to the cars.

Start Point:OS map 215 grid ref: SN 83619 95934

What 3 words:backpacks.pelt.obscuring

Conditions:Distance - around 6 miles. As we are starting at 1500 ft there is only 750 ft of ascent. The main upward stretch is shortly after the start but the reward is coffee on the summit of Foel Fadian. There is a fairly steep descent on the way down. Underfoot it is boggy in places and apart from the Glyndwr’s Way section the paths are more like sheep tracks. Gaiters are advisable as are buckets to collect the countless bilberries on the way. No picking the boundless heather though.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655 or 01597811371

24-Jul Snail walk

A walk in the Elan Valley which for a change does not involve significant height gain or any yomping. No stiles either. We start off with a level walk along the Claerwen river to the dam. Then a short climb to the top of the dam for good views of the reservoir before linking up with a bridleway leading to 2 more reservoirs. Then its back to the start. There are 2 opportunities to take an easier, shorter route for those wishing to miss out a few inclines along the way.

Start Point:Map 200 SN 90062 61630

What 3 words:fluid.jolt.sliding

Conditions:7.5 Miles. Only 1200 feet of ascent, mainly in the afternoon. Good paths most of the way but there is a fair bit of mud and water around. Gaiters advised.

Leader:Graham Taylor 01597 811371 and 07719 001655

26-Jun Skirting with Danger

The car park is just off the main road by interpretation boards and picnic table. We are not using the main park further on unless we are stuck for space. Starting near Water Breaks its Neck follows a by way to Cowlod at 1650 feet offering spectacular views in all directions. The return is along the edge of the Warren forestry planation close to the firing range (bullet proof vest optional).

Start Point:SO 19390 59239

What 3 words:puddings.wipes.video

Conditions:8 miles. There is 1453 feet of ascent which is via a gradual climb in the morning; nothing especially steep. Good firm path for most of the way and, just for a change, very little mud.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655 or 01597811371

19-Jun Cwm Symlog

Walk in the old lead mining area. Meet at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, 2 miles west of George Borrow Hotel, Ponterwyd, A44 on the way to Aberystwyth. All day parking at centre is £5 - pay at shop, or use laybys on A44. The centre has, toilets, cafe and shop. Great views of Cardigan Bay, Pumlumon. We will be touching on a couple of old lead mining villages - Cwnerfyn and Cwmsymlog. Be prepared for a Folk Tale, which I assure you is true!!

Start Point:213 SN 718 814

What 3 words:dupe.washing.radio

Conditions:7 1/2 miles; 1 steep ascent to 380; 1 steep descent; ups and downs;We will be using paths especially created around the centre, minor roads, footpaths and by-ways.

Leader:Jill Willey 01597 811373 07594 443459

05-Jun Along the tracks to Lyonshall

Parking in Kington wherever people choose. Start walk from Clock Tower. This is a circular walk from Kington via Lyonshall following many different tracks through fields, woods and along country lanes.

Start Point:map 201 grid ref SO296566

What 3 words:slept.jeeps.candidate

Conditions:6.5 miles Lots of stiles (10 ?) but all in reasonable condition ! Couple of short ups but not steep. Possibility of leaving a car at Lyonshall Church and getting a lift back to join walk in Kington if people want a shorter walk. Needs to be arranged beforehand !

Leader:Gwawr, Lizzie 01597 851476

29-May Llangatwg Hillside

The walk climbs Llangatwg hillside, traverses the old quarry tramways and Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve before heading back down to Llangatwg by farm tracks and a short stretch of the 'Mon and Brec' canal.

Start Point:Map: OL13 SO207173

What 3 words:tubes.rushed.waltz

Conditions:Distance: 7.5 miles The climb up to the escarpment is quite long (1.5 - 2km), not especially steep but very stoney in places. There is one very steep descent and a section of narrow muddy/dusty! path traversing a steep slope. Expect excellent views (if the weather is clear), interesting industrial archaeology and a variety of birdlife.

Leader:Nick Tuffnell 01597 851476

15-May Bluebells and Lunch

A short bluebell walk near the lake in Llandrindod Wells followed by lunch in the Lakeside. Starting at the lakeside parking we walk up through the woods admiring the bluebels if they are still flowering! Coffee with a view over the valley and Cefnllys Church then down to the Shakey Bridge car park. Here there will be a car for those who would like a short walk, taking them back to the lake. The brave remainers will then climb through more bluebells up to the trig point and then back to the lake. Here is the route

Start Point:SO062606

What 3 words:throats.monkey.playback

Conditions:3.5 or 5.8 Miles Easy walking with a couple of mild climbs. Some mud if rain before. No stiles. Here is the elevation. menu.

Leader:Peter Balfour 01597 829621 and Jon Hodges

08-May East from Llanstephen

Parking on the grassy area to the side of the road. There should be lovely views of the Beacons.

Start Point:Map 188 111419

What 3 words:puzzle.observer.loom

Conditions:7.5Miles Climbing 700Ft. Going: Good. Fields & tracks. A little road. No stiles. There is a longish steady ascent in the morning. The walking is relatively easy in the afternoon apart from one tricky descent - muddy of course!

Leader:Cheryl Davies, Janet Morgan & Chris Smith 01597 860715

01-May Bredwardine

There is a large parking area near Bredwardine bridge just opposite Brobury House gardens. We may take lunch by Arthur's Stone. On a fine day we will have excellent views. The route uses bits of the Wye Valley Walk and the Three Rivers Ride and Herefordshire Trail. During the reconoiter (06/04) there was evidence of lots of bluebells coming through on Merbach Hill, so hoping they'll be in flower when we do the walk. Cafe at Brobury House is open for refreshments should people wish.

Start Point:SO 338 447

What 3 words:perplexed.doors.pulps

Conditions:6.75 miles and ascent is 1042ft. Most of the ascent is before lunch. Quite a bit of lane walking that could be just as well given the amount of Herefordshire mud we had to endure. Some dodgy stiles and gates & fence to get over.

Leader:Geraldine King 01597 822512

17-Apr Old friends walk in Llangattock

Chris Ottewell - a long standing member (and former Chair) of the walking group will be joining us for this walk. We are meeting in Llangattock where there is street parking. The exact route will be dependent on weather conditions. Don’t expect too much height gain whichever way we go.

Start Point:Map OL13 SO 207 172

What 3 words:vanish.tripling.reserving

Conditions:Between 5 and 6 miles mainly on footpaths.

Leader:Graham Taylor 01597 811371 and 07719 001655

10-Apr Following the Severn Way between Llanidloes and Llandinam

Meeting at the main car park in Llanidloes to catch the bus to Llandinam at 10.20 AM. We then walk back from there following, for most of the way, the Severn Valley Trail.

Start Point:Map 214 SN 95315 84471

What 3 words:sublet.fortnight.grumble

Conditions:7.5 miles on well-trodden paths. Likely to be fairly muddy underfoot in some places but not as bad as our recent outing near LLangurig! 1171 feet of ascent mostly in the early part of the walk. Lots of nice views along the way.

Leader:Graham Taylor 01597 811371 and 07719 001655

03-Apr Babylon

We meet at Sychnant Chapel at 1015AM - about 2/3 of a mile north of the big Chapel at Nantgwyn on the B4518 Rhayader to Llanidloes Road. We pile into a small number of cars, leaving some parked at Sychnant - drive nearly 2 miles in convoy along the single track minor road and park one behind the other in Gwenfron'sdriveway - really it's the track leading to the cottage.

Start Point:Map 214 SN974774

What 3 words:blackmail.returns.chained

Conditions:7 ish miles ; muddy!; 4 ascents - 370,390,420,440; Great distant views from hills encircling head waters of River Dulas and tributaries, Wye Valley. Forestry, Farmland. Moorland .

Leader:Jill Willey 01597 811373 07594 443459

20-Mar Walking with Giants

The meeting point is the large lay by on the A44 about a mile west of Langurig on the north side of the road. There is normally plenty of parking here. There is a gradual climb up to the giants and then a wonderful ridge walk offering fine views in all directions. Then its down to Llangurig and back to the lay by via a section of the Wye valley Walk.

Start Point:MAP214 SN 89370 80360

What 3 words:mammoths.brand.responds

Conditions:about 7.5 miles. There is 1228 ft of ascent and, according to OS maps, 1236 ft of descent! Most of the gradual ascent is in the morning. There is a little minor road walking and the rest is on well-worn tracks. It is likely to be wet and muddy.

Leader:Graham Taylor 01597 811371 or 07719001655

06-Mar Nantmel area

The meeting point for 6th March at 10.30 will be Llanwrthwl Village Hall (parking available). This will be a linear walk, so when we are all gathered at the start, we can sort out transport arrangements.

Start Point:SN 974 638

What 3 words:golden.markets.bulb

Conditions:The walk will be about 6.5 miles, following part of the Gwastedyn Church Trail (created by Richard Tyler some years ago) from St Cynllo at Nantmel to St Gwrthwl's at Llanwrthwl via St Mark's at the Ysfa. The route is fairly flat with no long or steep hills, but is likely to be wet and muddy.

Leader:Alan Austin 01597 811051 07791 775612

21-Feb Marteg Bridge to Moelfryn (Reccie Walk)

We will start from the car park just off the A470 at Marteg Bridge. The walk takes us up to Moelfryn and over to the old Aberystwyth mountain road before circling back to the start.

Start Point:Map200 SN 9533 7148

What 3 words:easels.highly.quote

Conditions:6.75 miles (approx).There is a steady climb at the start and then open moorland and a steepish decent towards the finish. It’s likely to be very muddy and wet, possibly some yomping! Hopefully some lovely views. There is a small section of lane towards the end.

Leader:Cheryl Davies, Janet Morgan & Chris Smith 01597 860715

07-Feb East of Llangurig

Parking: Approaching from Rhayader go down into Tylwch, then up across the old railway bridge, turn sharp right onto a narrow lane and the limited parking is after 50 to100m. Please share cars where possible.

Start Point:Map214 SN971801

What 3 words:weeps.clutches.hills

Conditions: 7.5miles The walk is mainly on farm tracks and muddy grassland across open and exposed hilltops with excellent views on a clear day. Along with the usual ups and downs there are two climbs, steepish in places and a steep descent on a grassy, mossy slope with plenty of opportunity to zigzag if necessary. There are no stiles but there a few gates which may need climbing.

Leader:Nick Tuffnell 01597 851476

24-Jan Exploring west Llanidloes

Starting at the main free car park in Llanidloes. The car park is often full but there is plenty of free street parking nearby. We will be exploring the pleasant countryside to the north west of town. Mainly forest walking in the morning followed by superb views in the afternoon as we climb out of the valley before heading back to town. Plenty of opportunity for tea/coffee and cake at the end of the walk.

Start Point:Map 214 SN 95318 84463

What 3 words:baked.flux.charities

Conditions:6.5 Miles. Predominately on footpaths through fields and will be squelchy in places. 1528 feet of ascent in various gradual inclines.

Leader:Graham Taylor 07719001655 or 01597811371

17-Jan Llysdinam - Waun Mynydd

Parking at Llysdinam. Turn into Llysdinam from the lane, go past the old Field Studies buildings and turn right. It has been newly tarmaced. Park neatly by the lake. There should be plenty of room.

Start Point:SO 009 586

What 3 words:running.hires.vanilla

Conditions:Approx 7 miles 1150ft of ascent. Quiet lanes, bridleways and farm tracks. Very muddy in places. Only 1 stile. It would be possible to shorten it by almost a mile if anyone wanted to, by walking back to the cars in the lane.

Leader:Geraldine King 01597 822512

10-Jan Dolfallen Bridge

Starting near the Dolfallen Bridge, in the lower reaches of Elan Valley, going past Dolfallen Farm, up to Frondorddu, Bwlch Coch, LLanerch Afallen, back to Dolfallen Bridge. Then after lunch, another loop going up Kennel Lane and back on minor road ,to cars. If parking on the the raised road with letter box, can they park facing Rhayader, as the Elan Valley exit has poor vision. There is other parking on the grass verges and over the bridge.

Start Point:200 SN 955 668

What 3 words:acid.perky.easily

Conditions:6 miles but quite a lot of steepness with plenty of mud in places.

Leader:Jill Willey 01597 811373 07594 443459

03-Jan Llandegley

Meeting Point - Layby 100 metres on right past Llandegley towards Kington . If you see a Burger van in layby you've gone too far!

Start Point: Map200 SO141623

What 3 words:wash.relaxed.lakeside

Conditions:8 Miles. The walk will be soft underfoot for initial section to Llandegley Church . Total ascent 300 metres to top mostly gradual except for one section of 100 metres in length . We cross one small stream , ford generally good but could be a bit awkward after heavy rain . Good views on top , gradual descent back to start .

Leader:Dave Osborn 07733 968202