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Walking in Glamorgan, South Wales. Guided walks, routes &
local information
Last updated 15.5.08 Click on any image to enlarge it |
Guided Local Walks For details of guided and challenge walks, click on the links below: Cardiff County Council Park Events and Walks Cosmeston Lakes Country Park Walks Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre (Dunraven Bay) Glyncornel Environmental Centre
Based at Afan Argoed, the Afan Forest Park is particularly popular with walkers. For more details ring 01639 850564. For walks and events click here.
Centred on the former ironworks with an interesting mix of industrial archaeology, rare plants, flowers and countryside walks. Ring 01656 725155 for more information. Bedford Road, Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend. Free car parking. 2007 Sunday, 29th April. Spring Bird Song guided walk with the warden. 10.30am - 12 noon. The scrub habitat makes it ideal for Whitethroat, Cuckoo and Warblers. Meet at Bedford Park car park. Sunday, 8th July. Summer Flower Guided Walk. 10.30 - 12pm. See some of the park's native plants. Meet at the Meet at Bedford Park car park.
Bishop's Wood Countryside Centre is on the Caswell road on Gower. It acts as a base for a wide range of educational and volunteer conservation projects and activities and is the meeting place for the following walks. For details of other events phone 01792 361703. Details are also included on this site which covers events around Swansea and on Gower.
For further details call the Warden's office 01656 725155. Car parking charge of £2. 2008 programme awaited
This programme is published by Caerphilly County Borough Countryside and Landscape Services, 01495 235219. Programme can be downloaded from Caerphilly website. Choose language, then click on Countryside under Quick Links, then Country Walks.
CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL PARK EVENTS AND WALKS Cardiff Highways and Parks Service runs a series of events and walks for all ages and abilities. Details are published in the booklet 'Park Events and Guided Walks 2005'. To obtain a copy of the booklet or find out about Musical Concerts in Cardiff Parks contact the Ranger Service on 029 2068 4000. If you are not sure where the walk starts or for other details contact the Ranger Service on the same number. For general information on Cardiff parks, check the website. Only the walks are listed here. 2008 Sunday, May 4th. Spring Flowers in Nant Fawr. 2 - 4pm. A gentle stroll through Nant Fawr's woodlands and meadows. Meet at entrance to Cardiff High School. 3 kms. Sunday, May 4th. Spring Wildlife. 10am - 12pm. A leisurely stroll around Forest Farm. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Forest Farm Warden Centre, Forest Farm road, Whitchurch. 4kms. Tuesday, May 6th. Radyr Woods Walk. 6.30 - 8pm. A walk around Radyr Woods, meeting at the Taff Terrace woods entrance, Radyr. 2.4 kms. Wednesday, May 7th. Foods of the Wednesday, May 7th. The Wenallt. 6 - 8.30pm. An evening stroll around the Wenallt looking at plant, insect and animal life. Meet at the car park opposite the radio masts. 2.75kms. Saturday, May 10th. Morning Stroll through Plymouth
Great Woods. 10am - 12.30pm. Semi-ancient woodland of the Sunday, May 11th. Spring Bird Song walk. 7.00 - 8.30am. A gentle
walk through Nant Fawr woodlands. Meet outside Saturday, May 17th. Monthly Bird Walk at Saturday, May 24th. Sunday, June 8th. Summer Wildlife. 10am - 12pm. A leisurely stroll around Forest Farm. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Forest Farm Warden Centre, Forest Farm road, Whitchurch. 4kms. Sunday, June 8th. Bute Park, a walk through time. 2 - 3.30pm. History of the park led by Jon Green, Landscape Officer. 3 kms. Sunday, June 8th. Orchid Walk at Howardian Nature Reserve. 2 - 4pm. See the orchids growing at this nature reserve. Meet at the David Lloyd entrance on Ipswich Road. 2 kms. Wednesday, June 11th. Coryton Roundabout Orchids. 6 - 8pm. The amazing selection of orchids growing on the M$ Coryton roundabout. Meet at the top of Longwood Drive near the Asda/Esso garage roundabout. 2 kms. Saturday, June 21st. Monthly Bird Walk at Wednesday, June 25th. Roath Botanic Gardens champion trees. 7 - 9pm. A guided walk by Parks Arboriculture Officer, Malcolm Frazer, looking at Roath's champion trees. Meet outside Roath Park Conservatory. Wednesday, June 25th. Flora and Fauna of Hailey Park. 6 - 8pm. Looking at bird, plant and insect life. Meet at the bowling green pavilion, Hailey Park. Tuesday, July 1st. Biodiversity walk on Cardiff Foreshore. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Explore the wildlife biodiversity of an area once used as an industrial site. Meet at Cardiff Foreshore, Tide Fields Road, off Roverway (grid ref: ST 213759). 2kms. Wednesday, July 2nd. Local History walk at Forest Farm. 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Looking at areas of historical interest. Meet at the Mellingriffiths Water Engine, Ty Mawr Road, Whitchurch. Sunday, 6th July. Cathays Cemetery Heritage Walk. 2 - 3.30pm. Discover the history of one of the largest Victorian cemeteries in Britain. Meet at the main entrance gates on Fairoak Road. 3 kms. Wednesday, July 9th. Roath Park Botanical Walk. 7 - 9pm. A stroll around Roath Park looking at plants and trees. Meet at Roath Park Conservatory. 1km. Sunday, July 13th. Bute Park - A Working Life. 2 - 4pm. A look at early land uses associated with the site. Meet at the North Gate entrance to Bute Park, behind Cardiff Castle. 4.5 kms Saturday, July 19th. Monthly Bird Walk at Wednesday, July 23rd. Bat Walk at Roath Park Lake. 9.00 - 11pm. Places are limited and must be booked by calling 029 2044 5900. Meet at Roath Park Promenade, Main Gate, Lake Road West. 3kms. Sunday, August 3rd. Go Batty in Nant Fawr. 9pm. Places are limited and must be booked by calling 029 2044 5900. Meet at the entrance to Nant Fawr adjacent to Cardiff High School main gates. 2.4kms. Wednesday, August 13th. Bat Walk at Hendre Lake. 9 pm. Places are limited and must be booked by calling 029 2044 5900. Meet at the car park at Hendre Lake off Water Avens Close. 3kms Saturday, August 16th. Monthly Bird Walk at Saturday, September 14th. The British Heart Foundation Bute Park Walk. Fundraising family walk. 10.30am- 2.30pm. To register or for more information contact the British Heart Foundation Wales Event Office on 0800 783 6970 or e-mail walesevents@bhf.org.uk Saturday, September 20th. North Cardiff Ridgeway Walk from Cefn Onn to Taffs Well. 10am - 4pm. The starting point is Cefn Onn car park and the walk will end at Taffs Well train station. Please remember to bring train fare for return journey. Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn. 11kms. Sunday, September 28th. A Walk in the Park with Mr Pettigrew. 2 - 3.30pm. A walk through Bute Park looking at the landscape of Andrew Pettigrew, head gardener to the Marquess of Bute. 3 kms. Saturday, October 18th. Monthly Bird Walk at Sunday, October 26th. Cathays Cemetery War Graves. 2 - 3.30pm. Learn about regimental insignia and hear stories of the individuals buried here. No dogs are permitted in this cemetery. Meet at the main entrance gates on Fairoak Road, Cathays. 3 kms. Saturday, November 8th. Wildlife on the river Taff. 2 - 5pm. Meet at Radyr station. Walk ends at the Millennium Stadium Plaza. Bring train fare for return journey. 8 kms. Sunday, November 9th. The History and Folklore of Trees. 2-3pm. Walk through Nant Fawr discovering the ancient history and folklore surrounding Britain's trees. Meet at entrance to Cardiff High School maingates. 1.6 kms. Saturday, November 15th. Monthly Bird Walk at Sunday, November 15th. Bird Walk around Roath Park Lake. 10am - 12pm. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Lighthouse on Roath Park Promenade, Lake Road West. 2 kms. Sunday, December 7th. Bird Walk around Roath Park Lake. 10am - 12pm. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Lighthouse on Roath Park Promenade, Lake Road West. 2 kms. Saturday, December 20th. Monthly Bird Walk at Saturday, January 3rd. Garth Mountain Walk. 10.30am - 1.30pm. A walk up the nearest mountain to Cardiff, the Garth. Wet weather clothing and stout walking boots essential. Meet at Taffs Well train station. 11 kms. Sunday, January 18th. Walk Off Christmas. 11.30am - 2pm. A guided tour of Hailey Park and Forest Farm. 5kms.
Cosmeston Country Park between Sully and Penarth is ideal for self-guided rambles but they also have a programme of walks led by the rangers. For more details on these and other events contact the Ranger Service on (029) 2070 1678. They also have a website.
Dyffryn Gardens has a programme of short walks around the grounds. The walks last up to 2 hours and start at 2.30pm on the last Sunday of the month. The dates for 2008 are 27th April, 29th June, 27th July, 31st August, 28th September, 26th October and 30th November. On the 24th, 25th and 26th May there are two walks each day at 11am and 2.30pm. You can check the Dyffryn Gardens website for more details and to check the dates.
GLYNCORNEL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE Based at Llwynpia, The Glyncornel Environmental Centre has a programme which incorporates Glyncornel Ramblers' events. To view the Centre's website click here and then click on Events. The walks programme includes walks within and beyond Glamorgan. For further details, 01443 431727.
Dryad Bushcraft offers courses on bushcraft and survival skills but also a 3 day walk along the Gower Way.
The programme of events at the National Nature Reserve at Kenfig includes some shorter themed walks which are listed below. There is a 3 mile waymarked route to Sker beach and back marked by brown posts with yellow discs. Also new is a walk around the mini Nature Reserve using a tape recorder as your guide. The walk is short and suitable for all people including the visually impaired. For more details contact the reserve on 01656 743386. The address is Kenfig Nature Reserve, Ton Kenfig, Pyle, Bridgend, CF 33 4 PT, grid ref: SS 802810. For a copy of the full programme call in at the centre or give them a call. 2008 Sunday, 13th April. Signs of Spring. A guided walk to see Kenfig's spring flowers. Approx. 2 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm. Sunday 11th May. Wildflowers of the Dunes. Green-winged and Early Purple Orchids. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm. Tuesday 20th May. Green day at Kenfig. A 3 mile guided walk measuring environmental changes. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 2pm. Sunday 22nd June. Sunday Orchid Walk, including Bee, Twayblade, Early and Southern Marsh, Pyramidal and Fen orchids. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm. Saturday 12th July. Orchid Walk, including Bee, Twayblade, Early and Southern Marsh, Pyramidal and Fen orchids. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre.10am - 12pm. Saturday 26th July. Orchid Walk, including Bee, Twayblade, Early and Southern Marsh, Pyramidal and Fen orchids. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre.10am - 12pm. Saturday 9th August. A walk on the wild side. Guided nature walk with Jeff Curtis. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 1pm - 4pm. Monday 22nd September. Beach Watch. Help clear litter and survey Sker Beach. Please register in advance with the Reserve centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 1pm. Sunday 9th November. Winter Ramble. A leisurely hike with the warden to the remote parts of the reserve. Bring stout footwear, waterproofs, warm clothes, packed lunch and a flask. Approx 6 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 2pm. Sunday, 30th November. Christmas Festive Hat Walk. Join the wardens for a jolly seasonal quiz walk for all the family. Prizes for best headgear and quiz winners. Meet at the Red Flag at the back of the main car park. 11am - 12.30pm.
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre has a programme of themed walks and events. The centre's address is Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre, Dunraven Park, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, CF 32 0 RP. For more details you can ring them on 01656 880157. 2007 Sunday 3rd June. Find out fascinating facts about wildlife and weather. Meet at Seawatch Centre, 2pm. Sunday 17th June. Sample the edible delights found growing and living along the coast and discover how plants have been used throughout time. Meet Nash Point, 12.30pm for lunch. Dunraven, Heritage Coast centre 3.30pm for tea. Wednesday 29th August. Fossils and geology day. Join the rangers for a walk from Southerndown beach to Ogmore and learn some fascinating facts about the coast, its fossils and geology. Meet 12.30pm Heritage Coast Centre. Wednesday 31st October. Halloween - who or what is out tonight around Dunraven Park. Meet at 7.30pm at the Heritage Coast Centre.
2008 programme awaited
This Nature Reserve near Bridgend has a programme of events. The address is Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, The Nature Centre, Fountain Road, Tondu, Bridgend. CF32 0EH. Grid ref: SS 880840. Telephone 01656 724100.
For details click here.
Walks taking place as part of the Porthcawl Sea Festival. For more details, ring Porthcawl Tourist Information Centre on 01656 786639.
Walks taking place in and around the City of Swansea and on Gower. Full details of the walks and other events in a brochure entitled Environmental Events which is also available for download on this site.
Ideal for people starting or getting back into walking. Valeways runs a series of walks in and around Barry and offers opportunities to take part in path clearing etc. For more, click here.
Anyone is welcome to join the Wenvoe Walking Group on their walks. All walks meet at Wenvoe Village Hall. Contact the walk organiser if it is more convenient to meet at the start of the walk. Wenvoe Walking Group co-ordinator – John, 02920 594398. Programme on the Wenvoe Community website, then click on Wenvoe walkers. Contact this site if you need further information.
Click on these sites to get details of local Ramblers' walk programmes.
And YHA groups
These walks are organised but not led. Whilst some will be waymarked others require a basic competence in map reading. Some take place in the Glamorgan area, others are further afield. CANT CANOLBARTH CYMRU (The Mid Wales 100). Saturday, 26th to 28th May. A modest 100 miles (!!) with 14,000 feet of ascent starting from and finishing at Llandrindod Wells. To enter you must have completed an LDWA 50 mile event first. For details click here. THREE PEAKS TRIAL. Saturday, 29th March. A choice of four routes in the Black Mountains - 20, 17, 15 or 10 miles. The 15 and 20 mile routes are circular, the 17 is linear. The 10 mile route does the Sugar Loaf only. For full details, click here. BLACK MOUNTAINS ROUNDABOUT. Saturday, 26th April. A circular route of 25 miles in the Brecon Beacons with 6,200 feet of ascent from Crickhowell Youth Centre. £6 in advance or £10 on the day if places available. Organised by the Newport Outdoor Group and the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team with funds going to Mountain Rescue. For more details, click here. WALK IN CAERPHILLY. Saturday 10th May. Following on from the ever-popular Twmbarlwm Trek, Caerphilly County Borough Council's Countryside and Landscape service is offering another challenge to walkers of all abilities. This year's event will start and finish at Parc Penallta. There are routes of 28 or 16 miles for experienced walkers. The walks take you through the spectacular landscape of the county borough through woodland, farmland and across open moorland. If you need further information or wish to request an application form please call Phil Loveless on 01495 235 881. There is a £5 entry charge and applications must be received no later than 18th April. GOWER GALLOP. The Swansea Outdoor Group now have a date for the Gower Gallop (then click on Gower Gallop) which is Saturday 14th June. More details on routes to follow - last year included 12.5, 20 and 30 mile routes. Brecon Beacons Challenge. This 14 mile 3 peak fundraising challenge is in aid of the British Heart Foundation and takes place on Saturday 21st June. Spaces are limited and are handled on a first come, first served basis. For details click on Beacons Challenge. THE CAERPHILLY SUMMITS CHALLENGE, Saturday, 5th July. You have the choice of 11, 21 or 31 miles from Tongwynlais Primary School. For further details click here. ACROSS WALES WALK. The 43rd Across Wales walk will take place on September 6th, from the English border to the coast, 45 miles. For details send an A5 SAE to Stuart Lamb, 42 Hunt End Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B 97 5 UW or visit the website - bookings from May. GOWER CLIFF WALK. Saturday, 13th September. A sponsored walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. 22 miles from Rhossili car park to Bracelet Bay with certificate. Details will be on the Macmillan website. TALYBONT TRAILS WALKS. Saturday, 11th October. A 10 mile option and a 20 mile one starting at Henderson Hall, Talybont. The longer route features a total ascent of 4,500 feet. Shorter version suitable for families and youth groups. Entry £6 or £10 on the day if spaces available. Organised by the Newport Outdoor Group and the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team. For further details click here.
Walking Festivals - 2008 CRICKHOWELL Featured here for the first time, the Crickhowell Walking Festival takes place on St David's weekend, the 1st and 2nd March. There will be a range of walks on offer and a special Geocaching event. The walks range from a Tiny Tots Toddle for 0-5 year olds to a mini expedition with an RAF PTI. For more information, check their website. GOWER WALKING FESTIVAL This takes place between the 7th and 22nd June with 37 walks starting from different locations on Gower and from 1 to 25 miles in length. More information here where you can download the brochure. WALES VALLEYS WALKING FESTIVAL The 2008 Wales Valleys Walking festival runs from 5th to 21st September - details on their website or ring 01495 355937 or e-mail boxoffice@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk. 40 walks are included are the areas covered include Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Torfaen.
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