The leader of the pack! - 5 Sep 2008

Walk Leader Kevin Oates

The fourth Wales Valleys Walking Festival gets underway this September - with many of the guided walks taking place in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Experienced and enthusiastic guides will lead more than 40 walks across the boroughs of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Merthyr Tydfil from September 5-21.

One of the walk leaders is full-time Countryside ranger with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Kevin Oates. Based at Barry Sidings Countryside Park, Trehafod, Kevin has around 16 years' experience of leading walks and has enjoyed going on walks for more than 30 years.

Among the walks he is leading are the Gun Powder Plot on Wednesday, September 10, and the Cwm Cadlan Challenge on Sunday, September 14.

The Gun Powder Plot is a very scenic route starting from the village of Penderyn in the Cynon Valley, passing the well-known Red Lion Inn and Penderyn Church. It follows quiet country lanes, bridleways and footpaths down to Dinas Rock - a local beauty spot used by outdoor activity groups for climbing, gorge walking and caving. It is also the site of the Dinas Rock Silica mines.

The walk takes in the remains of the gun powder works that were built in this wooded valley, superb river scenery and lots of wildlife - including dippers, Red Kite and buzzards.

A steep climb takes walkers back up on to the ridge, then there is a gentle stroll back to Penderyn with an optional visit to the waterfall at Scwd yr Eira.

Cwm Cadlan Challenge on Sunday, September 14 is a walk for the more adventurous mountain traveller! Starting from the Forestry Commission centre at Garwnant in the north west of Rhondda Cynon Taf, the walk climbs gradually up onto the ridge above the Cwm Cadlan Valley. From this ridge, there are great views of Pen y Fan and the central Beacons.

Cwm Cadlan lies hidden to the east of Penderyn and is the site of the only national nature reserve in RCT. Managed by The Countryside Council for Wales, it is a mosaic of streams, wet meadows, woodland and upland pasture and home to many different animals and plants.

Walkers will then follow gentle paths up onto the south ridge and through an interesting limestone landscape to complete their 'Cwm Cadlan Challenge'.

If these two walks sound rather strenuous, then why not choose a gentler walk - there's something for walkers of all abilities during the festival, ranging from easy to very strenuous.

Easy walks in Rhondda Cynon Taf include the Rhydfelin River Walk on Tuesday, September 9 - a pleasant walk along the river, meeting at Tesco coffee shop, Gellihirion Industrial Estate at 10am.

For some exertion, try the six-mile Mynydd Eglwysilian Ramble on Sunday, September 21 at 10am, starting from Pontypridd Cottage Hospital.

More strenuous walks include the nine-mile Soaring Above Aberdare on Tuesday, September 16, starting from Dare Valley Country Park at 10am; while the more adventurous can try the very strenuous 12-mile Pontypridd Circular Walk on Sunday, September 21 at 10am from Barry Sidings Countryside Park.

For a brochure or booking, call 01495 355800

Email boxoffice@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

www.wisdomandwalks.co.uk

· For more information on Rhondda Cynon Taf's attractions, history and heritage and places to stay, go to: www.destinationrct.co.uk


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