Wales Walks – Wales Coast Path Video

Wales And Walking – Wales Walks – Wales Coast Path Video – Cardigan Bay

Wales Walks – Wales Coast Path Video.

Here is a cracking video of all 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path in a 5 minute video. The path will provide a continuous walking route around the whole of Wales, from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south. Viewed from approximately 5000m high thanks to Google Earth.

The Wales Coast Path officially opens in May 2012 and will be as near to the coast as legally and physically practicable, whilst fully taking into account the needs of health and safety, land management and conservation to encourage and enable the public, both locals and visitors, to enjoy the coastline of Wales and walks in Wales. It also aims to encourage and enable more people to enjoy physical recreation at the coast, thus helping in efforts to become a fitter, healthier nation and to make coastal access a ‘flagship’ tourism product, thus bringing economic benefit to coastal communities.

Delivery of the project is coordinated by the Countryside Council for Wales and delivered on the ground by the local authorities through which it passes. Funding is coming from the European Union, Welsh Government and local authorities.

For more information keep checking the official website as there are details about the path with downloadable Wales Coast Path map PDFs from this site: Countryside Council for Wales

 

Walks and Walking in Snowdon – The Miners and PYG Tracks

Walks and Walking in Snowdon – The Miners and PYG (Pig) Tracks

Our day starts driving up to the Youth Hostel at Pen-y-Pass, Llanberis, Gwynedd. The morning was absolutely beautiful and the sky was clear blue. We were all strapped up in sensible walking clothes, sturdy walking boots and much needed walking poles. Lunch and extra layers were all packed in our rucksacks and away we went!

We couldn’t help but stop at Pen-y-Gwryd to take a picture of the lake that looked like a sheet of glass and was absolutely breathtaking.

The Lake at Pen-y-Gwryd

When we arrived at Pen-y-Pass we decided to take the Miners Track up and then the PYG Track back. That way we got some really good views of the lakes; Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn. At the beginning of the walk you can turn left along the Miners Track or right for an early climb up to the PYG Track with the walk covering about 8 miles of very interesting scenery.

The Start of the Miners Track in Snowdon

We turned left along the Miners Track which is one beautiful long, and for the most part paved, track up to the mine ruins (which is where we were supposed to turn right to join the PYG Track above us!). However, we were seduced by the frozen lake so stopped to take loads of photos and breathe in that amazing clean, crisp and very fresh air.

This is where we should have turned right to meet the PYG Track

Frozen lake at Llyn Llaslyn Snowdon

The track was built during the 1800’s to serve Britannia Copper Mines which were abandoned in 1917.  Mine Manager Arthur Lockwood drove his car to Llyn Glaslyn, and the track to this point at the lake still resembles a road so is a good walking surface. When the lake came to an end we followed some other walkers up a very steep and snowy path to where the summit lies.

Scrambling up to the PYG Track Snowdon

The view back down to Llyn Glaslyn in Snowdon from the PYG Track

The PYG Track then meets the Llanberis Path  and, at this point you turn left and follow the track to be at the top in about 10 minutes.

As with all Snowdon walks, you then turn back and walk the way you came. However, we walked back along the PYG Track to Pen-y-Pass taking one last glance back towards Snowdon and what was a fantastic and enthralling walk.

One last view of Snowdon as we make our way along the PYG Track to Pen-y-Pass

Walks and Walking in Snowdon – The Llanberis Path

Walks and Walking Snowdon in Wales along the Llanberis Path.

I completed this Wales walk last March 2010 when there had been quite a bit of snow, although the day we walked The Llanberis Path the weather was absolutely fantastic; crystal clear blue skies and wonderful fresh air.

I highly recommend you ensure you have the correct equipment for this walk at this time of year; sensible layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, woolly hat, sturdy walking boots with a vibram sole, walking poles and ice axes just in case.

For this walk I decided to wear my bright red Bear Grylls jacket and walking trousers from the Bear Grylls Survival Clothing range.

The Llanberis Path is the longest and most popular pathway up to Snowdon, is roughly 5 miles from the railway station to the summit and is very easy to follow. From LLanberis we had a quick look around before finding the main car park for the station. Passing the car park we turned right to a small road and a small square where we found a gate at the far end. This is the start of the walk as it makes it’s way up a roughish by-road and the railway now on our right.

The LLanberis Path with Mount Snowdon behind me

The walk basically follows a parallel path to the railway line and there is a left hand turn that steadily rises until we head under the railway line up to Halfway House. Now the harder part of the walk commences but the beautiful sight of a frozen lake, Llyn Du’r Arddu,  still manages to put big smiles on our faces as we look down at Cwm Brwynog.

As we circle around the cwm we walk underneath the railway line at Clogwyn Station and this is wear the walk started to get very exciting with most people stopping to put their crampons on and swapping walking poles for ice axes.

We decided to stop here for lunch and admired the most stunning of views looking back at Llanberis Pass.

Moving on the pathway swings round to the south under the dome of Crib y Ddysgl and finishes close by the railway and the terminus is then reached.  We then walked back the way we came!

 

Walks And Walking in Swansea, South Wales

Walks And Walking in Swansea, South Wales

If you are looking for beautiful and breathtaking scenery that is very easily accessible to get to then I can’t recommend Swansea enough! Swansea is in South Wales and although it is, and has been, known mainly as an industrial area it is a brilliant location for walks and walking, at all levels.

I stayed there for a week with the family and certainly had some great experiences out in the Welsh Mountains, Coastal Walking along the Gower Peninsula, exploring Welsh Waterfalls, tasting Welsh Whisky and riding the well preserved Welsh Mountain Railway Line in a steam engine.

Sunset over Swansea Bay

Our first full day was spent walking from the Brecon Mountain Railway to the Taf Fechan Reservoir which is about 5 1/2 miles of quite easy walking. The railway journey itself was also an enjoyable experience. We finished our visit with a quick trip to the Penderyn Distillery to sample some Welsh Whisky!

Other walks included the Gower Peninsula to visit the Pennaid Pill Castle and a lovely coastal walk back to the Mumbles. A very hard going walk up to Table Mountain to see the views from Pen Cerrig-calch. Much easier walks through forestry to see plenty of Welsh Waterfalls, including the Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall and Henrhyd Falls, the highest in South Wales.

So, all in all, a very enjoyable trip to Swansea!

 

Walks and Walking: Henrhyd Falls; Walking The Welsh Waterfalls, 10 Miles Hard Walking in the Brecon Beacons

Walks and Walking: Henrhyd Falls; Walking The Welsh Waterfalls, Henrhyd Falls, 10 Miles Hard Walking in the Brecon Beacons.

Our second drizzly morning so, as with yesterday, we strapped up with gaiters, sturdy walking boots and hooded windproof jackets but this time our our hats and snoods stayed on for a while. Today was an early start as we wanted to get back to our long lost family and spend some time together on our last day in Wales so we quickly jumped in the Vito Sport and made our way to Neath and in the village of Coelbren we found the Henrhyd Falls, the largest of the welsh waterfalls in South Wales.

However, we don’t get to visit the falls until the end of our walk so we leave the Vito Sport in the car park and move on up the road from which we parked.

Walking past the mobile phone mast we continued up the road to a stile which we crossed and then followed the pathway across the fields, bending slightly to the left before we reached the same road that we had originally walked up. Turning right, we headed up towards Pen-y-cae before finding another pathway leading us to a wide road that quickly narrows before reaching another pathway.

There is only one pathway so it’s a very easy navigation up to a road that forks just after the Outdoor Adventure Centre, we go left that has a sharp left down to so gates in front of us that then lead up to gates that let us enter the Craig-y-nos Country Park.Passing some friendly Welsh ponies and keeping to the sound of the water there was a good photo opportunity by the giant stepping stones.

Giant Stepping Stones near Craig-y-nos Country Park

Expecting a grand entrance, it is more of a side entrance to the park curving round to our left we join the main park area before reaching it’s main entrance by a small lake. We turn left outside of the entrance by the Craig-y-nos Castle, which looks like a good venue for weddings rather than one of huge historical importance. Crossing the road we needed to get up on the hill and rather confusingly there is a sign that points us in the right direction, yet says “No access to the hill”!

We continue down the road until we see the correct access and this is where we also find a myriad of pathways. So, the general idea was to walk up the hill to Cribarth, walk over the hill and then walk back down the hill on the same side we went up. I had to get the walking poles out for this climb as my legs were quite tired after 4 hard walks this week!

Walking up Cribarth, so many paths and options to choose from!

Confusing? Yes, but that’s the idea… to explore the hillside and it’s geology. We walked away from the peak of Cribarth to explore the shake holes below us.

Shake Holes on Cribarth

We zig-zagged up, down, over, across and back over until we reached the bottom in sight various sign posts. If you can see the church from the top of the hill then that’s the easiest navigation point down. The road is where we needed to get to so we followed one of the signs down through the Abercrave Wood through Abercrave Farm to reach the road turning right to find Abercrave Bridge. We have now entered the residential area of Abercaf and wlak between the school and the fire station turning left and keeping left again we follow the road to Llech Bridge to find a very clear signpost to Henrhyd Falls on our right.

Once on this track we simply followed the river up to the falls up and down through the beautiful woodland noticing various waterfalls along the way and stopping off for belated and very welcome cheese and pickle sandwiches!

Stopping off at Craig Llech near Henrhyd Falls

Shortly after our stop we reached a sign that takes us to our car park or invites us towards the Henrhyd Falls itself. A few steps up and down we are at the falls and they are very impressive. As the falls are very accessible I made a short 2 minute video walking in to, behind and out of the Henrhyd Falls so you can see what the Henrhyd Falls look like.

Henrhyd Falls

We then retraced our steps back to the car park signpost and walked steeply up to the Vito Sport and, my god, after 5 1/2 hours walking on top of a whole week of walking the Brecon Beacons, it was a sight for sore eyes!!

 

 

Walks and Walking – Walking The Welsh Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons.

Walks and Walking: Walking The Welsh Waterfalls, 8 Miles Hard Walking in the Brecon Beacons.

It was a little drizzly this morning and cloudy compared to our last few days of clear blue skies. However, a little rain would top up the rivers making it a good day to walk the welsh waterfalls!

Anticipating the mud we strapped ourselves up in gaiters, sturdy walking boots and hooded windproof jacket but as soon as our hats and snoods were on, they were off again as it brighten up typical British weather! Revving up the Vito Sport as we made our way up to Neath and the beginning of the walk at Clun Gwyn Farm and Bunkhouse, 3 miles up from Ystradfellte.

From the car park we followed the clear signpost to Sgwd Clun-gwyn Waterfall, had a quick look, and then carried on up the track to cross a footbridge where we climbed a steep rocky path up and then turned right following the footpath back down the other side of the Afon Melte River to look at the waterfall from the other side.

Looking back down the river from the footbridge at Sgwd Clun-gwyn Waterfall

Next we followed the red way markers to the Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall. Although the zig-zag steps down were a little damp it was absolutely fine and safe to walk down the steep descent to the waterfall. I decided to video the approach to the waterfall and as it was just as easy to walk behind it and up the other side I also made a short video inside the waterfall.

After an exhilarating visit, the walk up the muddy and rocky ascent was completely exhausting but when we reached the top we both had very big smiles on our faces at what was a great experience with beautiful scenery. Keeping to the obvious pathway we headed through the forest encountering gorse, pine, bogs, welsh ponies, stream crossings, views of the wind farm, the Cilhepste-fach and Cilhepste-cerig ruins and then continuing to head south along the path until we came to Craig Dhinas (Dinas Rock Great Forest Geopark).

Crossing the bridge we followed the road down to The Angel Inn at Pontneddfechan where we were going to get half a local ale to eat with our sandwiches outside but, alas, there is a sign saying “No Muddy Boots” so we turned right by the ornate gates that head northwards alongside the Nedd River.

A few minutes walk on the right is a short pathway down to the river where we finally got our sarnies and a drink down us, sitting on the rocks in a little sun trap observing all of the different rocks and crystal clear water.

The view from our lunch time spot

We then continued to walk upwards following the signs and river marvelling at waterfall after waterfall… after waterfall after waterfall… after waterfall after waterfall!! We took our time for lots of photos to really breathe in and absorb the beautiful and unique scenery.

We reached the picnic area and car park by Pont Melin-fach turning right up the road to reach a distinct stile by the buildings of Glyn-mercher-uchaf where we met some very friendly sheep!

Very friendly sheep at the end of our Welsh Waterfalls Walk

Following the clear sign posts we crossed farmland until we reached sight of the road where we had parked and joined the road by the white chapel building and grave yard just by the very old fashioned petrol station.

A few minutes later, and after walking for 5 hours, we were back at the Vito Sport, chucked our muddy boots in the back and shot straight back down to The Angel Inn for a welcome pint of Rhymney’s. What a wonderful pub, such a shame we just missed out on some Welsh Cawl!

 

Walks and Walking – Walking Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch

Walks and Walking: Walking Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch, 8 Miles Very Hard Walking in the Brecon Beacons.

Awaking to a beautiful sunrise it was yet again perfect walking weather. Although it looks like high summer outside it is still freezing cold…. it was actually -5 Degrees in the Brecon Beacons last night. Sturdy walking boots are essential for today, as is the compulsory windproof jacket and sensible layers.

Wales is a haven for mountain biking and we passed quite a few in the Vito Sport as we made our way up to Llanbedr.  We found a parking space on the Great Oak Road, from Crickhowell, right next to the right hand turn sign for Llanbedr and just before Ty Mawr Farm.

Walking up to Ty Mawr Farm there is a track signposted “Perth y Pia and Table Mountain”. We then prepared for an exhausting and very steep walk up a concrete track to the Perth y Pia bunkhouse. After a metal barred gate the way becomes steeper again until we reached a way marked stile and then followed the right hand of the field edge up to a stile to the left of an old rusty metal barred gate.

Table Mountain is now in clear view and is the first stop off point for us to savor the panoramic views and breathtaking scenery…. and catch our breath!

 

The Route From Table Mountain To Pen Cerrig-calch

Pen Cerrig-calch is our next destination and so we continued up to Trywn Ysgwrfa, looking up we continued towards Pen Cerrig-calch using the most obvious pathway.

We then reached a natural rocky stream bed path that looks as though it gets very muddy after it’s been raining. We then followed this straight up, for what seemed an eternity, until we reached a large pile of rocks. I contributed to the pile by placing a large rock on the top!

Continuing further uphill we reached the top where there is a Rain Gauge and a huge circular rock shelter. We thought this was one of the Shake Holes on our map. (A Shake Hole is a natural depression in the Earth’s surface caused by water eroding the mud around the limestone under foot causing large holes to suddenly or gradually appearing on the landscape).

We decided to stop in the shelter for our sandwiches knowing all of the very hard walking had now been done. We then continued along our path until we came to a steep rocky climb down the edge of Pen Cerrig-calch and the beginning of Pen Alit-mawr. He we turned a sharp left around a natural pathway/animal track until we found another large circular rock shelter.

We then walked in a diagonal direction down the long slopes of the Pen Cerrig-calch using the Welsh pony and sheep tracks as a guide back towards Table Mountain until we reached a disused Butt by the field edge at the bottom of the slopes. Keeping to the field edge we walked back up to Table Mountain, past Crug Hywel Fort,  and walked round the right hand side until we came to a very clear pathway down.

We then followed the way markers which are all very clearly signposted first turning right, then left, straight ahead, left again and then right where you can walk down the shallow stream (and clean your boots at the same time!) and entering the road through Ty-yn-y-wlad.

The Route Back Down To Table Mountain

Turning left we walked back up the road to the Vito Sport exhausted after our 4 hour walk and feeling very thirsty for ale. We did hear that The Red Lion pub in Llandbedr was the closest watering hole but when we got there, at about 3.30pm, it was closed. So we drove back down to Crickhowell’s The Bridge End Inn which is a wonderful pub serving local ale’s and with exceptional hospitality.

 

Walks and Walking – Walking from Oxwich to the Mumbles

Walks and Walking: Walking from Oxwich to the Mumbles, 10 Miles Hard Walking in the Gower Peninsula.

The weather was cold but the sky was clear blue, so absolutely perfect weather for a 10 mile walk along the beautiful Gower Peninsula’s unspoilt coastline. I wrapped up warm for this one with some sensible layers and a windproof jacket. Sturdy walking boots are also recommended as the terrain is quite interchangeable. Although most guides say you only need lightweight boots, you definitely need ones with good ankle support…. so with sturdy boots you can’t go wrong!

There were loads of people orienteering today and also a large group mountain biking.

So, back in to the Vito Sport for the 30 minute journey to Oxwich, where I decided to put my gaiters on as there was quite a lot of gorse and the tracks didn’t look too well defined.

The idea was for me to get dropped off in Oxwich and then meet the rest of the family at the Mumbles 3 hours later, and then all walk back to Swansea. However, I rather underestimated the journey time as I didn’t actually get to the Mumbles until 4 ½ hours later! We then decided to get the bus back to Swansea (£13.20 for 4 adults – scandalous!).

The general route was to follow the Coastal Path all the way and if you keep the sea on your right and don’t lose the sound of the waves then you should get to the Mumbles sooner or later. On the whole it was a very easy walk to navigate and with some great experiences and scenery.

I started off at Oxwich and crossed Oxwich Marshes until I reached Three Cliffs Bay. You can then see Pennaid Pill by the Pennard Golf Course. I got a little distracted here and went to have a look at the remains of the castle and then walked across the golf course and wandered off the path… If you do and have a look at it then take the path to Southgate afterwards and you can then get straight back on the coastal path.

After Southgate it’s a just a case of following the path, as close to the cliffs as you can, to Caswell Bay. So far it has been fairly unspoilt coastline but from Caswell to the Mumbles you reach the more traditional seaside bays with plenty of refreshments and facilities. Resisting the urge to stop for chips I carried on until I reached Langland Golf Course and then Langland Cliff where the pathway is all concreted until you reach sight of the Mumbles. When I arrived, I had a quick look at the lighthouse and pier and then met the family at The Pilot of Mumbles for a very welcome pint of the local ale.

Here’s a few photos from my walk:

Walks and Walking – Walking Brecon Mountain Railway to the Taf Fechan Reservoir

Walks and Walking: Walking from the Brecon Mountain Railway to the Taf Fechan Reservoir, 5.5 Miles Easy Walking in the Brecon Beacons.

The weather was cold but clear for this trip so hats, gloves and windproof jackets were the order of the day. We travelled up to the Brecon Mountain Railway from our apartment in the Swansea Marina. It took about an hour in the Vito Sport, which is the perfect vehicle to throw all your gear in the back and enjoy the drive. Even the 275 mile journey from London to Swansea yesterday was really comfortable!

First, we booked our tickets for the railway trip which takes you from Pant Station to a temporary terminus where the train engine turns round and takes you back to Pontsticill Station for a 25 minute break. The total journey time was about an hour and cost £40 for 4 adults and is well worthwhile as it is a great day out with plenty of refreshments and facilities, all immaculately maintained.

For the first 600 yards the line which is built to the narrow gauge of 1′ 11 3/4″ follows a totally new alignment some of which was cut through solid rock. On the hills beyond the gorge can be seen Vaynor Quarry from which most of the track ballast for the Brecon Mountain Railway was obtained.

Across the valley, forward of the train as it passes a disused quarry can be seen the village of Pontsticill. The train now enters a wooded cutting crossing several streams which tumble down the rocky hillside. On leaving the cutting the Taf Fechan Reservoir comes into view for the first time with as a backdrop the three peaks of the Brecon Beacons. The middle Peak is Pen-Y-Fan which at 2906-ft is the highest peak in South Wales. To the left is Corn Du and to the right Y Cribyn.

As the train approaches Pontsticill Station the Reservoir Dam can be seen. The Reservoir was completed in 1927 and can hold 3,400 million gallons of water. The water flooded the vicarage and 15th Century Capel Taf Fechan, Bethlehem Congregational Chapel, some cottages, small holdings and land belonging to eight farms. In times of drought the remains of some of these buildings appear above water level.

The area is ideal for walking or for simply spending some time taking in the marvellous scenery so I changed out of my walking shoes and put my walking boots on.

Leave the station by the gateway at the bottom of the ramp and continue straight ahead along the road to the start of the dam. Turn right across the dam, joining the Taff Trail and follow the road around to the left until you reach a road junction. Turn sharp right and follow the road.

The road climbs gently up hill, with trees appearing first on the right and then on the left. About 30 yards after entering woodland completely, fork left onto a wide forest track, signposted Taff Trail. Follow the path for 1.1/2 miles to a waterfall on a stream, bear right and proceed down hill through the forest. On reaching the road bear left and continue to the road junction. At the junction continue straight ahead, leaving the Taff Trail and cross the dam of the Pentwyn reservoir, continue along the road until reaching the railway over bridge. Immediately before reaching the bridge turn right onto the bridleway which drops to the shore of the reservoir. Continue on the bridleway close to the railway boundary fence until reaching Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club.

Continue straight ahead along the track way adjacent to the reservoir. Follow this route until reaching the outward route at the Pontsticill station gateway. Turn sharp left through the station gateway.

After our visit we then jumped back in the Vito Sport and headed to the nearby Penderyn Distillery who make the only Welsh Whisky available as well as Brecon Gin. Both of which are absolutely delightful!!