Bannau Brycheiniog
19th-22nd February (Chwefror) 2026
Staying at Tyle Morgrug (Cynon Valley Cottage and Bunkhouse) there was snow on higher ground when the eight of us arrived but over the time we were there this largely disappeared as it turned milder and wet with some strong winds.
Walking from the centre on Friday we took in the full waterfalls walk including Sgwd y Eira which was spectacular after the recent heavy rain, but you could still walk behind it. The information centre/café at Porth of Ogof provided a welcome shelter from the elements. Lots of mud to get to the Nedd Fechan to complete the walk despite a path closed sign and the sun came out.
On Saturday forecast for higher ground did not look good with low cloud so we did a circular walk from Ystradfellte towards Fan Lila passing a restored lime kiln before turning SW along Sarn Helen an old Roman road and sheltering by some old ruins and trees from the rain for lunch and recovering from the waterlogged and more muddy paths before some tricky navigation back to Ystradfellte.
Sunday proved to be the best day for weather, and we walked from NW corner of Pontsticill reservoir back to the village of the same name through the woods. A brief shower and then the sun came out as we crossed the dam and headed NE to find the Ystrad Stone in Cwm Criban and lunch with views to the Bannau Brycheiniog ridge. Cross country back to the Brecon Mountain Railway to return to our cars for the journey home.
Michael Merritt
Trip organiser
Day Walk - The Dover and Angmering Estate
15th February 2026
With the forecast showing 100% rain for most of the day, the walk was reduced slightly and the start delayed. However, 7 hardy souls (and Poppy the dog) headed off from Dover Lane Car on the Angmering Estate and were rewarded with better weather than expected! We welcomed a new Member along (Neil).
As the rain came down we walked through the woods and headed for the village of Wepham (adjacent to Burpham). We decided to have an early refuge (and lunch break) at the wonderfully named Splash Farm (next to a very deep Ford). The mini farm shop is a delight with milkshakes, fresh milk and locally sourced meat in a freezer as well as coffees, hot chocolate and cakes. Well worth a stop and we were pleasantly surprised to see the rain had eased off considerably once we ventured out again.
A gradual climb up to the top of the Downs was not too muddy and once on the chalk dry conditions under foot. The rain stopped at this point and we were walking in mist and above the clouds hanging in the valleys. Poppy kept rounding us up if anyone started to lag behind and we were able to see a number of kites hanging in the thermals above our heads. We then headed back into the rather eerie dark pine forest and through a few boggy sections to complete our circular walk back to the car park. Despite the forecast we completed about 13k and had a very enjoyable walk.
James
Day Walk - Washington and Sullington
24 January 2026
Despite a week of rain 10 intrepid walkers set off from Washington village and we're blessed with a day of sun. From the village we walked to Windlesham School and then up to the South Downs Way. A quick lunch sheltering in a hay barn was a relief from the cold wind.
We then meandered down into Sullington gazing at the Saxon Church and the veteran 1,300 year old yew tree!
A very enjoyable walk ended with a tipple in the Frankland Arms in front of a log fire.
James
Despite a week of rain 10 intrepid walkers set off from Washington village and we're blessed with a day of sun. From the village we walked to Windlesham School and then up to the South Downs Way. A quick lunch sheltering in a hay barn was a relief from the cold wind.
We then meandered down into Sullington gazing at the Saxon Church and the veteran 1,300 year old yew tree!
A very enjoyable walk ended with a tipple in the Frank land Arms in front of a log fire.
James