EBBW FACH TRECKERS: On March 14, we welcomed two new walkers on the two rivers walk making the group a happy band of twenty two, for a five miles circular around the Sirhowy Valley and through woodlands to Waunfawr Park and the confluence of the Ebbw and Sirhowy rivers, returning via the Crumlin armof the Newport- Brecon canal.

On March 18, we had eight walkers on the challenging 5.5 miles walk up the Cats Back, otherwise called The Black Hill near Longtown in the Black Mountains. Up the hill and along a narrow ridge, with drops either side, finishing with coffee at Plas Derwen. 

On March 28, there were 22 walkers on the eight mile walk from Rhoose to Barry led by Steve Key. It was a lovely walk with good weather and a lot of interesting features. 

Here are the next few walks:

  •  Tuesday 4 April - Around the iron mountain, a moderate circular walk around the top of the Blorenge and past Foxhunter’s memorial with short climbs and uneven paths at times. There are extensive views of the Black Mountains and Usk valley. Length: 4 miles, leader: Ken Bayliss (07583 809033). Meet at 11am at Keepers Pond, Blaenavon, SO254 107.
  •  Saturday 8 April – Tretower, Cefn Moel and Cwmdu. A difficult walk through fields to Gaer and ascending to Cefn Moel; enjoy the views of Llangors Lake before descending into a pretty valley. You will make your way to Cwmdu and return to Tretower via a footpath. Length: 7.5 miles,  leader: Pat Davies (07880 914407). Meet at 10.30am opposite Tretower Court and Castle, NP8 1RD, on the side of road.
  • Tuesday April 11 - Ty Ebbw Fach, Arial Mountain circular, a moderate walk along the cycle path to Tesco’s and then the Old Blaina Road for some distance. You will ascend Arial Mountain on a steep stony path and take in some great views, and walk south along the mountain top then descend to the finish. Length: 5.0 miles, leader: Steve Davies (07741 466085). Meet at 11am at Ty Ebbw Fach, Six Bells, NP13 2ND.

(Ken Bayliss)