The Dungeon - The 2015 and 2016 Talk of the Walks
A light-hearted and irreverent view of our walks - with the photos to prove it....
It's my fault entirely....
This is my own view of our walks and completely unofficial.
So any complaints - send them to me, the webmaster, not the poor old committee.
Obviously any praise, glory or hero-worship should come to me, too....
just drop me an e-mail to :- islwynsec @ virginmedia . com (but drop the spaces!)
To see the super, enlarged version of any photo or watch a slideshow of the days events, just click on it!
You can also follow us on Facebook with lots more photos by clicking here :-
This is my own view of our walks and completely unofficial.
So any complaints - send them to me, the webmaster, not the poor old committee.
Obviously any praise, glory or hero-worship should come to me, too....
just drop me an e-mail to :- islwynsec @ virginmedia . com (but drop the spaces!)
To see the super, enlarged version of any photo or watch a slideshow of the days events, just click on it!
You can also follow us on Facebook with lots more photos by clicking here :-
Up the misty mountains... - 24 November 2016
Just a little blowy, just a little cool up the Blorenge but a very interesting sort of walk with odd breaks in the gloom. It did make for some unusual photos though.
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From both sides now - 12 November 2016
A select 'gang of four' circumnavigated Cwmcarn yesterday to be treated to some great views, from banks of mist to banks of leaves and even a rainbow. Even though we only walked just under 5 miles it seemed much further, those are vicious climbs up and down, there was absolutely no enthusiasm for the 2 or 3 extra miles we could have done....
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Faded Autumn Glory - and that's just us! - 6 November 2016
The colours had faded in the Wye Valley today but there's still some lovely scenery and at least we know where we are even if others don't.... . We stopped for lunch in Newland at its only pub, the 'Ostrich', and were rather surprised when some other walking ladies asked where the 'White Horse' was. The only 'Whte Horse' anyone knew was in Stuanton, a few miles away. "Isn't this Staunton?" said the ladies, should've turned left, not right, oh dear....
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About a mile past the back of beyond - 4 November 2016
Trefil Quarry, the setting for many Dr Who episodes involving all manner of scary monsters and it survived them all until ..... "The Invasion of the Islwyn Rambers". And now look at it - ruined !!
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The beautiful Wye Valley - and some Ramblers - 7 August 2016
It's a very long climb from Tintern Station to St Briavels but it's just as long a gentle descent on the way back
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Rodney Stoke, not Rodney the Plonker - 16 July 2016
Just to be different we decide to walk this one the other way round from our recce, only missed the route once or twice.....
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A nice day at the seaside - 14 July 2016
Along the cliffs to Nash Point Lighthouse from Llantwit Major and back through the fields.
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I've looked at clouds from both sides now - 2 July 2016
Not been here before - along the ridge of the Gower looking out on both sides - quite a view. The weather's better that we thought, just a great wind from the West and we're walking straight into it! Eventually we leave and get into the shelter of the trees - and the mud, there's always mud. But salvation is at hand, the ice-cream shop is open and we have our backs to the wind along the beach. Suddenly the Red Arrows zoom overhead - it's the airshow today! Lovely!
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Turners Tours - and a coach to prove it - 10 - 12 June 2016
We really wanted to go to Padstow but the weather forecast was bad so we limbered up in Bristol, being on the way. Needless to say, Padstow was dry all day !! And what did we pass on the M5? a luxury coach with Turners Tours emblazoned on it. Our trips are looking up....
Off to Fowey, Foy or Fooey on Saturday, over the ferry and up the hill where I got bitten by a horsefly. The others immediately leapt into action but the vet said there was no chance of saving it after such a toxic shock, poor horsefly! It's a little misty but the sea views are still breath-taking. It poured down on the ferry back but luckily there was a pub nearby to dry off in....
Padstow at last! and another river, another ferry trip. We walk past the 'Doom Bar', a grim fate for many a fishing boat. The open sea beckons and, right on cue, the sun shines down and the sea is turquoise. It all proves too much for some who strip off and dash out into the bitter, freezing water, the less adventurous paddle and I keep well away from the stuff and scoff half of a very large chocolate cookie instead. Much more sensible!! Across a golf course, which upsets some of us who didn't bring their sticks with them. Never mind, there's real walking to do. We pass a beautiful little church that was completely buried until 1864, the only way in was through the roof on our way back to the ferry and well-deserved plate of fish and chips.
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A quiet day in the country - 26 May 2016
Coming back down to Earth after the streets of Casablanca, today was a very pleasant stroll through countryside within sight of that great metropolis - Newport. We visited Cleppa Park House sadly rotting away above it's office estate and a ancient barrow, even older than me!
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Precipice Walk - but not Dolgellau ! - 14 May 2016
The Mediterranean Steps path runs along the steep side of Gibraltar and very quiet... Expect today when there's a five-lap charity challenge walk going on and it's like the M4 through Newport. The temperature is nudging 30c and one lap will do me nicely, thank you very much! Oh, but the views are to die for...
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Duck ! and moorhen and cygnets - 30 April 2016
A proper little nature Ramble down the canal with all manner of beasties and views. it's really quite surprising how much countryside there is between Cwmbran and Newport. And well done, David and Alison, leading their first Ramble, at least you had the sensible folk today.
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Last of the Summer Wine - 27 April 2016
Children of all ages and cute little dogs are welcome on our Rambles but must be kept firmly under control by the grown-ups - or the security cats will get you !!!
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Peking Duck? or Wild Boar? - 23 April 2016
The dark and dangerous Forest of Dean beckons today with it's reputation for Wild Boar but we won't see any, will we? Except those over there... One of the Mountain Goat Division joins us, due to the World shortage of mountains, and achieves a personal best with a record low of 600 ft. Now that does deserve a round of applause from one of our very long-armed members....
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Awww... yes, real Awwww factor today - 16 April 2016
New-born lambs and some great views greet us as we circum-navigate Mynyddislwyn in the lovely Spring sunshine. In fact, just the sort of day to think about your new holiday home - I've got one I could sell you - it would go nicely with Thursday's car. And then in two shakes of a lamb's tail.... the lamb's tails themselves, Awwww!
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Baby, You can drive my car - 14 April 2016
Though I think I've been sold a pup with this one, it'll never get through it's MOT. Just have to walk, won't I ? Talking of pups, there's a couple of cute canines here today, performing for the audience but at least one of us has found her dream home in the woods - or was it the other place? - but they both came with plenty of interesting neighbours.
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You're standing on it ! - 2 April 2016
It's one of those days that started off wet and ended in sunshine and, for once, just as the weatherman said it would! I'm in charge today and, being only a man, I can only do one thing at a time, I can either lead or take photos so I led.... them up a steeper bank than I remember (moan, groan) but the views on top were great and the surprise of a secret vaulted chamber under their feet made their day, such simple pleasures....
(photos from 2014) |
Pontypridd ? That's almost abroad ! - 31 March 2016
and with some lovely Spring weather you might think you were abroad, well, it was Glamorgan... Ceri managed to bribe 22 others to go with her over the moors and then back down to that lovely-looking lido. I bet none of you took a dip, did you? and watch out for rarely-seen giant thumb of Pontypridd - scary !!
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Don't remember it being this tiring ! - 19 March 2016
So after three weeks in the Himalayas, time to visit some real mountains around Talgarth. I'd heard of the Witches Pool but never been so today all that changes. It's a beautiful spot and a great contrast to the Black Mountains looming over it. This was my first real walk for nearly five weeks and, boy, did I know it !!
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A virtually perfect day at Axbridge ! - 6 February 2016
It was really beautiful around Axbridge, the lush green grass across the Somerset Levels, the picturesque villages, the quaint local yokels, the stunning views back to Risca, topped off with a great pint in the town square - shame it wasn't today !
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Which way are the Beacons ? Way over there ! - 23 January 2016
The Mountain Goat Division set off for this years challenge - to walk the whole of the Beacons Way - in just twelve easy-to-afford parts. The first part is from Llanthony to Crickhowell, then it's all uphill from there.
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A walk with atmosphere - everywhere ! - 17 January 2016
Snow, mud, ice, mud, mist, mud, fog, mud, rain, mud and then some mud just for a change. And I fell base over apex and would anyone give me the kiss of life? more like the kiss of death with these Ramblers. Even the little Dachshund pulled the old 'I've hurt my paw' trick and got a piggyback. And nobody cared about my poor bruised hand !!!!
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It's stopped raining for a few hours - 9 January 2016
It's not really raining for the next three hours - so let's go! Our intrepid Ramblers scaled the dizzy heights on Machen Mud Mountain while they had the chance - just made it back to Blackvein Road before it turned nasty again.
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A rainy day at the seaside - 3 January 2016
The forecast was pretty bad but they couldn't have been more wrong. After a damp start the rain stopped and the the sky cleared. Everywhere is wet underfoot but we had one of those unforgettable days. Swansea Ramblers outnumbered Islwyn but only just. We also had a visitor from Ramblers Cymru who seemed to have a good day out.
Finished off in the pub for a nice pint and absolutely amazing chips.
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A nice bowl of Chwlli Cwm Carno, please - 1 January 2016
Oh what a wet and soggy start to the New Year. We didn't go up on the moorland today, it was bad enough down below, in fact there was so much mud I thought I saw a Hippopotamus but it was just a loose Rambler, can't say who as I've resolved not to make fun of Maggie this year. Whoops, one resolution broken straight away! We made it to lunch at the pub but there's always one - 25 pints of Rhymney and 1 dry martini, shaken not stirred; 25 bean soups and 1 Chwlli Cwm Carno - mind you that Chwlli Cwm Carno is a rare treat made with an unusual capsicum found only in a hidden valley near Carno, Mid-Wales, worth waiting for.....
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Spring has Sprung, the daffodils are out - 26 December 2015
Our seasonal jaunt to Rhiwderin produced a lot of mud and puddles - and a couple of daffs in full bloom, just a little early. The weather was quite mild and dry - amazing !! so we remembered previous trips through deep snow and ice, the roaring fire in the Rhiwderin Inn wasn't really necessary today at all.
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Did anyone bring Mince Pies??? - 20 December 2015
Well, after a bit of to-ing and fro-ing we actually go for our Mince Pie Walk, The only trouble is a world shortage of Mince Pies.... It seems that last year everyone brought them so this year everyone brought sausage rolls - and very nice they were too.... First prize (but only just) goes to Simon for a really spicy sausage - and there were some Mince Pies lurking in the bottom of some rucksacks for afters. So, well done, all of us, for a grand day out !
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Can't see a thing, can you? - 13 December 2015
We had a great walk in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday. Strong group of 13 who managed all 4 main peaks, Corn Du, Pen y fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big. We walked 10 miles and climbed 2800ft. The weather was as forecast, dry all day with fog in the mountains. The views were few and far between but it was lovely and quiet. Well done to all those who came out to play. Lovely pint and chips in the Red Cow afterwards
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And long may the fun continue....... - 11 December 2015
Not much walking going on with this terrible weather but the social events aren't dependent on the weather.... This year we go all Italian at Mama Linas in Rogerstone scoffing roast turkey with a Mediterranean twist. Quite a crowd, too, over 40 of us. A great evening was had by all, as they say.....
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Well, it is December so we can begin to have fun....... - 4 December 2015
and we did! at the Three Horseshoes in Pentwynmawr for lunch. The food was great and plentiful, the company was... well, they were Ramblers, say no more, and the organization by Lyn, superb ! And as for our splendid rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas, X Factor, here we come.... Roll on the next round of festive fun.
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Crisp and Even - not very Deep - but it is snow !! - 22 November 2015
A stunning day up the Sugar Loaf, the rain finally stops and we get blue skies, great views and a clear,cold day. Its only 7 miles but after a few weeks off, don't I know it !! One good thing, our new website and its national coverage has already brought us visiting Ramblers.
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You can take the ghoul mask off now, Phil - Oh, sorry.... - 31 October 2015
Now this is more like woodland in the Autumn, up over High Meadow and back down the Gwyddon, loads of browns, golds, yellows, oranges and greens, my five-a-day all in one go. I keep forgetting just how long the forest road is, from the cattle grid down to the barrier. I thought I'd been bewitched and was in an eternal endless loop on the Gwyddon. I'd have asked our leader but she'd flown off on her broomstick.....
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Penhow - or not Penhow - glad I asked - 25 October 2015
Today was going to be Penhow, but it's just as well I checked as I would have been in Magor when eveyone else went to Twmbarlwm. Never mind, it was a good walk but not for taking photos, the views were hazy and the woodland depressing with all the scars from the forestry work. Mind you, in the Spring I saw four trees blown down by just a stiff breeze only yards from Cwm Byr, so they are dangerous. Let's hope it all recovers quickly. So here's some photos from the archives.
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Old paths to Newland (and new house?) - 17 October 2015
There's a lot going for Santorini and the other islands but they are rather bleak, very few trees. So it's a pleasure to get back to the Wye Valley in Autumn, the rolling countryside, the quaint villages, the wonderful colours, the madcap Ramblers - Ah, I knew there was a drawback.... but at least Linda found (yet another) dream house, all she has to do is win the lottery or find herself a millionaire, applications in writing welcomed.
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It must be something I said..... - 22 August 2015
I don't know what I've done wrong - deodorant failure, perhaps? - but only Clive wanted to walk round the hills of Cwmavon today - and I had to promise to buy him a pint even then ! The weather forecast was pretty unfriendly but it stayed dry and we even had a glimpse of sun. So for the rest of you lay-a-beds here's what you missed.
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A pint of Dachshund and a hot dog, please - 8 August 2015
It was a very good idea to go Bath by train, unfortunately it all went horribly wrong. The trains were late, cancelled, diverted and jam-packed to the luggage racks. But did that defeat us? No !! The heat was another matter, mind you. Struggling up to the Skyline Walk was quite a challenge for some, couldn't they have found some lower sky to line? But the views were spectacular and well worth the effort even though that castle is a just a Sham. Going for a pint while waiting for the cancelled train home our very tired doggies found 'Dachshund Ale' on offer - very appropriate (and very tasty, too).
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I've brought my bacon butty - 6 August 2015
Off round Manmoel along some different paths this time but still ending up at the kiddies playground at Manmoel where the ladies can play 'house'. It's one of those funny days that started off damp and ended up quite warm, even I put my fleece on for a while. On the way back we were joined by a free-range piggie, just a little one, but isn't he cute!
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A different journey round Tintern - 11 July 2015
I've been to Tintern with Pete a few times but this is new route for me, up to the Devils Pulpit and back through Brockweir. The track up to the Devils Pulpit must have been made by the Devil himself, lots of fallen trees to trap the unwary but at least it gave Pete an opportunity to assist the ladies, does he really need an excuse? Coming down was a lot easier and the beautiful village of Brockweir a welcome return to the riverbank.
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The unacceptable price of coal - 2 July 2015
Today we visit the National Miners Memorial at Senghenydd, a really sombre reminder of the real price of coal overlooking the shafts of Universal Colliery, the worst mining disaster in the UK. The weather is suitably dull and damp which seems to fit the occasion.
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Knock, knock, but the Hobbit is out today - 27 - 29 June 2015
How about a nice Devon cream tea? Well, there's only one place to go - Devon ! So here we are, enjoying the sunshine at Tiverton. Well, most of us anyway, one of us is still on the M5 in the huge queue behind an overturned caravan. Re-united at Ilfracombe (She's a big girl, that 'Verity', I think Damien Hirst has a very vivid imagination) we go up hill and down along the coast to Combe Martin where a rather surprised bus driver is asked for 23 singles back to Ilfracombe please.
Today we have a ride on a steam train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back, having first battled the terrors of the coast road through Lynton and Porlock - not for the faint-hearted ! We leave the train at Dunster after celebrating Ken's birthday with cake. I can't tell you how old he is but his new bus pass is in the post. We walk back along the coast but it's unremarkable here, golf courses, Butlins and very flat but still it is a walk and we can see Steepholm.
Off to Croyde and Baggy Point - We park in the surf school carpark, apparently there were bronzed young Aussies wandering about but I didn't notice myself. Over the point past these little Hobbit houses and down to the beach. For once I'm very considerate and keep my camera under wraps, a pity because I miss Clive being Rugby-tackled for splashing! The ladies get their own back, he's halfway up the hill before they tell him they've filled his backpack with stones, no wonder he was walking bow-legged (or was it chaffing from his wet shorts? Silly boy forgot his trunks).
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Clive goes red in the face, other parts turn blue - 22 June 2015
This should have been a very normal walk around Mewslade until we got to Fall Bay, where we all fell about!!! Mind you, I fell with a bang myself, clambering over limekilns, but that's just me. We get to the beach and realise that the group next door have a severe clothes shortage - of any kind ! And not just that, but the young lady is practising some kind of aerobics too. We refuse to be non-plussed and carry on with a stiff upper lip. But where's Meena the Dachshund? The hot sausage dog has gone in search of a hot sausage in a couple of baps at next doors barbecue. Overcoming his shyness, Clive has to go round and ask for his hot dog back. He came back looking much more perky saying that they all seem very natural...
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Sullying the coastline with those Ramblers - 11 June 2015
Sunny Sully - a great day out along the coast with Turner's Tours. What with a pint at the Captains Wife on the way, bacon and eggs to finish, a WW2 coastal defence battery and an old railway wagon, I was happy as a sandboy. Though why sandboys should be particularly happy I don't know, we even found a little strand of sand to walk along.
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Bring me sunshine, bring me Rambles - 7 June 2015
At long last it's a lovely day so we make the most of it in some really beautiful countryside. Not a lot of industry about for me so here are a load of pretty scenes and chocolate-box cottages, all very boring. It might have been easy walking but it was still nice to relax in the pub garden with these wonderful views.
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Off to see the relatives - 24 May 2015
I'm off to see my Grandson and the Ramblers are off to see their ancestors, who all come from Crickhowell, what a small world ! Looks like they enjoyed themselves, even if they didn't find their ancestors, they found loads of bluebells - and a dog.
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....blue remembered hills, What spires, what farms are those? - 21 May 2015
The Malvern Hills could just be seen in the distance from the top of the Blorenge today, while little acrobatic birds danced around us, swifts or martins I think. Then a tramp through the moorland, lucky those masts are there as a landmark or we'd be lost forever. An excellent walk and all finished off with a Spaniel having great fun in Balls Pond, Blaenavon's very own Blue Lagoon
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Ynysddu, but where's Ynysay, Ynysbee and Ynyssee? - 7 May 2015
It's Thursday, the sun is shining, I'm shining.... So off to Ynysddu to follow Liz up and down the dale. Up through the woods to Twyn Cae-Hugh, an iron-age polling station and down through Ynys Howell and some strange chickens. Then up the enchanted Nant-y-Ddraenog valley, almost fairy-like today. Lovely.
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There's not 5970 houses at St Fagans - Yet! - 11 April 2015
but there soon will be! Our walk today takes us past Radyr Golf Course and over open country to St Fagans village. The disturbing thing is that the whole route passes Planning Notices for no less than 5970 dwellings with associated schools, shops, health and sports facilities - a huge tract of countryside! But not today, it's sunny, it's a great walk, food is taken amid the culture of the Folk Museum and drink amid the culture of the Plymouth Arms.
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It's Thursday at Manmoel - 9 April 2015
Looks like a good walk and a warm welcome to our new photographer, Kevan, who's captured some of those Ramblers pretty well.
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Just practising our practising - 6 April 2015
The Caerphilly Challenge approaches and we are having a practice run in a week or two - but some can't make it then so we are having a practice run of having a practice run today. It all makes perfect sense to me! Mind you, it is living up to its name - quite a Challenge.
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Joint Operations with Rob - 3 April 2015
Rob Southall has invited us to join his 'Save Cwmcarn' group to a Hot Cross Bun walk up Twmbarlwm with all and every other Twmbarlwm group going! As there's no traffic we stay on the road, not a view we usually get. Walking along the ridge towards Twmbarlwm it looks pretty full, so we add to the crowd and tuck in to those buns. Surprised 'Elfan Safety' haven't closed it down for overcrowding.
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Branching out across the brook - 14 March 2015
It's been a pretty dismal month for walking, loads of rain and waterlogged paths. But today is dry so time to go out around Machen and Rudry. The first part is familiar, then we head off into the unknown but first, how to cross this stream? Someone's been watching Bear Grylls at work as a few carefully dropped stones and two stout young men holding a long branch enable the crossing to succeed. Unusual name for this area, Copi Gwynthi, and very interesting too. But enough walking, someone's playing rugby and they may just win!
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A Triumph for Turners Tours - 14 February 2015
After the last Turners Tour turned into synchronised swimming on ice, this weeks tour was a seaside special with free added sunshine later in the day. Not a day to go paddling exactly but we did have a nice stroll along Barry beach, hmmm, nice, very very nice. And I didn't know that Barry had a castle (other than sandcastles) but, petit and bijou, there is a castle. After coffee (and a huge plate of chips for the tour guide) we wandered along the cliffs of Rhoose, quite a contrast to the beach and then 4 hours of walking ended in a 10 minute train ride back.
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Two go sliding around Bristol - 31 January 2015
Brass Monkey weather in Bristol today spiced up with muddy firemen and the Odd Couple back-sliding - down a rockface! The track down to the riverbank was very slippery but for a poor greyhound it was even worse! She'd ended up in the river mud and the fire brigade used their mud-sledge to get her out. We didn't hang around the dockside for too long but hurried on to the Worlds End Lane. I'd love to see the bus that visits that bus-stop! And if your boots are worn out, just fill them with soil and plant some flowers.
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Real mud at Parc Cwm Darran - 22 January 2015
My first Thursday walk and very enjoyable, It took some time to work out what the wild boar sculpture was. At the muddy part I thought it might be better on the other side so bravely stepped out.... and down I sunk.... Luckily Paul saw my plight before I was sucked under and pulled me out - only when he'd finished laughing of course !
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A Dull Christmas and a Wet New year to all - 26 December 2014 to 3 January 2015
Ho, Ho, Ho. Bah, Humbug! After two weeks in the Caribbean, Wales is decidely different and not for the best. The Boxing Day Squelch got me as far as Rhiwderin which was far enough, the weather having turned from damp to persisting. New Years Day to the Goose and Cuckoo was a little better but no bean soup! Still dull degenerating into light rain. Then came the Saturday Swim to Penarth. We were supposed to reach Cosmeston but most of us were so cold and wet at Penarth that we just caught the bus back to Cardiff. It was so bad that we actually drank coffee in Wetherspoons - un-heard-of !! A couple of very hardy souls carried on to Cosmeston and haven't been seen since. Still, the nights are drawing out.
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Have a look in the dungeon for all the talk, the walks and the photos from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014...