Garth Mountain leisure walk
13 people attending
1 place left
Join Outdoor Lads for a fantastic Saturday walk to the top of Garth Mountain.
This event run as part of the Cardiff City Break although everyone is welcome.
The walk will start and finish at Taff Wells Railway station just north of Cardiff.
For those of you on the Cardiff City Break please take the 10:07 train from Llandaff which arrives into Taff Wells at 10:15.
The walk begins in the village of Taff's Well and follows the well signposted Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk to the 307 m (1,007 ft) summit. Here you can enjoy fantastic views of Cardiff, the Bristol Channel and the Taff Valley. You will also find a number of burial sites dating from the early to middle Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. You descend on country lanes, crossing the River Taff and finishing back in Taff's Well.
The hill is thought to be the inspiration for the fictional hill featured in the 1995 film 'The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain' starring Hugh Grant.
The whole route is a little over 7km. The first and last km or so is on a pavement and the rest is a footpath/well trodden trail.
This walk is designed for those without a car and the start and finish is a railway station with plentiful access from Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys. There's also parking at the station if anyone is driving.
We will meet on the northbound platform of Taff Wells at 10:15am and finish around 3:30/4pm depending on our speed.
We will stop for lunch on the route (there are no pubs/shops on the walk, so please bring food) and there is a social in Cardiff the same evening.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?
We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like.
If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads website.
All photos are from Visit Wales/The leaders own work and are free to use for the purpose of this event.
What to bring
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch and snacks.
Please bring plenty of water, ideally 1.5 to 2L.
For those returning to the city by train there will be an opportunity for post walk drinks once the walk is over should people wish and there is a social that evening too.