FOR its 50 plus members the Newport Outdoor Group is more than just about walking.

The group, which was founded in 1960, by the Gwent author Chris Barber, meets weekly throughout the year to take part in outdoor activities and social events and enjoy a variety of weekend trips and activities to suit all ages and abilities.

From Ceilidhs to walks to social meals as well as trips to the coast, mountains and historic cities, both in the UK and Europe, there is something for everyone.

Chairman, Nigel Bolter, has been an active member of the group for more than two decades.

The retired teacher and head of Sixth Form at Brynmawr Foundation School is now in his second year as chairman and was a keen walker before joining the group.

“I was in my 30s when I joined and had just moved from Blackwood to Newport,” explained Mr Bolter.

“I originally joined the local ramblers group but found that while I enjoyed it, I wanted to meet people my own age.

“I joined Newport Outdoor Group and haven’t looked back.

“I have found it to be a great asset to my social life.

He added: “Our members range from in their 40s upwards but people can bring children and we feel our activities will attract people in their 30s.”

The group meets on a Monday night at Baneswell Social Club on Stow Hill and on the weekends at the civic centre top car park.

Prior to that members meet in several venues, including the civic centre and Newport Centre.

Mr Bolter said: “We are a friendly group offering walks, cycling, social activities and weekends away as well as at least one walk a week and usually more during the summer months.”

The walks vary from three miles to over 12 miles and take place on a weekend.

Last weekend Mr Bolter led the group on a walk at Mynydd Machen in Caerphilly.

“The views of Penarth, Cardiff, Cwmbran and Newport were breathtaking,” he said.

“There is something for everyone who enjoys walking.”

The organisation, or NOG as it is known, is run by a voluntary committee of eight members who are responsible for every aspect of running the group.

The group also runs an annual challenge walk in April, known as the Black Mountains Roundabout, which is 25 miles long and climbs over 5,000ft.

The first challenge was held in 1982, and is run with the Brecon Mountain Rescue.

Mr Bolter said the walk is enjoyed by hundreds of walkers from across Britain in April each year.

The group also organises the 21-mile Talybont trial, which starts and finishes in Crickhowell, near Abergavenny, in early October to raise funds for the group. There is also an easier 12-mile route for families.

This year the group raised £3,100 towards the Brecon Mountain Rescue organisation and is due to present the funds to the charity at the Celtic Manor Hotel and Resort on June 18.

Each year the group organises a long-distance footpath challenge.

“This year around 17 of us completed a 96-mile walk on the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William climbing 17,000ft in eight days,” he said.

“Last year we visited Hadrian’s Wall and Offa’s Dyke the previous year.

“At the other end of the scale we held a leisurely four-mile walk in the Tintern area and visited some of its lovely tea shops.

“We are very lucky in this area to have the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park. The Wye Valley is a magical place and, in particular, St Briavel’s with its meandering river and iconic history.”

Mr Bolter admits it’s not just about walking.

He said: “We play boules, rounders and hold a photography competition. It’s all about varying what we do. I have held a slideshow as I like to travel and show photographs of where I have been. We’ve had a local historian come along or it may be that someone is interested in railways and suggests a weekend visit to railway memorabilia.

“Once a month we go away as a group from a Friday to a Sunday.”

He said the group has extended his social life and that, outside of the programme, members do organise activities such as playing badminton, going to the cinema or for a birthday meal.

He said: “I have made a lot of close friends as an off-shoot and have done a lot of socialising.”

The group also organises longer trips, with past destinations including Germany, Ireland and France.

One particular memory that stands out for Mr Bolter is a trip to Starnberg, Germany, in 2001.

“The trip was organised by a German lady who had been in Britain and was part of the group,” recalled Mr Bolter.

“She invited us back to her native country for New Year. We flew to Hanover and stayed in a picturesque and traditional town with a square.

“On New Year’s Eve we had about a foot of snow, which covered the hills, and the following day we went walking and tobogganing and joined in with the celebrations. It was a very memorable trip.”

The group meets on a Monday night for its indoor events at 7.30pm at Baneswell Social Club on Stow Hill, Newport. On weekends members meet at the Civic Centre top car park.

Walks can range anywhere from six miles to up to 25 miles long.

Several times a year the group has Rent A Hostel weekends, which means it has sole use of the hostel.

Among the forthcoming walks are a Pill Maritime walking tour in Newport on June 15. The themed event will illustrate Newport’s strong maritime and trading roots, followed by a moderate walk around Bettws Pond with Liz Gaiters at 7pm on June 22.

The weekend events include a moderate Wye Valley Walk on July 11, and canoeing in the Wye Valley with a picnic lunch on July 26.

“We are always looking for new members and new outlooks,” added Mr Bolter.

To find out more about the group find them go on Facebook or visit newportoutdoorgroup.co.uk