Gelligaer Ramblers

Mynydd Dimlaith (replacement walk)
2023-05-14 09:30 - 15:00 UTC
This is a replacement for the walk originally planned at Machen (which will be postponed for one week). The 10K run, which is taking place in Caerphilly, has required the closing of the road from the Cedar Tree Roundabout down to the Bedwas Bridge Roundabout
A moderate 8 mile walk on the hills overlooking Llanbradach, Ystrad Myach and Caerphilly passing the bluebell woods. We return along the river bank from the footbridge near Pwllypant.
The car park we have used in the past at the Community Centre has been closed off and so we will need to park in the nearby side streets. To limit inconvenience to residents would you please meet at Ystrad Mynach and car share to reduce the parking problem.

Llanbedr to Pen Allt-mawr
2023-05-28 10:00 - 15:30
Leaving Ystrad Mynach Car Park 9 am to car share.
Car sharing is recommended as it is a 25 mile drive taking around 50 minutes.
The walk starts in Llanbedr (about 2 miles north east of Crickhowell). We will be parking just past Llanbedr Church In Wales School (postcode NP8 1 SR). It is anticipated that we will start walking at 10:00am.
The walk is 9 miles moderate
https://What3words.com///waltzes.traders.oath

Aberbeeg
2023-06-04 09:30 - 14:30
Meet 9.00 am Ystrad Mynach Car Park or
http://What3words.com///managers.hypnotist.breath 9.30 am
8 m mod

Cefn Coed
2023-06-24 10:00 - 14:30
Meet at Cefn Coed Cemetery 10 am – 6m easy/mod
CF48 2HW
http://What3words.com///scrap.drive.paid

Sugar Loaf
2023-06-25 09:00 - 15:30
9 miles moderate
Walk starts 10:00 from lay by on the side of the A40 near Cwrt-y-Gollen. (This is about a mile outside Crickhowell on the Abergavenny Road.) Nearest postcode is NP8 1ED.
https://what3words.com///softly.oiled.airstrip
Advise meeting in Ystrad Mynach to car share as it is about a 50 min drive.

Fan Fawr
2023-07-02 08:30 - 15:00
Leave Ystrad Mynach at 8:30 for a 9:15 start. (This early start is necessary due to car parking pressures at the Storey Arms. Car sharing recommended to ease car parking.
The walk will start from the lay-by across the road from the Storey Arms. Walk is 8 miles moderate.
Possible parking sites:-
– the grass verge on the left of the main road just beyond the Storey Arms
– the large lay-by on the left of the A.470 on the Brecon side of the Storey Arms
– the new National Trust car park at Pont ar Daf (on the right before the Storey arms). Not sure if it is fully open and there is a charge of £7.50 (but free to National Trust Members)
Apologies for the late posting but problems of leader availability had arisen

Llandegfedd Reservoir
2023-07-08 10:00 - 14:30
Lakeside Trail 6 m Mod
Meet at visitor’s car park. Walk starts at 10 am
Postal Code NP4 0SY
http://What3words.com///nightlife.migrants.nation

Gray Hill
2023-07-16 10:00 - 15:30
A walk of 8.5 miles through Wentwood Forest and picturesque countryside ending on top of Gray Hill with magnificent views across the Bristol Channel covering both Severn Bridges and as far west as Flat and Steep Holm. The area is to the north of the old A48 Newport to Chepstow road not far from Caerwent. Walking poles will be handy on just one very short section
Meet at Ystrad Mynach at 9:00 for a 10:00 start.
https://what3words.com///january.drumbeat.supposes
*** Ignore sat nav as it will take you the shortest route which entails very narrow lanes with no passing places The route below is slightly longer but just as quick
Take the M4 around Newport and take exit 24 (Midlands) . on the slip road stay in the second land (A48 Langstone). Stay on the road (old Chepstow road) for almost 6 miles ( ignore your sat nav which will want to take you off up some narrow side lanes). You will reach a turning on the right with a Caerwent Roman Site brown tourist sign. Ignore this but immediately after take a turning on the left for Wentwood and Llanfair Discoed. (sat nav should now by back ‘on song’). This road takes a right turn in the village of Llanfair Discoed, passes the Woodlands Tavern and eventually brings you to the car park just below the road on the left. (If you continue up a hill to the car park on the top on the right at Cadeira Beeches you have gone too far)
The walk starts from the Forester’s Oaks Car Park

Massacre Walk
2023-07-30 10:00 - 15:00
Meet at Byefields Lane Car Park Abergavenny (near Linda Vista Gardens)
10 am or 9 am for car sharing at Ystrad Mynach car park 8 m mod
http://What3words.com///outsiders.mango.sings

Blaenavon to Garn Lakes
2023-08-12 10:00 - 14:30
Meet at first car park entering Blaenavon from Pontypool – Curwood Road
Back of Queen Victoria Inn at 10 am
http://What3words.com///slowness.invent.unframed

Tonteg
2023-08-19 10:00 - 13:00
A circular walk from Tonteg to Pontypridd
Meet at car park behind Co-op in Tonteg at 10 am
http://What3words.com///muddy.covenants.alive

Fan Llia
2023-08-20 09:00 - 15:00
7 Miles moderate. Walking poles suggested for one section of rocky track (Roman road)
Magnificent views over the Beacons and as far as the Camarthen Fans. A real ‘away from it all’ walk.

Suggest meeting at Ystrad Mynach for car sharing (9:00 departure)
https://what3words.com///shrimp.ridge.character
*** Avoid the Heads of the Valleys from Merthyr to Hirwaun due to major roadworks.
*** Also Aberdare to Penderyn Links are closed
We suggest taking the A 470 towards Brecon and then the A4059 (on the left about a mile before the Storey arms) over the mountain towards Aberdare, Hirwaun and Penderyn.
After 4.5 miles take a sharp turning to the right (s.p. Ystradfellte 2.5m) (if you get to Penderyn you have gone to far)
After 1.2 miles ignore left turning (s.p. Waterfalls and continue straight). After 1.2 miles descend hill and at T junction turn Right (s.p. Sennybridge)
After 1.2 miles see sign for Blaen Llia Forestry Commission Car Par on the right.
Follow stony track to park alongside stream.

Mynydd Margam
2023-08-27 09:00 - 15:30
A moderate 9.5 mile walk through the forest above Margam (Port Talbot) . Lunch stop at Cwmwernder Reservoir. Returning along the Wales Coast Path (which is actually on the side of the mountain overlooking Port Talbot and the M4)..
Leave Ystrad Mynach at 9:00 for a 10:00 start. Walk should finish 3:00- 3:30.
https://What3words.com///saints.binders.windmill
Leave the M4 at Junction 38 (Margam Crematorium) and follow the postcode SA13 2ST (but park on straight road just before the bridge under the M4

Friday Stroller
2023-09-01 12:00 - 14:00, 2023-12-22 12:00 - 14:00
Every Friday
Meet: 12 noon on road leading down to Deri Community Centre

Usk Reservoir (near Trecastle)
2023-09-03 09:00 - 15:00
A 7 mile moderate walk through some remote countryside around the Usk Reservoir. Stunning views of the Camarthen Fans and Brecon Beacons from the north
https://What3words.com///sues.defends.secure
Meet at Ystrad Mynach to car share – a 9 am departure for a 10 am walk start.
Directions :

Take the A 470 past Merthyr and the Storey Arms. Take the Defynnog road (on the left before you reach Libanus).
In Defynnog turn right into Sennybridge and then left on the A 40 towards Trecastle
On entering Trecastle turn left at the Castle Coaching Inn (signposted Llanddeusant and Usk Recervoir)
After 4 miles take a turning on the right signposted Usk reservoir 1 mile. The car park is is a very wide stretch of raod overlooking the reservoir just before the dam.

Brecon Forts (rescheduled)
2023-09-10 09:00 - 15:00
An 8 mile moderate walk starting from Brecon town centre. Leave Ystrad Mynach at 9 am for a 10am start
The walk passes the Cathedral and Maen Du Well. Coffee break will be on Pen-y-Crug iron age fort.. We pass through Cradoc and back along the Promenade in Brecon.
Directions::-

:Enter Brecon past Christ College.
After crossing the river bridge turn sharp left at the traffic lights
Car park is on the left (£4 charge applies)

https://What3words.com///busy.hopefully.stow
There is one short section where walking poles would help on a muddy path

Sirhowy Valley - change
2023-09-17 09:30 - 13:30
Leave Ystrad Mynach at 9 am for a 9.30 am start
Park in car park back of Blackwood High Street – far end
http://What3words.com///swinging.barman.waged
Yellow weather warning with possibilty of thunder storms around 1-2 pm.

Glastonbury Trip (fully booked)
2023-09-30 08:00 - 20:00
Some of the times are approximate
8:00 leave Ystrad Mynach Car park (parking charge applies )
10:30 Drop off walkers in Glastonbury
https://What3words.com///domain.display.alike
– 6.5 miles walk – 4 hours approx. (return 2:30)
– 8.5. miles walk – 5 hours approx (return 3:30)
11:00 Bus arrives in Wells for those not walking
14:00 Bus leaves Wells bringing passengers back to Glastonbury (20 mins)
17:30 Leave Glastonbury
20:00 Arrive Ystrad Mynach
We have scheduled a stop for a 10 minute toilet break at the motorway services on both the outward and return journey (there will not be time for a coffee break !!!!). There are public toilets in the coach park in Glastonbury where we drop off the walkers (and park on the return from Wells).

Pen-y-Fan Pond to Manmoel
2023-10-08 09:30 - 14:30
Meet at Ystrad Mynach at 9:00 for car sharing. Walk starts at 9:30 from the car park at Pen-y-Fan Pond.
https://What3words.com///depths.unfolds.port
The walk is 7.5 miles moderate with scenic views around Manmoel (where we take our lunch break)

Three Cliffs Bay (Gower)
2023-10-15 09:00 - 17:30
An 8 mile moderate walk with views over the Gower and a walk across the much photographed Three Cliffs Bay.
Walk starts at 10:30 from Southgate National Trust Car Park (free to N.T members). Postcode SA3 2DH.
https://What3words.com///format.centrally.salutes
According to the AA it is 55 mile drive from Ystrad Mynach and estimated at 1hr20mins. Car sharing advised.

Silent Valley Nature Reserve
2023-11-18 10:00 - 14:30
Meet at Cendl Terrace, Cwm (Ebbw Vale) NP23 7RX 10 am
https://What3words.com///squad.swooned.swims

Llangattock
2023-11-26 09:00 - 15:00
A moderate 7 mile walk skirting the hills to the south of Llangattock with views across the valley and passing through a nature reserve.
Walking poles recommended as some sections are on uneven ground.
Leave Ystrad Mynach at 9:00 am for a 10:00 am start. Car sharing advised as parking is limited
Parking on the right as you drop down through the village (accessed through a residentail area).
https://what3words.com///workroom.welcome.dust

Friday Stroller/AGM
2023-12-15 12:00 - 15:00
Meet at Parc Cwm Darren Visitor’s car park 12 noon for a stroll prior to AGM. If you don’t intend walking the AGM is being held in the room above cafe at 1 pm.
Coffee/tea available to purchase from cafe. Mince pies will be provided.

The Lakes/Bedlinog
2023-12-16 10:00 - 14:30
Meet 10 am Taf Bargoed car park
http://What3words.com///timidly.will.truckload

Cwm Darren Circular - POSTPONED
2023-12-17 09:00 - 15:00
An Moderate 8 mile walk along the hills surrounding Cwm Darren Parc and Deri.
Meet in the Car Park and Cwm Darren Parc
https://what3words.com///someone.flirts.defrost
Leave Ystard Mynach Car Park at 9:00 am for a 9:30 start

New Year’s Walk - Sirhowy Valley
2024-01-01 10:00 - 14:30
Meet in Blackwood car park back of High Street – parking fees payable
Back to Weatherspoons for a New Year drink

Penallta Park
2024-01-06 10:00 - 14:00
Park at Penallta park car park 10 am
http://What3words.com///tearfully.smoothly.stoppage

Lower Machen Circular
2024-01-07 09:00 - 15:00
8 miles moderate.
Walk starts from the village of Lower Machen near the church (St Michael and All Saints) NP10 8GU. (The road through the village loops off the main Caerphilly-Newport road opposite the turning for the Draethen)
https://what3words.com///meatball.unfolds.prime
Leave Ystrad Mynach at 9:00 to start walking at around 9:30.
Car sharing advised as parking is rather limited.

Mynydd Dimlaith from Llanbradach
2024-01-28 09:30 - 14:30
7 m moderate
Park at the entrance to Cwm Las Estate, Llanbradach CF83 3PD 9.30 am
http://What3words.com///tumblers.magnitude.chin
