News and Events

Dyffryn Gardens   (02.09.10)

Dyffryn Gardens is open FREE of charge on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September to all comers. The gardens will celebrate European Heritage Day.

The Vale of Glamorgan Artists (VOGA) will be exhibiting their finest paintings. A fascinating Antiques Fair will be on site and an Unusual Plants Fair on the Sunday only.

You will also be able to see how the restoration works are coming along.

If you have any queries please give the team a call on 20 593328

Bridgend Love2walk Festival 6th-10th October    (25.08.10)

Discover Rural Bridgend on foot!

Hundreds of walkers are set to explore the rural areas of Bridgend during the Love2walk Festival 2010 which will be taking place from Wednesday 6th October to Sunday 10th October.

The event, which will be launched at Kenfig nature reserve on the 6th October, is set to be the biggest yet and compromises of 27 guided walks with something available for all ages and abilities over the 5 days. All walks will be free of charge and led by expert local guides in some of the most breathtaking rural areas that Wales has to offer.

The festival is packed with fun filled activities for all including opportunities to learn welsh while you walk, check out the local environment whilst nature rambling, test your bat detecting skills with our bat detecting walk or try out some bushcraft.

There are several new special interest walks available this year including Nordic walking with huskies, a coal, iron and rail walk through the industrial areas of Tondu and Cefn Cribwr and an exciting ghost walk with a difference, with actors bringing to life some of the ghoulish tales of the area.

Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture some of the outstanding views, flora and fauna and landmarks that the county has to offer.

A full programme of fringe events runs alongside the festival to make your festival experience complete.  Why not take part in a Poem and Pints evening at the Prince of Wales at Kenfig or attend the Annual arts exhibition in the Berwyn Centre.

What’s more it couldn’t be easier to get to Bridgend. With excellent public transport services and just off the M4 motorway it’s easily accessible for all. For up to date information about local bus services or for help when planning a journey using public transport you can visit the Traveline Cymru website  http://www.traveline-cymru.info   or telephone 0871 200 22 33.
It is advisable to wear suitable clothing for your walk as all walks will be outdoors. To access advice on what to wear during the walks visit www.bridgendramblers.co.uk/clothing.html.
Booking is advisable for all walks! All participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. To find out which walks are available and book your place on a walk please contact: Bridgend Rights of Way Team by Phone: 01656 642593 or email: rightsofway@bridgend.gov.uk
Please check the start time of your walks and be sure to arrive at your meeting point in plenty of time. All walks finish back where they started. Timings of walks are approximates and will depend on group size and abilities.
For up to date information and walks timetable please check out the love2Walk Festival website www.love2walk.co.uk. Walks timetable will be finalised by the end of August.
For accommodation information and package enquiries you will need to contact one of our two tourism information centres on 01656 654906/786639 or visit www.bridgend.gov.uk

Carly Mc Creesh
Rural Discovery Co-ordinator
 
Tel:- 01656 815083 or 07969 611535
e-mail:- Carly.McCreesh@bridgend.gov.uk
 Website www.bridgendreach.org.uk

Walk & Clear with Valeways     (05.08.10)

 Valeways a local charity for countryside access and walking are inviting groups of volunteers to participate in their ‘Walk and Clear’ programme. This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience the countryside and villages around you whilst you walk.

The Walk and Clear Programme involves a group of volunteers going out on a walk with a qualified walk leader within the Vale tackling any pockets of overgrowth encountered whilst on the footpaths and around the stiles using simple hand tools such as shears and loppers.

The aim of the programme is to get people to enjoy a walk and all the benefits that go with walking and to ensure published Valeways routes are in good order so that residents and visitors have an enjoyable walk.

We have recently taken Year 9 pupils from Cowbridge Comprehensive School out on a ‘Walk and Clear’ around St Hillary and Aberthin much to the enjoyment of both pupils and teachers alike. The initiative is open to all and particularly to young groups of volunteers to experience the outdoors and interact with the countryside whilst also benefiting the local communities.

For further information please feel free to contact Andrew or Gareth at Valeways on 01446 749000 or email info@valeways.org.uk

The following has been received from Karl Charlton - Local Area Manager, Forestry Commission Wales.    (04.08.10)

Re  Outbreak of tree disease Phytophthora ramorum

It has been discovered that Larch trees in several forests in South Wales are dying as a result of being attacked by the fungus Phytophthora ramorum.
Trees in Hensol forest are infected. Some of the symptoms of this disease are blackened needles and "bleeding wounds" on trunks and branches and dead trees. This is a plant disease and does not affect people or animals.

Forestry Commission Wales considers this outbreak to be serious and is trying to minimise its impact and spread. To try and contain the disease we will be felling the trees in the infected areas. Due to the extent of the problem and to try and stop the spread of it, we are prioritising the order of where and when tree felling will take place.  We will of course keep you updated of when we will be carrying out forestry operations in your area.

The aim is to keep the woodlands open to the public, but as the fungus can spread through moisture droplets, soil and plant materials we are asking for public to follow some basic biosecurity measures when visiting woodlands.

Bio Security measures.
You should:
* Keep to paths and roads
* Keep dogs on a lead at all times
* Brush down clothes to remove needles, checking pockets ,hoods etc for needles, if clothing and waterproofs are wet or muddy they need to be washed and dried  before visiting other woodlands
* Clean soil and other debris from footwear before leaving the woodland and then thoroughly wash and dry boots, shoes before visiting other woodlands

You should not:
* go near infected trees
* remove plants or vegetation

In the meantime if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Further information can be found on the Forestry Commission Website www.forestry.gov.uk/wales

Karl Charlton,

Local Area  Manager

 

Top Festival Walker   (21.06.10)

Ogwen Evans is the best supporting walker at the recent Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival held in May.

Ogwen signed up to 5 different Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival Walks as part of her Kilimanjaro training. She managed to complete 35 miles during the course of the festival weekend and in order to increase the difficulty level she also camped out. Ogwen said "I'm not a seasoned camper and I really want to be as prepared as possible before setting foot on the mountain. I'm pleased I added the camping aspect to the Festival weekend, my 2nd night was definitely a warmer experience than the 1st! The highlight of the weekend, for me, was Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, I also met great people over the three days, enjoyed the beautiful countryside and villages throughout the Vale as well as discovering a few new pubs to return to :)"

Ogwen Evans, IT Projects Manager for Brains Brewery,                    is one of the lucky trekkers who, in September of this year, will accompany 15 former Welsh Rugby Captains to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The Captains, together with other former rugby players, Warren Gatland and 20 trekkers aim to raise £1,000,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre's Stepping Stones Appeal.

The initiative is the brainchild of national team sports photographer Huw Evans whose family has recently been affected by lung cancer - the disease for which the Stepping Stones Appeal provides much needed research funding.

When Ogwen is not training for the challenge she is involved in the fundraising events that Brains pubs are arranging all the way through to September. You can follow Ogwen's progress and find out about the pub events at http://www.velindrewalks.com.

Ogwen is pictured in front of Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, one of the main attractions on the Millennium Heritage Trail. The chamber was built approx 6000BC, about 1,000 years or so before Stonehenge was constructed. The large capstone on top is thought to be the largest in Britain and weighs approx 36 tonnes!

Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival 2010   (26.05.10)

Over 300 walkers took part in the first ever Vale of Glamorgan Festival on the weekend of 14 – 16 May completing walks from a stroll to 11 miles in every corner of the County.  Walkers were drawn from the Vale, neighbouring counties, England and overseas.  

'A supporter of Valeways over the past 11 years, Vale Assembly Member, Jane Hutt, said the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival was clearly 'a great success!'
 
Having taken part in the Michaelston Way Walk on Saturday afternoon, the Vale AM said all the ingredients were there to make this a major attraction in the annual calendar of successful festivals in Wales.
 
Jane said, "The Michaelston Way walk took us through the fields of Dinas Powys to the village church of Michaelston-le-pit passing through Casehill Wood and past Cwm George. With 25 of us enjoying the walk which was led by experienced Valeways leaders, we enjoyed the walk, the views, the conversation as well as the weather.
 
I will be writing to my ministerial colleagues in the Welsh Assembly Government about the Festival to praise the organisers for this great new event which brings visitors to Wales, provides business for local guest houses and hotels and gives local people the chance to enjoy well-planned walks over a weekend. Congratulations to Valeways and all who took part in organising the Festival." 

Gareth Simpson of Valeways said ‘We are incredibly pleased with the number of walkers that took part and our thanks must go to the many volunteers who came together to make this happen.  Without the support of volunteers from Valeways, Vale of Glamorgan Ramblers, Barbara Palmer and walks provided by Porthkerry & Cosmeston Country Parks and Dyffryn Gardens the festival would not have been possible.  A live music event was arranged on the Saturday at the Edmondes Arms in Cowbridge with a great set from Paul Cottrell, Natty German and friends.  Our thanks also to the Vale Council for backing the event and we hope to build on this next year’

Volunteering across Wales and the World   (29.04.10)

Valeways has just received news of volunteering opportunities available through UNA Exchange. Volunteers can discover new places, people and cultures by living/working in an international group for 2-3 weeks or up to one year. All projects, in 50+ countries, are community-based, affordable and not for profit. Some funded opportunities are available. For more information visit, www.unaexchange.org. 

Festival Walk - Castle Court & Wells   (29.04.10)

Starting and finishing in Cowbridge on Sunday afternoon, 16 May, the walk heads north and passes the historic LLansannor Court and Church. It continues in a westerly direction through the rolling landscape of the Vale and visits ‘Dr Salmon’s Wells’ which originally supplied water to the locality in the 14th century. The route passes Penllyn Castle, an imposing home sited on a limestone ridge.

The walk is a most attractive landscape of valley and wooded ridge covering 8 miles along footpaths, grass tracks, some minor roads, with gentle gradients and numerous stiles. Your leader will be Paul Cottrell (pictured in the baseball cap on this walk last year).
 
Booking essential. Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking. Phone bookings and enquiries can be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm).

Festival Walk - Cosmeston Lakes Country Park – 'Past and Present’  

A 3 mile walk on May 15 along footpaths and open fields through the country park which was formerly a limestone quarry.  When quarrying ceased in 1970, underground springs flooded parts of the area, creating lakes and wetlands.  The quarry spoil areas were landscaped and together with the lakes form the main features of the park.  The walk will encompass a variety of habitats covering 110ha of countryside with 40ha being designated S.S.S.I. (site of special scientific interest) protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.  The walk will give an insight into the past historical heritage of the site and how the area was reclaimed and transformed.  

Booking essential. Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking. Phone bookings and enquiries can be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm).   

‘Millennium Heritage Trail Festival Walks’   (28.04.10)

The Millennium Heritage Trail is a 63 mile long distance trail created by Valeways that takes in 6000 years of beauty, culture and history in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.  As part of the festival two walks are available that sample this trail.

Millennium Heritage Trail – Eastern Circular
Saturday 15th May, 10 am, 11 miles.  Covering the first stages of the Millennium Heritage Trail to St Nicholas before heading to St Georges, crossing the River Ely back to St Fagans.  The route takes in delightful villages. Passes through a battlefield site, holy well, ancient church, ruined castle and one of Wales famous prehistoric sites in Tinkinswood burial chamber.

Millennium Heritage Trail – Northern Circular
Sunday 16th May, 10 am, 7 miles.  This is a walk in what is known locally as the Border Vale, an area that extends from the Vale into Rhondda Cynon Taff.  Most of the walk is through elevated limestone country of considerable attractiveness. The walker will pass close to two churches, two historic houses; walk through interesting grounds and around the charming Talygarn Lake with its abundant wild fowl. The return journey wends its way through woodland and open fields.

Booking essential. Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking. Phone bookings and enquiries can be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm). 

Festival Walk - A Walk on the Wild Side   (07/04/10)

A family walk with a difference, full of nature activities, for grown ups and kids to discover and explore the secret trails of Porthkerry Country Park as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival. Have a go at making a bird feeder, create a beach sculpture and hunt for hidden wildlife within Porthkerry’s ancient woodlands, beautiful flower meadows and pebbly beach.
A walk of 2 miles, along footpaths and woodland trails.  Wellies will be necessary as some of the trails are likely to be muddy.

Booking essential. Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking. Phone bookings and enquiries can be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm). 

Festival walk - Walk & Talk at Dyffryn Gardens   (31/03/10)
Join the Head Gardener of Dyffryn on Friday 14th May for a special guided tour of the grounds as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival.  Learn more about the seasonal plants as well as the newly restored walled garden. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about the principles of Thomas Mawson’s design, the acclaimed landscape architect commissioned by the Cory Family in early 19th Century.  Booking essential.  Whilst this guided walk is free, discounted admission charges apply.
 
Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking facility.   Phone bookings and enquiries can also be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm).

VALE of GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL 14 -16 MAY 2010  (18/03/10)

Valeways is pleased to announce the launch of the first, Vale-wide walking festival.  Join us from 14 - 16 May 2010 and enjoy walking across fertile, rolling lowland countryside, along towering cliffs, beaches, through rural villages and historic market towns.  Walking for All – full day walks to family walks.  Twenty guided walks will take place across the Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the Vale.
The walks are being delivered between Valeways, Vale of Glamorgan Ramblers, Penarth & District Ramblers, Dyffryn Gardens, Cosmeston Lakes and Porthkerry Country Park.  The festival represents an opportunity for residents to discover new parts of the Vale and for visitors from across the UK and beyond to experience the Vale. The walking festival is being co-ordinated by Valeways with financial support from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Visit www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk for the full programme and online booking facility.   Telephone bookings and enquiries can also be made by calling Valeways on 01446 749000 (Mon – Thurs; 9am-1pm).

NEW VALEWAYS WEBSITE !

Welcome to our new website which went 'live' on Monday 8th February 2010.

Some pages are still under construction but are being updated daily so please return to take another look.

VALE OF GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL FRIDAY 14TH MAY - SUNDAY 16TH MAY

Please visit http://www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk/ for further details.

LET'S WALK WITH VALEWAYS

Valeways has recently secured funding to continue to support its community health walking programme from Let's Walk Cymru, an initiative from the Sports Council Wales.

This means local volunteer guided walks are secure for another year and we would encourage anyone who has an interest to get involved either as a walker, or potential walk leader where the necessary training and support is available for future recruits.

Additionally the funding allows Valeways to effectively offer Development Officer assistance to help encourage individuals, groups and societies to form their own walking groups or clubs, formal or informal, with ongoing support for up to a year.

For further information or a walking programme please contact Gareth Simpson via gareth@valeways.org.uk or 01446 749000.

21/06/2010
Top Festival Walker

More...