With uncertainty still prevailing about social gatherings through the summer, we propose a series of Covid-proof walks and talks to be offered by Trustees in July, August and September. These walks must be pre-booked with the organiser who will tell you the meeting point and time so that numbers attending will be known in advance, and we can ensure compliance with any Covid regulations. There will be no charge for these basic field events and travel will be by private cars.
Saturday July 17th pm (First day of the UK wide Festival of British Archaeology, theme ‘My Place’)
Explore Ruthin: a Tour Through Time
Leader Fiona Gale
The walk will include Ruthin Castle, St Peter’s Church and the medieval street pattern but will also cover the earlier prehistoric and Roman evidence from the town, and its later, post-railway development. See Arch Camb 2020.
This will be walking on pavements, but take care in the castle.
Duration: about 2 hours
Please book via fionaegale@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday July 24th
Brenig Valley : the Bronze Age Cemetery
Leader Frances Lynch
This is a moorland walk (and talk) of about 2+ hours. We will visit 5 varied Bronze Age monuments and look across the lake at 3 others, and also visit Hen Ddinbych and the mediaeval hafodau. Excavated 1973-4. Published CAA Monographs 5.
Good walking shoes, warm waterproof clothing advised.
Duration: 2+ hours
Please book via flynchllewellyn@gmail.com
Saturday July 31st
Y Pigwn Roman forts, Mynydd Trecastell, Brecon Beacons.
Leader Heather James
A moorland walk and talk visiting some Bronze Age monuments, the two superimposed Roman forts of Y Pigwn, and a fortlet and motte all along the line of the Roman road, and pre-turnpike road from Trecastell to Llandovery. See Roman Frontiers in Wales & The Marches, RCAHMW 2010.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Please book via h.james443@gmail.com
Saturday August 14th
Cemlyn, Anglesey: Llanrhwydrys Church, Pen Bryn yr Eglwys Roman Signal Station, Mynachdy Cistercian Grange
Leader Andrew Davidson
This is a coastal walk of approximately 5 miles following the coastal path for the first part, and then returning by inland footpaths. The walk includes the bird reserve at Cemlyn, Llanrhwydrys church, a Roman signal station on Carmel Head, Mynachdy, and numerous smaller sites. Buildings of Wales: Gwynedd and Rogers, Anglesey Coastal Path Official Guide.
Waterproofs and good walking shoes are advised, as well as snack and drink.
Duration: perhaps 4 hours
Please book via andrew.davidson@heneb.co.uk
Sunday September 5th. Morning start – bring a picnic!
‘In the footsteps of Sabine Baring-Gould’: Guided walk to Foel Trigarn hillfort, Preseli Hills.
Leader Toby Driver
Moel Trigarn is one of the largest and finest Iron Age hillforts in south-west Wales. It was first surveyed and excavated by Rev Sabine Baring-Gould in June 1899. The walled ramparts, gateways and some 270 prehistoric roundhouse footings can be seen at the fort, which is dominated by the three great stone summit cairns of the name. From the hill summit, on a clear day, we can also see Carn Alw hillfort below, and look west to the Carn Meini ‘blue stone’ outcrops. See Baring Gould, S., Burnard, R. and Anderson, I.K. 1900. ‘Exploration of Moel Trigarn’ Arch Camb Vol. XVII. Fifth Series. 189-211 (online https://journal.library.wales/browse/2919943).
Meeting point will be near Crymych. The walk is an exposed 20-30 minute hike over half a mile of moorland, with a relatively steep final ascent to the hillfort which is very uneven underfoot. Dress for all weathers, with stout walking boots and sticks.
Duration: about 3 hours
Please book via toby.driver@rcahmw.gov.uk
Saturday September 11th
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Leader Sian Rees
A moorland walk to visit the canal, quarries, waste tips, inclines, tunnels, reservoirs and old workings belonging to the coal and iron ore workings on the upper areas of this world heritage site, with spectacular views across Abergavenny and the mountains beyond. Depending on weather and restrictions, we could visit the ironworks and the town of Blaenavon. More information in the Cadw Guidebook, Blaenavon Ironworks and World Heritage Landscape 2011.
Stout footwear and rainproof warm clothing essential.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Please book via richardavent@hotmail.com
Saturday September 18th
The Three Medieval Towns of Rhuddlan
Leader Fiona Gale
The walk will include the suggested Saxon Burh, Norman town and Edwardian castle. The extensive excavations undertaken over 40 years ago will be discussed as well as more up-to-date thorny planning issues.
This is a walk mainly on pavements, but the motte is steep (ascent optional).
Duration: about 2 hours
Please book via fionaegale@hotmail.co.uk