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Welsh THE CHARITY WORKING FOR WALKERS
ISSUE 68
Welsh Walkers let the train take the strain to be involved in the Rail Rambles project for the 8th year. This project shows how easy it is to go for a walk further afield but without the added expense of paying for petrol or parking.” Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said “Wales has an excellent rural rail network accessible from towns and villages across the country. From the Conwy Valley line in the north; to the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines (together serving Powys, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire), to the South West Rail line out to Pembrokeshire; and not forgetting the Valleys lines - all give fantastic access to excellent walking country.”
Cardiff ‘Rail Ramblers’ pass the Pierhead Building
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alkers recently braved the rain to go on a walk with a difference – using the train to get to and from the walk instead of their car. Ramblers Cymru in partnership with Arriva Trains Wales has produced a series of guided weekly walks starting and ending from railway stations across Wales.
Launched by Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, the “Rail Rambles” scheme lets people enjoy walking without the stress of using a car and enjoy sustainable and less polluting travel. The train also provides the chance to enjoy a different aspect of the countryside from the comfort of a train seat – as well as a welcome opportunity to sit back and relax on the way home!
walk and not have to worry about using their car. They will help get you fit and will give you the chance to make new walking friends.” Ben Davies, Stakeholder Liaison Manager from Arriva Trains Wales said “We are delighted
Gwyn Lewis, a local Ramblers volunteer said “Going for a walk using the train is a great chance for people to explore further afield without the hassle of driving. An added bonus of not using a car is being able to walk from one station to another and not have to think about collecting the car.” Printed Rail Rambles programmes are stocked in all railway stations in Wales and local Tourist Information Centres. The programme can also be downloaded from: www.ramblers.org.uk/wales/railrambles.
Rail Rambles originated in 1987, from a core group providing walks in Mid Wales and the Marches. Now, Rail Rambles has expanded and from January 2008 an all-Wales programme has been published in conjunction with Arriva Trains Wales. The programme offers over 100 walks across Wales. As with other walks offered by Ramblers Cymru, they are free and a variety of distances are offered – from half day strolls to day long adventures. Many are circular walks, but Rail Rambles gives new opportunities to walk from one station to another. Beverley Penney, Director of Ramblers Cymru said, “These walks have been designed especially for people who would like to go for a
Minister Jane Davidson AM with Cardiff Ramblers at Taffs Well station PAGE
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SPRING 2008
Hello Again …
2008
Thank you to everyone who responded to the questionnaire in the last issue of Y Cerddwr/Welsh Rambler – you told us the newsletter was about right. We are always keen to hear from you so please tell us what you would like to see. In this issue we tell you about the fantastic new programme of Rail Rambles – walks from the train throughout Wales. Our thanks to volunteers, please get your ticket and support them. y e y Penn Beverle This builds on the great work of Alan Howard and Richard and Barbara Addyman on the Cambrian line and throughout mid Wales since 1989. Fresh Air Firm Ground will be the Ramblers’ strategy for the next 5 years. New Chief Exec Tom Franklin is leading this work with the trustees and has organised extensive consultation within and beyond the Ramblers. Following from this will be a similar strategy for Ramblers Cymru. Tom will be with us at Welsh Council, so do come and tell him your views. Welsh Council 2008 will be in Aberystwyth this year with site visits in the Ceredigion countryside, we will have room for you so contact us. Beyond the Ramblers Cymru many of you will have found the tributes to Sir Edmund Hillary moving. His links with Wales are well known – the Pen y Gwryd Hotel was where Hillary’s team based themselves for pre-Everest training on Snowdon. This contributed to the successful expedition when Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the Everest summit on 29th May 1953. Jan Morris the north Wales journalist accompanied the expedition for the Times. She commented recently “It is the end of an era. He was the absolute opposite of a celebrity.” Many recognised that his love of mountains led to his love of people worldwide and especially those in Nepal. Enjoy walking! Beverley The staff are always ready to help you in the Cardiff Director Wales office. From left to right: Mike, Beverley, Celia, Anwen, Clare and Richard.
Winning photo – “Winter Light - Newport Wetlands”
MARCH 29th – Footpath Training, Llandudno APRIL 12-13th – Welsh Council, Aberystwyth 15th – Ceredigion AGM MAY 31st – North Wales launch of Rail Rambles 30th – Get Walking Day JUNE 7th – Footpath Training, south Wales JULY 5th – Footpath Training (Intermediate) mid Wales
Shwmae… Shwmae! I’m Richard Jones, the new guy at the Wales office and I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to Ramblers’ members in Wales. I started work for Ramblers Cymru on 14th January and my job as Projects and Funding Officer will be a broad role across all of our areas of work: promoting walking, rights of way, access and countryside issues. The main focus of my work will be developing and managing new projects. As a specific example, I will be working with local groups to push forward our campaign for coastal access. A little bit about me. I have worked for many years in the voluntary sector in Wales. I have come from RNID Cymru where I was a Fundraising Manager and before that I worked for Hafal, the mental health charity, Nacro (the crime reduction charity) and the Red Cross. I am originally from Brecon (my Dad worked for the National Park) and I have had a long and passionate interest in walking and mountaineering.
Obituary Photo competition winner Mr Alan Spiller receives his Cotswold rucksack from Ramblers Cymru Chairman, Ron Williams The Ramblers’ Association, 3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, CARDIFF. CF10 5NB Tel: 029 2064 4308 • Fax: 029 2064 5187 Website: www.ramblers.org.uk email: cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (No. 1093577) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (No. 4458492). Registered Office: Camelford House, 87-89 Albert Embankment, London. SE1 7TW.
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MERFYN WILLIAMS.
Volunteer Vacancy Ramblers Cymru Vacancy for a Vice Chairman This important role involves helping to develop the Ramblers in Wales by contributing strategically and representing the Association. It is hoped the Vice-Chairman will be prepared to stand as Chairman in 2009. Please contact the office if you are interested, and speak to Ron Williams 01352 715723
Sadly, Merfyn Williams, past Director CPRW, died on 31 December 2007. His championing of the environment was an inspiration to many whether through his walks leading, teaching, campaigning or working with like-minded organisations. He certainly cared deeply about the issues Ramblers hold dear and we remember many discussions with Merfyn about walking and the landscape. We were pleased when, partly at Ramblers’ suggestion, Merfyn became one of the first Board members of Countryside Council for Wales.
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WORKING FOR WALKERS
PROFILE >>>
Ron – strives for a walkerfriendly country
Welsh Rambler profiles Mr. Ron Williams, Chairman Ramblers Cymru
How did you get involved in walking and why is it special now? I am told I started walking at 10 months. I have not stopped. I simply enjoy getting out into the fresh air. Since I retired it has been critically important to my wellbeing to get out during the short days of winter.
Why did you join the Ramblers? I like to go for a walk that is obstruction free. The Ramblers’ Association is the only organisation that campaigns for the rights of walkers. It is also prepared to take legal action to force the removal of obstructions. It played a pivotal role in legislation affecting rights of way, notably the National Parks Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
the less mobile. So far as countryside protection is concerned it is of principal importance that the countryside is protected. I believe the RA has an important role to play. Damaging development should be resisted by everybody and the RA should play its part. Much of the development that exercises the minds of some campaign groups are petty and pretty small in the scheme of things. We should, for example, campaign against the extension to a quarry but should we be bothered with extensions to houses? We should also be campaigning against inappropriate large scale tourist developments but should we be too bothered by a farmer wanting a few cabins or caravans?
I got involved in footpath work by being invited to go to a Footpath Committee meeting by a friend “To see what it was all about!” I did not realise that he and the Committee Secretary had already identified some communities for me to take over. They had also decided that I would help with the Countryside Council for Wales Survey which was been carried out at the time.
Why is walking special for you? Nothing else gives me a sense of well being. It does not matter how wet, cold and miserable the weather might be – I usually enjoy the experience.
Ron Williams with a new gate which replaced an obstruction on a 15 mile route round Pentrefoelas, recently opened up by walkers.
What’s your favourite walking place? The Clwydian Hills and North East Wales generally.
Who’s your dream walking partner? Someone who knows when to speak and when to shut up!
Do you have a favourite bit of walking kit? I have for years been trying to buy a jacket that keeps me dry in the rain. Last year I bought a relatively cheap North Face Jacket. It is the best I have ever had.
What would you like to achieve with the Ramblers? Wales to be recognised as a walker friendly country.
Funniest walking incident? We were walking along near a railway line and it was raining. The leader and one or two others crossed near to a halt just before a train approached. The rest of the group about 8 people stopped the train and got on it. The leader was most surprised to see us waving from the train as it started off again!
CASE STUDY
How did you get involved in the group?
I carried out a survey of the footpaths in this community. I found that most of the paths were open and usable with varying degrees of difficulty but lack of footpath signs and waymarks. This meant that many paths were not easy to use simply because of this point.
I have never been really active within a Group. My reason for joining the Ramblers was and still is footpath work. I reckon that the other three aims are important with our countryside work as paramount. I have had so much enjoyment out of walking that I want as many as people as possible to experience it. I don’t just mean the wild and high areas but also the paths that are accessible to
I am involved in the application by the village of Pentrefoelas to become a “Croeso i Gerddwyr/Walkers are Welcome” village.
We reported forty seven problems to Conwy County Borough Council, six of which were maintenance – poor surface being a particular problem. The rest were obstructions. Most of these were irritating more than total obstructions – gates that did not open or stiles without steps. One of the obstructions was on a bridleway. I reported this and it was removed and a new gate put in. The photograph shows the new gate – note the two new gate posts. The opening up of this route means that a circular route of approximately 15 miles and with links to other routes was now available to walkers and horse riders. PAGE
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Welsh
SPRING 2008
FOOTPATHS >>>
Coastal Access, Help!
Cardiff Bay Circular Route – Mind the Gap
by Paul Brown he Anglesey Coastal Footpath is a 125 mile circular route round the perimeter of Anglesey. It is a wonderful walk, but not yet perfect, please help us improve it. Most of Carmel Head the North West corner of the island is looked after by the National Trust. The tides rush by the offshore islands where seals haul out and dolphins dip. It is the haunt of Choughs and Ravens, wildflowers decorate the ledges occupied in spring by Kittiwakes who scream and preen as they tend their chicks. There is access with the promise of Public Right of Way status to most of this area but, there is a strip of land 400m on which a local farmer has an agreement with N.T. to close for shooting. This footpath is closed from 15th Sept to 1st Feb which we think is excessive, the resultant detour can be 7 kilometres. The Coastal Footpath Officer intends to apply for Public Right of Way status but has informed us she needs evidence of need. This can be in the form of letters from members of the public. So will you please write stating you would like to be able to walk this beautiful coastline by right all year round? Hope to see you on the path one day.
People walking and cycling in support of Pont y Werin
The gate that prevents access along the dockside to the Norwegian church, Cardiff Bay
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oon you should be able to walk right round Cardiff Bay. The 5 mile (8 km) route offers great variety united by views of this fascinating bay. Two important gaps in the route are being bridged thanks in good measure to Ramblers’ efforts. The first gap lies between Cardiff Bay Barrage and the Norwegian Church. You can catch the land train through Cardiff docks from the end of the impressive Cardiff Bay Barrage but you cannot walk through, and you would still need to leap over Roath Basin to get to the Norwegian Church. This problem will be sorted in spring 2008. Thanks to Cardiff Ramblers making the case for the dockland to be open plus Ramblers Cymru lobbying for coastal access leading to grants for all coastal local authorities, the Roath Basin bridge and the docks path are being created with Welsh Assembly Government money and enthusiasm from Cardiff City and
“connect2” projects in Wales Note, there are ten “connect2” projects in Wales, listed below – please let us know how Ramblers are contributing. Carmarthen riverside link Clydach - Afon Tawe Bridge, Gowerton - Penclawdd - Crofty Merthyr Tydfil (Penydarren Tramway), Port Talbot - Cwmafon Newport - Caerleon Monmouth - Local connections Tintern - Wales to England over the Wye Treforest, University links Rhyl, Bridge at Foryd Harbour All the above are active projects and part of the 79 across the UK - find details online at:
www.sustransconnect2.org.uk/schemes PAGE
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the Cardiff Harbour Authority. It is promised the dock route and bridge will be open in the spring in normal working hours.This will enable people to use the route on foot and bike for pleasure and commuting. Cardiff Ramblers have been trying to sort this problem since the Barrage was developed. A second bridge will benefit the Cardiff Bay route on the West side near Cogan and this was one of the 79 UK wide SUSTRANS Connect2 projects which won the Peoples’ Millions vote to gain £50 million. This 140m walking and cycling bridge over the River Ely has to tip to allow boats through. Named Pont y Werin (People’s Bridge) by the Penarth Woodcraft Folk group it replaces dicing with death on the Cogan Spur traffic bridge. The old route banned cycling and walking, though people do use it on foot and bike as they need to cross the River Ely to connect Penarth and west of Cardiff to the Bay. Pont y Werin will link to the new sports village and will be well used. It is an expensive project and more money will be needed which the local councils will need to raise. Gwyn Lewis of Cardiff Ramblers said, "The two developments will create a Cardiff Bay Circular Walk that will be an instant hit with our members and will regularly feature in our Short Walks Programmes." The view of Cardiff Bay from the docks path which should be open Spring 2008
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Write to: Mr. A. Evans. Public Rights of Way Officer. Anglesey County Council. Llangefni. Anglesey. LL77 7TW.
Access to the Carmel Head path is restricted with the sign reading: “PRIVATE LAND. Access along this length of coast is only available from February 1st to September 14th. Please keep strictly to the coastal footpath and keep dogs on a lead. Thank you.”
The round Cardiff Bay route continues to be improved – better accessibility being a key point, it is reasonably well linked by buses, trains and even has a water taxi. Come and try it and make sure the links are maintained. Closing the gaps gives us the right to enjoy this magnificent route; the best maintenance is to use the opportunity.
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WORKING FOR WALKERS
Community and Town Councils Join Ramblers Cymru Members for Footpath Training in Powys
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ommunity Councils have joined forces with the Ramblers’ Association in mid Wales in an attempt to improve footpaths in the county. Forty six Ramblers Cymru members, volunteers and representatives from local Community and Town Councils in Powys
gathered on Saturday December 1st 2007 at the Plas Dolerw Centre in Newtown, Powys to develop their skills to protect footpaths in Powys. Mick Bates, AM, Chair and founder member of the cross party Sustainability, Environment and Housing Committee opened
the day’s activities and said, “It’s a wonderful testament to the work done by the Ramblers’ Association to offer a training day such as this to a county like Powys. Powys has the largest network of rights of way in the Wales and, like the rest of the country, it has many problems which need to be resolved. It is particularly refreshing to see new partnerships being forged right here with Ramblers Cymru members, community and town councils joining forces to tackle footpaths problems and opportunuties at the local level.” Further training workshops are planned for later this year (see event diary on page 2) and if the success of this most recent event is anything to go by, early booking is highly recommended. Please call Mike Mills on 029 2064 4308 or email mikem@ramblers.org.uk for information on future events. Work with community and town councils will continue to form a large part of Mike’s work as he embarks on a new campaign in Carmarthenshire later this year.
Mike Mills (left) leads the day’s activities as 46 Ramblers Cymru members join with Community & Town Councillors for a footpath workshop in Newtown, Powys
Mick Bates AM opens the day’s events and receives a complimentary copy of ‘Rights of Way, A Guide to Law & Practice” from Powys Area Footpath Officer Bob Seabrook
SPOTLIGHT
ON ENFORCEMENT Conwy’s ‘No Nonsense’ Approach
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onwy County Borough’s ‘No Nonsense’ approach to enforcement on clearing obstructions on public rights of way is reaping rewards for walkers as their new Enforcement Officer Roger Hughes gets to grips with obstructions in the county. Roger has been with the rights of way team for18 months and, more recently with the assistance of Jason Clemence they have together resolved more than 250 obstructions. Until very recently, Conwy had regularly under-performed in keeping its footpaths open and useable with recent work in preparing their rights of way improvement plan showing more than 80% of their footpath network either difficult or impossible to use. Ramblers Cymru have consistently stressed the importance of enforcement work in the campaign to bring footpaths up to standard. The effective use of the enforcement officer post has been one of the key aims of the campaign that is currently underway in the county. Mike Mills, Rights of Way officer said, “We commend Roger and the Rights of Way team in Conwy on taking this initiative and reorganising their priorities to allow this enforcement post to be created. With more than 250 obstructions already cleared over recent months, it speaks volumes for what can be achieved with a little proactive enforcement work… other local authorities will now take notice of this work in Conwy.”
Roger Hughes Enforcement Officer Conwy County Council
Ramblers volunteers in Conwy have been pressing for this sort of action for years and the campaign working group can take some pleasure in their role in helping Conwy to make progress in protecting its paths.
RA members from Ceredigion receive their trophy from Mike Mills as group winners of the coveted training quiz title whilst other groups wept openly with disappointment.
The Way Ahead with Community & Town Councils in Carmarthenshire
New Year… New Campaign! A new project is planned for the coming year which will see Ramblers pilot work with community and town councils in Carmarthenshire to improve paths. We hope to work with community and town councils to help them achieve ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status in selected communities. We are keen to hear from local volunteers and members who would like to get involved in this project. PAGE
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SPRING 2008
PROMOTING WALKING >>>
Themed Walks – New Members’ Book publicity boost in 2008
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s your group planning its walks programme for the year ahead? Have you thought about including some themed walks on key dates that could help us generate more publicity and media coverage for the Ramblers’ Association? Themed walks are the best way we have of promoting groups to the public; they are interesting, people-friendly and the media like to cover them. Throughout 2008 the calendar is stuffed with dates around which themed walks can be held. How about a hug a tree walk (finding ancient trees) in June or plan a walk around National Apple Day in October. Don’t forget about the festival walks that you organise as well. Let us know about the themed walks you are planning either by email to Ruths@ramblers.org.uk or by filling in the form that accompanied circular number 07/113.
Publicity Workshops e are running a series of Publicity and Recruitment workshops in 2008. These are open to any volunteers who conduct publicity and recruitment activities for their Group. It’s a great opportunity to hone your publicity skills, share experiences with other Groups and take away some new ideas. Please let us know if you would be interested in attending a workshop in Wales.
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Bristol: 12th May 2008 Birmingham: 4th June 2008 London: York:
The Create Centre Birmingham Voluntary Service Council 14th June 2008 Ramblers Central Office 24th June 2008 Priory Street Conference Centre
SUBSCRIBE NOW Walking Wales is the Principality’s only magazine devoted entirely to walking in Wales, packed full of fascinating articles and superb photography. Published quarterly, it contains news, lively letters pages, features by Chris Barber MBE and Roger Redfern, a viewpoint photograph, gear reviews, articles on natural history and the environment, book reviews, countryside issues, Ramblers’ pages and a personality profile. Each issue also contains a pull-out walks supplement for you to use and collect. Take a subscription now to keep abreast of all that’s happening for walkers in Wales! Just call 01778 392084 with your credit card handy to get the next four issues for £12.95, or send a cheque with your name and address to: Walking Wales Magazine, Warners Subscription Services, FREEPOST PE211, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9BR. (no stamp required) PAGE
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e are embarking on an exciting new project that will replace the current Ramblers’ Yearbook. A series of five new walks guides, published over the next five years, will focus on the best walking routes the Ramblers’ Association can offer. We’re particularly keen for local Areas to play their part by submitting at least one route that has been devised by experienced and active volunteers. (Unfortunately we can’t publish a walk for every Group as space prohibits but one per Area is achievable.) We will provide a shortlist of all walks submitted so that each Area can consider at a local level which walk they feel best represents their Area and publish that in the forthcoming edition. The theme for the 2009 edition is Great Views. In order to get the process started, we’ve created a simple online application form at www.ramblers.org.uk/routes where you can upload a route description and find out more about the project. If you’d prefer to use the post please first contact the Publications Team on 020 7339 8527 for details of what you need to include. The final deadline for submission is 30th June 2008.
Dydd Ewch i Gerdded/Get Walking Day Replacing Welcome to Walking Week previously held in September each year, this year the RA is hosting a brand new awareness day - Get Walking Day - on 30 May to highlight the minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 times per week recommended by the Department of Health. Get Walking Day aims to raise awareness amongst people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities about the benefits of walking. As RA Members will know, regular walking not only helps combat obesity but can protect individuals from heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, depression and colon cancer. As part of Get Walking Day, free information packs including a DIY guide to help people start building regular walking into their lives will be available to download from www.getwalking.org.uk Perhaps you know someone - maybe a friend, relative, neighbour or work colleague who might benefit from walking more. If so, why not mention Get Walking Day and the free DIY walking pack?
Get Walking Day is on 30 May 2008 – so spread the word! For more information on the topics on these pages contact Anwen Parker on 029 2064 4308 or email anwenp@ramblers.org.uk.
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WORKING FOR WALKERS
PROMOTING WALKING >>>
St David’s & The Pembrokeshire Coast
St David’s Cathedral
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tart this easy 3-mile walk at the Cathedral car park, St David’s (modest charge). SM 749253. For information on public transport contact Traveline 0870 6082608, www.traveline-cymru.org.uk. 1. From the car park return to the road and turn RIGHT, passing the Cathedral to your left. Continue along Goat Street until you reach Stephen’s Lane on your right. Walk down Stephen’s Lane and turn LEFT at the end. Take the first RIGHT by the Bryn y Garn sign and continue to the end. Turn right to walk along a track for a short distance, then turn LEFT along a path signed for St Nons. 2. Cross a stile and continue with the field edge on your left. Turn RIGHT at the field corner, then shortly turn LEFT through a gap and walk with the field edge on your left to reach a stile. Cross it, turn RIGHT and cross another stile (there is sometimes an electric fence on this field – take care), then turn LEFT over the next stile. Carry on AHEAD to cross a stile and then follow the path as it swings down and zig-zags to meet the coastal path. 3. Turn RIGHT and take the RIGHT HAND of two paths to pass St Non’s Retreat and the new Chapel of Our Lady & St Non. This chapel was built in 1934. Pass through a gate to reach St Non’s Well. This is one of Wales’ most sacred wells. Pass through a kissing gate to reach the remains of St Non’s Chapel. St Non was the mother of St David. Continue on the grassy path to cross a stile and join the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. Turn
RIGHT. Now continue along the coastal path to pass Porth Ffynnon before reaching Porth Clais, which was once the main port for St David’s. You pass above the harbour breakwater and eventually the path splits. Go LEFT to reach the lime kilns, toilets and a very handy summer tea kiosk. 4. Now, with the sea to your right, pass wooden gates and take the signed path which leaves the road and climbs. Pass through a gate to cross a field which is also a camping site. Turn LEFT just before the house and then turn RIGHT through a gate to follow a fenced path. Go through four more gates, and then the path bears right to reach a road. 5. Cross the road and go along the track opposite for about 15 yards, then turn LEFT. When you reach Mitre Lane continue AHEAD. You then join your outward route where you turn LEFT to return to the car park. However the Farmers Arms pub is worth visiting, and if you walk down the path beside it you will reach the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. St Non’s Well
Porth Clais
Refer to OS Anquet map OL35 or Landranger sheet 157 PAGE
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SPRING 2008
BOOKS >>> The Book Of The Bivvy By Ronald Turnbull
Navigation Techniques and Skills for Walkers Reviewed by Richard Jones By Pete Hawkins A wry little book on everything you need to Reviewed by Beverley Penney know about bivvybags and bivouacs – planned and unplanned. Sold to the reader as “the best of nights… worst of nights” this book covers a lot of territory in an entertaining, but also informative way. Recounting his own personal experiences of bivvybag nights, the author also relates some warm tales about bivouacs on the Eiger and Annapurna. The book is interspersed with useful tips on selecting and using a bivvybag, whilst advocating lightweight travel. This couldn’t be described as a logical guidebook. It may even frustrate if all you want are simple facts and advice, but cover to cover it does offer a memorable read.
This book is designed to build knowledge and vitally confidence in map reading. It is small and well laid out with lots of illustrations. Exercises as you go through the sections help to confirm knowledge. Walkers will find this a helpful and practical book.
Published by Cicerone, 2007, £9.99
The descriptions of the path are accurate, giving in many cases one or two alternatives depending on the tides and personal preference. Also thrown in are interesting snippets of history.
Mountain weather: A practical guide for hillwalkers and climbers By David Pedgley Reviewed by Richard Jones
A useful guidebook, especially for group leaders and those venturing into the hills. The book is divided into three sections. The first looks very briefly at weather forecast sources in the UK. The second section helps the reader to understand weather patterns by analysing weather maps. Section three looks specifically at mountain weather – on the tops and in the valleys. I found myself fast forwarding to this final section, which is certainly very useful to walkers and ramblers. If combined with your own personal experience this guide can really help you to identify and understand potential weather in the hills based on lowland conditions and general weather forecasts. Published by Cicerone, 2006, £12
Published by Cicerone 2007
All Around Anglesey written and illustrated by Terry Beggs Reviewed by Colin Yarwood, Ynys Mon
This is a beautiful book. The photographs alone are enough to inspire you to try walking the coastal path.
The 125 miles are split up into twelve sections and the best way to use the book would be to read a chapter and then walk the section of the path described. All in all the book is very good value at £19.99. Published by Gwasg Gomer
Y Llyfr Enwau, Enwau’r Wlad – A checklist of Welsh Place-names By D.Geraint Lewis Review by Celia Wyn Parri
If you have ever wondered about the meaning of Welsh place-names, this book will appeal to you. The author has collected the work done over the years by people interested in place-names and compiled explanations for thousands of place-names from Gwynedd to Gwent. The maps, index and bilingual presentation make it an easyto-use book. Published by Gwasg Gomer, 2007, £17.99
Welsh Rambler Questionnaire In our last issue we included a short questionnaire; many thanks to all of you who took the trouble to respond and make constructive suggestions. We were most impressed by the volume of replies and hope to incorporate as many improvements as we can. Group news and events seem to be well received. Some suggestions were: information on shorter/easy walks, walks for dogs and their owners, special features e.g. spiritual nature of walking, success stories of improving paths and a detailed walk each issue. Encouragingly many of you are sharing your copies of Y Cerddwr/Welsh Rambler and spreading the word. PAGE
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