Come and join us on our Walks and Talks Programme for 2025, free of charge, guided by experts who will lead you around a selection of walks in different areas of Wales, covering many different periods and types of historic and archaeological sites. A second tranche of walks will be published on the CAA website and via members’ email in due course.
Date: Saturday 10 May: Dinefwr Castle, Roman Fort and Historic Parkland
Leader: Gwilym Hughes
Start 2pm, finish c 4.30pm
A walk around the historic parkland at Dinefwr where, as well as the designed parkland and garden, we visit the renowned medieval castle and the Roman fort, discovered and partially excavated by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust under Gwilym’s directorship. Much of the walk is in grassland with a few steepish slopes; walking shoes and rainwear are recommended.
Meet in the National Trust carpark at Newton House SA19 6RT (charge, or free to National Trust and Cadw members- bring your cards). Car parking also available in Llandeilo car parks (chargeable) from which there is an easy walk along main access track to Newton House
Please book via Gwilymteilo@yahoo.co.uk for joining instructions.
Date: Sunday, June 15th, 2025: Upland Archaeology of Blaenau Gwent
Leader: Frank Olding
Start: 10.00am, finish c. 3.00pm
A guided walk looking at the archaeology of upland Blaenau Gwent. The walk will take in the industrial archaeology associated with the Trefil Quarries (established 1794), the Duke’s Table, the Brinore tramroad (1814-15), prehistoric burial mounds, medieval hafotai, a horizontal mill and the famous (but elusive) Chartists’ Cave.
Moderately strenuous, 6 miles distance over rough terrain. Walking boots, waterproofs and packed lunch essential.
Meet at Top House Pub, Trefil (NP22 4HG; SO 119128); the circular walk will finish at the same point.
To book, please contact oldings1@outlook.com
Date: Sunday June 29th 2025. Explore Llangollen, Denbighshire
Leader: Fiona Gale
Start 2pm, finish c 5pm
The walk will explore the fascinating history of Llangollen from the World Heritage Site Canal to railway and A5, St Collen’s Church, which will include a tour by Sue Evans of St Collen’s where work is programmed to take place soon, and the grounds of Plas Newydd.
The walk will be largely on the surfaced tow path or tarmac but there is a steepish climb to Plas Newydd, the home of the Ladies of Llangollen.
Meet at 2pm at the Eisteddfod Car park on Abbey Road, Llangollen.
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Please book via fionaegale@hotmail.co.uk when joining instructions will be given.
Date: Saturday 9th August 2025: Explore the hillfort of Moel Fenlli, Clwydian Range.
Leader: Fiona Gale
Start 2pm finish c 4pm
The walk will explore the Iron Age hillfort of Moel Fenlli first excavated in the 1840s; part of the walk is along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. The path is steep and rough in places. Views from the top (on a good day!) are magnificent and we will see much of north-east Wales spread out around us.
Meet at 2pm in the car park at Moel Famau.
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Please book via fionaegale@hotmail.co.uk when joining instructions will be given.
Date: Saturday, 16th August, 2025. Historic Bangor.
Leader: Frances Llewellyn
Start 2pm, finish c 4pm
A walk around the historic buildings of Bangor to include the cathedral (the Ecce Homo statue) the Archdeacon’s House chimney (with its Shakespeare connection), down High Street, to see the 1930s housing and original site of Grammar school, Beach Road and the Dominican Priory site, the Garth and Pier and University and Normal College buildings. An optional addition could go up Lon Popty to Bangor Mountain. The walk is largely on paved surfaces but there are some slopes in Bangor.
Meet at 2pm at the cathedral car park.
Please book with flynchllewellyn@gmail.com who will provide meeting arrangements.