Previous walks 1
Walk 1: Machen and Waterloo
Our first walk was on 14 Jan 2016. 5 members met in Machen and we walked the Machen Forge Trail.
Walk 2: 1 Feb 2016. Senghenydd. 3 members attended on the day.
As any grassy path is still saturated I have changed the venue for the walk and may revisit it in the dry season. We will meet at 1030-ish at the base of the footbridge at the bus station i.e. next to the ticket machine for the Pay and Display car park adjoining the Park and Ride. Catch the 'B' bus out to the top end of Senghenydd where we will first have a look at the National Mining Memorial Garden, then walk down to the Heritage Centre (cafe available) then follow the cycle track along the old railway line through Abertridwr to Station Terrace, near the Texaco garage. From there, Bus back into town. Bus out and back are every ten minutes.
The walk will be entirely on pavements or tarmac paths. NO MUD, honest! The other good thing is that its all downhill, following the course of Nant yr Aber.
Walk 3: 27 Feb 16: Caerphilly Mountain.
5 members attended on the day. We caught a bus up to the top of Thornhill, then walked via the Black Cock, Caerphilly Mountain, then down through the Warren to Princes Avenue and back to the bus station.
Walk 4: March. Castle Coch
8 of us met at Castle View car park and walked to the site of Penrhos Viaduct and Junction, then down the former railway line. Uphill then to Castle Coch before walking down into Tongwynlais for lunch and a natter. A short bus journey then took us back to Castle View.
Walk 5: April. Abercynon
We met at Castle View. Babs and Chris drove to Abercynon P and R with 8 passengers and a guest. We walked along the route of the Penydarren Tramroad, now part of the Taff trail, as far as Pontygwaith. After a tea/coffee stop we crossed the Taff, went under the A470 and walked back to the start along the route of the Glamorgan Coal Canal, observing remaining relics, including a partially restored lock in a private garden. Lunch and refreshment after our 7-miler in the Navigation pub.
Walk 6: May. Mynydd Machen and Mynydd y Grug
Seven members and three guests caught the bus to Machen. We climbed to the TV Mast, approx 1200ft above sea level, then along the Ridgeway to the spoil heaps above Bedwas, before taking Mountain Road down into the village. Tough going in places. Some members paused in the Church House pub while others took an early bus back into town. ABout 7.5 miles.
Walk 7: July: Penyrheol to Senghenydd along Senghenydd Dyke.
Walk 8: August; Penyrheol to Llanbradach Tips.
There were four of us on the last walk so we did the walk again, but just to the tips and then back down the lane to Hendre, at the top end of Heol Las, for the bus back. Distance is about 3.5 miles, with less than three-quarters gently uphill. Mostly wide paths and some roads.
Walk 9: September: Radyr Weir and The Glamorgan Coal Canal.
This was a level stroll from Radyr Weir along part of the Taff Trail to Melingriffith Pump then back along the Glamorgan Coal Canal (with water in it) through Forest Farm Nature Reserve. Approximately 3 miles along good paths and a short stretch of quiet road.
Walk 10: November: A 2-mile stroll around Trethomas.
We took in the site of the former colliery and coking plant before walking between the disused platforms of Trethomas station to join the cycle path. At the level crossing we walked down to the main road, crossing over to walk alongside the river, and back to the start. A welcome cup of tea in Charlie's Cafe rounded off our morning. 5 members on this walk.