Our Walks and Talks Programme continues in the second half of the year, after our earlier outings to stone circles and a Roman camp in Carmarthenshire, medieval hamlets in north Pembrokeshire, stone circles in Gwynedd and a hillfort and industrial landscape in Flintshire.
Please book via the walk leaders, who will supply details of meeting points, as shown below. It is always advisable to bring stout footwear, sensible clothing, especially waterproofs, and a drink.
Saturday 17 September, 2022
The Medieval Parish of Farndon, Cheshire, and the Welsh borderlands
Leader: Rachel Swallow
Three short walks, (connected by very short car drives), through three historic villages in Farndon parish on the Cheshire/Wrexham border, commencing at St Chad’s church at Farndon, and its fine bridge crossing the River Dee between Farndon, England and Holt, Wales; moving north onto an exploration of the newly-interpreted significance of Churton village’s land- and riverscape; and finishing further north, at Aldford motte-and-bailey castle (near the village church). Holt Castle is a very short distance across the bridge from Farndon, should members wish to make their own way there at the beginning/end of the day.
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 117
Duration: Meet at 1.00 pm. – up to 4 hours (i.e. allowing for approximately one hour in each of the three village locations).
Booking: For full details of the itinerary—including information on opportunities for comfort breaks and food/pub outlets—and to book, contact Rachel on rachel.swallow@liverpool.ac.uk
Saturday 8 October, 2022
Burry Holms, Llangennith, Gower
Leader: Elizabeth Walker
A vigorous walk across the beach to the tidal islet of Burry Holms, on the northern end of Rhossili Bay, off the Gower coast. This is a multi-period site, where Mesolithic tools were uncovered during excavations there by our President, who will guide participants around the Bronze Age barrow, Iron Age defences and the remains of a medieval monastery.
After a packed lunch at the campsite, if the weather is suitable, and should any members wish to make the steep climb up onto Rhossili Down, we can visit the Neolithic tombs at Sweyne’s Howes and the WWII radar station, passing some further Bronze Age barrows on the way.
Bring/wear stout footwear and warm clothes. Bring a drink and packed lunch.
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 159.
Duration: Meet at 10.30 am. Burry Holms morning visit about 3 hours with an option of a further 2.5 hours visit in the afternoon.
Booking: Please book via Elizabeth.Walker@museumwales.ac.uk
Saturday 22 October, 2022
Monmouthshire and Brecknock Canal, Powys
Leaders: Jan Bailey and Sue Ware
A fairly short and mostly level walk along this historic canal, constructed originally as two separate canals in the 1790s to transport iron and coal. Llangynidr is one of its focal points. It has 5 of the 6 locks on the navigable 35 mile section of the canal which raise the water level about 55 feet. We will start after lunch and end, if participants would like, with tea at one of the local pubs.
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 161
Duration: Meet at 2.00pm. 2-2.5 hours
Booking: Please book via Janet at Janet.Bailey3@btinternet.com
Saturday 5 November, 2022
Caerwent Roman Town, Monmouthshire
Leader: Sian Rees
A short and (mostly) level walk around the spectacularly well-preserved walls and gates of Caerwent Roman town, also passing through the centre of the town to see the temple, forum basilica, shops and houses, the Roman roads and the church with its collection of Roman artefacts. The Coach and Horses pub at the East Gate does good lunches and we can take tea there after the walk.
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 171.
Duration: Meet at 2pm. about 2 hours
Booking: Please book via Sian at richardavent@hotmail.com