In June, July and August the Cambrians will be guiding four walks in different areas of Wales, exploring a variety of historic landscapes dating from early prehistory to early modern. These are free of charge and open to all. Come and join us by booking on the walks detailed below. Another three walks in September and October will be advertised in due course.
Gwent Levels Historic Landscape, Monmouthshire – Postponed until September
Leader: Jan Bailey
This is a gentle but long walk starting at the sea wall at Goldcliff, walking east along the Wales Coast Path to Redwick, and returning by an inland route via Porton and Whitson. The total distance is just over 10 miles, hence it being an all day walk. The Levels, as the name suggests, are flat so the walk is not challenging in terrain, but is in distance – though we will take it slowly with frequent stops to discuss the unique landscape and its archaeology.
After a short detour to look at the site of the Priory at Goldcliff, the walk then takes the coast path to the village of Redwick to look at the flood marks at St Thomas’ Church and the local history display. Here we will break for a picnic lunch (and perhaps some refreshment in the Rose Inn). Next, we follow a quiet lane back to the start. If time permits, we will walk via Porton and the outskirts of Whitson.
Meet at 10.30 for 11.00 start. Expect to be back at start at 17.00. Please bring food and drink for the whole day – there is a café at Goldcliff and a pub at Redwick (but no guarantee they will be open at the time we travel past them). Be prepared for all weathers and wear stout footwear. It can be breezy on the coast path. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome at owner’s risk.
Start point is Seawall, Goldcliff Road, Newport NP18 2PH. What3words: drainage.lamplight.tearfully. Lat, Long: 51.535, -2.90302 NGR ST 37468 82162. Parking is at the roadside. On summer days it can get busy so you may need to park some distance away from the seawall.
Booking (essential as places will be limited}, please email Janet.bailey3@btinternet.com
Saturday 27 July. Trellech, Monmouthshire, SE Wales
Leader: Sian Rees
Trellech was one of the major towns of medieval Wales, probably established by the de Clare family for the exploitation of local iron ore and charcoal. By 1288 there were 378 burgage plots there, which would have made it bigger than Cardiff or Chepstow. Excavations have uncovered the sites of houses and larger buildings which attest to the size and importance of the town and we will see the site of one. We will visit the charming Virtuous Well, thought to possess curative properties, the Norman motte and bailey castle, St Nicholas Church with its ancient font, preaching cross and sundial. In addition, we will look at a fine setting of three Bronze Age standing stones in a field to the south of the village.
The walk, around two miles, is gentle and generally level but can be muddy after rain. Wear stout walking shoes and weatherproof clothing. We should be walking for about two hours and can have lunch in the Lion Inn afterwards.
Meet at 11.00 in Trellech carpark, Church Street. SO 501 053; NP25 4PA. Map: OS 1:50000 162
Please book via Sian Rees: richardavent@hotmail.com
Saturday 10 August. Brenig Prehistoric Landscapes, Denbighshire
Leader: Fiona Gale
A circular walk of about 2 hours to explore the archaeological trail at Llyn Brenig. The walk will explore features, predominantly burial places of several different types dating to the Bronze Age, excavated by our Trustee Frances Lynch Llewelyn prior to the construction of the reservoir. The sites command spectacular views overlooking the reservoir and, being fully excavated, yielded much knowledge of the life and death of people 4000 years ago.
The walk will be over rough ground and is exposed, so come prepared for whatever the weather is forecast to be, but with sturdy boots/walking shoes.
Meet at 2pm on the car park at the north end of the lake, SH993574, (what3words passes.lollipop.pursuing).
Please book via fionaegale@hotmail.co.uk . The northern part of Llyn Brenig is situated in Denbighshire while the visitor centre is in Conwy, the lake is west of Denbigh on the Denbigh Moors/Hiraethog.