24TH FEB TO 3RD MARCH 2018 Crickhowell Walking … to the 2018 Crickhowell Walking Festival Programme. ... to make a donation to South and Mid-Wales Cave Rescue Team. This may seem

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CrickhowellWalking Festival

24TH FEB TO 3RD MARCH 2018

ESTABLISHED 2007 crickhowellfestival.comPhoto by: Christine Day

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Crickhowell Walking Fes�val The First 10 Years!

Crickhowell Walking FestivalThe First 10 Years!

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CrickhowellWalking Festival2018Welcome to the 2018 Crickhowell Walking Festival Programme. We have a record 95 walks over the 9 days and I am sure you’ll find something to interest you. Please book via the website, it is quick and easy to use and ensures your booking is confirmed.

When booking, you will be asked if you would like to make a donation to South and Mid-Wales Cave Rescue Team. This may seem an odd charity for us to support, but they provide specialist support to our Mountain Rescue Teams, so please support them generously! Whether this is your first or eleventh festival, the CWF team are looking forward to welcoming you to our lovely area and showing you what it has to offer.

Remember to look

at our evening events

There’s something

different on

each night!

CLOTHING AND FOOD At this time of year, appropriate clothing is required at all times:

BE P

REPA

RED!

Make a date for Autumn Extra Walking FestivalSeptember 14th – 16th 2018

Note: Jeans are not acceptable, as they can act as a refrigerator when wet and contribute to hypothermia.

Starting times and placesInstructions 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.

•WalkingBoots(nottrainers)•Hat•Gloves•Warmclothing

•Sparewarmclothingegajacketorfleece•Waterproofjacketandtrousers•Foodanda(hot)drink•Rucksack

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Saturday 24th Feb

Crafts and Activities forFamilies and Children

From 3pmClarenceHallCrickhowell

January ManChristopher Somerville

7.30pmOldRectoryHotelLlangattock

Sunday 25th Feb From Marketing to MountainsSarah Maliphant

7.30pmBearHotelCrickhowell

Monday 26th Feb Seeing the LandscapeWilliamGibbs

7.30pmBowlsPavilionCrickhowell

Tuesday 27th Feb

Footsteps and PhotographsMike Kelly

7.30pm ScoutHallCrickhowell

The CWF Quiz7.30pmHorseshoeInnLlangattock

Wednesday 28th Feb Kevin’s Adventures DownunderKevin Walker

7.30pmBearHotelCrickhowell

Thursday 1st March

Crickhowell Choral Society PresentsSt David’s Day Concert

7.30pmClarenceHallCrickhowell

Welcome to Crickhowell-on-Sea! AlanBowring

7.30pmOldRectoryHotelLlangattock

Friday 2nd March HatChatShanLegge-Bourke7.30pm BearHotelCrickhowell

Saturday 3rd March CWF Dance Semantics7.30pm ClarenceHallCrickhowell

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.

Crickhowell Walking Festival Events

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Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com 5

SATURDAY 24thFEBRUARY

All the walks today finish at Clarence Hall, Crickhowell for FREE tea, cakes and entertainment.Craft activities in Clarence Hall for families and children from 3pm

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 8:30am to 5pmDistance: 14 milesAscent: 2100ftLeader:HuwDulleaPrice: £12.50(Incl£4busfare)Sponsored by: Treads and Trails

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 8:30am to 5pmDistance: 18 milesAscent: 3300ftLeader: Kerry CrosfieldPrice: £12.50(Incl£4busfare)Sponsored by: Crosfield Outdoors

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 9am to 4:30pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 2400ftLeader: Simon FosterPrice: £12.50(Incl£4busfare)

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 9am to 5pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 2600ftLeader: Andy JohnsPrice: £12.50(Incl£4busfare)

AsuperbridgewalktakinginalmosttheentirelengthoftheBlackMountains,fromGospelPassinthenorthbacktoCrickhowellinthesouth.FromGospelPassclimbTwmpaandthencontinueviaWaunFach(thehighestpointintheBlackMountainsat811m),PenAllt-mawrandPenCerrig-calchbefore descending into Crickhowell via Table Mountain.

Asuperbchallengewalkalong twoof theBlackMountain ridgeshighabove theGrwyneFechanvalley. A stiff ascent at the start, then striding out along the tops for most the day with wonderful views. Starting from Llanbedr village hall ascend up to Crug Mawr. Follow the top up to Pen Twyn Mawr,PenyGadairFawreventuallyreachingWaunFach.UpagaintothetopofPenAllt-mawrandonto the top of Pen Cerrig-calch. From here it’s a descent to Table Mountain and then back into Crickhowell.

FollowingtheBeaconsWay,thefirstsectionofthewalkisalongtheroad,acrosstheancientandhistoric Llangynidr Bridge and through fields to Bwlch, then a steady climb up CefnMoel, withbeautifulviewseastandsouth-west.Next,descendsteeplyintothe‘HiddenValley’andtoCwmdu,before another climb to contour around the base of Pen Cerrig-calch. This attractive path affords great viewsoftheUskValley.ThendownpastthedesertedvillageofTwynthroughfieldstoCrickhowell.

ClimbthestunningDragon’sBackandtherewardisahighridgetofollowallthewaytoCrickhowell!AlinearwalkfromPengenffordduptheDragon’sBacktotheshoulderofWaunFach.Wethenfollowthe ridge via Pen Trumau, Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, before descending via Table Mountain to Crickhowell.

GOSPEL PASS TO CRICKHOWELL

THE LLAnbEdR HORSESHOE

bEACOnS WAy - LLAnGynIdR TO CRICKHOWELL

PEn ALLT RIdGE

WALK 1

WALK 2

WALK 3

WALK 4

You must wear appropriate clothing - check p36

Crafts and Activities for families and children.

Free Entry There will be a modest charge for

Activities and Refreshments

Clarence Hall Saturday

24th February From 3pm

Walkers Return From 5pm

Part of Crickhowell Walking Fes�val

All Festival walks finish today at the Clarence Hall

Where there will be Free Refreshments and

Entertainment for walkers.

7Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2200ftLeader: Martyn JonesPrice: £8.50

AcircularwalkfromCrickhowelltothetopofSugarLoaf(596m)andreturningviaLlangenny.Thewalk follows theRiverUskdownstream,acrossfields thenupandoverRheldwoodanddown toMillbrook Bridge.Wewalk along quiet roads leading steeply up to CwmGwenffrwd and a goodmoorlandpathuptotheSugarLoafsummit.WedescendthewesternridgetotheprettyGrwyneFawrriver and Llangenny village. A short steep hill takes us up to fields and back to Crickhowell. Weather permitting there should be great views!

SuGAR LOAF - A SCEnIC CIRCuIT FROm CRICKHOWELLWALK 5

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 10:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2200ftLeader: Pam KnowlesPrice: £12.50(includes£4busfare)

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 Sugar Loaf via the Deri with the reward of 360 degree views when you get there. Then a long descent to the village of Llangenny, returning to Crickhowell via lanes and paths. Nothing too steep for too long on this walk, but you feel you’ve climbed a mountain!

OvER THE HILL FROm FAR AWAyWALK 6

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader:TonyGreenacrePrice: £8.50Sponsored by: BlackGrouseTours

Explore theBlackMountainsaboveCrickhowell. Westartwitha fairly steepclimb from theA40uppasttheDarrenontoalimestoneplateauwiththreeprominentpoints-PenGloch-y-pibwr,PenAllt-mawrandPenCerrig-calch,thethreePens-andthendescendtoCrugHywel-TableMountain-andbackdowntoCrickhowell.Terrificviewsof theBreconBeacons,UskValley, theLlangattockescarpment and a bird’s eye view of Crickhowell.

THREE PEnS AbOvE A TAbLEWALK 7

Saturday 24th FebruarySaturday 3rd MarchVenue: CRiCTime: 10am to 12pmPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Kevin Walker Mountain Activities

Learn to correctly interpret what you see on a map. After a years’ absence on his travels,wewelcomeKevinWalkerback to theFestival.Hisworkshopshaveproved very popular. This indoor workshop introduces the art of map interpretation which enables you to get an incredibly detailed picture of the ground using simple techniques. Once you have been introduced to this simple yet effective skill, you will never look at a map in the same way again. Kevin will have copies of his books on sale.

Map Interpretation

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point:CastleGrounds,CrickhowellTime: 10am to 12pmLeader: HeatherMalingPrice: FREESponsored by:BreconBeaconsNordicWalking

HeatherMalingisafullyqualifiedNordicWalkingInstructor.Shewillberunningaseries of FREE taster sessions in the Castle grounds, Crickhowell. Each session will last about 20 minutes. To book a session email:[email protected]

Ifyouhaveenjoyedtheexperienceandwouldliketotrysomethingalittlelonger,this afternoon therewill be a session at Bwlch (Walk 12), forwhich booking isnecessary through this site. Poles will be provided for both morning and afternoon sessions.YoualsohavetheopportunitytobookaNightNordicWalkwithaVenisonSupper - see Walk 57

Nordic Walking Taster Sessions

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Mountain (S) & Hill Walk Leader

Hill Skills & Navigation (NNAS) Training

Duke of Edinburgh Award (Expedition) Assessor

Outdoor First Aid Qualified

DBS Checked

Contact: Graeme Adkin Tel: 07941 452822

WALK 38 • Dragon’s Back • Tuesday, February 27th

WALK 68 • Lower Llanthony Valley • Friday, March 2nd

Want a guided walk in the Black Mountains or Brecon Beacons,

a bespoke course to develop your hill walking & navigation skills,

or even a spot of wild camping?

The Black Mountains Walking team are the experts for you

All Ages & Abilities Welcome

Crickhowell Open Studios

26th to 28th May www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk

Crickhowell Walking Fes�val—Autumn Extra 14th to 16th September 2018 www.crickhowellfes�val.com

More Fes�vals and Events in Crickhowell during 2018 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018 5th to 7th May www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org

Please read our terms and conditions on the website

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Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 11am to 4:30pmDistance: 7.5 milesAscent: 1400ftLeader:BillChasePrice: £8.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

This walk is taken from the Walkers are Welcome ‘Cracking Walks’ booklet.

StartingfromCrickhowellwetakeinthewholesouthwardviewoftheUskvalley,climbingLlangattockHillside,traversingoldquarrytramwaystothehugerockcalledTheLonelyShepherd.Ourreturnpathcontours below the old quarries then down fields to Llangattock village, across the canal and back to Crickhowell.

THE LOnELy SHEPHERdWALK 8

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 1pm to 4:30pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 700ftLeader: Julian StedmanPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

ThiswalkisfeaturedintheCrackingWalksaroundCrickhowell(EasyandModeratewalks).Crickhowellmaywellbetheinspirationfor‘Crickhollow’inJRRTolkien’s“TheHobbit”andyoucanseewhyonthisdelightfulwalk.WestartalongtheRiverUsk,thenupthroughwoodsanddowntotheGrwyneriverwhichwefollowupstreampastLlangenny.OurreturnisacrosshigherfieldswithfineviewsoftheUskvalleyandBreconBeacons,thendowntheCumbethstreamtothestart.

A WALK THROuGH TOLKIEn’S SHIREWALK 9

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 1pm to 5pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 900ftLeader: Phil EvansPrice: £6.50Sponsored by: OldRectoryHotel

A gentle walk around the canals and low level hills of Llangattock and the Ffawyddog with complimentary refreshmentsat theOldRectoryHotel.FromCRiC,cross the riverandup throughthe beech wood to the canal which is now followed for a couple of miles. Then a climb through the FfawyddogtopickuptheUskValleywalkforawhile,beforedroppingbackdowntothecanal.Onthewayyouwillseeanironageburialmound,limekilns,ironagehillfort,oldfarmsandaVictorianworkhouse.ReturnviatheOldRectoryHotelforcomplimentarycoffeeandcakes.

A LITTLE bIT OF HISTORy AROund LLAnGATTOCKWALK 10

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC Time: 2pm to 4:30pmDistance: 4.5 milesAscent: 1250ftLeader:JaneBradburyPrice: £6.50Sponsored by: Crickhowell Adventure

ThiswalkisfeaturedintheWalkersareWelcomeinCrickhowell(WaWiC)publication“CrackingWalksaroundCrickhowell”.TableMountain(CrugHywel inWelsh)givesCrickhowell itsnameanditshillfort dominates the town despite its modest height. This delightful hill walk ascends quite steeply but steadilyandoffersstunningviewsofCrickhowell,theUskValley,theBlackMountainsandtheBreconBeacons-theultimateWelcomeforWalkers!

A CRACKInG WALK uP TAbLE mOunTAInWALK 11

See website for directions to Start Points

Saturday 24th FebruarySaturday 3rd MarchLocation: CRiCTime: 2pm to 4pmPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:tKevin Walker Mountain Activities

Learn to find your way on the hills in a fog! In this indoor workshop Kevin Walker introduces the skills needed to navigate accurately in misty conditions, including compassworkandestimatingtimeanddistance.Bringacompass,ifyouhaveone, but there should be enough around to borrow one for the lesson. Kevin will have his books for sale - so please bring some cash!

Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop


Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 2:30pm to 4:30pmDistance: 3 milesAscent: 170ftLeader: Roger AustinPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

We walk down to Crickhowell bridge via Alisby’s Castle, then across fields and a quiet lane leading steeply up to the canal at Dardy. We follow the peaceful towpath past Llangattock’s restored lime kilns and a giant redwood tree, then through fields and a lovely beech wood back to the bridge and return to Crickhowell town centre.

A STROLL ALOnG THE mOn & bREC CAnALWALK 13

Saturday 24th FebruaryPlace: OldRectoryHotel,LlangattockTime: 7:30pmPrice: £6.50Speaker: Christopher Somerville

Over thehillsandalong thebywaysof theBritish Isles,TimesColumnistandauthor Christopher Somerville shares his story of a year of walks describing the history,wildlife,changing landscapesandpeoplehepassesandreflectsuponhischildhood.ShortlistedfortheWainwrightGoldenBeerBookPrize2017, The January Man isanexquisitelywrittenaccountoftheBritishcountrysidewhichinspires us to don our boots and explore the 140,000 miles of footpaths available tousthroughouttheUK.Christopherhasspentmorethan25yearstraversingthe world’s walking routes, weaving stories from the paths beneath his feet. Amongst his publications are the phenomenally successful Coast series, he also edits The Times Britain’s Best Walks.

Christopher Somerville - The January Man

Saturday 24th FebruaryPlace: ClarenceHall,CrickhowellTime: 3pm - 6pmPrice: FREE-Bookingnotrequired

Crafts and Activities for families and children in the Clarence Hall from 3pm. Amongst others,AbergavennyOrigamiClubwill be there to show you someeasy origami andEmmaBevan fromFfolky Ffelt will help you make some felt and fibre creations. There will be a charge for craft activities and refreshments.

Local singing groups will be perfoming around 5pm.

AllthewalksonthisSaturdayfinishatClarenceHall.

CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES AND WALKERS RETURN

Saturday 24th FebruaryMeeting Point:ForestCarPark,Bwlch.SO145219Time: 2pm to 4pmDistance: 3 milesAscent: 200ftLeader:HeatherMalingPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:BreconBeaconsNordicWalking

NordicWalkinginstructor,HeatherMaling,willleadacircuitofBucklandHill,renownedfortheviewstowardsBreconandAbergavenny.Coachingwillbegivenontechniques-uphill,downhill,ontracksand paths. This walk is suitable for beginners and more experienced Nordic walkers who want to brush up their technique or simply to enjoy the trip!Walking poleswill be provided, lightweightwalking boots recommended.

nORdIC WALKInG AT bWLCHWALK 12

HeatherMalingwillofferFREENordicWalkingTastersessionsonSaturdaymorningatCastleGrounds,Crickhowell.To book a session on Saturday morning email:[email protected]


SUNDAY 25thFEBRUARY

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 8am to 5pmDistance: 15 milesAscent: 3600ftLeader: Duncan ForbesPrice: £12.50(incl£4busfare)

A long tough walk – not for the faint hearted! After the bus drops us off at Llanthony Priory, we cross the valleyandascend toBalBachanddescend immediately to theGrwyneFawr valleyatBlaen-y-Cwm.TherefollowsasteepascenttoPenyGadairFawr(theHeadoftheBigChair)andsouthalongtheridgeforawhilebeforedescendingintotheGrwyneFechanvalley,whichwecrossto skirt below Pen Cerrig-calch and, with time and energy permitting, over Table Mountain and down to Crickhowell.

AbbEy TO CRICK WITH A CHAIR!WALK 14

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 8:30am to 5:30pmDistance: 16 milesAscent: 3000ftLeader: David MoseleyPrice: £12.50(Incl£4busfare)

Awalktaking intheentire lengthof theBlackMountains, fromHayBluff inthefarnorthbacktoCrickhowell in thesouth.StartingwithasteepascentupHayBluff, thewalk thendropsdowntoGospelPassbeforeclimbingTwmpa. It continuesviaWaunFach (thehighestpoint in theBlackMountainsat811m),PenAllt-mawrandPenCerrig-calchbeforedescending intoCrickhowellviaTable Mountain. The route can be boggy in places and good footwear is essential.

bLACK mOunTAInS nORTH TO SOuTHWALK 15

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point:Llanthony Priory SO 288278Time: 9am to 5pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader:LenHarbottlePrice: £8.50Sponsored by:Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

Explore the ridges astride the Llanthony valley.Cross the valley and steeply upBalBach, beforeheading south looking towards Skirrid. Take in an iron age fort before descending via paths and tracks toCwmyoy.ClimbviaHatterrallHilltoOffa’sDykewithsuperbpanoramicviewsofValeofEwyasandGoldenValleyandbackdowntothePriory.

AROund THE vALE OF EWyASWALK 16

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: Dragon’sBackCarPark,Pengenffordd SO 173297Time: 9:30am to 5pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 3000ftLeader: Siôn JamesPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: BlackMountainsGuiding

AnexplorationoftheupperGrwyneFechanandthenorthwestoftheBlackMountains.ThewalkbeginswithaclimbupRhiwTrumautothebwlch(pass)thatleadsintotheGrwyneFechanvalley.From here it’s off-piste as we contour around to Maen Llwyd, one of the highest standing stones in Wales.It’sthenasteepclimbuptoPenyGadairFawrwherewejointheridgepathandheadnorthtothehighestpointoftheBlackMountainsonWaunFach.Wewillthencontinuenorthandheadout onto Y Dâs which stands semi-isolated on the northern escarpment with sheer drops on three sides.WewillconcludethewalkwithadescentofYGrîbalsoknownasTheDragon’sBackandpassthrough the ruins of Castell Dinas to return to the start.

A STOnE, A CHAIR, A HAySTACK And A dRAGOn’S bACK!Walk 17

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Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point:LlangynidrVillagecarparkSO155194Time: 10am to 5pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 1900ftLeader: Peter ChildsPrice: £8.50

The Chartists lobbied for political reform in the 1830s and South Wales was one of the centres of the movement. A walk up to the Chartists’ Cave and then along the north side of Llangynidr Mountain. ThisisfollowedbyadescenttotheRiverUskand,waterlevelspermitting,returningtothecarparkalongaveryscenicstretchoftheriverviaLlangynidrBridge.

AnOTHER ROuTE TO THE CHARTISTS’ CAvEWALK 18

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point:Fro Car Park SO 292200Time: 10am to 3pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 1100ftLeader:RosGrantPrice: £8.50

An interesting and varied walk visiting Partrishow Church with an 11th century font, 15th century rood screenandwherethelegendaryGeraldofWalespreachedfromthechurchyardcrossin1188.Wecross the valley passing a small chapel and walking a drovers route before dropping down past the Pant to the board-walk at Coed-y-cerrig nature reserve. We return through Forest Coal Pit on tracks andlanestothecars.Thiswalkhasthreeshortsustainedascentsfromthevalleyfloor.

bOTH SIdES OF THE vALLEyWALK 19

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point:Talgarth Car Park SO 152337Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 1500ftLeader: Rob SunderlandPrice: £8.50

A circular walk fromTalgarth through meadows and woods to the northern flanks of the BlackMountains. The route from Talgarth ascends through Park Wood to Llanelieu then up to Rhos Fach common and down to Pwll-y-wrach nature reserve. We return to Talgarth via an Iron Age settlement, Neolithic cairn andTrefecca village. Panoramic views. Bags of history including the legends ofPrincessElieu andStGwendoline, pluswe visit theWhippingTree and theWitchesPool.Muddytracks may force minor diversions.

LOSInG yOuR HEAd In THE bLACK mOunTAInSWALK 21

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: Tir y Nant SO 237237Time: 10am to 2pmDistance: 5 milesAscent: 1300ftLeader: Rob and Sal LewisPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: Mission Perfomance

On this shorter walk, you will learn how to meditate through walking. Walking Meditation enables you to experience a greater sense of presence and affords a deeper connection with the mountain on which you walk. The session will help you pay attention to the way you breathe and connect every step. You may well practise seated meditation and this session will help you and complete novices to learnhowtousewalkingtoenrichyourwalkinglife.WestartintheheartoftheBlackMountainsandclimbeffortlesslytoridgewalk.WetakelunchoverlookingtheFechanValleyandBeaconsbeyond,beforedescendingasingletracktothevalleyfloor.

mOunTAInS OF THE mIndWALK 22

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point:Llanwenarth Car Park SO 268167Time: 10am to 11amDistance: 5 milesAscent: 1000ftLeader:EmmaBaylissPrice: £6.50

Basiclevelofflatrunningfitnessrequired.

Starting from the Llanwenarth car park we will loop around and ascend the Sugar Loaf, taking in beautifulviewsofAbergavenny,theindustrialheritagetothesouthandthebeautifulBlackMountainsto the north.

InTROduCTIOn TO FELL RunnInG - mynydd PEn y FALWALK 20


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Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: ClydachVillageHall,Clydach NP7 0LR. SO 229131Time: 10:30am to 12:30pmDistance: 2 milesAscent: 500ftLeader:PennyHallasPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:LlangattockGreenValleys

This short but varied walk will take us from Clydach village, up to the impressive viaduct of the former HeadsoftheValleysrailwayline,andskirtthefootofformerlimestonequarries.Alongtheroute,wetrackthelargelyhiddencourseofoneofLGV’smicro-hydroschemesandseeevidenceofpastandpresent uses of water in this valley where nature and industry meet. Thewalkwillbepartofcelebrationstomarkthe10thyearofLlangattockGreenValleys-WalesandUKawardwinnersfortheir‘visionforacleaner,greener,moresustainablefuture’.

bLAEn dyAR & mICRO HydROWALK 24

Micro-projectionsofthemicro-hydroinstallationprocesswillbeshownatkeypointsalong thewalk (indryconditionsonly).LGVvolunteerswillbepresent to give information about micro-hydro.

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 1pm to 4:30pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 700ftLeader: Anthea ScottPrice: £6.50

This is a dog friendly walk through fields, canal, track and lanes. Your dog needs to be friendly, sociable and well behaved. Much of the walk is off lead but there is a section on a lane on leads. Non-dog owners also welcome. Please wear walking boots as there is a rough track ascending to Llanelli Church where we will search for the dog that lives in the graveyard and hear thelegend.Comeandjoinus.WewillgotothedogfriendlyBearHotelforacuppaattheendifyouwouldliketojoinus.

THE LOnELy dOG In THE CHuRCHyARdWALK 25

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: BearHotel,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmSpeaker: Sarah MaliphantPrice: £6.50Sponsored by: more-to.org

Sarah Maliphant is the founder of More to Mountain Retreats - more-to.org. This is her story, the story of a chance encounter, searching for more to life and finding rather more than one had dreamed possible in the BlackMountains

From Marketing to Mountains

Sunday 25th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10am to 4pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 750ftLeader:BillChasePrice: £8.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

Learnhowtoimproveyournavigationskills!BillChasewillexplainsimpletechniquesofnavigationand you will be given a chance to practise them. A relaxed walk around Crickhowell will give you a chancetohaveagoatnavigatinginthecountryside.BringacompassandanOSOL13mapifyouhave one.

PRACTICAL nAvIGATIOnWALK 23


Book the event of your choice at: www.crickhowellfestival.com4514

MONDAY 26thFEBRUARY

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: TheDragon’sBackInn,Pengenffordd SO 173296Time: 9am to 4pmDistance: 13.5 milesAscent: 3100ftLeader: Mike InglebyPrice: £8.50

WalkexploringthestoryofJohnMacnamara,foundermemberoftheHellfireClubover200yearsago and a notorious drinker, womaniser and gambler who is said to have won an estate in this area atagameofcards.FollowingtheroadMacnamarahadbuiltsohecouldvisit(!)hismistressattheHermitageintheGrwyneFechanvalley(passing,onourway,thesiteofhisultimatedemise),wethenascendPenTwynGlasandfollowtheridgepastsomenotableboundarystones.

TALES OF JOHn mACnAmARAWALK 26

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: LlangynidrVillagecarpark SO 155194Time: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 1500ftLeader:SimonBaldwinPrice: £8.50

A pleasant circular walk around the Dyffryn Crawnon. The route rises from Llangynidr village and the canal through woodlands and fields to reach the road head at Tor y Foel and spectacular views across theBeaconsandBlackMountains. ItcontinuesontheBrynoer tramroadaroundtheheadof theDyffryn to reach Trefil quarries and the limestone. Onward along the south east side of the valley at a high level through typical upland limestone scenery 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!

nyE bEvAn’S mOnumEnTWALK 29

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: Car Park at Talybont Reservoir SO 099196Time: 9:30am to 4pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2000ftLeader:CliveBussonPrice: £8.50

AgentlemeanderingclimbuptotheBrynwithasuperbpanoramaoftheBlackMountains.Initially,backacrosstheTalybontdamandalongpartoftheHenryVaughantrail,beforecrossingtheroadandclimbingthroughbeechwoodsandfieldsaroundthebaseoftheBryn.ThenoutontoopenmoorlandtothesummitwithitsgreatviewandamajesticBeaconsbackdrop.Backthroughwoodsalaneandfields again to complete the circuit.

A bRyn WITH A vIEWWALK 27

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: Walkers Car Park oppositeQueen’sHead,Stanton.SO 311222Time: 9:30am to 5pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 3000ftLeader: Paul MoseleyPrice: £8.50

A strenuous, invigorating and rewarding circular walk around the lower Llanthony valley, rich in historyandwithspectacularviewsoftheBlackMountains.We’llvisittheleaningtower(andchurch)of Cwmyoy, Llanthony Priory, see a stone marking a bloody murder in revenge for a killing, an Iron AgeHillfortusedbytheRomansandtheQueen’sHeadpubattheend!

HIGH HILLS, LEAnInG TOWERS And bLOOdy REvEnGE!WALK 28

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Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: Fro Car Park SO292200Time: 9:30am to 11:30amDistance: 5 milesAscent: 800ftLeader: Ruth PickvancePrice: £6.50Sponsored by: Element: Active DaysWild Ways - www.element-active.co.uk

ThisisawonderfulandfairlyeasywalkinthelowerreachesoftheGrwyneFawrvalleywheretherivermeetsthebarrierofSugarLoafandheadswest.GentlepathstakeustoaGrade1listedbuildinginthe process of extensive renovation as well as a small and secluded nature reserve.

STAnTOn STROLLWALK 30

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: Porth y Parc SO289167Time: 9:30am to 12:30pmDistance: 5 milesAscent: 870ftLeader: Janet MoseleyPrice: £6.50

A circular walk in the foothills of The Sugar Loaf, along a farm lane, woodland and open moorland. A gentle first mile is followed by a steep climb through woods, which we will take slowly. Out on the openmoorland,wecontouraroundtheheadoftheAfonCibivalley,withfineviewsallround(weatherpermitting).Asteepdescentleadsbacktothecarpark.

SWEET And LOWWALK 31

Please car share if possible, as the car park is very small.

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point:Llanthony Priory SO 288278Time: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2000ftLeader: Martyn JonesPrice: £8.50

A circular walk in the quiet Ewyas valley and along the Offa’s Dyke ridge. Starting at Llanthony we follow field paths to Cwmyoy church with its dramatic leaning tower and twisted nave. As we approachCwmyoy,wepassbyDarenUchafandDarenIsafwhilstwalkingbelowtheDarren!ThenweascendHatterallHillandfollowtheridgepathwithgreatviewsacrosstoHerefordshireandbackdown to Llanthony.

TWO dAREnS And A dARREn!WALK 32

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: Craig y Nos CountryCarParkSA91GLSN840155Time: 9:45am to 4pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 1050ftLeader:PaulineHillPrice: £8.50(CarparkFee£2.50)Sponsored by: Wild Communities Project,BrecknockWildlifeTrust

A steady walk from Craig Y Nos to three nature reserves on limestone of very different character, Craig Y Rhiwarth, Allt Rhongyr and Ogof Ffynnon Ddu looking out for wildlife. The route will be very varied underfoot with steady and sometimes steep ascents and descents. Some walking on rough ground.

A nATuRE WALK TO ALLT RHOnGyR And FFynnOn ddu nATuRE RESERvESWALK 33

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point:StarBunkhouse,BwlchLD37RQTime: 10am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 1800ftLeader:EmmaHarrisonPrice: £8.50Sponsored by:TheStarBunkhouse&Glanpant

ThisundulatingwalkwithmagnificentviewstakesinthethreepeaksofBucklandHill,AlltyrEsgairandCefnMoel:alllookingdownonthevillageofBwlchontheedgeoftheBlackMountains.Wewillsee how the landscape has been shaped by nature and man though the ages, from the Ice Age to the Second World War, and we will be walking in the footsteps of Iron Age people, the Romans and Normans,plusJ.R.R.Tolkien’simaginedHobbits!

bWLCH THREE PEAKS – A WALK THROuGH TImEWALK 34


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Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point:BlaenyCwmCarParkSO252285Time: 10am to 3pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 1000ftLeader:AllanGibbsPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: GoldenValleyTraining

ThefascinatinghistoryoftheGrwyneFawrreservoir.Exploretheremainsofthevillagebuiltnearly100yearsagotohousethebuildersofthedam,thentothedamitselfandlunchinaMBABothy.Thereturn will be via a high summit with great views.

STEAm And STOnESWALK 35

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 2pm to 4pmDistance: 5 milesAscent: 100ftLeader: Elsa CleminsonPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

This walk is featured in the Walkers are Welcome ‘Cracking Walks’ booklet.

AdelightfulwalkalongtheriverUsk,thenthroughtheGlanuskEstate–kindlyopenedbytheEstate–andbackviatheMon&BrecCanal.FromCRiCthiseasywalktakesyouthroughBullPitMeadowand along the side of the river, with great views up to the Darren. The fine bridge across the river takes you into the Estate lands and out on the south side, where a short ascent takes you onto the canal. The canal walk back is peaceful, with plenty of wildlife.

THE GLAnuSK ESTATE - An uSK vALLEy TREATWALK 36

Monday 26th FebruaryMeeting Point: BowlsPavilion,BeaufortStreet,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmSpeaker: WilliamGibbsPrice: £6.50

TheBreconBeaconsareahas inspiredartistsover thecenturies, fromJMW Turner, through Eric Ravilious to contemporary artists such as RobertMacdonald.WilliamGibbsiswellknownforhisknowledgeofartinthe National Park. This illustrated talk is about how artists have responded to the landscape in the National Park from the 16th to the 21st Century.

Seeing the Landscape



TUESDAY 27thFEBRUARY

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: QueensHeadWalkers Car Park Stanton SO 3112211Time: 9am to 5pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader: David ThomasPrice: £8.50

Afullday’swalkalongbothsidesoftheLlanthonyValley.Fromthecarparkwestartupthelaneandonto open moorland to the Revenge Stone and hear how it got its name. From there we carry on toGarnEwenandthendowntoLlanthonyPriory,wherewewillhavelunchinitsdelightfulgrounds(bringyourown!).Afterlunchweclimbuptheeasternsideofthevalley,followingtheBeaconsWayand then veering west to our start.

LunCH AT LLAnTHOnyWALK 37

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point:Dragon’sBackInn,PengenfforddTime: 9am to 5pmDistance: 8 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader:GraemeAdkinPrice: £8.50Sponsored by:BlackMountainsWalking

Afinecircuit,takinginthehighestpointintheBlackMountainsvialovelyridges.StartbyvisitingCastell Dinas, the highest Norman castle site in Wales and then climb the aptly-named Dragon’s back ridgetoWaunFach(811m,2660ft).ThewaydownskirtstheheadofthebeautifulGrwyneFechanvalley to Pen Trumau and then follows an ancient bridleway back to Pengenffordd.

uP And AROund THE dRAGOn’S bACKWALK 38

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 2800ftLeader: Andy JohnsPrice: £8.50

Takepathslesstrodden-theThreePenswithadifference!AfteragentlestartalongtheRiverUsk,weascendintoCwmMawrandthentakeadirectlineuptheBryniogridge,whichclimbsinaseriesofsculptedstepsleftbythelastIceAgetoreachPenGloch-y-pibwr;sometimesonpaths,sometimesnot, but nothing extreme. Main trails to Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, then down by lovely grasssheeptrackstoTableMountainandCwmCumbeth.Greatviewsandquiettrailsthroughout.

yOmP THE THREE PEnSWALK 39

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: UpperBlaenyGlyncar park SO 056175Time: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 9 milesAscent: 2300ftLeader: Cari EvansPrice: £8.50

A circular walk in the heart of the National Park. Start the route with a steep ascent then a ridge walkwithviewsacrossthenumerousvalleystoFanyBigthendowntotheGapanduptothetopofCribyn.GreatviewsthroughoutofthemajesticpeaksoftheBeacons.Returnviathe‘RomanRoad’and Taff Trail, back to the start.

A STOnE, A CHAIR, A HAySTACK And A dRAGOn’S bACK!Walk 40

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Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: Llansantffraed ChurchTime: 10am to 1pmDistance: 2 milesAscent: 200ftLeader: Elizabeth SiberryPrice: £6.50

WestartatLlansantffraedchurch,wheretheseventeenthcenturypoetHenryVaughanisburied.Wewill have an opportunity to hear more about his life in the area and visit his grave, which has become asiteofliterarypilgrimage.Then(inowncars)drivetoHendersonHallinTalybonttoparkandbegintheHenryVaughanwalk.This takes us along the canal, through fields, stopping at theVaughangardentotalkaboutVaughan’slifeasaphysicianandlisteningtosomeofhispoetryinspiredbythelandscapeoftheUskValley.

A WALK WITH HEnRy vAuGHAnWALK 44

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point:Llanfoist Crossing SO 286133Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 9 milesAscent: 1900ftLeader: Peter ChildsPrice: £8.50

Starting from Llanfoist, we skirt around Blorenge along the canal and then ascend steadily toFoxhunter’sGrave.WefollowalovelyoldtramwayallaroundtheshoulderofBlorenge,justbelowthe summit. Descent is via the Devil’s Punchbowl and return to Llanfoist via another old tramway path.Goodtracks,industrialheritageinplentyand(hopefully)superbviewsthroughout.(Foxhunter(1940–1959)wasachampionshowjumpinghorseriddenbyHarryLlewellyn,bestknownfortheirpartinsecuringGreatBritain’sonlygoldmedalatthe1952SummerOlympics.)

GOInG TO THE dEvIL by HORSEbACK!WALK 43

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point:Keepers Pond. SO 254107Time: 10:30am to 3:30pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 1245ftLeader: Robert ShortPrice: £8.50

The walk takes place entirely inThe BlaenavonWorld Heritage Site on the edge ofThe BreconBeaconsNationalPark,starting fromPen-ffordd-goch (KeepersPond)visiting the ruinedForgeatGarnDdyrysandthesceniclocationofThePunchBowl.Theroutefollowsfootpaths,tracksandahorse-drawntramroadthatcarriedirontotheMonmouthshireandBreconCanal.

THE IROn mOunTAIn TRAILWALK 45

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: CoachandHorsescar park Llangynidr. SO 146198Time: 10am to 2pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 300ftLeader: Phil EvansPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:CoachandHorses,Llangynidr

AstrollalongthelovelyriverUsk,thecanalandtheriverCrawnon.Waterfalls,rapids,locks,standingstone,churchand lotsmorehistory.FromthestartaneasywalkdowntotheriverUsk,andthenalongthefootpathgoingwesttojointhecanalinthevillageofLlangynidr.Alookataseriesoflocks,aVictorianworkhouseandthenalongtheCrawnonrivertojoinfootpathsandroadstofinish.

A WALK AROund LLAnGynIdR WATERWAySWALK 41

Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10am to 4pmDistance: 8 milesAscent: 1400ftLeader: Rob SunderlandPrice: £8.50

A circular walk taking in Crickhowell Castle, Table Mountain, Llanbedr, the Grwyne rivers andLlangenny.Awalkfullofhistoricalinterest.FindoutwhodrownedinButler’sPool,whyanAustrianpsychiatristsleptneartheDragon’sHeadandwhathappenedtoLadySybil’sforearms.

CASTLE, TAbLE, dRAGOn, SAInTWALK 42


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Tuesday 27th FebruaryMeeting Point:GliffaesHotelSO170198Time: 10:30am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2100ftLeader: James SuterPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: GliffaesHotel

AbracingclimbupToryFoelandthefamousGliffaesteatorecover!FromthehotelwalkalongtheUsktoLlangynidr,thenskirtingtothesouthofToryFoelbeforeascendingfromthenorth.BackviatheUskValleyandthecanaltowpathtosamplethefamousGliffaesTea(£10ontheday).

TOR y FOEL And TEAWALK 46

Tuesday 27th FebruaryVenue: ScoutHall,CastleRoad,Crickhowell NP8 1APTime: 7:30pmPrice: £6.50Sponsor:Crickhowell&LlangattockScouts

An illustrated talk about mountains climbed and cultures and countries visited by Mike Kelly mountain instructor and landscape photographer. For three decades Mikehasbeentravellingtheglobeandhasvisited52countries.HehasalsoledexpeditionstotheAlps,Pyrenees,HimalayasandtheAndessocomealongandbe inspired.

AllproceedstoCrickhowell&LlangattockScouts.Refreshmentswillbeavailable.

Footsteps and Photographs

Tuesday 27th FebruaryVenue: HorseshoeInn,LlangattockTime: 7:30pmPrice: £10.00 per team (payonthenight)Sponsored by:TheHorseshoeInn,Llangattock

Special Offer Curry Night at £5 per head for CWF ParticipantsBackbypopulardemand,aneclecticmixofquestionswithaoutdoorfeel!AfewmayberelatingtotheFestivalsoagoodreadoftheProgrammeBookmayprove useful - or even recruit your Walk Leader to help, we understand they have very reasonable rates!

Max of 6 per team, adhoc teams encouraged on the night.Note:ThisisaGoogle-freezone.

The CWF Quiz

The Beacons Farm Shop is based at the family-run Welsh Venison Centre

where we sell our own produced, award winning lamb, beef and venison,

plus quality local pork, poultry and a selection of other meat. We also

sell fresh, locally baked bread, deli items and seasonal vegetables.

Middlewood Farm, Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HQ.

t: 01874 730929 www.beaconsfarmshop.co.uk

AWAR

D WINNING!

our own deer skin rugs

local producefinest quality meat

Open Monday to Saturday

8:30am - 5pm on-line shop now open!

café

[email protected]

WVC Cric ad.indd 1 26/10/2016 16:35


WEDNESDAY 28thFEBRUARY

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: UpperBlaenyGlynCarPark. SO 056175Time: 9am to 5pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 3795ftLeader: LukeHorrocksPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: The Royal Air Force

WalkwithRAFInstructors.IfyouwanttotakeinallthemajorpeaksoftheBreconBeaconsNationalPark, then this is the route for you! This route will take you right across the ridge line of the central Beaconsandwillbealongarduousday,notforthefainthearted.Thatbeingsaid,comealongandenjoythecircularroutetakinginallthespectacularviewsthislovelylandscapehastooffer–unlessit’scloudy-thencomeenjoythefreshairinthelungs!

THE bRECOn bEASTWALK 47

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: Layby opposite Tafarn y GarregSN848171Time: 9am to 5pmDistance: 9.5 milesAscent: 3005ftLeader: Stu EdwardsPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: The Royal Air Force

Walk with RAF instructors. This route will give you the chance to stretch your legs and take in some military history. The route starts with a challenging ascent to get the lungs working as we head towardsoneofthebiggestcrashsitesinthearea.Afterthecrashsitetheterrainflattensandyoucantake in the beautiful views. This is a circular route with plenty of scenery and wildlife.

THE FAn HIR CRASH SITEWALK 48

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point:Tir y Nant, Llanbedr SO 237237Time: 9am to 5:30pmDistance: 15 milesAscent: 3250ftLeader: Richard MitchleyPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: Dragon Trails

Wechallengeyou tocomplete the thirteenBlackMountainsPeaksover2000ftpeaks. (Walk theEasternPeaksonSaturday3rdMarch.)Today’scircularwalkstartsfromnorthofLlanbedrandwillbagPenTwynMawr,PenyGadairFawr,WaunFach,MynyddLysiau,PenTwynGlas,PenAllt-mawrand Pen Cerrig-calch.

THIRTEEn PEAKS CHALLEnGE - WESTERn PEAKSWALK 49

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 9am to 4pmDistance: 11.5 milesAscent: 2200ftLeader: Mike InglebyPrice: £8.50

WeleaveCrickhowellalongthebankoftheRiverUskthenfollowaroadsidefootpathtothevillageofGlangrwyney.HereweturntofollowtheGrwyneFawrvalley,crossingan‘interesting’stileontheway[hence‘nodogs’].WenextfollowtheGrwyneFechanvalleytomeettheBeaconsWayforourreturnoverTableMountain(theoriginalCrugHywel)andbacktoCrickhowellthroughCwmCumbeth.

THREE RIvERS And A TAbLEWalk 50

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Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: HendersonHall,TalybontLD3 7YQ SO 114227 for bus to startTime: 9:30am to 5pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 3100ftLeader: Mike JonesPrice: £12.50(incl£4busfare)

AclassiclinearwalktickingofffourofthemainBeaconstops.MeetatTalybontforabustothestartatPontarDaf.ThenupthetouristpathtothewindygapatBwlchDuwyntforashortclimbtoCornDu, followed by a hop to Pen y Fan before dropping down Craig Cwm Sere and up the steep path to Cribyn.ThendowntotheRomanRoadandthelastclimbtoFanyBig,followedbythemagnificentCraig Cwmoergwm horseshoe. Then over Waun Rydd and steadily down to the Talybont reservoir via Carn Pica and then we follow the Taff Trail into Talybont for well-earned refreshments.

A LInEAR TREK ACROSS THE bEACOnSWALK 52

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point:Blaen-OnneuCarParkSO157171Time: 10am to 12:30pmDistance: 3 milesAscent: MinimalLeader: Nigel MillsPrice: £6.50

Standingstones...Whatare they?Whyare they there?BoundaryMarkers?,GraveStones?,EarthEnergy Points?Wewill explore aBronzeAge site on Llangynidrmountain and spend some timediscussing the possible meaning and purpose of the mounds and alignments . Participants who like to experiment will be given the opportunity to ‘sense’ the energy of the stones through dowsing. The main stone is called Carreg Waun Llech.

SEnSE THE STOnESWALK 53

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: Neuadd Cottages, Llangattock SO 204169Time: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 1500ftLeader: Paul MoseleyPrice: £8.50Sponsored by:Neuadd Cottages, Llangattock

This energetic walk allows visitors to explore the reminders of once-thriving industry and the unique landscape around Llangattock. A steep ascent to the bleak moorland atop Mynydd Llangatwg takes us to the Witches Pool, the site of a Dark Ages battle, and the Lonely Shepherd via Twr Pen-cyrn. StunningviewsofthecentralBeaconsandBlackMountainsifvisibilityisgood-abroodingsenseof ancient menace and a test of navigation if poor. Climb includes some short but steep and rugged sections that need a good head for heights.

InduSTRIAL HERITAGE And nATuRAL bEAuTy…And SO muCH mOOR!WALK 51

Julia at Ty Neuadd will kindly supply us with coffee and biscuits at the start and tea and cake at the end of the walk. Walk leaves Ty Neuadd at 10am.

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: BrynmawrMuseum,MarketSquare,Brynmawr. NP23 4AJ. SO 192118Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 9 milesAscent: 800ftLeader: Frank OldingPrice: £8.50

An informative walk through history looking at the Industrial Archaeology of Mynydd Llangatwg associated with the infamous Crawshay and Joseph Bailey, the Nantyglo Ironmasters. The walkwill cover the Darren Tramroad, the Lonely Shepherd Quarries, the Waun Watcyn Incline, Llangatwg QuarriesandBailey’s1829tramroad.

THE bAILEy TRAILWALK 54

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point:The Crown, Pantygelli SO302179Time: 10:30am to 3pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 1200ftLeader: Rob YorkePrice: £8.50Sponsored by: robyorke.co.uk

ArambleinthefoothillsoftheeasternBlackMountainsandanopportunitytodiscussthelandscape,wildlife, farming, conservation, countryside, rewilding, woodland and related themes with Rob Yorke. Agentlesaunteracrosslowlandpastures,ontotheflanksofBrynArw,aroundthroughCoed-y-CerrigNational Nature Reserve and back through rushy fields to the pub.

CuRLEWS CALLInGWALK 55


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Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point: Mynydd Llanwenarth Car Park SO268167Time: 2pm to 5pmDistance: 4 milesAscent: 1000ftLeader:BillChasePrice: £6.50

A spiralling approach to the summit of Sugar Loaf – not too steep, except for a short stretch towards thesummit.Expect360degreeviewsoftheBlackMountains,UskValley,Herefordshireandbeyond,if the weather is kind. Quite steep down to start with, but we’ll take it gently.

SuGAR LOAF ROundAbOuTWALK 56

Wednesday 28th FebruaryMeeting Point:Llanfrynach village SO 074257 Time: 6:30pm to 9pmDistance: 3 milesAscent: 200ftLeader:HeatherMalingPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:BreconBeaconsNordicWalking

NordicWalking instructor, HeatherMaling, will lead a night walk from Llanfrynach via lanes andfootpaths to Rhiwiau, an ancient dwelling on the edge of the open mountain. A log fire and nordic punch will welcome the party and a special reindeer stew will be served, and after much feasting and music, the party will step out into the starlit night for an easy, downhill stroll back to Llanfrynach. Nordic walking experience not essential, poles and head torches will be provided. Waterproofs and walkingbootsessential.Vegetarianoptionwillbeprovided.

nORdIC nIGHT WALK And SuPPERWALK 57

Donations for the feast will be given toBreconMountainRescueTeam.

Wednesday 28th FebruaryVenue: TheBearHotel,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmSpeaker: Kevin WalkerPrice: £6.50Sponsored by: mountain-activities.com

In December 2016, Kevin travelled to the other side of the world, spending a month in Oz, a month in NZ North Island, and a month in NZ South Island. This talk is about his experiences of the local culture, the fantastic scenery and the amazing walking. Profusely illustrated in Kevin’s trademark style, this talk takes you on a grand tour ofBritain’sAntipodes.

Kevin’s Adventures Downunder


Be Inspired! Take a photo and enter our Photographic Compe��on.

The Winner receives a £100 voucher to spend at Crickhowell Adventure on a Scarpa or Deuter product.

Entries must be on the theme of the Walking Fes�val and should be submi�ed to [email protected] by the end of March 2018. See website for full details.

Last year’s winning entry from Terry Shipp

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[email protected] 01873 811970

Promoting sustainable tourism

information & advice on where to stay and what to do - gifts - local products - maps - guide books - hot and cold drinks - locally baked cakes - WiFi - oriel CRiC gallery

visitcrickhowell.co.uk image by Ursula Prosser

Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell, NP8 1BN

Crickhowell Walking Festival’s Information Hub



THURSDAY 1stMARCH

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point: TheDragon’sBackInn,Pengenffordd SO173296Time: 9am to 4pmDistance: 10.5 milesAscent: 2300ftLeader: Mike InglebyPrice: £8.50

FromPengenfforddweheadnorthwardsalongthefootoftheBlackMountainsescarpment,eventuallymakingourascentupRhiwWen.WethenreturnalongtheedgeoftheBlackMountainsescarpment,rewarded by some superb views if the weather is kind. We finally descend the spectacular ridge ‘Y Grib’,popularlyknownas‘TheDragon’sBack’.

A dRAGOn FOR ST dAvId’S dAyWALK 58

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point:Layby at Pencelli SO094247Time: 9:30am to 4:30pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 2600ftLeader:SimonBaldwinPrice: £8.50

Awalk giving a true experience of the Brecon Beacons ridges butwithout the crowds of Pen yFan. Rising quickly from the village of Pencelli via a sunken lane and woodland, the route reaches the summit of theBryn viaRhyd-y-Beddau. It then continues to climb reaching its highest pointat theheadofCwmduCwareli.Spectacular ridgewalking takesus toFanyBigwhichmaygiveopportunities for photos on the ‘diving board’. Descent is via the fine ridge of Cefn Cyff the pleasant fields and an attractive bridle path to the village of Llanfrynach. Finally, returning to the start along the Taff Trail and canal towpath to Pencelli where the Royal Oak will be open to welcome us.

FAn y bIG On ST dAI’S dAyWALK 59

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point: UpperBlaenyGlynCar Park SO 056175Time: 9:30pm to 5pmDistance: 12.5 milesAscent: 3050ftLeader: David MoseleyPrice: £8.50

AwalkwhichtakesinfourpeaksintheCentralBeacons.AsteepclimbfromtheUpperWaterfallsCarParktakesustoaridgewhichwefollowtoFanyBiganditsiconicdivingboard.ThenthewalktakesusdowntotheGapRoadwhichwecrossbeforeclimbingCribynfollowedbyPenyFanthehighestpeak in South Wales. A short hop over Corn Du is followed by another ridge walk before we head downintotheTafFechanvalleytojointheGapRoadandforestrytracksbacktothecarpark.

THE FuLL bEACOnS HORSESHOEWALK 60

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point:LlanbedrVillageHallSO239204Time: 10am to 3:30pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 1230ftLeader:TimandLesBartonPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: Pepperberry Kitchen

AgentleascentontothelowerslopesoftheSugarLoaf.FromLlanbedrVillageHallwefollowtheGwryneFechanriverbeforeascendingviafootpathsandfieldsontothefoothillsoftheSugarLoaf.Withspectacularviewsacross to theBreconBeacons,we thendescendvia theCwmGwenffrwdvalleyandreturntoLlanbedrviaLlangennyfollowingtheGrwyneFawrriver.Followedbytea/coffeeandcakesfromPepperberryKitchen.(£3.50)

In THE SHAdOW OF THE SuGAR LOAFWalk 61

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Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point:Storey Arms SN 982203Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 1950ftLeader: Martyn JonesPrice: £8.50

AcircularmoorlandwalkontheothersidefromthepopularBeaconshills.StartingatStoreyArmsasteep ascent up onto Fan Fawr followed by a gentle descent to the Ystradfellte Reservoir dam. The route follows a series of sheep tracks up to Fan Dringarth before heading north towards the beautiful valleyofNantCwm-du.Headingnortheastwereach theedgeofCraigCerrig-gleisiadand thenswing south to return to Storey Arms.

THE OTHER SIdEWALK 63

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point: Canal car park,ChurchRaodGilwernSO243146Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 1600ftLeader: Pam KnowlesPrice: £8.50

TheClydachGorgeisfullofarchaeologicaltreasures,delightfulwoodsandhiddengems.Itisalsothesceneofmajorroadworks,whicharegoingtotransformthegorge,probablyforthebetter.Thisscenicwalkclimbstobothsidesofthevalley,givingwonderfulviewsofthegorgeandoftheBlackMountains. Climbing is done at a steady pace on good paths and tracks. We will visit the old Clydach Ironworks and the beautiful viaduct nearby.

THE WOndERS OF CLydACH GORGEWALK 64

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10am to 2:30pmDistance: 7 milesAscent: 950ftLeader: Julian StedmanPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

To celebrate St David’s Day, entry to Tretower Court will be free. Why not take advantage of this offer toseethiswonderfulbuilding-hometothePicardsandtheVaughansforover900years?Aguidedtour (complimentary)will show youhow the roomshave been restored towhat theywould havebeen like in 1470. The walk takes you up from Crickhowell, past the ruined village of Twyn, before dropping down to Tretower where we will stop for lunch and to look round the buildings. Return along the river bank.

ST dAvId’S dAy AT TRETOWER COuRTWALK 62

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point:GliffaesHotelSO170198Time: 10:30am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2100ftLeader: Susie SuterPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: GliffaesHotel

AbracingclimbupToryFoelandthefamousGliffaesteatorecover!FromthehotelwalkalongtheUsktoLlangynidr,thenskirtingtothesouthofToryFoelbeforeascendingfromthenorth.BackviatheUskValleyandthecanaltowpathtosamplethefamousGliffaesTea(£10ontheday).

TOR y FOEL And TEA TWOWALK 66

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point:Ty-yn-y-coed SO 222133Time: 10:30am to 12:30pmDistance: 3 milesAscent: 250ftLeader:NicholasBeswickPrice: £6.50

FromthecarparkbytheGiant’sThumb,thewalkwillascendtheeastendofMynyddLlangatwgtojoinCrawshayBailey’sDarrenDisgwylfa tramroad. Wewill visit theLonelyShepherd rockbeforereturning via the tramroad to see one of the stones on the mountain inscribed with mysterious biblicalverses.ThewalkwillcontinuepastPwllCoedog,aspectacularsinkhole,beforerejoiningtheCymroRoadwherewewilllookdownontheClydachGorgeandlearnofitsreputedlinktoWilliamShakespeare as well as its industrial past

ExPLORInG mynydd LLAnGATWGWALK 65

The walk follows tracks and paths with one short moderately steep ascent.


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Thursday 1st MarchVenue: ClarenceHall,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmPrice: £8Licensed bar available

St David’s Day Concert with the Hywel Choral Scholars and localstudents.Acelebrationofall thingsWelsh;avarietyofmusic forchoir,soloists and harp. A wonderful night of uplifting Welsh singing, celebrating the beauty of our national culture and landscape. Audience participation much encouraged!

Tickets only available from Webbs Crickhowell01873 810973 and on the door

Crickhowell Choral Society Presents

Thursday 1st MarchVenue: OldRectoryHotel,LlangattockTime: 7:30pmPrice: £6.50Speaker: AlanBowringSponsored by:BreconBeaconsNationalParkAuthority

AlanBowring,NationalParkgeologisttakesalookatsomeoften-missedconnections with the sea. A wet day on the hills? It has been wetter! A talk on tropical seas in the Carboniferous, a Cretaceous submergence of the whole of Wales and more recent comings and goings. And what prospect for the future?

Welcome to Crickhowell-on-Sea!

Thursday 1st MarchMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 4:30pm to 11pmDistance: 9 milesAscent: 2145ftLeader:BillChasePrice: £12.50(includes£4.00busfare)Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

A night walk over the top of Sugar Loaf and down the western ridge to Llangenny and finishing in Crickhowell. Starting in Abergavenny we ascend an old quarry path to the top of Sugar Loaf, descendingthebroadwesternridgeto theGrwynevalleyandLlangenny, thenbackoverfields toCrickhowell.Givenacloudlessskytherewillbeafullmoon.Hotdrinks,food,headtorchesandsparebatteries are essential.

SuGAR LOAF TO CRICKHOWELL by mOOnLIGHTWALK 67

presents

A changing programme of exhibitions in the gallery & the CRiC Studio plus:

10th Annual Open Studios Weekend

find @orielcric online

visitcrickhowell.co.uk image by Paul Burgess

26th-28th May 2017Open Art Competition

25th May - July 2017



FRIDAY 2ndMARCH

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 9am to 4:30pmDistance: 12 milesAscent: 3000ftLeader: Mike JonesPrice: £12.50(incl£4busfare)

FollowingtheBeaconsWay.ThebuswilltakeustoourstartpointatLlanthonyPriory.CrossingthevalleyfromthePriory,weclimbsteeplyupCwmbwcheltoBalBach.Onreachingthetopweheadsouth along the ridge, dropping into theGrwyne FawrValley, crossing the river and climb up toPartrishow Church, which is well worth a look around. Continuing uphill we skirt round the summit of CrugMawrbeforedroppingintotheGrwyneFechanValley.Risingabovetheagriculturallandonthewesternsideofthevalley,weclimbupTableMountain(CrugHywel),thesiteofanancientsettlementoverlooking our goal for the day, Crickhowell.

bEACOnS WAy - LLAnTHOny TO CRICKHOWELLWALK 69

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: Crown at PantygelliTime: 9am to 3pmDistance: 9 milesAscent: 2100ftLeader: David MorganPrice: £8.50

A walk over the Deri, near Sugar Loaf and with views over Abergavenny. We begin this circular walk by climbing around and up though oak trees that gives the Deri above Abergavenny its name. We continue along the ridge north, then dropping down to Forest Coal Pit before ascending the little visitedBrynArw.WethenreturntotheCrownatPantygelliforalatelunch.

CROWn And TOPPERWALK 70

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: LlangynidrVillagecarparkGRSO155195Time: 9:30am to 5:30pmDistance: 14 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader:BrianPostPrice: £8.50

A long loop contouring around the rim of Dyffryn Crawnon begins with a gentle climb from Llangyndir, returningvia theBrinore tramroadandthesummitofToryFoel. Riverconditionspermitting, thewalkendswithastrollalongabeautifulstretchoftheRiverUskandthechanceforawell-earnedpint in the Red Lion.

dyFFRyn CRAWnOn And TOR y FOELWalk 71

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point:Llanthony Priory SO289278Time: 9am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2130ftLeader: GraemeAdkinPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: BlackMountainsWalking

Firstly a gentle ascent SE to meet the Offa’s Dyke path on ridge. Then continuing south along the BeaconsWay,beforeveeringwestanddescendingtoStanton.KeepinginawesterlydirectionwefollowthefootpathacrossthenorthernshoulderofBrynArwbeforedescendingtoCoedyCerrig.Nowup toYGaer, topickup the BeaconsWayagain toBalBachandfinallywedescendCwmBwcheltoreturn.

AnOTHER ROuTE AROund THE LOWER LLAnTHOny vALLEyWALK 68

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Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point:BlackHillCarParkSO288328Time: 9:30am to 5pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 3000ftLeader: Andy JohnsPrice: £8.50

Ahiddengem-classicridgesandvalleysinthequietNEBlackMountains.CrossthelovelyOlchonvalley,upandoverOffa’sDykeanddowntoVisionFarmandtheancienthamletofCapel-y-ffin.AsteadyclimbupNantBwchtothenorthernedgeoftheBlackMountains,thentraverseTwmpa,GospelPassandHayBluff.BackintoEngland,pastBlackHillandfinishwithastrolldowntheCat’sBackridge to the start.

nORTH by nORTH EASTWALK 73

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: LlanfoistVillageHall,Church Lane, Abergavenny NP7 9LPTime: 9:30am to 12:30pmDistance: 6 miles Ascent: 1970ftLeader: Ruth PickvancePrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Element Active - element-active.co.uk

AninterestingwalkofcontraststhattakesinsomespectacularviewsbackintotheBlackMountainsand covers themore interesting terrain of theBlorengeMountain.Ancient beechwoodlands, oldmines and a punchbowl. The walk is all on paths with a steep ascent to begin the walk and a steep descent to finish.

bLOREnGE ROundAbOuTWALK 72

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10am to 4pmDistance: 8 miles Ascent: 1750ftLeader:AlanBowringPrice: £8.50Sponsored by:BreconBeaconsNationalPark

Shallweenjoyawalkbythesea–orinthehills?Well,youcandoboth,eveninCrickhowell!2018isWales’“YearoftheSea”–anancientseaisrevealedinthiswalkbythecliffsoftheLlangattockescarpmentandamorerecentconnectionwiththeseaisfollowedinpartviaitstowpath.But,willwecatch a glimpse of the modern sea from the top of Mynydd Llangatwg? Join us to find out!

A vIEW TO THE SEA - AnCIEnT And mOdERnWALK 74

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point:The Farmers Arms, Cwmdu SO179237Time: 10:30am to 3pmDistance: 8 milesAscent: 1400ftLeader: Rob YorkePrice: £8.50Sponsored by: robyorke.co.uk

A walk in the fields and glades around the Rhiangoll valley exploring farming, forestry, wildlife, tourism, and landscape over the last 50 years.We head up onto the BeaconsWay, then slowlydescend towards Tretower and then head north west to meander back across the river.

dARK ARCHERSWALK 75

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: WelshVenisonCentre,LD37HQ,SO138227Time: 1:30pm to 4pmDistance: 4.5 miles Ascent: 800ftLeader: Janet MoseleyPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:TheWelshVenisonCentre

Thisshortcircularwalk,acrossanoften-overlookedsmallpeakwestofBwlch,includesanIronAgefort,aRomanroad,a19thcenturyfolly,andstunningviewsallround(weatherpermitting).Theclimbis moderate, and will be taken at a gentle pace. There are toilets at the start and finish. You will be welcomedbythestaffattheVenisonCentrecaféattheendofyourwalkfortea/coffeeandcakesatthe special Walking Festival price of £5.

ALLT yR ESGAIRWALK 76


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Friday 2nd MarchVenue: TheBearHotel,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmPrice: £6.50Speaker: ShanLegge-Bourke

Dame Shan Legge-Bourke, Lord Lieutenant of Powys and Lady-in-Waiting to the Princess Royal has gathered a collection of hats from aroundtheworldonhertripswithHerMajestyQueenElizabethandthePrincess Royal. In this talk she weaves the hats into amusing stories and anecdotes from ‘behind the scenes’.

Hat Chat

Friday 2nd MarchMeeting Point: Tir y Nant SO 237237Time: 2pm to 5pmDistance: 4 milesAscent: 1400ftLeader: Kerry CrosfieldPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:CrickhowellVolunteerBureau

Tomarkthe75thanniversaryofthecrashoftheUSAAFB19bomber,codename“AscendCharlie”wewill trek to the spotwhere it crashed on remotemoorland above the Grwyne Fechan valley.A steep ascent is followed by some wilder moorland walking and a descent via forestry tracks. Ascend Charlie had a crew of 10, all of whom were killed, and was returning badly damaged from a bombingraidoverBordeauxwhenaweatherfrontcausedthemtodivertfromtheirintendedrouteto Framlingham, Suffolk.

A TRIbuTE TO ASCEnd CHARLIEWALK 77

BRINGING THE LANDSCAPE TO LIFE

Mobile: 07968 085620 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.mountain-activities.com

Courses & walks Coaching & guiding Writing & photography


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4th—8th April 2018

www.walksinchepstow.co.uk

Specialist Suppliers of Outdoor Clothing and Footwear since 1977. 43 High Street, Brecon. LD3 7AP

01874 622949

...and many more!

www.gibboutdoors.co.uk

Get 10% discount with this advert!



SATURDAY 3rdMARCH

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: The Fro Car ParkSO 292200 for bus to startTime: 8:30am to 5:30pmDistance: 13 miles Ascent: 2300ftLeader: Siôn JamesPrice: £12.50(incl£4.00busfare)Sponsored by: www.blackmountainsguiding.co.uk

In the Footsteps ofGeraldusCambrensis (Gerald ofWales) -Geraldwas selected to accompanytheArchbishop ofCanterbury, Baldwin of Forde, on a tour ofWales in 1188, the object being arecruitmentcampaignfortheThirdCrusade.HelaterwroteinLatinanaccountofthatjourney,the“ItinerariumCambriae”,andwewillattempttofollowintheirfootstepsacrosstheBlackMountains.

In THE FOOTSTEPS OF GERALduS CAmbREnSIS (GERALd OF WALES)WALK 78

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 9am to 5:30pmDistance: 16 milesAscent: 4190ftLeader:TonyGreenacrePrice: £8.50Sponsored by:BlackGrouseTours

A fantastic day of ups and downs with a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure. Start the day with a steady walk to the summit of Sugar Loaf from where we descend back to the valley before our next summit of Crug Mawr. On the way we will stop off at the fascinating and ancient church and wellofStIssuiatPartrishow.JoiningtheBeaconsWaywewilldropbackdowntocrosstheGrwyneFawr before the final smaller climb on to Table Mountain where we will see our finish point back in Crickhowell.Thefinalgentlestrollbacktotownisthroughaspectacularwoodedvalley.Sojoinusforbreath taking views as we walk the long way around Llanbedr.

A ROLLERCOASTER AROund LLAnbEdRWALK 79

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point:Llanthony Priory SO 288278Time: 9am to 6pmDistance: 18 milesAscent: 3100ftLeader: Sarah RestallPrice: £8.50

We challenge you to complete the thirteen peaks over 2000ft in the BlackMountains over twowalking days. The Western peaks are tackled on Wednesday 28th February. Today’s walk from LlanthonyPriorywillbagBlackMountainSouthtop,BlackMountain,BlackHill,Twmpa,PenRhosDirion and Chwarel y Fan.

THIRTEEn PEAKS CHALLEnGE - EASTERn PEAKSWalk 81

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point:LlanbedrVillageHallSO239203Time: 9amto12pm/1pmDistance: 14 to 17 milesAscent: 4500ft - 5200ftLeader:EmmaBaylissPrice: £6.50

Starting from Llanbedr village we will head up Pen-Cerrig-calch along the rocky ridge to Pen-Allt-Mawr.DroppingdowntothestreaminthevalleythenonupatoughrealfellascenttoPenyGadairFawrsummit.DependingonweatherandtimewewillbeflexibletoeitherdropdowntothedamandonuptoBal-MawrorintotheshelteredforestrytocontinuealongtoCrugMawrandbacktoLlanbedr.

SCRAmbLInG uP mOunTAInS, RunnInG RIdGES And FLOATInG dOWn GRASSy PATHSWALK 80

Good level of running fitness required, some hill experience needed. Please contact us if you require further details.

See website for directions to Start Points 35

T h e

KestrelI n n

RESERVATIONS

01874 731044WWW.THEKESTRELINN.COM

BRECON ROAD. NR CRICKHOWELL, NP8 1SB

B A R R E S T A U R A N T R O O M S


Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: Skirrid Car Park on the B4521SO328164(CarParkFee£3)Time: 9:30am to 5:30pmDistance: 14 milesAscent: 3100ftLeader: David MoseleyPrice: £8.50

Thewalk explores the Skirrid and Sugar LoafMountains, in the far east of the Brecon BeaconsNational Park, and the network of fields and footpaths between them. From the car park, the first sectionofthewalkfollowstheBeaconsWayoverSkirrid(the“HolyMountain”),themosteasterlypeakintheBreconBeaconsNationalPark,andontotheSkirridInnatLLanvihangelCrucorney.Thereafter,thewalkleavestheBeaconsWaytoheadwest,skirtingBrynArwbeforeclimbingtheSugarLoaf.From the summit of the Sugar Loaf the walk heads back east, descending gradually from open moorland and into fields before returning to the Skirrid car park.

AbERGAvEnny TWIn PEAKSWALK 82

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: SideRoadtoGwynArms Pub SN 845164Time: 9:30am - 5pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2400ftLeader:BarryHillPrice: £8.50

Thiswalkwilltakeinfouraircraftcrashsiteswhichhappenedbetween1939and1953intheBlackMountain area of thewesternBreconBeacons, thesewill include2Wellingtons,1Anson, andaVampireaircraft.Allthesitesthatwevisitwillstillhavewreckagefromtheincidents.Thiswillbeafullday’swalkwithalargeareatocoveroverroughterrain.Timeateachcrashsitewillbe15/20minutesfor you to take photos and for me to give info about incident and fate of crew.

AIRCRAFT CRASH SITES OF THE WESTERn bEACOnSWALK 83

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: Far car park at Llangors Multi Activity Centre SO 148267Time: 10am to 4:30pmDistance: 11 milesAscent: 2800ftLeader:AntheaScott&WallyJamesPrice: £8.50

We have no sea but we have spectacular views of the largest natural lake in South Wales - Llyn Syfaddan (Llangorse Lake in English) - about which watery legends abound. Join us and walksteeplyupontothreepeaks-MynyddLlangors,MynyddTroedandfinallyPenTir.ViewsoftheBlackMountainsandCentralBeaconsandaWelshlessonthrownin.

LAKESIdE vIEWSWALK 85

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point:GoldenGroveSO240179Time: 10am to 2pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 1100ftLeader: Elsa CleminsonPrice: £6.50

Explore the remainsofa longdesertedvillagenearGlangrwyney.FromLlangennywalkup to theshoulderoftheSugarLoafanddownthroughYGraigwoodstolookatthelostvillageandimaginethe past. Then around and back down to the start via a pleasant riverside walk and perhaps a drink intheDragon’sHeadtofinish.

LOST vILLAGE OF THE GRAIGWALK 86

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: GoldenGrove,Llangenny(forbustostart)SO240179Time: 9:30am to 5:30pmDistance: 8 milesAscent: 1600ftLeader: Stephen MarshallPrice: £12.50(incl£4busfare)Sponsored by: St Catwg’s Ministry Area

Day 1 of a pilgrimage to historic churches across the newly created St Catwg ministry area. A walk onholygroundtothreesecretCelticchurchesinthebeautifulvaleofGrywne.Afteravisit tothesacred well of St. Issui, we climb to the ancient ridgeway across Crug Mawr. With inspirational views aheadwe descend to Llanbedr and on via the river’s hidden gorge to journey’s end. Here at StCenau’schurchyouwillreceiveawelldeservedpilgrimsteabeforeexperiencingareflectiveserviceofComplinetotheaccompanimentofTudormusicsungbytheUnicornSingers.

In THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE SAInTS - dAy 1WALK 84

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KINGTONWALKING

FESTIVAL 201820th–23rd SeptemberNote this date in your diary when we will be holding our 7th annual festival

Also, new for 2018 is our:

Spring Walking Weekend

20th–22nd April 2018

For more information and to sign up to our newsletter please see:

[email protected]

07552 087786

GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS IN WALES

Explore the spectacular scenery, history & wildlife of the Pembrokeshire Coast or

Brecon Beacons. Daily walks with Welsh speaking guide.

Full board with delicious food, croquet, coracling, etc. Relaxed house-party

atmosphere. 7, 6 or 4 nights. Singles, couples & groups all welcome.

For brochure ring Richard 01873 810970 or visit www.dragontrails.com

St Edmund’s Church, Crickhowell

We are pleased to be sponsors of the Crickhowell Walking Festival in 2018

We welcome all participants to our beautiful church, which is open

every day from 9am to 5pm


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Saturday 3rd MarchVenue: ClarenceHall,CrickhowellTime: 7:30pmPrice: £10Fully licensed bar available

It’s nearly the end of the Festival, so take off your walking boots and put on your dancing shoes! Let’s have a party! Dance along to The Semantics, who have been gigging to enthusiastic audiences of all ages for nearly 20years.MembershaveappearedonHTV,S4CandRadioCymruandthe band have sold over 7000 studio albums, raising a lot of money for charity. Their act features songs from all eras and styles.

The Semantics

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point:BlaenOnneuCarparkSO157171Time: 10am to 4pmDistance: 8 milesAscent: 1100ftLeader:BillChasePrice: £8.50Sponsored by:Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell

Ahardertestofyournavigationskills.BillChasewillexplainmorechallengingnavigationtechniqueswith plenty of practice by participants. We will explore relatively featureless moorland above Llangattock with rough tussocky terrain and most of the day off paths. Please bring a compass and map OL13.

nAvIGATInG In WILd TERRAInWALK 87

Saturday 3rd MarchMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 2pm to 4pmDistance: 2 milesAscent: 150ftLeader:RobertGantPrice: £6.50

AgentlestrollaroundCrickhowellthatfocusesonitsdistinctivetownscape.Historicalchangesintheregional economy are related to the growth of the market town in its physical setting, its characteristic buildings and land use patterns. The role of important landowners in the development of the town and changes in local society are examined and illustrated from historical records.

WALKInG THROuGH TImEWALK 88

Saturday 24th FebruarySaturday 3rd MarchVenue: CRiCTime: 10am to 12pmPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:Kevin Walker Mountain Activities

Learn to correctly interpret what you see on a map. After a years’ absence on his travels,wewelcomeKevinWalkerback to theFestival.Hisworkshopshaveproved very popular. This indoor workshop introduces the art of map interpretation which enables you to get an incredibly detailed picture of the ground using simple techniques. Once you have been introduced to this simple yet effective skill, you will never look at a map in the same way again. Kevin will have copies of his books on sale.

Map Interpretation

Saturday 24th FebruarySaturday 3rd MarchLocation: CRiCTime: 2pm to 4pmPrice: £6.50Sponsored by:tKevin Walker Mountain Activities

Learn to find your way on the hills in a fog! In this indoor workshop Kevin Walker introduces the skills needed to navigate accurately in misty conditions, including compassworkandestimatingtimeanddistance.Bringacompass,ifyouhaveone, but there should be enough around to borrow one for the lesson. Kevin will have his books for sale - so please bring some cash!

Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop


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Be Inspired! Take a photo and enter our Photographic Compe��on.

The Winner receives a £100 voucher to spend at Crickhowell Adventure on a Scarpa or Deuter product.

Entries must be on the theme of the Walking Fes�val and should be submi�ed to [email protected] by the end of March 2018. See website for full details.

Last year’s winning entry from Terry Shipp



SUNDAY 4thMARCH

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 9am to 4pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 2400ftLeader: David MorganPrice: £12.50(includes£4busfare)

FollowingtheBeaconsWay,thefirstsectionofthewalkisalongtheroad,acrosstheancientandhistoricLlangynidrBridgeandthroughfieldstoBwlch,thenasteadyclimbupCefnMoel,withbeautifulviewseastandsouth-west.Next,descendsteeply into the‘HiddenValley’and toCwmdu,beforeanother climb to contour around the base of Pen Cerrig-calch. This attractive path affords great views oftheUskValley.ThendownpastthedesertedvillageofTwynthroughfieldstoCrickhowell.

bEACOnS WAy WEST TO EAST - LLAnGynIdR TO CRICKHOWELLWALK 89

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point: CRiC for bus to startTime: 9:30am to 5pmDistance: 13 milesAscent: 1500ftLeader: Richard MitchleyPrice: £12.50(includes£4busfare)Sponsored by: Dragon Trails

A walk into the historic wilderness of Mynydd Llangattock, with its ancient cairns, limestone quarries and Chartist caves. A game of three halves: a long steady climb through fields and moorland from Llangynidr, then a tramp across uneven, but fairly flatmoorland (where paths are often faint ornon-existent), followedbya longbutgradualdescentdownto thecanalatLlangattockandontoCrickhowell.

CAvES, CAIRnS And SHAKEHOLESWALK 92

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point:CwmduVillageHallSO180240Time: 9am to 4:30pmDistance: 15 milesAscent: 3500ftLeader: Jason WinneyPrice: £8.50

FromCwmduweenterthequietCwmofBlaenyCwmandclimbouttopassoverthesummitofPenTir and down to the Shepherds Shelter and then up and across over to the Northern End of Mynydd LlangorsetoCockitHill.TherouteascendstheeasiertracksofMynyddTroedtoitssummitandthendown its back to eventually reach a stile on its Eastern side. We make our way back to Cwmdu via quiet lanes.

TIPTOEInG ACROSS A WOLF’S bACKWALK 90

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point:St Catwg’s Church, Llangattock Time: 9:30am to 5:45pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 1850ftLeader: Julian StedmanPrice:£12.50(incl£4busfare)Sponsored by: St Catwg’s Ministry Area

Day 2 of a pilgrimage to historic churches across the newly created St Catwg ministry area. A day toreflectonthegrandeuroftheBlackMountainssceneryandthegloriesoftheancientchurchesnestling inValeofUsk.StartingatStCatwg’sChurch inLlangattock, theearliestChristianchurchin the area, we walk over the river to St. Edmund’s Church, Crickhowell before climbing up to the BeaconsWayalongtheedgeofopenmoorlandtoStMichael’sChurchinCwmdu.Afterashortbreakfor lunch, we continue with a pleasant stroll along quiet lanes and tracks to St John’s at Tretower.

In THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE SAInTS - dAy 2WALK 91

A celebratory service of Choral Evensong will be held at 4.30pm. Free light refreshments and bus back to Crickhowell at 5.30pm

41www.silva.se

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT SINCE 1933We have you covered for all your navigational needs from compasses, measuring devices to map cases. Take advantage of The Crickhowell Walking Festival dis-count at Crickhowell Adventure. With this advert you can save £10 on a navigation package from SILVA. The package includes one Expedition 4 Compass and one Carry Dry Map Case. Available for only £37.99 (RRP £47.99)

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Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point:TheKestrelInn,NP81SB.SO170214Time: 9:30am to 1:30pmDistance: 6 milesAscent: 1200ftLeader:ElinorGreenacrePrice: £6.50Sponsored by: The Kestrel Inn

Work up an appetite with a lovely walk on the hills and in the valleys west of Crickhowell before an optional Sunday Lunch at The Kestrel Inn to round off the day! Intially, we walk across fields, before climbing(quitesteeply)uptoCefnMoelaboveBwlch.Thenaneasywalkalongtheridgewithviewstobothsides.Down(again,quitesteep)intoasecludedvalleyforaneasystrollbacktotheKestrel.Upsanddownswillbetakenataleisurelypace.BookyourlunchdirectlywiththeKestrelInnmentioning“CrickhowellWalkingFestivalWalk”,foracosytwocourseSundaylunch(£15.95)afteryourwalkandenjoyafreestandarddrinkwithyourmeal.

THE KESTREL SundAy LunCH WALKWALK 93

Kestrel InnTel: 01874 731044

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point: Dragon’sBackInn,Pengenffordd. SO 175296Time: 10am to 3pmDistance: 8.5 milesAscent: 2150ftLeader: Paul MoseleyPrice: £8.50

A strenuous circular walk with spectacular views of the remains of the highest castle in England andWalesalso theBlackMountains,WyeValley, theCentralBeaconsandLlangorseLake (if theweatheriskind).

mynydd TROEd And LLAnGORSEWALK 94

Sunday 4th MarchMeeting Point: CRiCTime: 10am to 4pmDistance: 10 milesAscent: 2500ftLeader: John WaltonPrice: £8.50Sponsored by: adventureguide.org.uk

ExploretheBlackMountainsaboveCrickhowell.WestartwithafairlysteepclimbfromtheCRiCupviatheWernFarmtoCrugHywel(TableMountain).Afurtherclimbtakesusontoalimestoneplateauwiththreeprominentpoints-PenCerrigcalch,PenalltmawrandPenGlochypibwr,thethreePens.Havingcompletedthecircuit,wedescendviatheDarrenandbackintoCrickhowell.

THREE PEnS AbOvE A TAbLEWALK 95

presents

A changing programme of exhibitions in the gallery & the CRiC Studio plus:

10th Annual Open Studios Weekend

find @orielcric online

visitcrickhowell.co.uk image by Paul Burgess

26th-28th May 2017Open Art Competition

25th May - July 2017


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Documents

24TH FEB TO 3RD MARCH 2018 Crickhowell Walking … to the 2018 Crickhowell Walking Festival Programme. ... to make a donation to South and Mid-Wales Cave Rescue Team. This may seem