Monmouthshire Walking Festival is taking place 21st – 31st October, the website is www.walkinginmonmouthshire.org. There is a selection of walks to suit all interests and abilities – including an afternoon tea walk in Abergavenny.
Below are details of 5 walks that are taking place in the north of the county within the boundaries of the BBNP.
Hatterrall Hill and Cwmyoy Church – 9 Miles
Leader: Ben Giles Author of walking guides in the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley published by Pocket Mountain
Date: Saturday 22nd October 2011 Start 10 am Start & finish point: Llanthony Priory car park (SO 288278) Distance: 8.7 miles (13 km) Time to walk: approx 4.5 hours Description:Starting at the romantic ruins of Llanthony Priory, the walk heads through fields and woodland along the secluded valley of the Afon Honddu to Cwmyoy. Marvel at this “crooked” church, the result of land subsidence before heading up Hatterrall Hill to the ridge which forms part of the Offa’s Dyke path. Here enjoy great views of both Wales and England before returning once again to the start.Terrain: One moderate climb.
For your rucksack: Bring packed lunch and drink.
Price: £5 per ticket
Blorenge Night Sky and Planetarium – 0.5 Mile
Walk Leaders: Usk and Abergavenny Astronomical Societies
Date: Saturday 22nd October 7:15pm
Start & Finish: Keepers Pond Car Park (Free) and finish Llanfoist village Hall
Distance: 0.5 mile
Time: 3 hours
Description: We will meet on top of the Blorenge where there is virtually no light pollution and take a short walk to Foxhunter car park to meet members of the Astronomical Societies to view the night sky through their telescopes. With luck we might see Jupiter and the Andromeda Galaxy. Afterwards, at Llanfoist Village Hall in Usk Astronomical Society’s planetarium, they will show us their fantastic photographs and answer questions. Refreshments will be available to purchase. Please note we have the option of using the planetarium should the weather not be kind to us.
For your rucksack: Bring a Pair of binoculars and a torch
Price: £7.50 per ticket
Lost Village Y-Graig – 8 Miles
Walk Leader: David Smith
Date: Sunday 23rd October 11:00am
Start and finish point: Abergavenny castle
Distance: 8 miles
Time to Walk:Approx 4 hours Description: This is a lovely walk with many interesting features along the way and of course fantastic views over the Usk Valley. Leaving Abergavenny and its castle, we will follow the River Usk, passing the ancient church at Llanwenarth to visit the site of the long-abandoned village settlement ‘Y Graig’. Returning along Llanwenarth Breast on the lower slopes of Sugarloaf mountain we pass the Sugarloaf Vineyard en route back to our starting point.
For your rucksack: Bring own packed lunch and drink.
Price: £5 per ticket
Blorenge Punchbowl – 9 Miles
Walker Leader:Angela Bishop, Sue Hogan
Date: Monday 24th October 2011 10:00 am
Start & finish point: Llanfoist cycle track, car park. (SO 286135)
Distance: 9 miles
Time to walk: Allow 6 hours Description: This 9 mile walk starts along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal before climbing up through woodland to fabulous views over Abergavenny and the surrounding area. Then onto the lovely man-made lake known as the Punchbowl. We then follow the track around the lower slopes of the Blorenge to join the Thomas Hill tram road and onto the site of the old Garn-ddyrys forge with its monster shaped slag heaps. We drop down to join the canal at Govilon Wharf and enjoy a gentle stroll along the canal and a cycle path back to the car park at Llanfoist.
For your rucksack: Bring own packed lunch and drink
Price: £5 per ticket
Three Churches Black Mountains – 10 Miles
Walk Leader: Angela Bishop, Sue Hogan
Date: Wednesday 26th October 2011 10:00am
Start & finish point: Car park of Forest Coal Pit. Grid ref SO293201
Distance: 10 miles
Time to walk: Approx 6 hours
Description: Fantastic views and plenty of historical interest en route – including churches, a commemorative stone and an ancient hill fort. This circular route along quiet paths is designed to show walkers the natural beauty and places of historical interest that this part of Wales is known for. We should have great views of the hills around Abergavenny, the Black Mountains and the Grwyne Fawr and Llanthony valleys – and the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. Three churches, a well, interesting old dwellings, a commemorative stone and an ancient hill fort make up the historical interest on this walk.
Terrain: lots of stiles, three moderate slopes, possible muddy paths, some lane and minor road walking
For your rucksack: Bring your own packed lunch and drink.
Price: £5 per ticket
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