Last updated  29.4.08

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The 'missing' bit of the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage coast path is now open to the public. Previously there was no right of way along the top of the cliffs between SS 897/718, below Cwm Mawr and SS 905/700, Cwm Nash. The Heritage Coast wardens have now confirmed that it is open, but not yet signposted although this will follow. (29.4.08)

Kenfig walks now showing under Guided Walks along with a challenge walk not previously featured here, a 14 mile walk in the Brecon Beacons in aid of the British Heart Foundation. More details here (10.4.08).

Dates for three more Challenge Walks; Walk In Caerphilly - Saturday, 10th May; Across Wales Walk - 6th September; Macmillans Gower Cliff Walk - 13th September. More details here. (13.3.08)

Whilst the current weather is unlikely to entice you out, you can still plan some expeditions for next year. Dates and details of several 2008 Challenge Walks are now available and a Walking Festival at Crickhowell has appeared which is only 3 months away. See Guided Walks for details. (4.12.07).

The farmer has taken his maize crop so the blockage referred to in the following note of the 25th August has disappeared. (27.10.07)

The longer Llantwit Major circular walk (6.5 miles) is virtually impassable for the second year running, this time with a crop of sweet corn which has made it very difficult physically to walk through and tricky to navigate. This is the stretch just after Belvedere House. The matter has been referred to the Rights of Way officer and Town Council, as it was last year, but unless you really enjoy a challenge it is suggested that you take the lane to the right when you get to Boverton Place which is the same lane that you would have reached had you gone through the fields. (25.8.07)

This picture is called the Huntsman and is by Septimus Dawson who lived from 1851 to 1914 in the North East - Sunderland, West Hartlepool and Scarborough. It is uncertain whether the scene showing a clapper bridge is real or imaginary but if anyone recognises the scenery or the bridge, please send us an e-mail - bruce7@btinternet.com. Landscape detectives who know their dry-stone walling might also be able to identify the region by the style of the walling. More on clapper bridges here.(12.8.07)

Good news on the Heritage Coast front. The missing bit of coast path between Cwm Bach and Cwm Nash, south east of Dunraven Bay could be in place later this year. Funding has been allocated for the installation of fencing and agreement reached with the farmer. Note that in the meantime there is no legal right of access along this stretch of coast and the choices are either going along the beach having ensured you know the tide times or detouring inland and walking along the road that runs north west of Monknash. (30.4.07). Still waiting!!! (4.12.07)

The native daffodils at Coed-y-Bwl are at their best at the moment and these can be seen on the Wick or Ewenny long walks. It is open day on the reserve on the 18th March. (18.3.07).

New walks around Cosmeston Lakes country park near Penarth from a short stroll up to a 12 miler. (29.1.07)

New walks, this time from Merthyr Tydfil. Three walks from 2 to 12 miles and they're amongst the best you'll find on the website. (26.8.06)

Bi-lingual leaflets entitled 'Walking by Bus' cover 4 short (2 miles) walks on Gower which are linked to a bus route. Available from local TICs. (26.7.06)

The National Trust website has 5 walks on Gower which can be downloaded. For further details go to Walk Routes - bottom of page. (12.6.06)

A 5 mile extension to the Aberdare Long Walk gets you to the highest point in Glamorgan. (7.9.05).

The 'Iron Mountain Trail', a new walk though the heart of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, was launched in May. The route takes in the landscape from Blaenavon to Llanfoist and links many of the World Heritage Site's attractions. This route and other walks are available to download from here and then go to 'Visitor Information', 'Outdoor activities' and 'Walks'. A new pack of six walks leaflets for routes in and around Blaenavon can be obtained from the Torfaen Borough Council's Countryside Team - call 01633 640066. (13.7.05).

If you like walking in the Brecon Beacons consider joining the Brecon Beacons Park Society who have a full programme of guided walks throughout the year. For more details click here. Although usually covering the Beacons there is a walk around Oxwich Bay on 25th June looking at wild flowers. Also, details of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team (25.5.05).

Bluebells by Hen Eglwys

With the bluebells at their best, why not try the Margam walks? Also, you can take a look at the Monks' Bath House restored by the Woodland Trust and CADW. To get to it follow the road to Cwm-Maelwg farm - see first paragraph of Walk 2 - and after 50 yards, just before the road bends right, you will see it on the right of the road by three circular concrete structures. (11.5.05)

The Monks' Bath House

A new book on Geological Walks on the Glamorgan Coast - Walking the Rocks. A short variation added to the Nash Point walk takes you past Sir Harry Stradling's watchtower - note the Horseshoe Inn is now the Lighthouse Inn. (10.10.04).

Those who have enjoyed the Wenvoe Short walk might wish to know that a planning application for a superquarry has been submitted which will have a significant impact on the route from Wenvoe towards Michaelston. If you wish to register your concern, visit this website. (3.5.04)

Arizona? Gobi Desert? Nope - Whiteford Burrows on the end of Gower and not far away is the Victorian Lighthouse accessible at low tide. Either do the long walk to pass both these points or park at Cwm Ivy and walk there and back in about 90 minutes. (7.1.04)

Victorian lighthouse

New permissive paths now allow access to Dunraven Castle gatehouse - see details below

New paths at Dunraven!! As part of the Tir Gofal farming scheme, new paths have been opened at Dunraven Bay, Southerndown. Take the stile opposite the entrance to the Dunraven Walled Garden. The track takes you to the old gatehouse. Turn right to follow the wall and then right again to come out at the other end of the walled garden. The route is well waymarked and no more than a mile. Access for people and dogs may be restricted at some times of year because of lambing. You can add this to the Wick, Ogmore or Ewenny long walks. (24.2.03)

COMING SHORTLY

Planning continues on the Glamorgan Coast path, this time the section from Mumbles to Kenfig. The route is clear from Mumbles to Port Talbot and then from Kenfig to Porthcawl - the current issue is how best to get through Port Talbot. It was intended to include some walks around Glyncorrwg but these have been abandoned for the time being because of blocked footpaths, closed paths and a bridleway that when you get there turns out to be a wide road with heavy lorries and huge levels of dust.

TIDE TIMETABLE

For many of the coastal walks it is useful to know when high or low tide is due. Low tide gives the option of walking along the beach rather than the coast path which can get muddy. Also there is a stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage path between Cwm Bach ref:897718 and Cwm Nash ref:905700 where there is no right of way along the cliff-top necessitating a tedious detour inland. At low tide the beach is a much better option. However, get the tides wrong and you could find yourself in serious difficulties.  Arrowsmith's Bristol Channel Tide Table 2001 can be ordered from bookshops or contact them direct; TEL: 0117 966 7545 or e-mail jw@arrowsmith.co.uk. 

The weather forecast can be found here