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Iolo's top 10 must-see locations

2016-01-08T09:52:03+00:00

The Brecon Beacons is an area I know well, having walked virtually every square metre of its mountains, woodlands and rivers during my 15 years with the RSPB and 17 years working in the media, but it's a place that always holds a few surprises.

Most visitors will head for the major tourist attractions such as Pen-y-Fan or the town of Brecon, but the National Park has so much more to offer.

Here are my 10 must-see locations in the Beacons.

1. Llanthony Priory This partly ruined priory dates back to around 1100 and is situated in the stunning Vale of Ewyas on the eastern edge of the park. Having barely survived several attacks by Owain Glyndwr, it never recovered from Henry the Eighth's dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.

The ruins of Llanthony Priory

2. Capel-y-Ffin The beautiful little chapel that gives this hamlet its name is dedicated to St Mary and dates back to 1762. Lying on the banks of the River Honddu, it is surrounded by the high tops of the Black Mountains.

3. Brecon Mountain Railway This is one of Wales' ‘great little trains' and runs 5.5 miles from Pant Station near Merthyr, through Pontsticill and on to Torpantau on the old abandoned Brecon and Merthyr line. On a sunny summer's day, the views are outstanding!

4. Llangorse Lake This is the largest natural lake in Wales and is famous for its coarse fishing, water sports and crannog, an artificial island dating back to the 9th century that was used as a dwelling. The lake is also excellent for wildlife and supports healthy populations of water voles, reed warblers and hunting hobbies.

5. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal This 35-mile canal runs along the Usk Valley for most of its length and although originally built to carry coal and iron, today its rural character and tranquility attracts thousands of tourists each year. It's also a great place to see the elusive otter.

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

6. Mynydd Illtyd This area of common land is conveniently situated adjacent to the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre near Libanus. It makes for excellent low-level walking with an abundance of wildlife, and excellent, home-made food at the Mountain Centre cafe makes for a perfect end to the day.

7. Llyn y Fan Fach A small dammed lake on the northern edge of the Black Mountain, Llyn y Fan Fach is surrounded by the high peaks of the Carmarthen Fans and is steeped in Welsh legends. The walk up to the lake along the River Sawdde and on to the high tops is one of the most picturesque walks in the whole of the Beacons.

Overlooking Llyn y Fan Fach

8. Sgwd Henrhyd Henrhyd waterfall near the village of Coelbren is the tallest waterfall in south Wales. A lovely walk leads from the car park above the falls down the wooded Nant Llech valley. Henrhyd is best viewed after heavy rainfall and is a photographer's dream.

9. Beacons Way This 95-mile walk follows most of the high ridges from the Skirrid in the east to the small village of Bethlehem in the west. A recently-devised linear walk, it has become very popular with walkers from all over the world.

10. Pen-y-Fan Okay, so this is probably the best-visited site in the whole of the Brecon Beacons, but 250,000 visitors a year can't be wrong. At 886 metres (2,907 feet) above sea level, it is the highest peak in southern Britain and the 360 degree panoramic view from the top is absolutely spectacular.

Weatherman Walking: Rivers, Ridges and the Far North Coast

2013-01-07T17:12:53+00:00

Tonight at 7.30pm on ��̳ One Wales.

In episode one, you'll get to see the two lovely walks we did back in the summer of 2012 when we visited Rhayader in Radnorshire and Cemaes Bay on the north coast of Anglesey.

The walks from each episode can be printed off and taken with you, should you wish to follow in our footsteps!

Cemaes was an 8.5 mile circular walk along the rugged north coast of Anglesey with plenty of amazing sea views, ancient geology and local history such as the Charles Henry Ashley lifeboat and Llanbadrig Church with its unusual Islamic tiles.

Legend has it that a shipwrecked Saint Patrick swam ashore and later built the church.

Following the Anglesey Coast Path you'll eventually arrive at the disused brickworks of Porth Wen where the remarkable bee-hive kilns and harbour can still be seen.

The sought after, heat resistant silica bricks were once made here and exported all over the world, right up until the outbreak of World War One.

In complete contrast, the nine mile Rhayader circular walk took us inland through some of the most de-populated parts of Britain with stunning patchwork fields and views over the Wye Valley.

Patchwork fields down in the valley below.

Along the way we visited the Gilfach Nature Reserve where you'll also find a stunning Welsh longhouse dating from the 15th century situated at the HQ of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

Take a look at some of the photos snapped on location during these walks.

And don't forget - you can always watch the series again on ��̳ iPlayer.

On the trail of Richard Burton

2012-02-01T12:39:13+00:00

At one time, he was the highest paid actor in Hollywood, he was married to the world's most beautiful woman and had one of the most recognisable voices in showbusiness - he was of course, Richard Burton.

Despite the glamour and success of his later years, his remarkable life began in far humbler surroundings - in the small village of Ponyrhydyfen in the Afan Forest Park near Port Talbot.

Last year, the local community decided it was high time their most famous son was honoured and came together to create the Richard Burton Trail, a 3 mile walk, taking in some of the places which were important to the man himself.

Today, I've been to the area to walk the trail and was greeted with the sight of the Afan Valley bathed in winter sunshine, with a sprinkling of snow on the surrounding trees and on the Foel, the second highest peak in the Afan Forest Park.

The old mineral line viaduct over the Afan river.

My guide was Jonathan Price, a ranger with the Forestry Commission, working in the Afan Valley. We began in the Rhyslyn car park and walked across the aqueduct, high above the Afan river.

The house where the famous actor was born is under the aqueduct, backing onto the river - a lovely spot, but hard to imagine that a family of fourteen once lived there.

Richard was the eleventh of twelve children and his younger brother Graham Jenkins who still lives in the area, has been involved with the trail project, helping to piece together interesting facts about his older brother's life.

All along the walk, there are special way markers with information about Richard Burton, his life and career.

The first we passed told us that he was born on 25 November 1925 in Pontrhydyfen weighing twelve pounds. This was accompanied by a photo of him in his rugby kit, posing with the team as a youngster.

We passed Penhydd Street where many members of Richard's family lived and on to the Pontyrhydyfen viaduct, another reminder of the area's industrial past.

We joined the Connect2 cycle route to continue on the trail towards the portrait bench and the amazing sight of three life-sized metal sculptures of three local celebrities - Richard Burton, Rob Brydon and Richard ('Dick') Wagstaff, who was the area warden for the Afan Forest Park until he retired last year.

Sculptures of Richard Burton on right, rob Brydon in the middle and Richard Wagstaff on the left.

He was voted in by local people and by all accounts is quite a character. Next to the sculptures is a metal box with a dial.

If you wind the dial, you can hear the unmistakable sound of Richard Burton reading extracts from the works of Dylan Thomas, including 'Under Milk Wood' and the poem he wrote after his father's death, 'Do Not Go Gentle....'.

It's a great idea to 'illustrate' a walk in this way and brings the person and their landscape to life.

It's just such a shame that already, only a few weeks after the trail's official opening, many of the way markers along the route have already been vandalised - many of them have been sawn off, leaving a metal 'stump' behind where the information about Richard Burton would have been.

Jonathan Price, Ranger with the Forestry Commission with a vandalised sign.

Why would anyone want to do this? Jonathan Price was also at a loss to explain this and pointed out that those signs will have to be repaired at considerable cost.

This innovative project has been overseen by Neath Port Talbot County Council and hopes to bring tourists to the area, proving once again that 'green tourism' is the way ahead, but also that increasingly, the tourism industry needs to provide and extra something to draw people into an area.

The trail ends back in Pontrhydyfen, passing Bethel chapel, where the local memorial service for Richard Burton was held after his death in 1984.

Today, the chapel is boarded up and for sale but it stands in a prime location, overlooking the river and the aqueduct where we began and where Richard Burton would have spent much of his childhood.

For more information about this walk visit www.visitnpt.co.uk/richardburton

��̳ Wales Nature blog: Richard Burton walking trail opens

Richard Burton walking trail opens

2012-01-11T15:15:02+00:00

A new walking trail has recently opened to commemorate the Hollywood star, Richard Burton.

The trail starts at Burton's birthplace in Pontrhydyfen.

Visitors can then listen to the Oscar-nominated star quote a passage from Under Milk Wood, the play by his favourite poet Dylan Thomas who also has walks dedicated to him in Laugharne near Camarthen.

Signposts with facts about Burton's childhood and career are placed along the trail.

The Richard Burton Trail is a three mile (4.8km) walk around the villages of Pontrhydyfen and Oakwood, surrounded by the Afan Forest Park.

The trail was created by the council's tourism section with help from the Cwmavon Residents Action Group, Forestry Commission Wales and the Richard Burton Advisory Group at Swansea University.

Find out more about a recent Weatherman Walk we did around Laugharne, following in the footprints of Dylan Thomas.

��̳ News - Richard Burton trail at Afan Forest Park opening

Walking along an ancient border

2011-11-09T10:18:26+00:00

What's 177 miles long, has the sea at either end and is celebrating its fortieth birthday this year?

It's Offa's Dyke, the ancient border which at one time separated Wales and England. I spent the day walking along parts of the pathway, which is one of Britain's National Trails.

I think it's fair to say that other paths in Wales (like the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path) may be better known, but the Offa's Dyke trail does attract thousands of walkers every year, including 3,000 determined people who complete the entire route.

I met Rob Dingle, the Offa's Dyke Trail Officer at the standing stones above Hay on Wye, surrounded by thick fog.

A foggy view point

Rob assured me the view was stunning but I had to take his word for it because I couldn't see my hand in front of my face!

It's part of Rob's job to walk the entire trail every year and he explained that as part of the anniversary celebrations this year, a new tourism project has been launched - 'Walking With Offa' aiming to promote the path as a tourist destination.

The trail begins in Chepstow on the edge of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) - one of five in Wales and ends in Prestatyn near another ANOB, the Clwydian Range.

The idea is to encourage businesses to 'welcome walkers' along the route, by improving facilities like accommodation and food outlets.

There are also plans to improve public transport links, to get walkers to the area without relying too much on their cars and create more circular walks, realising that not everyone wants to walk 177 miles in one go.

Offa's Dyke trail

But the biggest challenge is the fact that the pathway passes back and forth between Wales and England 27 times along its route, which means that two countries and a lot of local authorities have to come together to co-ordinate the project.

Imagine what King Offa himself would have made of that! His feat was to construct the entire border back in the 8th Century - probably to keep feisty Celts out of his kingdom, Mercia.

Last year around 100,000 walkers completed circular walks that included parts of the Offa's Dyke trail, generating an estimated £2m for local economies. Offa himself would have been horrified.

I can see the sea

2011-11-03T10:40:44+00:00

You can get a lot of walking done in a week - as I've just discovered after spending half-term in North Pembrokeshire, getting back to basics.

I stayed in the hamlet of Tregwynt (location of the famous woollen mill), a stone's throw away from the coastal path, which can guarantee a good bracing walk whatever the weather.

Felin Tregwynt Mill.

The best walk of the week took me from Tregwynt to Pwll Deri (around an 8m circular walk) along the inland road then back via the coastal path.

I chose the best day weather-wise and the scenery was just breathtaking. I only saw three other sets of walkers - one family and two couples, all with assorted canine companions and all walking in the opposite direction.

Last week there was a report recommending the Welsh coast as one of top sites to see on earth in 2012 (according to the 'Lonely Planet guide) and on a sunny autumn day, walking along the rugged cliffs, surrounded by yellow gorse and sea around every corner, it's easy to see why.

No distractions, no mobile phone signal and no shops - just amazing views and the odd grazing sheep or pony for company. I can't recommend it highly enough.

The place names in this part of the world are also magical and sound like poetry in themselves - on the inland road to Pwll Deri I past Treseissyllt, Velindre and Llanferran farms.

Then along the coastal path were the headlands of Penbwchdy (scene of many a shipwreck), Trwyn-llwyd, Llechdafod and Carreg Golchfa not to mention the coves of Pwlldarnau, Pwllcrochan and Aber-bach. All could have been prime sites for the odd spot of smuggling.

Stunning coastal views.

At Pwll Deri stands the monument to the Welsh poet Dewi Emrys who grew up in Pembrokeshire and found inspiration for his most famous poem in this very spot.

A couplet from the poem 'Pwllderi' can be read on the memorial stone - 'A thina'r meddilie sy'n dwad ichi/Pan fo'ch chi'n ishte uwchben Pwllderi' (And these are the thoughts that will come to you / When you sit above Pwllderi').

A little further along is what must be one of the best-placed hostels in the UK, complete with bronze inscription proclaiming to be a place 'where young people regardless of race or creed may spend the night and to help all people of limited means to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside'.

As I joined the coastal path above Pwll Deri, the ferry passed by on its way back to Fishguard, gleaming white out at sea as it headed out of view around Strumble Head.

The view from the hostel at Pwll Deri.

This is apparently a great place for seal-spotting in early Autumn, although I was sadly a bit late to see any this time.

It took me around three and a half hours to complete this small but magnificent section of the Pembrokeshire path, which in its entirety stretches to 186 miles in total.

The Wales Coast Path is due to be completed next year and will make it possible to walk around the entire Welsh coastline covering an incredible 850 miles. Now that would be quite a walk.

Derek Brockway walked this route for his new Weatherman Walking series in the summer, which will be on TV in January 2012 so keep an eye out for that.

October walking festivals

2011-10-21T08:00:19+00:00

This year's Monmouthshire Walking Festival takes place from October 22 - 31October .

The festival features a selection of 30 walks over 10 days, showcasing the best walks in Monmouthshire.

The walks all vary in length and difficulty and are all led by qualified and experienced walkers.

Check out the full walking schedule to find a suitable walk. The walks cost around £5 each and you'll need to book your place.

We recently completed a walk along a section of Offa's Dyke near Montgomery for Weatherman Walking, Series 5 which you can see in January 2012 and I have to say, it is a beautiful part of the country to walk in.

The National Trust also have a walking festival running from 22 - 30 October with walks happening across Wales.

Use the interactive map to find the best walks near you. You could try a spooky Hallowe'en trail, go on a storytelling walk or test your skills orienteering.

Nation's favourite walk

2011-10-17T09:39:36+00:00

The National Trust have enlisted eight celebrities, including the comedian Omid Djalili, the best selling crime-writer Val McDermid and Time Team's archaeologist Francis Pryor to find the nation's favourite walk.

Representing Wales is celebrity weather presenter, Sian Lloyd who chose Powis Castle for her favourite walk.

Powis Castle, near Welshpool was left to The National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis. It dates back to the 12th century and was originally built by Welsh Princes.

During the Civil War, it supported the Royalist cause and was captured by Parliamentary forces in 1644. It wasn't returned to the Herbert family (who purchased it in 1587) until the restoration of the monarchy in 1661.

'Nowadays its gardens with terraces, lead statues, yew hedges and fine lawns are considered by many people to be the best in Wales'.

Sian Lloyd at Powis Castle. Image by Richard Williams - National Trust.

"I think hand on heart I would have to say the redness of Powis Castle is what appeals to me" she said.

"I know it's been described as Italian terracotta, dusky pink or whatever, but forget that, Powis Castle is a red castle, especially in autumn!"

The results will be announced in the New Year so watch the video clips and add your vote.

What a difference a cold front makes

2011-10-06T15:40:12+00:00

Well, what a difference a week and a cold front makes!

Last Thursday it was hot and sunny with temperatures reaching 23 Celsius in Snowdonia whereas today it was only 10 Celsius.

Our correspondent Iolo af Dafydd took this photo on the A5 near Capel Curig today. It looks like snow but it's actually hail which we can get at any time of the year - even in the summer.

It's chilly and windy today with gales on some coasts and hills and gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

Tomorrow will be a better day with less wind and a few showers but most of the showers will be in the north and west. Powys might also get some rain too but not as heavy as today.

The south east will be drier with the best of the sunshine and top temperatures between 12 - 14 Celsius and a north-westerly breeze. Friday night will be dry but on Saturday it's all change.

A bright start in the south east but clouding over with some rain and drizzle. Most of the rain will be on the high ground in the north and west with the wind picking-up but it should turn milder.

The Hay on Wye Walking Festival starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday, 9 October. A little rain is likely on Saturday afternoon but it'll be wetter on Sunday, so keep the waterproofs handy!

Derek

Bridgend walking festival

2011-09-30T09:00:38+00:00

Discover the best of Bridgend county on foot! This year's walking festival kicks off on Saturday and runs from 1 - 9 October, 2011.

The festival offers a range technical walks for the experienced plus an eclectic mix of experiences for dabblers, families and novice walkers.

Visitors can try Nordic walking, star gazing, zorbing on water, wild food foraging and many walks will be taking advantage of the rights of way network.

Find out about all of this year's 40 walks on the Bridgend Walking Festival website.

Derek Brockway will also popping along for a walk/ fun run on Sunday, 9 October at 2pm at the Bryngarw Country Park and I'm hoping to do some too and write them up for this blog.

Keep up to date with walking events on Twitter - @love2walkwales

Email the team for more information at love2walk@bridgend.gov.uk

Changing autumn

2011-09-19T11:56:20+00:00

Yesterday, I went for a stroll from Goytre Wharf to Mynydd Garn Wen in south east Wales - a walk I did a few years ago for ��̳ Radio Wales Weatherman Walking.

It was good to do the walk again and show a couple of friends the way. The weather was breezy with sunshine and a few heavy showers.

Along the way we passed an ancient Holy Well, Pontypool Folly and the views from the top of Garn Wen were superb.

After walking down a medieval track, which may actually be an old Roman Road, we stopped for lunch in the Star Inn in Mamhilad opposite St. Illtud's Church.

We then walked back to Goytre Wharf along the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal dodging the showers and enjoying the changing autumn colours.

Today the weather has changed again thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Maria. She is currently centred near Iceland bringing us rain and drizzle but we're not expecting a repeat of last Monday's severe gales.

After some rain tonight and in the south tomorrow, the next few days look drier, bar a few showers.

Wednesday will be the windiest day with near gale force winds in north west Wales.

Derek

Two new walking routes open

2011-09-19T08:19:45+00:00

The Wales Coast Path nears completion, with two more walking routes being completed in Gwynedd and Chepstow.

Taith Ardudwy Way covers 16 miles in south Gwynedd using existing footpaths and is said to take three days to complete across three sections.

Meanwhile in the south, a 5.9 mile section from Chepstow, Monmouthshire snaking its way from Chepstow to the Severn Estuary has just opened.

The Wales Coast Path is due to be completed by May 2012 and will link up 850 miles of walking routes along the Welsh coastline for everyone to enjoy.

I've been lucky enough to have already walked some of the coast path whilst filming Weatherman Walking and it's a stunning addition to an already breathtaking landscape, right on our front doorstep (give or take a few miles).

Read more on this story on ��̳ News Online.

Wales Valleys Walking Festival

2011-09-13T10:26:42+00:00

If you enjoy walking, then the South Wales Valleys are definitely for you.

The Wales Valleys Walking Festival runs from September 3-18 so you still have time to take part in some amazing walks.

There are plenty of walks to do, suitable for all ages and fitness levels but organisers recommend booking ahead to reserve your place by phoning (01443) 838632. It's worth downloading the Trekker Test on the website too, to find a walk that suits you.

The ��̳ Wales Weatherman Walking team have done some lovely walks in the area so I can highly recommend it.

Views over Treherbert on the Blaencwm walk for Weatherman Walking.

The Blaencwm walk we covered for the last series had some breathtaking views and was surprisingly accessible; just a short drive from Swansea and Cardiff.

Wales Valleys Walking Festival website

Offa's Dyke 40th Anniversary

2011-07-09T08:27:02+00:00

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail on Sunday, 10 July at the Offa's Dyke Centre West Street, Knighton LD7 1EN.

Here's the itinerary:

1.30 pm Grand Parade leaves Brookside Square to Offa's Dyke Park where Fancy Dress. Competitions for all ages will be judged

2.30 pm Walkers from north and south arrive in the Park to be met by the High Sheriff of Powys

3.00 pm Optional 9km walk

2 - 5pm Fayre & Craft Market in Offa's Dyke Park behind the Offa's Dyke Centre

Follow my tweets!

2011-06-06T14:21:36+00:00

I was on Gower at the weekend to open the annual Gower walking festival at Caswell Bay. Thanks to all those who turned up and did the seven mile walk with me, which we filmed for Weatherman Walking last year.

It was nice to do the walk and not be followed by the cameras but having told everyone it would stay fine, showers broke out on Saturday afternoon which were unexpected, so I had a little egg on my face...

It just goes to show that no forecast is set in stone and things can change which can be both frustrating and annoying.

I am confident it will stay dry on Gower today but the rest of the week looks more unsettled, low pressure will bring some unstable air, towering clouds and showers but I can promise a few sunny spells.

It will be breezy at times along the coast and not that warm with top temperatures between 12 and 16 Celsius.

By the way, after some persuasion I have joined the world of Twitter! You can follow my tweets here and enjoy a few pearls of meteorological wisdom or not...But if the forecast goes pear shaped, please don't be too hard on me :)

Back to walks now - the Anglesey walking festival is currently on and ends on 12 June.

Have a good week

Derek