Men@Highfields Hike

If you'd like to get out for a hike in the Welsh countryside all men of Highfields Church are welcome to join us as we walk the Talybont waterfalls and Beacons loop. There'll be lots of opportunity for chat, fun and fellowship as we take in some beautiful scenary during a relaxed hike. In order to join us you will need to complete a registration form (you can't just turn up on the day) so we have details for those participating. You can register via the Church Center App or the link below:

Men's Hike Registration Form

Please note that all participants must be 18 years and above. Registration for participation will close at 5pm on the Friday before the hike.

Please ensure you have read the full walk details below prior to registration.

Parking Location:

• what3words = fortunate.direction.weeps
• OS grid ref. = SO 056 176
• Google maps = https://maps.app.goo.gl/V7rvh1kKr55gaxcq8 
• While the car park is reasonably big, it does get busy later in the day so car sharing where possible is advised.

Proposed Timings:

0800 – Depart Cardiff (based on time to drive from Highfields, adjust accordingly for your own travel start point).

0900 – Meet at the car parking location above.

0915 – Start hiking.

1300-1345 – Finish hiking.

1400 – Optional post hike drink / meal at The Butcher’s Arms in Pontsticill. 

TBC – Arrive back in Cardiff (will vary depending on whether we go for a drink / meal or not) 

Individual Kit List:

• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• Hiking socks (or other socks you know won’t cause rubs)
• Hiking trousers / shorts (or other suitable legwear – jeans and other heavy fabrics not recommended)
• Spare shoes and socks for journey back (in event of wet / muddy boots / feet)
• Plastic bag for wet / muddy kit on journey back
• T-shirt or base-layer top
• Fleece or other mid-layer top
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over-trousers (would not recommend only wearing these, but good to have in the backpack)
• Wooly hat or cap (as weather dictates)
• Gloves (if weather dictates)
• Sunglasses (fingers crossed!)
• Suncream (fingers crossed!)
• Personal water supply (recommend at least 750ml, ideally more like 1.0 - 1.5l)
• Personal snack supply
• Backpack to carry snacks, layers, water, etc.
• Waterproof cover or liner for backpack (or just a plastic bag inside)
• Mobile phone
• A sense of adventure!

Route Overview:

• Distance = 5.0 miles (~8.0 km)
• Elevation = 1350 ft (~410 m)
• Estimated time = 2.5 - 3.5 hrs
• https://www.komoot.com/tour/1789542324?share_token=az3v8Uq46fj69TJCZbW1nUqC7AdBxZ4QxrtJvNFx5m80VLrrbh&ref=wtd 
  
  

• Parking is down the gravel track and over the cattle grid at marker (1) on the map.
• The walk starts off by climbing a moderate incline on rough cut steps and walking paths alongside waterfalls and a stream, taking you above the woods and onto the open mountainside above. This is the primary climb for the majority of the walk. 
• Once the summit of Craig y Fan Ddu is reached at map marker (2) is reached the path flattens out and widens, tracking the edge of the ridgeline with great views over the surrounding hills and valleys.
• At map marker (3) you reach the head of the valley and the intersection of various other mountain paths. Views over the other side of the ridge towards Brecon open up to the North. 
• Taking the lower path option, traverse along the slopes of Carn Pica passing the wreckage of / memorial to the Canadian Wellington bomber crew from WWII at map marker (4). 
• Join the grassy path at map marker (5) as it heads back down the hillside to join the river in the base of the valley. At map marker (6) take a left turn and follow the narrow path as it tracks the river and waterfalls down the valley. The upper parts of this path can get boggy at times!
• Cross over the wooden footbridge at map marker (7) and join the well-defined tourist path that heads up into the woods on the far side of the river. 
• At map marker (8) take a right turn and climb back up to the car park on the narrower walking path that ascends alongside another stream with waterfalls. This final climb has a couple of steeper sections, but nothing worse than what has already been completed in the first climb of the day.