These notes will help you get the most out of the Festival. IMPORTANT – please read legal disclaimer at foot of page.
The Walks Programme
Walk entries are set out in this way:
Title
Day/date/time
Walks may finish earlier or later than stated time but the leader will try to stick to the advertised timings. Walk leaders may change the advertised route in the case of poor weather or other factors. In extreme cases the event may be cancelled. Any such changes made before the day of the walk will be advertised on this website. Remember to bring a packed lunch, snack and sufficient drinks for all day walks.
Description of event
Meet
Where to meet with six figure Ordnance Survey grid reference – all are on OS Explorer sheet OL12 ‘Brecon Beacons National Park; western area’.
Length/grade
In kilometres and miles. Walk grades are provided for general guidance only. Your own fitness, varying conditions underfoot (eg wet or dry) and the weather (eg wind, rain or hill-fog) can make a walk more difficult than planned. Slopes, rough terrain and physical barriers such as stiles or steps can affect different people to different extents. If in doubt, opt for easier walks until you know what to expect.
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1 Access for all: level, usually surfaced paths with no stiles or obstacles, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
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2 Easy: an easy pace suitable for novice walkers
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3 Moderate: a steady pace but some ascent involved
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4 Energetic: some steep ascents, good for improving fitness
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5 Strenuous: longer walks with several steep ascents requiring a good level of fitness
Leaders
Each of the walks run by the BBNPA follows safety guidelines set by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS). Leaders (either NPA staff or volunteers) are experienced and are fully trained in safety and first aid. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Further info
Phone numbers to get more information on walks and (where applicable) to book.
Notes
All events are free in 2015. You can simply turn up at the start point for most of the events during the Festival though are not guaranteed a place if numbers exceed a permitted maximum figure. We may sometimes ask for a donation to help with other worthwhile Geopark projects such as practical nature conservation or path repairs.
Dogs
Unless the walk description says otherwise, dogs are not permitted. Note that under the CROW Act 2000, when taking dogs onto Open Access land at this time of year they must be on a fixed lead, no more than 2m long, at all times.
What happens on a guided walk?
Unless you have to book in advance just turn up at the meeting place before the start time. The leader will introduce him/herself, tell you about the walk and check that everyone is suitably kitted out. The leader or guide will tell you about points of interest during the walk and will be happy to answer questions. The leader may hand out a form at the end to get feedback to help us to improve participants’ enjoyment of similar events in the future.
Be prepared!
Come properly prepared – the weather conditions will suggest whether this means sun-hat or woolly hat – you might need both on a single walk! Warm clothing for cold days/long sleeves to protect against sunburn – and spare clothing in your rucksack, including waterproof jacket and trousers. Most walks will require boots. Check if you need to bring a packed lunch – a snack and drink (hot and/or cold) are a good idea in any case. The walk leader will have a 1st aid kit for the group though don’t forget to bring along any special medication which you require (including suncream). Please advise the leader at the start if you have any medical conditions of which he/she needs to be aware – phone beforehand if necessary.
Children
All children (17 years and under) must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will remain responsible for them during the whole event.
Your safety
You should satisfy yourself that the walk is within your capability – take advice beforehand if necessary, by ringing the phone number given. A walk leader may refuse to allow anyone to join the walk if, in their opinion, they are unsuitably equipped or otherwise in danger of being unable to safely complete the walk. For your own safety, please heed any special instructions which the walk leader gives before or during the walk.
Find out more about Fforest Fawr Geopark
The Waterfalls Centre, Pontneddfechan
See the Geopark exhibition. Toilets, pubs and shop nearby. Phone 01639 721795 or e-mail pontneddfechanic@breconbeacons.org
National Park Visitor Centre (‘Mountain Centre’)
Set on the edge of Mynydd Illtud common above the village of Libanus. Popular tearooms, shop and exhibitions. Car park charges apply. Phone 01874 623366 or e-mail visitor.centre@breconbeacons.org
Llandovery Heritage & Information Centre
Shop and exhibition about pioneer geologist Sir Roderick Murchison. Pay & Display parking, toilets nearby. Phone 01550 720693 or e-mail llandoveryic@breconbeacons.org
There are other Tourist Information Centres at Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Brecon, Talgarth, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye and Merthyr Tydfil.
The following places can provide a small range of literature about the Geopark and wider National Park:
- Black Mountain Centre, Brynaman
- Cwm Porth car park, Ystradfellte (Waterfall Country)
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority together with Cardiff University and the British Geological Survey would like to thank all of the organisations and their individual staff and volunteers who have agreed to give their time and expertise to help make Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival 2015 such an interesting and diverse programme, notably Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, Brecon Beacons Park Society & Swansea University.
Stop Press!
Changes to event details listed here will be advertised on this website. Remember to check for updates!
Disclaimer
- This guide is published by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Whilst reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the content of this guide is accurate this guide is provided for information only. The Authority does not guarantee the accuracy of the content of this guide.
- The Authority reserves the right to alter the content of this guide at any time without prior notice. The Authority is not responsible for the events run by third parties. Details of events run by third parties contained in this guide are provided for information only. The events contained within this guide are subject to change without notice.The Authority accepts no liability whatsoever for any matters which may occur as a result of errors, inaccuracies or omissions contained in this guide. The Authority gives no warranties, either express or implied, regarding the availability, suitability or safety of the events described in this guide. Participation in the events will be entirely at the individuals own risk.
Other formats
All information contained here is available on request in other formats including large print, on disc and in Braille.