Crickhowell Walking Festival

The Festival Planning Team welcomes you to Crickhowell for a great week of walks and events. We have an exciting programme of walks at all levels and difficulty and we are sure you will find something to suit you. As usual we also have a great programme of evening events.

Crickhowell, Powys, Wales
From March 4 to
March 12, 2023
mainly Adult (40-60)
Difficult Levels: Hard, Moderate, Easy
Complementary: Music, Talks
Crickhowell Walking Festival
01873 813666

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Crickhowell Walking Festival

Usk Valley 4 Day Walk - Monday 6 March to Thursday 9 March

This waterside walk completed in four sections over 4 days, follows the River Usk, the Monmouth and Brecon Canal and the Brecon and Newport Canal from Caerleon to Brecon. The walk passes through Abergavenny and Usk and is enclosed by beautiful hills for the whole of its length.

There are also splendid views of the Brecon Beacon mountains, particularly towards the end of the walk. The route is relativley flat as much of it takes place alongside the river or the canals, so there are only a few notable climbs.

The walk is booked as a 4 day walk.

Usk Valley Walk Day 1 - Monday 6 March - Caerleon to Usk

Meeting Point: Maryport North Car Park, Usk NP15 1ED (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 376008
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Distance: 11 miles
Ascent: 1450 ft
Leader: Paul Moseley

Day One of the Usk Valley walk from Caerleon to Usk. We’ll take the bus from Usk to the start at Caerleon. From the bridge, we walk through the old village of Caerleon ascending past the Celtic Manor golf course. We then ascend to a forest and follow a track high above the river and the A449, dropping down past Bertholey manor house. We climb again up Cefn Hill then down to the quiet village of Llantrisant. We walk beside the river for the final three miles to the town of Usk.

Usk Valley Walk Day 2 - Tuesday 7 March - Usk to Lllanellen

Meeting Point: Llanellen Village Hall NP7 9HT (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 304109
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Distance: 11 miles
Ascent: 500 ft
Leader: Paul Moseley

Day Two of the Usk Valley from Usk to Llanellen. Never far from the river, today’s walk is a delight as it follows the meandering course of the River Usk through meadows with little ascent. We cross the river at the Chain Bridge and pass Clytha Castle Folly then follow the river closely all the way to Llanellen. There are no facilities on today’s walk.

Usk Valley Walk Day 3 - Wednesday 8 March - Lllanellen to Llangynidr

Meeting Point: Llangynidr Village Car Park (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 155196
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Distance: 14 miles
Ascent: 850 ft
Leader: Paul Moseley

A tough day mostly following the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal with a climb towards the end. The canal winds its way gently through Llanfoist, Govilon, Gilwern and Llangattock before the trail leaves the canal and ascends fields and woods high above the River Usk with wonderful views of the Black Mountains. We then have a short walk along the canal ending today’s walk at Llangynidr Village Hall.

Usk Valley Walk Day 4 - Thursday 9 March - Llangynidr to Brecon

Meeting Point: Brycheiniog Car Park Brecon LD3 7EW (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 046281
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Distance: 13 miles
Ascent: 1600 ft
Leader: Paul Moseley

Day Four of the Usk Valley Walk from Llangynidr to Brecon. Our last day mainly follows the canal for a mile then veers away to the base of Tor y Foel and Aber village then climbs again around Coity Wood before dropping down the canal at Pencelli. We cross an aqueduct over the River Usk before walking the last two miles into Brecon.

WALK 106 - Tor y Foel and Tea - Monday 6th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Gliffaes Hotel NP8 1RH
Grid Ref: SO 171199
Time: 10h 30m to 16:00
Distance: 10 miles miles
Ascent: 2100ft ft
Leader: James Suter

From the hotel walk along the Usk to Llangynidr, then skirting to the south of Tor y Foel before ascending from the north. Back via the Usk Valley and the canal tow path to sample the famous Gliffaes Tea (£15 on the day).

WALK 001 - Get High Stay High - Sunday 5th March

£15.00
INCLUDES £6 FOR BUS
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 08:30 to 17:00
Distance: 13 miles
Ascent: 2600 ft
Leader: Gail Kinvig

Climb the stunning Dragon’s Back and then stay above 2000ft for over 9 miles along the lovely ridge which forms the West wall of the Black Mountains. A linear walk from Pengenffordd up the Dragon’s Back to Pen y Manllwyn and Waun Fach. We then follow the ridge via Pen Trumau, Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, finally descending via Table Mountain to Crickhowell.

WALK 003 - The Beacons Rollercoaster - Wednesday 9th March

£15.00
Meeting Point: Henderson Hall LD3 7YQ (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 114227
Time: 09:30 to 17:00
Distance: 11 miles
Ascent: 3100 ft
Leader: Peter Childs

The Big Four Beacons Tops, plus a Diving Board, all in a classic linear walk. Meet at Talybont for a bus to the start at Pont ar Daf. Then up the tourist path to the windy gap at Bwlch Duwynt for a short climb to Corn Du, followed by a hop to Pen y Fan before dropping down Craig Cwm Sere and up the steep path to Cribyn. Then down to the Roman Road and the last climb to Fan y Big, followed by the magnificent Craig Cwmoergwm horseshoe. Then over Waun Rydd and steadily down to the Talybont reservoir via Carn Pica, we follow the Taff Trail into Talybont for well-earned refreshments.

WALK 008 - Tretower and the Usk - Friday 10th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 10:00 to 14:30
Distance: 7 miles
Ascent: 910 ft
Leader: Thomas Jones

Through fields and woods above the Usk valley from Crickhowell to the fine medieval Tretower Court, a treasure trove of Welsh border history. Great views of the Brecon Beacons and Mynydd Llangatwg.
Returning via the Glanusk Estate permitted path and the river bank to Crickhowell.

WALK 011 - A Folly, a Fort and a Roman Road - Saturday 4th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Beacons Farm Shop at Welsh Venison Centre, LD3 7HQ
Grid Ref: SO 138227
Time: 10:00 to 12:30
Distance: 4.5 miles
Ascent: 900 ft
Leader: Dave Harris

This short circular walk starts at the Welsh Venison Centre and takes us over Allt yr Esgair, an often-overlooked small peak west of Bwlch. We will discover an Iron Age fort, a Roman road, a 19th century folly, and hopefully have stunning views all round (weather permitting). The climb is moderate and will be taken at a gentle pace.
Tea/coffee and cakes will be available at the finish for a concessionary price.

WALK 014 - Nordic Walking at Bwlch - Saturday 4th March

£7.50
Meeting Point: Buckland Hill Forestry Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 145219
Time: 14:00 to 16:00
Distance: 3 miles
Ascent: 200 ft
Leader: Heather Maling

Nordic Walking instructor, Heather Maling, will lead a circuit of Buckland Hill, renowned for the views towards Brecon and Abergavenny. Coaching will be given on techniques - uphill, downhill, on tracks and paths. This walk is suitable for beginners and more experienced Nordic walkers who want to brush up their technique or simply to enjoy the trip! Walking poles will be provided, lightweight walking boots recommended.
Heather Maling will offer FREE Nordic Walking Taster sessions on Saturday morning at Castle Grounds, Crickhowell.

WALK 021 - Up Macnamara's Road - Monday 6th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Tir y Nant NP8 1SY
Grid Ref: SO 237237
Time: 10:30 to 16:00
Distance: 9 miles
Ascent: 2000 ft
Leader: Clive Busson

A circular walk up the Grwyne Fechan, discovering the secret life of John Macnamara, a colourful 19th century character. We walk up a track and through fields to the picturesque Tal-y-maes bridge then ascend the path to the saddle on the ridge above. We then head south along the ridge to Pen Twyn Glas before descending to Tal Twrynau and a hairpin bend in the road and then to Tir y Nant.

WALK 025 - A Tribute to Ascend Charlie - Saturday 4th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Tir y Nant NP8 1SY
Grid Ref: SO 237237
Time: 14:00 to 17:00
Distance: 4 miles
Ascent: 1400 ft
Leader: Clive Counsell

2018 marked the 75th anniversary of the crash of the USAAF B19 bomber, code name “Ascend Charlie”. We will trek to the spot where it crashed on remote moorland above the Grwyne Fechan valley. A steep ascent is followed by some wilder moorland walking and a descent via forestry tracks.
All 10 crew flying with Ascend Charlie were killed when the B19 Bomber was returning badly damaged, from a bombing raid over Bordeaux. A weather front caused them to divert from their intended route to Framlingham, Suffolk.

WALK 032 - A Bryn with a View - Saturday 4th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Talybont Reservoir Car Park
Grid Ref: SO 099196
Time: 09:30 to 16:00
Distance: 11 miles
Ascent: 2000 ft
Leader: Rob Williams

A gentle meandering climb up the Bryn with a superb panorama of the Black Mountains. Initially go back along the road to cross the Talybont dam and follow part of the Henry Vaughan trail, before crossing the Caerfanell river and climbing through beech woods and fields around the base of the Bryn. Then out onto open moorland to the summit with its great view and a majestic Beacons backdrop. Back through woods, a lane and fields to complete the circuit.

WALK 055 - In the Shadow of the Sugar Loaf - Saturday 4th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Llanbedr Village Hall NP8 1SR
Grid Ref: SO 239204
Time: 10:00 to 15:30
Distance: 7 miles
Ascent: 1200 ft
Leader: Drew Walters

A gentle ascent on to the lower slopes of Sugar Loaf. From Llanbedr Village Hall we follow the Gwryne Fechan river before ascending via footpaths and fields onto the foothills of Sugar Loaf. With spectacular views across to the Brecon Beacons, we then descend via the Cwm Gwenffrwd valley and return to Llanbedr via Llangenny, following the Grwyne Fawr river.

WALK 092 - To the Top of the Table - Sunday 5th March

£7.50
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Distance: 6 miles
Ascent: 1300 ft

A classic walk over Table Mountain. We climb steadily out of Crickhowell and into green meadows, a hillside copse and open moorland to reach the summit of Table Mountain with its Iron Age heritage. We take our lunch on or close to the summit, with shelter from the wind on one side or the other and with sweeping views over Crickhowell and the Usk valley. Then we cross the moorland to descend the wooded valley of Cwm Cumbeth and return to CRiC past the Church, the High Street and the Castle.

WALK 098 Around the Rhiangoll - Saturday 4th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Cwmdu Village Hall NP8 1RW
Grid Ref: SO 180240
Time: 09:30 to 17:30
Distance: 14 miles
Ascent: 3300 ft
Leader: Ferne Davies

A walk on beautiful moorland ridges around the unfrequented Rhiangoll valley with sweeping views on all sides. We climb up to Pen Gloch-y-pibwr on the eastern side and along the Allt Mawr Ridge to Pengenffordd. Around the back of Mynydd Troed before climbing up Cockit Hill onto Mynydd Llangorse. We finish by descending Pen Tir to Cwmdu for a well-earned drink to finish.

WALK 107 - A Stroll along the Mon & Brec Canal - Sunday 5th March

£7.50
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 10:00 to 12:00
Distance: 3 miles
Ascent: 170 ft
Leader: Rick Higson

A gentle walk with fine views of the Usk Valley, the Black Mountains and Llangattock hillside. Discover the historical significance of the canal, the old workhouse and the limekilns. Before returing to Crickhowell we will pause for refreshments at the beautiful Ty Croeso B&B.

WALK 232 - A Great Beacons Panorama - Sunday 5th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Neuadd Car park
Grid Ref: SO 037170
Time: 09:30 to 17:00
Distance: 13 miles
Ascent: 3050ft ft
Leader: Duncan Forbes

Start by crossing the dam of the now disused Neuadd Reservoir and then a steep climb (with steps!) to the Craig Fan Ddu ridge which takes us north to Corn Du and then Pen y Fan. Here there are fabulous views in all directions. We now head east to Cribyn, followed by a steep descent to the Gap and an immediate climb up to Fan y Big. Here the intrepid can stand on the diving board! The route now takes us gently back down to the start.

WALK 233 - Llanbedr Horseshoe - round the clock - Sunday 5th March

£9.00
Meeting Point: Llanbedr Village Hall NP8 1SR
Grid Ref: SO 239204
Time: 08:30 to 17:00
Distance: 17 miles
Ascent: 3300 ft
Leader: Kerry Crosfield

The Llanbedr Horseshoe is one of the great challenge walks in the Black Mountains. From the village of Llanbedr it starts with a stiff climb up to Crug Hywel (Table Mountain) and then on up to Pen Cerrig-calch. A respite from climbing for a while as the route takes us to Pen Allt-Mawr and a drop down to level moorland to Mynydd Llysiau, where we start to climb to the highest point, Waun Fach (811m). Now we head south to Pen y Gadair Fawr and eventually Crug Mawr, before descending to Llanbedr across the Grwyne Fechan river.

WALK 253 - Glanusk and Llangattock Park - Tuesday 7th March

£7.50
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 13:30 to 16:30
Distance: 6 miles
Ascent: 200ft ft
Leader: Rick Higson

A delightful walk along the river Usk, through the Glanusk Estate, and back via the Mon and Brec canal and Llangattock Park. From CRiC we cross Bull Pit Meadow and walk upstream, with great views up to Table Mountain and the Darren. A permissive path in the Glanusk Estate - kindly opened by the Estate - takes us over a fine bridge, and through the estate; then a short ascent brings us up to the Mon and Brec canal. We follow the canal past Dardy, the limekilns at Llangattock and a giant redwood to Bridge 112 where we leave the canal. We return to Crickhowell through fields, a rhodendron tunnel and a beech wood.

WALK 255 - Black Mountains N-S from Gospel Pass - Saturday 4th March

£15.00
Meeting Point: CRiC NP8 1BN (for bus to start)
Grid Ref: SO 218184
Time: 08:00 to 17:00
Distance: 14 miles
Ascent: 2300 ft
Leader: David Moseley

A walk taking in the entire length of the Black Mountains, from Hay Bluff in the far north back to Crickhowell in the south. Starting with a steep ascent up Hay Bluff, the walk then drops down to Gospel Pass before climbing Twmpa. It continues via Waun Fach (the highest point in the Black Mountains at 811m), Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch before descending into Crickhowell via Table Mountain.The route can be boggy in places and good footwear is essential.

Table Mountain Challenge

Meeting Point: CRiC
Date: Saturday 5th March
Time: 8am to 6pm
Distance: 4.5 to 22.5 miles
Ascent: 1250ft to 6250ft
Leader: Self Guided
Price: £10, £5 under 25

Do you fancy a bit of a challenge for a change? Then try the TM5! Walk or run up and down Table Mountain from Crickhowell as many times as you can up to 5 times. You will find your own way with checkpoints along the route.

The route starts from CRiC, then you go up Llanbedr Road, along Oakfield Road and up Cwm Cwmbeth. At the sheepfold you follow the stone wall round to Table Mountain. Descend through fields past Wern Farm and down Llanbedr Road to CRiC. Subsequent circuits either way as you choose. There will be checkpoints at the sheepfold, Table Mountain and Wern Farm. Last circuit must start by 4pm.

Medals for entrants who complete 3 or more circuits.

FIRST PRIZES FOR MEN & WOMEN DONATED BY PelliTec.

Crickhowell, Powys, Wales

COMPLEMENTARY EVENTS

Crickhowell Walking Festival

Saturday 4th March - Whisky River Band

£10.00

Local band playing fab music - groovy baby

Sunday 5th March - Brecon Mountain Rescue

£8.00
Talk by Mountain Rescue leader giving insight into their activities and training

PRICES & RESERVATIONS

Crickhowell Walking Festival

Booking Walks

  • Walks must be booked and paid for in advance and we ask for the names of all walkers in your group for safety reasons.

  • We cannot accept people that turn up on the day of the walk.

  • We will also ask for an emergency phone number so that someone can be contacted if anything happens to you or one of your group.

  • Payment is by PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay, you may use your normal debit/credit card.

  • You will receive a confirmation email from the website when your payment has been made. Attached to the email will be a pdf of tickets for the walk(s) you have booked. Print off the pdf and bring the ticket with you as your proof of purchase.

  • If you wish to change your walks please email cwf@visitcrickhowell.wales with your booking reference and details of the changes you wish to make.

  • We will refund walks cancelled up to two weeks before the start of the festival, less £1 per walk booking fee. After that we are unable to make refunds.

  • We cannot refund payments for walks cancelled during the Festival because of bad weather. We will try and substitute another walk or amend the route.

  • If the festival is cancelled because of COVID Regulations we will refund you less £1 per walk booking fee.

Booking Events

  • Events are booked in the same way as walks, but we do not need to have the names of all attendees.

  • Payment is by PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay, you may use your normal debit/credit card.

  • You will receive a confirmation email from the website when your payment has been made. Attached to the email will be a pdf of tickets for the event(s) you have booked. Print off the pdf and bring the ticket with you as your proof of purchase.

BASIC INFORMATION

Crickhowell Walking Festival

Before you book

  • Please read carefully the description of each walk and its grade (number of boots) to ensure you are fit enough to participate.

  • You can see how we grade the walks by reading our Grading Guide.

  • Note timings and the route taken may vary, depending on weather or other conditions and the overall speed of the group.

Participating in Walks

  • As most of our walks take place on open mountain and moorland, appropriate clothing is required at all times. This includes:-

    • Walking Boots (not trainers)

    • Hat

    • Gloves

    • Warm clothing

    • Spare warm clothing eg a jacket or fleece

    • Waterproof jacket and trousers

      Note: Jeans are NOT acceptable, as they act as a refrigerator when wet and can cause hypothermia.

  • You should have a rucksack to carry spare clothing, your food and drink and personal items.

  • You should ensure that you have food and drink (preferably a hot drink) appropriate for the length of the walk. (Stops at a pub/café etc are not included, unless otherwise stated.)

  • The Start Time given is that at which the walk will start. You should be changed and ready to go at the Start Time, it is unfair on the rest of the group to wait for you, if you are late.

  • Dogs are allowed on some walks, but must be on a short lead at all times (this is a legal requirement under the CROW Act). Check the walk description before you bring your dog.

  • Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Most of our walks are on unmade paths and therefore are unsuitable for wheelchairs. Where we believe a walk to be wheelchair friendly we will state it in the description.

  • Please inform the Walk Leader if you have any pre-existing medical condition of which he/she should be aware and for which you may be carrying medication (eg diabetes).

  • You must stay with the group. If you wish to leave the group please inform the Walk Leader who will make it clear that you are responsible for your own safety from that point.

  • Walk Leaders have the right to reject any person they believe to be inadequately prepared for the walk.

  • Walk Leaders are responsible for the safety of the group and their instructions must be followed.

VIDEO

Crickhowell Walking Festival