Wales Outdoors Social Hikes

Wales Outdoors have launched social hikes on the first Saturday of every month in 2025, currently up to August. These walks are for experienced and improving hikers who might be looking for a walking group to join regularly. See details of the 6 walks scheduled from March to August - just choose the corresponding ticket :) 

Saturday 1 March: Senghenydd Dyke Circuit

A circular walk taking in many locations of historical note. The route follows a 13th century dyke and we'll visit along the way cairns, a church dedicated to one of the least known Welsh saints and we'll have great views of the Senghenydd Valley, taking time to reflect that the worst coal mine disaster in Wales was here, in 1913.

This walk is 18 km with 450 m of ascent, so a tough day but one that ends with the promise of a visit to a cafe or pub for a warm up and a cuppa :)

Start location: Llanbradach Railway Station 

Saturday 5 April: Chartists Cave and Trefil Quarry

This is a hike with a pub lunch half way round (lunch not included in the cost of attending) and it's a top pub too, situated in the highest village in Wales!

This hike is limited to 10 people as we need to book a table at the Top House. Therefore, if you are certain that you are attending please let me know you have paid the fee.

We'll meet at Blaenonneu Quarry Car Park and visit the rough common land of Mynydd Llangynidr, taking in these sites:

Blaenonneu Quarry

The Chartists Cave

Garn Fawr Cairn

Trefil Quarry

The Top House (pub in highest village in Wales)

Shake Holes galore

The Cambrian Way

It's all about the industrial (past and present) and political past of this wild and windswept upland area that divides the South Wales Valleys from the Brecon Beacons National Park and Mid Wales... You will climb 350m over 17km, and this is, in the main, gently done. 

Start location: Blaenonneu Quarry Car Park 

Saturday 3 May: Llangattock Escarpment Circuit

Visit the rough common land of Mynydd Llangatwg, taking in these sites along the way:

Blaenonneu Quarry

Cairns of Mynydd Llangatwg

Darren Cilau

Egleys Faen Cave (bring a torch)

The Cambrian Way

Craig y Castell Crags

It's a little about the industrial past of this wild and windswept upland area that divides the South Wales Valleys from the Brecon Beacons National Park and Mid Wales... But... Mostly it's the dramatic landscapes and sweeping views that make this a WOW day-long hike ? You will climb 300m over 16km, and this is, in the main, gently done. 

Start location: Blaenonneu Quarry Car Park 

Saturday 7 June: Half Day hike Pen y Fan by routes less travelled

This walk is 11km and has 600m of ascent... You have been warned ;)

Following the Taff up to its source, a route we'll have to ourselves, some may get wet feet so good boots are a must. Then it's the steep climb to Corn Du and onto Pen y Fan, taking in the views, seeking out the fossil beach, and getting some fine Instagram-worthy snaps. It's then off piste once again and we'll have the mountain to ourselves as we hilariously slide down steep slopes on our backsides. 

Start location: Pont ar Daf Car Park 

Saturday 5 July: Margam Abbey and Kenfig Sands

Guided tour at Margam Abbey (please make a donation)

Margam Stones Museum

Tata Steel

Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir

Wales Coast Path

Margam Burrows

Kenfig Sands (bring your bathers for a swim!)

Kenfig Pool

Kenfig Castle

It's a little about the industrial past (and present), a lot about the ancient past (mostly medieval) and a good deal of playing in the sand and having a dip or two ? You will climb 60m over 19km, and this is, in the main, gently done. 

Start location: Pyle Railway Station

Saturday 2 August: Hidden Cilfynydd 

A circular walk taking in many locations of historical note. The route is not known to anyone but locals and takes in the high ground to the east of Pontypridd and above Cilfynydd, visits Llechwen Hall for a lunchtime drink and or snack and spends the afternoon exploring a hidden and dramatic quarry before returning via the Taff Trail. 

This walk is 18 km with 530 m of ascent, so a tough day but one with plenty of interest and a pub half way round.

Start location: Pontypridd Railway Station 

Know before you go

These walks will take place rain or shine

You will climb varying levels of assent on each hike detailed in each description please take note of this and know your own ability. 

Andy may bring his dog with him. If this is an issue for you please let us know

Although most levels of fitness can be accommodated please be sensible when booking and know your own ability.