Starting from the Llanbedr T junction, we headed through the village, down to and across the Grwyne Fechan and right, onto the bridle path, to Craig-y-bwla. Left from the junction, up Cwm Beusych onto Crug Mawr – a route rarely walked by the Hillwalkers. A large group of young army personnel arrived to their checkpoint, heavily laden, having walked 40km through the night, with an expectation to finish their trek in early-mid afternoon! (note to HW: do we need to up our game!!). The second section of rarely-walked route was through the woods to the east – including a section of very CS Lewis-esque forest track (only missing the snow!). Returning to the open tops, we descended, intending to follow the RoW down the Nant y Gwartheg, but thwarted by fencing around the forest periphery, and only impenetrable forest/undergrowth beyond. Heading east we joined the more familiar track down to Nantyrychain and onto the valley road. Up the permissive path at the ‘quarry’, along the edge of the open-access land towards Table Mountain, then down the hill to the cars. Fine, but overcast, weather all day, with a light to moderate breeze and good temperature for walking. More skylarks this week, heralding spring.  Well done Kay for planning a route with new sections in an area that we walk regularly.

With a forecast very cold wind-chill (-10C), strong easterly winds and snow on the tops, we decided on a lower-level walk from Tintern Wireworks CP. Across the Wye and along the lower-level path to Brockweir (with the final 400m over the fields to avoid the muddy track). Up to the Wye Valley Walk, a loop up to the Whitestone CP entrance and through Bargain Wood, past Cleddon Shoots and on to Trellech Beacon. The return route took the group through some of the muddiest sections of path ever encountered by the HWs (thanks Chris). Over to Catbrook, Wyes Wood Common and Lower Hale Wood and back into Tintern. On an overcast day we were pleased to have no rain, with the chilling wind only really felt at lunch time.

It was a challenge to find a route that didn’t include a chunk of Cambrian Way this week. Walking from Cwmdu Village Hall, we headed across the river and across the always-sodden fields – which set the scene for the day’s walk. After catching up with BBPS group at Pen-yr-heol, we abandoned the track and its deep puddles and headed up the hill to take the level contour path to the Cairn on the Beacons Way. Up to the trig, the left towards Pen Tir, dropping down the eastern slopes at the Cairn. The low-level path up the valley was very wet, muddy and uneven, which encouraged the group to take up Rosemary’s excellent suggestion to head straight up Mynydd Llangorse, rather than take the lower level path to the west of the hill - which was expected to be more mud. Back past the trig and we dropped down from the saddle to Blaen-y-cwm Isaf where we headed onto the path round the nose of Pen Tir – a further stretch of v. muddy path providing good exercise for our lower glutes. There were a few light showers and chilly winds at times, but the day ended with a few, welcome, rays of sunshine. It was wonderful to hear and see the first skylark of the season and have the sight of a red kite at the top.

In light of a poor forecast (rain and wind), and after a late decision, we postponed our planned Cambrian Way walk. A small group walked from Chepstow, along Offa’s Dyke Path to Devil’s Pulpit, dropped down into Tintern and returned via Penterry Church, Gaer Hill and Piercefield Park, including the secret gardens. The weather was largely dry but wet underfoot (an understatement in places).

Missed paths, fallen trees and blocked RoW – a walk of two halves. My thanks to the group for their forebearance – especially after the last walk I Ied from Gilwern Wharfe! After a wrong turning after the canal, we headed up the Clydach valley, past the iron works and up towards Llanelly Hill, before crossing open-access land to the lane passing the Blaen Pig sandstone quarries, spoil heaps and the entrance to the tramway tunnel to Blaenavon. Heading north into the appropriately-named area “The Tumble” we cut back vigorous overhanging roses (pruners proving v. useful, even in winter – thank you Kay) and negotiated a tree blocking the path. A short distance further, it seemed that the route was again blocked by fallen trees. After a bit of vague path finding and negotiating a RoW which crossed a corner of two stone walls, we headed up to Keeper’s Pond for lunch in a crisp cold wind. The afternoon proved much less stressful – along the west side of Blorenge, down to Govilon and returning to Gilwern along the old railway foot/cycle path. A bright sunny day, mainly, but with chilly wind where exposed.

A shortish New Year’s Eve walk from the Two Rivers Hotel in Chepstow. Through Chepstow into Piercefield Park and the Wye Valley walk. Through the Giant’s Cave, across the A466 and up the ‘365’ Steps to Eagle Nest viewpoint. Down Penterry Lane, through St Arvans, onwards to Four Acre Grove, Cockshoot Wood and Great Barnet Woods, before returning to the start via Mounton Lane. A chilly, but sunny winter’s day, with little wind and great views.

Hillwalkers Christmas Lunch and pre-lunch walk around Skirrid. Starting from the NT CP, we walked towards Skirrid, headed west, following the path through the landslip gap, then up the steep ascent to the trig. We were rewarded with the sunshine and shower to the west creating a fine rainbow for a photo backdrop. Descending down the NE path from the top, across very squelchy fields we continued onto the lanes (Pen y parc) before re-ascending Skirrid and then dropping back down to the cars. Lunch at the Star on the Hill was promptly served and enjoyed by all.

From Pont Cadwgan. South east from the cars and up to the Beacons Way, then down the east side to skirt Coed Ty-canol. Through Tyle-ffarding Wood and westwards back up to the Beacons Way to Blacksmith’s Anvil. Perpendicularly down the hill, then following the contour through the woods and along the west side of the forest above Blaen-y-cwm, before dropping down Nant y Gwerydd to the cars. Sunshine and very scenic views with cloud and mist in the valleys during the morning, brisk cold wind (thankfully behind us as we walk north), but cloudy and chilly in the afternoon. A well planned walk with some new paths for most/all of the group.

Dolygaer and the Tramroads. Starting at the dam between the reservoirs (there is really just one), up Cwym Callan and on up to Bryniau Gleision. Then, carrying on along the ridge we reached Pen Rhiw Calch, where we looked at the site of a bridge across the cutting of the Bryn Oer Tramway. From there we followed the route of the tramway to the head of Dyffryn Crawnon. Along the way we examined bits of old rail, flanged, and stone blocks used as rail supports. How the rails were laid isn’t clear from these remains and we await further clarification from our in house expert on tramway-related matters. We then headed into the moss covered woodland by-passing the now blocked off heads of the valley route. Then up the Cambrian Way for a short way to the side of the Cwar y Hendre quarry and back down Cwtym Callan and to the cars.