Swansea Outdoor Group Programme
We want you to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing for the walk (proper walking boots, and warm and waterproof clothing - including gloves, hat and scarf in the colder months) and bring a packed lunch and water with you. Please bear in mind that on high level and exposed walks it can be much colder than you expect in the hills, even in the summer, so please bring sufficient warm and water resistant clothing with you to be prepared for this. You must wear a cycle helmet on bike rides.
If you have any doubt about what to bring or whether the walk/cycle/activity is suitable for you, the contact details for the walk leaders are at the end of each walk listing and they will be happy to advise you.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately equipped for the walk/cycle ride you are attending and that you participate in any event at your own risk. Please enjoy our beautiful countryside and coastline responsibly.
As always, a massive thank you to all our walk leaders! If anyone would be happy to lead an event in the next few months, please contact Gary 07974574181.
Booking
It is really helpful if you let us know in advance that you are attending a walk so that the walk leader has details of numbers/who is attending. This can be done up to the day before by contacting Geraint via WhatsApp or text (07767157514). You will just need to give your name and which walk you wish to attend.
Coronavirus Update
Coronavirus has not gone away. Please continue to walk responsibly to ensure your own safety and that of others.
On the walk/cycle ride:
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell or have any COVID symptoms
Bring all equipment you need with you (including food, appropriate clothing, first aid kit, hand sanitiser) and try not to share items with others. Please use hand sanitiser regularly especially after touching gates and stiles.
After the walk/cycle ride:
If you develop any coronavirus symptoms soon after the walk or have a positive lateral flow test, please let us know so that we can alert others who were on the walk.
Thank you! We really look forward to seeing everyone!
Sunday 28 April
Bluebells at Margam
Join Gary as we head over to the lovely Margam Park. The route will take in Graig Fawr woodland ( with hopefully bluebells in bloom!), Margam Abbey and a small section of the Coed Morgannwg Way.
Details: 7/8 miles, moderate
Meet: 9.45am @ the layby opposite the entrance to Margam Park on A48
Contact: Gary 07974574181
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Friday 3 - Monday 6 May
May Bank Holiday Trip
This year, we're heading for West Wales staying in fabulous Fishguard! There will be 2 coastal walks (on Sat and Sun) and 2 shorter inland walks for those that would like to do them on Friday and Monday.
We'll be based at the Fishguard Holiday Park, Greenacres, Fishguard, SA65 9JH. There are lots of different caravan options, some dog friendly, mostly with 4 or 6 beds, ranging in price and luxury. You need to book your own caravan. If you are not sure who might be going and who to team up with please use the WhatsApp chat to find other like-minded members. Don't leave it too late to book!!
Saturday 11 May
Little Switzerland and Foel Fynyddau
A walk among the steep sided hills and valleys around the Afan and Pelenna rivers. Starting from Pontrhydyfen, we will gradually climb through pine woods to the open top of Foel Fynyddau, hoping the weather will allow us its panoramic views. We will then follow ancient tracks and lanes to Cwm Pelenna, and follow the valley up before a last ascent to Gyfylchi and its ruined chapel. After a short ridge walk we finally descend back to Cwm Afan.
Details: 10 miles, moderate.
Meet: 10am, Rhyslyn car park, Pontrhydyfen. Grid ref SS800942, What3words ///castle.entry.magically, nearest post code SA12 9SG.
Contact: Sue 07792 076402
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Saturday 18 May
South Gower Circular
Join Peris for this scenic circular walk in South Gower, taking in Pennard, Kittle and Ilston.
Details: 9 miles moderate
Meet: 9.30am @ Pennard Primary School Car Park; OS grid ref: SS 554 883
///sands.adverbs.receiving
Bus - No.14 leaves Swansea Quadrant at 8.30am to reach Pennard School at 9.05am. Or alternatively ask the walk leader about an available lift share.
Contact: Peris 07926 165768
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Saturday 25 May
Dryslwyn Castle and Paxton's Tower
From Dryslwyn Castle car park, we will head across the Afon Tywi towards Paxton's Tower, where we should have great views of the Tywi Valley. The scenic route then takes us through Gelli Aur Country Park, Llangathen village and to explore the spectacular Dryslwyn Castle.
Details: 12 miles, moderate
Meet: 10am @ Dryslwyn Castle Car Park Postcode:SA32 8RW ///boats.exploring.landmark.
Contact: Richard 07986562584
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Sunday 2 June
Fan Hir Ridge and Fan Bryncheiniog
Phil will be leading the group today; we're back in the Western Beacons on the Fan Hir Ridge and Fan Brycheiniog. The route will visit some of the WW2 plan crash sites along the way and afford some spectacular views of the Beacons, weather permitting! [This is the second part of the walk that was cut short due to poor weather conditions last August, so hopefully the weather will be a bit more forgiving this time.]
We start with the steep ascent to Fan Hir Ridge, and attempt to find what remains of the Wellington BJ697. After a brief stop to rest our legs, we will then take a rough path behind Fan Hir to locate the crash site of the Vampire Jet VZ106. We will continue along the back of Fan Hir to the saddle above Llyn y Fan Fawr before cutting off the path to the Anson L9149 crash site. We will then ascend to Tro’r Fan Foel Burial Cairn on Fan Bryncheiniog, with views above Llyn y Fan Fawr and Fach, and our lunch stop.
After lunch we will head back along the Fan Hir Ridge with its spectacular views of the Western Beacons, retracing our steps back to the cars.
Details: - 10miles Strenuous, due to steep climb and some rough terrain.
Meet: - 10am at Tafarn y Garreg lay-by off the A4067 just past Dan Yr Ogof; Grid Ref 849 171 ///nails.pampering.parked
Contact: - Phil 07968 269528
To Book:-Geraint 07767 157514
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June
Ty'n Cornel Hostel trip
Join Richard on this intrepid trip as we return to stay at one of the most remote hostels in Wales. Starting at Rhandirmwyn (where we will leave vehicles) we will walk the 10 miles to the hostel carrying our provisions for our overnight stay. This is a picturesque, quiet and unspoilt route following the Afonydd Tywi and Doethie.
The Hostel has two dormitories (one male and one female). Further details about the hostel and its lovely location can be found at https://elenydd-hostels.co.uk/en/our/tyn-cornel
Please contact Richard 07986562584 if you are interested in going.
Saturday 15 June
Bike Ride!
Get your bikes out and enjoy a seafront ride in the sunshine. Join Brian as he leads a ride to Aberavon (route to be determined). Please make sure you wear a cycle helmet.
Details: Approx 20 miles, mainly on shared use paths
Meet: 10am from Swansea Sail Bridge (Sainsbury's side)
Contact: Brian 07743645018
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Sunday 23 June
Brechfa Pool Circular
Join Malcolm and Julie on this lovely scenic circular walk. From Brechfa Pool we will travel along bridleways before arriving at open moorland on Llandyfalle Hilll. We will then make our way over to Mynydd Fforest and up to the trig point on the common. This will afford splendid views of the Wye Valley and panoramic views of the Bannau Brycheiniog /Beacons . The route then drops down to join the Wye Valley Way which follows mainly along the River Bank. We will then gradually climb back up on some tracks, forestry and finally on flat common land before returning back to Brechfa Pool.
Details: 12 miles, 527m of ascent, strenuous
Meet: 10am @ Brechfa Pool. Park at Brechfa Pool Nature Reserve-unfortunately this is not signposted (situated approx 1 1/2 miles off the A470 Brecon to Builth Wells road and 6 miles North East of Brecon Town). [Grid Reference SO 115380; /// prowling.grandest.ordinary; Nearest Post Code LD3 0NL]
Contact: Malcolm 07868324648 or 01269 595472
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Saturday 29 June
Cefn Crew, Pen y Fan and Fan Fawr
Join Geraint and Wendy for this circuit of the central Brecon Beacons. Starting from the Beacons Reservoir we'll ascend the steep spur of Cefn Crew, then follow the edge above Cwm Crew to reach Pen y Fan and Corn Du. We'll drop down to Storey Arms then climb Fan Fawr, returning down the long edge of Cefn yr Henriw.
Details: 10 miles, strenuous
Meet: To start @ 10am from the southernmost layby alongside the Beacons Reservoir on the A470 (SN 989 183, /// wacky.crouches.ketchup). Park here or in the layby a few hundred metres to the north (flanks.searcher.lecturers) or in the small parking area off the A4059 west of the river (dentures.believer.flashback).
Contact: Geraint 07767 157514
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
Saturday 6 July
Rosebush and Preseli Ridge Walk
We're heading west with Lee to lovely Pembrokeshire. Starting in Rosebush, the route takes us past old Quarrymens cottages and the ruins of the Belstone Slate Quarry and its spoil tips, before heading through Pantmaenog forest. We join the Golden Road on the Preseli ridge. This is a path along wild moorland that dates back to the Neolithic period 5000 years ago and was a travellers route thought to have had links with Ireland. We will then reach the highest point, Foel Cwmcerwyn, at 536m with great views. We then rejoin the moorland path passing the cairn at Foel Feddau and some interesting stone outcrops on the way. We then make our way down the valley to Dan-y-garn before returning through fields and quiet country roads to Rosebush, with maybe a drink at the famous Tafarn Sinc.
Details: 11 miles, moderate
Meet: 10.15am @ Car Park behind Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush SA66 7QU ///superhero.lectures.hoot
Contact: Lee 07462856877
To book: Geraint 07767 157514
A peek at other upcoming walks....
Summer evening walks
31 July, 14 August, 21 August, 28 August
Some dates for info
29 May - 2 June is the Gower Cycling Festival
7 - 15 September is the Gower Walking Festival
please contact Wendy (07808401920) if you are able to lead a walk or arrange an event ...