The walks in their likely order, with their likely start times:
12 April (Friday) – SWC 372 Blorenge (Abergavenny Circular) Onto one of Abergavenny’s house mountains: start from the bus station (shortcut option by taking bus to Llanfoist), across the Usk then brutally steep start of the ascent followed by gentle rest; fantastic views on a clear day; very long extension possible. Picnic lunch. 9.30 start
13 April (Saturday) – SWC 335 Pandy Inn to Llanvihangel Crucorney Offa's Dyke Path along Hatterrall Hill and Ridge, return through the Vale of Ewyas past Llanthony Priory and the Leaning Church in Cwmyoy. Spectacular views all the time, fascinating buildings, a lonely valley, lunch in a priory. Shortcuts or Extension possible. 09.15 Bus (line 23) to the Pandy Inn, return (same line) from the Skirrid Inn (last at 19.03).
14 April (Sunday) – SWC 334 Sugarloaf (Abergavenny Circular) The other of Abergavenny’s house mountains, the iconic one: with shorter and longer options. Picnic lunch. Tea at the vineyard. 09.30 start.
15 April (Monday) – SWC 371 The Clydach Gorge (Abergavenny to Brynmawr) The wild and dramatic Clydach Gorge: waterfalls, cascades, fast-flowing waters, ancient beechwoods as well as an ironworks' ruins and an elevated railway line. Uphill version, 09.30 start, back by bus (line 78 hourly to 17.57 or line A3 if you are fast – last at 15.30). Picnic lunch, pubs and cafés at the end.
Accommodation
Hotels: Angel, King’s Arms, King’s Head, Abergavenny Hotel (this one is closed Sunday nights), all bookable via their websites. There is also the Lamb & Flag on the fringe of town. Plus guest houses, cottages and B&B’s galore.
Travel
Trains from Paddington via Newport (Wales). Split tickets can be much cheaper as two different train operators are involved, check for Advance tickets for the P’ton – Newport leg (GWR).
Definitive walk posts will go up once the bus schedules have been confirmed, ie late March.
8 comments:
Hi Thomas
Not sure which dates to use! 11-15 April or 12-15 April.
Cheers
Bill
Hi Bill.
If you want to join the walk on the 12th, you have to be there the evening before unless you can drive up on the day (and arrive in good time for a 9.30 start).
Hi, if anyone is looking for last minute accommodation we have just booked an air B&B which has a spare room
Is there anyone thinking of doing a couple of these walks who would be going at a rather slower pace up the steep bits? And catching up with the others in the pub.
(asking for a friend...)
Eileen
ebyrne2005@yahoo.com
Hi, Kunal
Is the spare room still available.
Hi, yes still available. Please email me kunal_govindiaAThotmail.com for details. thanks
All in then, n=15 different walkers, 6 of those only joining for 1 of the group walks each though. 3 of those did separate walks though on their 'rest day' or the 'I missed the bus' day.
Weather: much better than forecast before we left for Wales. Just a little rain on the last day. Lucky with the scheduling then, as the low level walk was on the worst and windiest day.
Very good group dynamics, with 3 lively group dinners, followed by partly raucous pub visits.
No injuries, group cohesion 10 out of 10.
But: only 6 Scotland trippers, and only 3 of those walked all 4 days.
Kudos to the poster for a great trip. The walks were as rewarding as they were challenging. Looking forward to the next one.
Post a Comment