The ancient market town of Talgarth is an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park on foot, particularly as it forms the “Gateway to the Black Mountains”. Visitors are offered a taste of our town and the wonderful walking opportunities we have on our doorstep. We hope that you thoroughly enjoy your experience with us and return to our town in the near future.
Talgarth’s third Walking Festival will be held 1st – 4th May 2015 – tickets on sales now.
The festival programme has a variety of walks and events for all ages, from full day walks to town walks lasting a little over an hour.
Here are our top picks, but check out the full programme which can be downloaded here
Friday 1st May
19:00 Talk by James Cresswell on his life at the Poles
Local polar expedition guide James Cresswell has over 50 trips to his credit in Antarctica, Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard, Russian Arctic, and the Geographic North Pole. Share his photos and stories of polar bears, penguins, giant seas, towering icebergs, incredible rock formations, helicopters, ice-breakers and a changing climate. Hear about some of the famous people he has taken on his trips. The talk will be held at Gwernyfed Rugby Club, followed by the reception with light refreshments, supplied by the Strand Cafe.
Saturday 2nd May
Pengenffordd to Hay with Havard Prosser 09:00 – 17:00
The walk ascends the Dragon’s Back and then heads toward Y Das at the top of the
Northern Escarpment of the Black Mountains. We cross Rhos Dirion and Twmpa to
reach Hay Bluff, where the route turns north to cross the common and fields to Hay.
The Witches Pool Challenge Jan & Rob Hughes
Enter a team of up to 4 people to do a circular walk with a quiz to complete along the
way. Sausage and Mash on your return at Tower Hotel – included in the price. Trophy
for the winning team. Book in advance or on the day. If short of team members, come
along and form a team on the day. *Lunch included on your return.
Sunday 3rd May
Crickhowell to Talgarth Matt Morris 09:00 – 17.00
This strenuous walk starts at Crickhowell and follows the westerly ridge of the Black Mountains. The route provides spectacular viewpoints of the Brecon Beacons, Sugar
Loaf and the ridges and plateau of the Black Mountains. We start by climbing to
Crug Hywel overlooking the Usk valley. We will head for the limestone top of Pen
Cerrig-calch, to follow the ridge to Pen Allt-mawr and beyond. We descend
gradually to cross the Y Crib ridge, making our way through the lanes and tracks to
Talgarth via part of Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve.
A Mountain, a Ridge and a Chapel Rob Hughes 09.30 – 15.30
After ascending Y Das (ascent of 370m) we walk along the ridge to the top of Twmpa
(ascent of 70m) with lovely views along the way. Down to open common land and on
to Pen-yr-Heol Chapel. From here the footpath leads through fields to Rhos Fawr
Common, which we cross and return to Rhos Fach.
Bwlch to Talgarth Havard Prosser 10.00 – 16.00
The route heads north east along the ridge to Mynydd Llangorse with good views of
the Beacons and Llangorse Lake. We descend to Cockit Hill, and depending on our
energy levels we either climb Mynydd Troed or traverse around it, and then descend
to Talgarth through the fields and lanes.
There is also a short programme of evening events, including a talk on polar travels, the locally based film “On the Black Hill”, a RSPB talk on local natural history and a quiz.
Melin Talgarth Mill will be the Festival Hub, providing a meeting and information point for the duration of the weekend. It will be the place to check out late
availability on walks, meet off duty walk leaders, and catch up with friends old and new.
Looking to stay? Details about the range of accommodation in and around Talgarth are available from the website
To book Go to www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org
The Brecon Beacons is full of wonderful walks to find out more go to here
Brecon Beacons Tourism 
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