Dryham Park and the bluebells

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photo: A group of our walkers enjoying Dryham Park and the bluebells

From the top of Grey Hill there is a 360-degree view taking in both Severn Bridges, the Bristol Channel, Newport, Usk Mouth, Steep Holme and the Devon Coast in the far distance, with closer views of Wentwood and the reservoir.

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Photo of the Striders Group

View from the top of Grey Hill

Photographs taken by Ann Taylor Heard

Grey Hill is located in the outskirts of Wentwood forest just a few miles from Caldicot, the walk involves a steep slope but is well worth the effort. The location which is tranquil, inspirational and will reward you with spectacular panoramic views of the Severn Estuary in one direction, views of Wentwood Forest in the other.

Grey Hill is said to be one of the most important bronze age ritual complexes in western Britain. Its position afforded Bronze Age chieftains enormous social and symbolic prestige as a place of burial. With stone circle, standing stones and five roundbarrows, the site is a complex ritual landscape. Corpses were probably ritually prepared in the stone circle for their journey along a symbolic 'path', marked out by standing stones, to the barrow cemetery. The actual virtual cache location is amongst a small stone circle of thirteen stones, one of which remains standing, there is also a nearby single standing stone.

 

Walkers Holiday to Cricieth September 2007

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Photographs were taken by Ron Lapthorn

SNOWDON CONQUERED

Anglesey Walk

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Porthmadog Walk

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Snowdon Walk

 

Redbrook Village Walk

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photograph taken by Ann Taylor-Heard

 

Walkers Group at Loysey Valley, Nr Trelleck

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In the middle of the Vale of Glamorgan lies a small coastal town of Llantwit Major (or, in Welsh, Llanilltud Fawr). Llantwit Major has been often called "the most beautiful of places".It is a quaint old town four and a half miles south-west of Cowbridge.

It possesses a medieval town hall the ruins of a manor house, and a historic church as well as the foundations of a Roman Villa.

Llantwit Major is an excellent location for exploring South Wales and the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff, as well as the splendid area of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Gower Peninsula to the west, and the historic valleys.

Evidence has been found of domestic seaside settlement at Llantwit Major, dating as far back as the Neolithic period. For 350 years, the area was ruled by the Romans, Roman villas have been found, with bathrooms and the mosaic pavements dating from the mid 2nd century. However, Llantwit came to the prominence after the Romans had left, with the foundation of a monastery by St Illtud in the late 5th century. This rapidly became as a seat of learning as much as religion, attracting students from all over the world, and was reputed to have had seven halls, 400 houses and 2000 pupils.

It attracted royalty as well as St David himself, and is named as a royal burial place. It was also a busy mission centre for founding new churches, yet nothing solid remains to show where the monastery was sited or what it looked like.

The Church Halls and individual cells were probably made of timber, and this would account for the lack of remains. Traditionally, the site of the monastery is supposed to be just north of the present church of St Illtud, and maybe the ancient foundations still lie buried beneath later houses. Nothingcan now be seen of the monastery apart from a small collection of 9th century in St illtud's church.

St Illtud's church is a mixture of different periods of building strung out, in line, one behind the other. The Western (or old) church was the original parish church built on pre-Norman foundations. A tall, slim tower was built onto the eastern end in the 13th century and was followed by a new Eastern (or monastic) church and chancel at the far western end of the original building. The now ruined Lady chapel (or Galilee), was added later. There are traces of a number of medieval wall paintaings, and in the Western Church, a remarkable collection of carved Celtic crosses and carved memorial stones, bear moving testimony to the renown of this hallowed centre of Welsh Christianity.

Llantwit has grown considerably in recent years, but the winding narrow and high-walled streets of the town centre still preserve its ancient character. The town also retains a number of fine old buildings, including a 15th century town hall, a medieval gatehouse and a circular dovecote near the church, and some 16th century inns and houses. A mile to the south, near Colhugh Beach, there are ditches and earthworks belonging to an early Iron Age fort.

St Donat's Castle, a couple of miles to the west of Llantwit, is a 13th century fortress which has been lived in since the time it was built.

To meet the needs of its inhabitants, the castle has continually undergone alteration and extension, most notably in the early part of this century when it was bought by Randolph Hearst, an American newspaper magnate, and completely modernized. The castle is now the home of Atlantic College, an international sixth form school.

Website link: www.llantwitmajorvale.co.uk/llantwitmajor.htm

 

Stroller's walk - April 17th 2007

 

Tidenham Church

Oilseed rape field

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Gil led the Strollers on a circular walk from Boughspring with a stop at Tidenham for a coffee break. The walk went through a field of oilseed rape but luckily the farmer had cut a path otherwise some of us might still be trying to find the way out!

 

Stroller's Walk - March 13th 2007

The Stroller's walk on Tuesday 13th March took the group from the Nature Reserve on the St. Briavels road above Bigsweir Bridge along the Offa's Dyke path. We walked through woodland initially above the river in the direction of Redbrook.

 

It was good to see signs of Spring along the path with wood anemones starting to flower and bluebells pushing their way through the ground. During the walk we encountered a gentleman flying the hawk in the photograph, a South American Harris Hawk, a beautiful bird. Later we could hear woodpeckers busy in the woods. Another sign of Spring? Continuing on our way in beautiful sunny weather we retraced our steps and returned to the car park bringing to an end a very pleasant walk.

Walkers Holiday - 2006

On a sunny morning on Monday the 2nd October 2006, 45 members of the Walking groups, Striders, Strollers and Stragglers, set off on their annual walking holiday to Gwbert-on-Sea, Cardigan. Following a comfort stop just outside Carmarthen, the coach took us across country to Aberaeron in time for lunch where everyone made their own way round and took in the sights of this lovely little market town between Newquay and Aberystwyth. We then made our way to The Cliff Hotel at Gwbert-on-Sea that was to be 'home' for the next four nights. The Hotel was situated on the headland and most rooms had either sea or estuary views and also boasted an adjoining golf course.

*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the The Walkers Holiday 2006

Day two and the coach took The Striders down to Parrog where Geraint lead a 12 mile walk from Parrog along the cliff tops to Old Fishguard where we had arranged for the coach to pick them up later in the afternoon. The weather was ideal and the scenery was beautiful. Many of the walkers had arranged with the Hotel for packed lunches for their half hour break before striding out once again. Meanwhile twenty-one people left at the Hotel walked to the Cardigan Bay Farm Park, which was approximately two miles from the Hotel. There were plenty of animals to feed such as pot-bellied pigs, donkeys, llamas, ostriches and so on. Further along the cliff top they did some seal spotting and some were lucky to catch these delightful sea creatures on camera. On returning to the Hotel we were then despatched to Fishguard where a spot of sightseeing was done while we awaited the Striders return.

Day Three and the coach dropped some walkers off at Cardigan to walk through the Nature Reserve to Llanechryd (5/6miles in all). The remainder walked part of the Nature Reserve and the coach then took them to the Carpenters Arms at Llanechryd where we all met for lunch. Following this everyone was then despatched to Cenarth Falls where we were in luck to see the salmon jumping the falls. Unfortunately one of the group had a nasty fall on the rocks and was taken to Cardigan hospital for stitches to her face. I am pleased to say she has recovered with no long-term damage.

Day Four and the weather turned against us so the planned walk was postponed and Geraint decided to lead a five mile walk from St. Davids to Solva while the remainder voted to visit a Woollen Mill and then return to Solva for lunch and to pick up the Striders. We never got to see the Woollen Mill but we did see parts of the countryside that probably no other coach had ever taken anyone before. Ah well, we saved our money and walked around Solva instead. When we were all back on the coach we then took a trip to Porthgain to The Sloop Inn (which we had visited last year but were unable to walk through due to bad weather). The rain had stopped now and some did sightseeing as this little harbour town was once renowned for brick and tile making and the remains of the vast furnaces are still visible.

Alas the day had dawned for our return home and this we did by a different route. Our first stop was Llandeilo where we stopped for elevenses, then on to Brecon where we stopped for lunch and a few hours roaming around. We arrived back at Caldicot at 5:30pm and all agreed it had been a good holiday. The Hotel was excellent, the food was excellent, the weather was good (biggest part of the time), the walks were great, the coach driver (Eddie) was an absolute marvel at manoeuvring in tight spots.

So here's to the next one. Thanks go to Geraint for leading the walks and to Pam for organising the holiday. Pam Caines

Suckstone at Staunton

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Portskewett Standing Stones

The Strollers take a welcome break on a very hot day at the Portskewett Standing Stones whilst on a walk led by Tony and Angela Hirst.

 

The Skirrid - May 2006

For their walk on Tuesday, 9th May the Striders were led up the Skirrid Fawr (near Abergavenny) by Geraint assisted by Jim. After a wet start when we were dropped off the coach at Llanvihangel Crucorney the day improved but conditions were quite cloudy when we reached the summit (488 metres - 1600 feet) so unfortunately we were unable to enjoy the more distant views. A picnic was enjoyed on the descent and the sun came out before we reached the coach for our homeward journey.

*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the The Skirrid Walk

The Strollers also started off from The Skirrid Inn but under the expert leadership of our Chairman, Glenice did a shorter walk around the mountain so that they were back to the Inn for lunch. As the Skirrid Inn is reputed to be the oldest pub in Wales and also where the last hanging took place they had an interesting tour of it in the afternoon.

 

Snow scene at Little Mill

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Wednesday saw dry conditions and back to the itinerary, those experienced walkers led by Geraint had two separate walks planned at Angle and Freshwater Bay. For less hardy souls a trip to Tenby, walking leisurely around the town and beach area, Tenby has much to recommend it historically. We visited the Merchants house, steeped in Tudor atmosphere and the guides gave us a great deal of information. Attached to this house the accommodation was now a coffee house and restaurant with almost no windows, it was lit by dozens of candles and three or four roaring log fires, a lovely way to enjoy a coffee.

The Tenby museum and art gallery on the castle hill was worth the steep walk to reach it. Situated in part of the medieval castle it is full of displays of archaeology, geology, natural and maritime history.

The Art gallery has a permanent collection including works by Augustus and Gwen John who were residents of Tenby. On our visit, there was an exhibition of watercolours, a feast of colour much enjoyed by members of our art group who had opted out of the walk.

Thursday saw us on the trip to Stackpole estate and the famous Lily ponds. This scheduled walk was lead by Marjorie, once more a Pembroke U3A walker. Once again we divided into two groups, some set off for the long haul 7-8 miler and those of a more delicate constitution settled for 2-3 miles, the lovely countryside and Broadhaven beach was bathed in sunshine and was a great success as we agreed over lunch in the St Godan Inn, back in the afternoon to say goodbye to the lovely Tenby. For two or three people a ride in a horse and carriage around the cobbled streets felt rather grand.

Friday was to some a very special day with a visit to Laugharne to see the boat house where Dylan Thomas lived and wrote "Under Milk Wood" (see our Drama page for our rendition of the play) it was full of memorabilia and atmosphere, set in the beautiful estuary with the sun shining it was a perfect end to the holiday.

 

The Saundersfoot hotel was an excellent venue, good food, entertainment and helpful staff, made sure the trip was successful. We all thank Pam Caines for her skill in organising the trip, her sense of fun and friendship is infectious and there are those already requesting we do it again next year.

Dianna Payne

10th Anniversary Pageant 2005

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10th Anniversary Pageant

These Boots Were Made for Walking!

It was a damp start but the sun came out before the end of the walk. The finishing touch was a Welsh tea (Welsh cakes, scones, jam and cream) at the Heritage Centre, before leaving for home, lovely!

Jenny King

 

Bluebell Walk

Bluebell walk from Wenchford Picnic Site, pictures put together using Panorama Maker. A lovely day and walk.

Jenny King

Pontneddfechan Walk

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Our leader Sheila with Gil and Don just before the start of our 5 mile walk round Swansea Bay.

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Cotswolds Walk

Llanishen Walk

*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the Caldicot & District U3A Walking Group repairing and renewing stiles in Caldicot Castle County Park.

Over the past few months some of the Caldicot & District U3A walkers have been installing gates on local footpaths. The walking group is keen to open up local footpaths to people with minor disabilities, by removing barriers such as stiles. Money was raised by holding raffles and events, and with the full co-operation of the local authority, were able to finance and install four gates. The starting point for this walk, is in Caldicot Castle and Country car park, details, including map can be found on this page.

Two days before Christmas, in the fields above Caldicot, our photographer caught one of our walking groups enjoying a pre Christmas celebration. Wine, mince pies and sausage rolls were the order of the day before they set off on the remainder of their walk.

20 members of the Group recently attended a map reading session conducted by Robert Taylor-Heard, ably assisted by Ann. We learned how to read the contours of a map, where the hills were and to measure the height; recognise woodland and various types of paths and to measure how long the walk is before we set off.

Reading maps is certainly a challenging task, as I am sure many of you have experienced, particularly on car journeys. And we always get the blame, don't we ladies?, when the driver gets lost-but really he hasn't listened! I can almost see you nodding your heads in agreement.

I hope the additional training will help present us going round in circles in woodland. We were in Chepstow Park Wood and were 'lost'. I could have sworn I had seen that particular tree before.

Do you ever have a feeling of de ja vu? I marked the tree 'X' with a piece of chalk I just happened to have in my knapsack. Half an hour later-yes, you've guessed it-there was the 'X'. We did eventually find our way out!

Thanks to Robert and Ann.

Sheila Ford