Newbridge to Rhayader

Although this walk did not finish at the source of the river Wye this was the final leg of our walk. We began by meeting up at the layby in Newbridge on a damp morning with dark clouds in the sky. The forecast was for cloud but no rain on the Saturday and sunshine for the Sunday. An initial climb to Pen-y-Bont took us up a side road before turning right onto the footpath and crossing some fields before taking the bridge across a brook and continuing to Ty'n-y-coed. After crossing more open countryside we came to a small stream with a wooden bridge.

The river was in good flow after the recent rains and was making quite a noise as it flowed over the rocks. As can be seen from the photo the river has now narrowed considerably. Continuing across the fields we came to a road which took us down to the river once more. We then passed through Ty'n-y-lon Wood and followed the track alongside the wooded plantations before eventually stopping for lunch. No sooner had we started to eat when the flies and midges came out of nowhere to bite us. Swarms of tiny little things whose bite seemed out of all proportion to their size.

Gradually the path led down to the village of Llanwrthwl and the long haul up and over Carngafallt and its RSPB nature reserve, with impressive views over the surrounding hills and valleys. A steep path down the other side was covered in rocks and flowing water making the descent a little difficult. As we approached the footbridge at Glyn we came across a local with a gun who seemed to want to shoot every wild animal in sight, from badgers to kites to rabbits and crows. Well it takes all sorts!

The suspension footbridge itself was just a rope and wood affair, very scary for some, especially when swung and bounced by others without fear. The route here crosses the old railway line as the road took us to Glan Elan and into Rhayader itself. It is here that we stopped for the night but not without enjoying a meal of local food at the Crown Inn and winning the Quiz that took place there in the late evening.

In the morning after breakfast we met up again for a photo at the War Memorial. We then split into two groups with one group walking the nature reserve and river walk before going on the the Elan Valley reservoirs Meanwhile the other group went to Elan to take one of the walks around one of the reservoirs. A great weekend and the Wye Valley Walk conquered

Route: Newbridge on Wye to Rhayader

Route: Broughrood to Newbridge

Broughrood to Newbridge

This was the first walk of 2011 as we had taken a break over the winter months. Unfortunately the weather was not too kind to begin with. Rain, bitterly cold winds and sleet were mixed with blue skys and sporadic sunshine over the two days this walk took us. We had arranged to stay in two B&Bs in Builth Wells, The Hollies and Bronwye Guest House, both of which can be highly recommended.

After sorting out the transport we set off from Broughrood bridge taking the track alongside the river. Due to recent rains the river was swolen with fast running muddy water, in places, cascading over rocks to form rapids. It wasn't long before we crossed the river at Llanstephan Bridge. This is a metal suspension bridge with a single track wooden surface, clatters as any cars cross. Continuing along the oposite river bank we came across an old disused railway track bed which we followed to Earwood station and the Craft Centre for a picnic lunch and a cup of tea in the tea room.

From here we crossed the river again and started the long climb up to Little Hill Common and along the single track road  before the turn off to Banc y Celyn. As I was suffering with muscle ache and one of the cars had been left here I took the car further along the road while the rest of the party tackled the climb to the top meeting up with them as they descended back to the road near Bedw-fach. From here we collected the remaining cars and descended to Bulth Wells for a well earned rest.

After Booking in to our respective B&Bs and changing into dryer cleaner clothes we met up at the Greyhound Hotel for dinner. Here the very helpful staff provided us with some excellent pub grub and some well earned drinks. before we returned to our acommodaton for the night to recouperate.

In the morning we returned to the road beneath Allt-mawr and still suffering decided to let the main party descend to Builth Wells whilst I took the remaining car down to the car park beside the river. I understand this was a very muddy wet descent along various tracks and lanes.

Once down in the town we gathered at the riverside for a warming cup of tea from earlier prepared flasks. A nice tree lined tarmaced walk followed the river before a short detour across the river Irfon. The path from here took us through fields to Wern Wood were we dropped down to go under the railway bridge. The river had taken on a different personallity with cleaner water, a narrower width and rocky outcrops creating a number of fast flowing rapids.

The path continued along the side of the river through fields and wooded areas before leaving through a conifer wood and eventually across a number of open fields and small patches of woodland crossing Hirnant brook and eventually Estyn Wood. From here a short climb took us up to the B4358 and the descent into Newbridge our destination for the day.

Hay on Wye to Boughrood

Fifty eight miles left of the Wye Valley walk and this section from Hay on Wye to Boughrood will reduce it by eight. We retraced our steps from the last walk to take us back to the edge of the town to start the walk. From here we descended to the river and crossed the bridge heading to Wycliff woods where we followed the river to Llowes. The last half mile, being along the A438 was hard on the feet.

From here we set off across country, eventually returning to the river just outside Glasbury.  The views of the Brecon Beacons are just wonderful even though they were sometimes covered in low cloud. It was here we stopped for lunch on the shingle beach. It drizzled lightly for a short while but undeterred we carried on with coats and umbrellas.  It didn't last long and we then took a walk to the other side of the bridge to the River Cafe for a hot drink and in one case a large portion of some very rich chocolate cake.(No names mentioned!)

The final stretch took us along the river before setting out across the fields to Pistyll. A few more open fields and we returned to the river just before Boughrood and a well earned drink at the almost closed pub. On learning that there were five thirsty walkers the lights were rapidly put back on. After fetching the cars half the party returned home whilst the other half stopped off in Ross on Wye for dinner. The Kings Head Hotel served some fantastic fresh cooked food superbly presented for a very reasonable price. This has to be worth another visit, highly recommended.

Bredwardine to Hay on Wye

What a wonderful day. Ideal walking and picnic weather. We started with a quick visit to the shop (and loos) at  Brobury House and gardens and walked down the road to the bridge and crossed the river Wye. A short walk across the field and up to the church before setting off up the 1 in 4 hill to the summit of Bredwardine Hill passing Woolla's Farm and fantastic views across the valley. We continued climbing until we reached Merbach Hill and Common at 1043ft
.

Once again we came across a number of wild flowers as well as wildlife. Even some late bluebells peeped out between fronds of bracken on the hill. We also saw numerous foxgloves and orchids. Views of the river helped us spot a heron as the buzzards circled above. From the common the path became very narrow as it descended to the valley floor at Castleton and its remnants of a Motte and Bailey Castle (well - just the earth mounds and ditches).

From here the walk follows part of the old railway before meeting the road at a bridge. Taking the road for a short while we then set off across some fields to emerge at the small village of Clifford Common. Here we took a very overgrown path alongside a cottage and emerged in a field ready for our lunch. After crossing a brook and skirting the cows and bulls we crossed the golf course on the last leg of the walk.

By now some of us were suffering as this walk covered just over 9 miles! After crossing the golf course and a number of fields we emerged on the outskirts of Hay on Wye to cross Dulas Brook bridge into Wales. We couldn't resist calling at the first shop we found for a well-deserved ice cream before walking through the town. We arrived at the car park and the craft centre cafe for a welcome drink, to rest our weary feet and recover the cars.

Chepstow to Tintern Station

At last we have been able to complete the first section of the walk. This was postponed because of the closure of the walk due to landslides. We all met up at the castle car park for a photo of the group with Chepstow Castle as the backdrop. The walk started by passing the castle on the way up to the main road to the school before taking the path into woodland. This path takes a gradual climb through Alcove Wood where a great view of Chepstow can been seen from the view point.

From here it was on to Pierce wood with beautiful views looking down to the river. As we had made a late start we stopped here for lunch before heading towards the Giants Cave. All through the woods there were swathes of spring flowers to be seen, wood anenomes, bluebells and celandines. A breathless climb eventually took us up some steps to Wyndcliff car park. After crossing the road we took another long climb on the Valentine Morris' Piercefield walk eventually arriving at the Eagles Nest view point.

Still keeping to the woodland walk we entered Minepit wood where a fenced shaft, part of the old mine workings, could be seen to one side. From here we began the descent to Tintern through Blackcliff Wood before crossing an open field to Limekiln Wood. This particular stretch was very treacherous as the path seamed to have been washed away leaving a very steep rocky path almost like a riverbed with loose rocks everywhere.

It was here we heard a strange creaking noise. This was coming from one of the trees swaying gently in the wind, very unnerving! Eventually the path levelled out and become more normal before exiting onto the road behind The Abbey Hotel in Tintern. A short walk up the High Street and we cut through the church into an open field beside the river Wye. After crossing a couple of wooden footbridges and climbing another set of steps we were onto the old disused railway embankment of the Wye Valley Railway and our final destination.


Here we were met by other friends in time for a picnic party in the grounds of the old Tintern Station. This was a time to unwind, nurse our sore feet and fill up on calories before returning home.