powysramblers.org.uk

A well-trodden footpath up a mountain in the Brecon Beacons is being rebuilt with the help of a helicopter air lift.

Stones are being ferried from a nearby quarry to Cwm Sere, the main ridge path on the eastern side of 2,907ft (886m) Pen-y-Fan.

The rocks will be used to restore footpaths that have been eroded by thousands of walking boots and the weather.

The paths are on land owned by the National Trust.

A spokesperson explained: "A total of 160 tonnes of rock will be transported to the mountainside on Friday and Saturday.

"The path will remain open while the work is underway and we have posted stewards on the mountain to ensure the safety of walkers while the work is underway."

Walkers in mid-Wales who normally rely on their electronic gizmos for guidance need to pack a map and compass this autumn.

The Ministry of Defence will be conducting jamming exercises on the Global Positioning System signal in September, which could render GPS receivers useless for a time. The exercise will be run over five days.

Ofcom, which oversees radio communications in Britain, says the MoD has informed it the GPS signals will be jammed for limited periods between 9am and 5pm starting Monday 7 September until Friday 11 September. The affected area is within 5km of the Sennybridge Training Area, on the Mynydd Epynt.

Much of the area, between Llanwrtyd Wells and the Brecon Beacons national park boundary, is given over to an artillery range and military training area, but there are numerous rights of way across the land, including the Epynt Way, a permissive bridleway around the perimeter of the training area.

Information during the jamming exercise can be obtained from the trial manager on 07766 134520 or from the Sennybridge operations point on 01874 635461.

Thanks to Grough and Outdoors Magic for first highlighting this issue.

Image via Wikipedia

The Brecon Beacons National Park have produced audio trails available from their website.  These are described as
“your personal guide to exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Fforest Fawr Geopark “
What are audio trails?
Audio trails are recorded guides that you can download onto your MP3 player, iPod, mobile phone or PDA [...]

For all Ramblers members there is a basic footpath workshop on July 18th.  The day should be a good refresher for volunteers who are already involved with footpath work but would be equally suitable for Ramblers members who would like to learn more about getting involved with volunteering. No previous experience is required.
It is [...]

The latest newsletter from the Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust is now available for download.  Go to download link on left hand side of page.
The Elenydd is an area in the southern Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales, between Llanwrtyd Wells and Tregaron. It is a wild and beautiful place, with silence broken only by a gurgling stream, [...]

From Ramblers’ Association Group News
In order to raise the profile of the Ramblers and reach out to new audiences , we have recently embarked on a new partnership with the outdoor retailer “Cotswold Outdoor”
The aim of the partnership is to increase take up of Ramblers membership through various promotions in Cotswold stores (e.g. sale [...]

Ramblers Cymru are conducting a survey on the volunteering aspects of Ramblers’ work.
Your contribution would be greatly appreciated. We want to get the widest possible response and would appreciate you encouraging other members of Ramblers Cymru to take part. Your response will be invaluable in helping us to understand more about volunteering within the organisation [...]

A successful AGM was held on the 18th January at the Offa’s Dyke Centre, Knighton. The day began with 10 or so members joining for a 5-6 mile walk the Teme Valley before climbing up to Offa’s Dyke Path above Skyborry Green.  From here we had glorious views of the Mid Wales Hills and Knucklas [...]

Image via Wikipedia

Coastal local authorities in Wales are now developing proposals to extend access along the Welsh coast. In Ceredigion proposals will seek to build on the access opportunities developed between Cardigan and Ynyslas through the Ceredigion Coast Path project (Objective 1).
A consultation report sets out ideas for the development of a of a high [...]

Image by theladsweekend via Flickr

The BMC has published its new Green Guide to the Uplands; a good practice guide for walkers, climbers and mountaineers.
This booklet contains essential information on the mountain environment and how BMC members can do their best to care for the fragile upland landscape. It contains general information on access, conservation, [...]