A lovely walk in the far east of the Black Mountains. A steep climb up the Cat's Back ridge is rewarded with a gentle walk from Hay Bluff to Gospel Pass. Then up to Twmpa and down Nant Bwch to Capel-y-Ffin with a steep climb past the Vision Farm and over Offa’s Dyke to the start. Ascent 3000 ft.

Very gentle walking following the Henry Vaughan Footpath through deciduous woodland and returning alongside the Caerfanell River. You will have the chance to work in a small group and identify birds in various habitats. Wear waterproof and extra-warm clothing for this walk. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a pen to keep a note of what you spot.

A high level circuit using the ridges to the north of Llanthony. We ascend Cwm Bwchel and head north via Bal Mawr and Chwarel y Fan to find the Blacksmith’s Anvil stone. After dropping down to Capel-y-ffin (with Father Ignatius’ monastery, a church, and a chapel) we ascend steeply to the Hatterall Ridge which is followed south before descending to Llanthony. Ascent 2800ft.

The white rocks of Pen Cerrig Calch are the limestone remains of a tropical sea. Elsewhere in the Black Mountains the limestone has been removed in the last Ice Age and the red sandstone exposed. The walk climbs steeply from Crickhowell onto the flat summits and then descends towards the west, returning via the Beacons Way and the riverbank. Ascent 2900ft.

Climb initially up to the eastern ridge and then steadily north to Pen y Gadair. Turn sharply down over tussocky grass to the lonely and infrequently visited standing stone, Maen Llwyd. The route now follows sheep tracks to the head of the valley before descending by Macnamara's road. Ascent 2600ft.

A 6 mile circular walk covering some lesser known tracks South East of Llangynidr with extensive views of The Black Mountains. Returning to the Red Lion for one of their renowned Welsh Lamb Roast Dinners to celebrate St Davids Day (No cooking or washing up today, ladies!) Dinner £8.50 one course and £10.50 for two courses payable on the day. Ascent 300 ft.

Chris's poetry has been described as showing a palpable passion for landscape and humanity's place in it, and it is this key interest which guides this walk. Chris has written a novel, "Griffri", set in 12c Wales and recently a set of poems about the Black Mountains. Chris will talk about the landscape, his own work, and some of the major writers and cultural figures long associated with the area.

Very gentle walking following the Henry Vaughan Footpath through deciduous woodland and returning alongside the Caerfanell River. You will have the chance to work in a small group and identify birds in various habitat. Wear waterproof and extra-warm clothing for this walk. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a pen to keep a note of what you spot.

NOTE CHANGE OF START POINT.

The walk will initially follow the route of the railway that killed the canal, looking at the wharfs at Govilon and Llanfoist. Then visit Crawshay Bailey's grave, an iron bridge (the first in Wales) and an inclined plane (used for tram cars carrying limestone down from the quarries). The route back along the canal will pass Bailey's house and the site of a breach in the walls of the canal (an all too frequent event, even now!).