Community
Step out in Wales for winter walks
PEOPLE in Wales are being invited to step out with the Ramblers during its annual Festival of Winter Walks and leave footprints in the snow as they explore the country’s beautiful wintry landscapes. Ramblers Cymru groups will be leading free walks from December 20 2014 until January 4 2015. From short festive strolls passing carol singers and Christmas markets to heartier rambles to walk off the mince pies and kickstart new year’s resolutions, there’s something for everyone in Wales to enjoy.
Ramblers Cymru Director, Angela Charlton, said: “Walking is great at any time of the year, we’re spoiled by our dramatic coastlines, rolling hills and stunning views, but there’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm and heading out with family and friends to explore Wales at its wintry best.
Our walks during the festival are free, fun and open to everyone, so put on your hat and scarf and join us as we head out into the crisp, clear winter to enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.” Let’s Walk Cymru, a national health walking scheme run by Ramblers Cymru, will also be leading short, free walks across Wales during the festival. Step out with Ramblers Cymru on one of the following free winter wanders in Wales during the Festival of Winter Walks:
Mince Pie Walk, Great Orme Date: Saturday December 20 Start time: 10am Distance: 7 miles Description: Join the Vale of Clwyd Ramblers for this Mince Pie Walk in Great Orme. Starting point: Llandudno, West Shore Group: Vale of Clwyd
Pen y Fan (Brecon Beacons) at night with Gower Society Date: Saturday December 20 Meeting time: 3pm Start time: 4pm Distance: 6 miles Description: This short, circular night-walk, run in partnership with the Gower Society, will climb to the top of Pen y Fan then over to Tommy Jones’ memorial and back. This is a night walk so remember to bring head torches and fresh batteries. Due to the time of year, this walk will be dependent upon reasonable weather so if in doubt, check with walk leader Ian Smith on 01792 368609 on the morning of the walk. Starting point: Between Guildhall & Victoria Park Group: Swansea
Boxing Day Walk: Pwll Du, Brandy Cove & Langland Bay Date: Friday December 26 Start time: 10am Distance: 7 miles Description: Starting in Newton, this winter walk crosses Clyne Common then heads on to Murton, Bishopston Valley and Pwll Du Bay. Enjoy beautiful views from the Wales Coast Path as you head via Brandy Cove and Langland Bay back to the start. Starting point: Highpool Lane, Newton Nearest postcode: SA3 4TZ Group: Swansea
On Par for Mountain Views (in the Amman Valley, Garnant) Date: Saturday January 3 2015 Start time: 11am Distance: 6 miles Description: This walk heads up past Garnant Golf Course for some great views of the western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, following a series of footpaths along the southern side of the Amman Valley. The route heads back to the starting point through Garnant Park, following the River Amman. Starting point: The car park on Upper Station Road, Garnant. Turn north down the hill into Upper Station Road (opposite Garnant Chemist). After going over the level crossing at the bottom of this short hill, take the second turning on the left into the car park (approximately 50 metres after the level crossing) Group: Swansea
Gower: Whiteford Point Date: Sunday January 4 2015 Meeting time: 9am Start time: 10.15am Distance: 8 miles Description: A varied walk over hills and across beach and dunes in Gower. Make sure you bring your binoculars as birdlife is abundant during the winter. Meeting point: Tesco Ammanford Group: Dinefwr
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
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