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.

Starting at the car park above the Queens head at the southern end of the Vale of Ewyas we walked up onto the Gaer (Twyn y Gaer) and lightly snow covered hillside and a biting N wind. As the weather and views were good we stayed high to Cwm Bwchel and down into Llanthony. Then back up onto the Beacons Way for a couple of Km, to Hatterrall Hill. Then down to Cwmyoy via the ancient settlement / circular embankment we found earlier in the year. Across the valley again and back up though the woodland and to the cars.

6 walked the Sugar Loaf in damp overcast conditions. Cloud was down to 300m for much of the day. We kept low on the Deri and then over and round Llanwenarth before descending off-piste into St Mary's Vale. Some lovely colours on a grey day.

Starting from Pengenffordd we walked around Mynydd Troed before climbing steeply to the trig where we found ourselves in thick mist! We continued along the ridge where the cold wind gradually cleared the mist, down to Cwm Sorgwm to start the steep climb to the cairn on Mynydd Llangorse. We returned on the Three Rivers Ride and around Mynydd Troed to Pengenffordd. Some drizzle at times.

Ceridwen chose an excellent autumn day to make the most of the last Wednesday of 2025 BST. Starting from the Blaen-y-cwm car park, we headed up through the woods (with prolific fungi – some being harvested by a Polish chap, who seemed to know what he was collecting) to the Blacksmith’s Anvil, along the top for a km, before (off-piste) dropping down Tarren y Esgob, along the west side of the very scenic Nant Bwch and back via the side of Darren Lwyd into Capel-y-ffin. With no respite we climbed again via Y Fferm and followed the edge of the access land to Sychtre – noting that like all fruiting trees this year, the sloes were very prolific. Then climbing more steeply across the side of the hill to Bal Bach, along the Cambrian Way via Bal Mawr to the pile of stones, to drop down the hill to the cars. A brilliant morning for warm sun and autumn scenery, but clouding over after lunch with quite a chilly wind.

Starting our walk from the garden centre at Huntley, we took the route up to May Hill, where light low clouds restricted our views somewhat. We then followed a varied route, firstly across open fields along the Gloucestershire Way towards Abenhall, then the woodland tracks and footpaths of Flaxley and Hope Woods, returning via Little London and Huntley Hill. Although we safely overcame the hazards of one or two immensely challenging styles and necessary off-piste walking to leave Hope Wood, we welcomed the opportunity to explore this area on foot, which few of us had done previously. All returned safely to enjoy cuppa and cakes at the garden centre.