Hafod Walk

Walk around Hafod Wednesday 15th June

Thank you to Alison Lochhead our Artistic Support for forwarding details of this wonderful walk for AFG members to enjoy.  The day will consist of a leisurely walk of about four miles in total, with frequent stops for talks and performances. Many (though not all) of these will happen during the first part of the day, so participants could leave earlier if desired. We will aim to have a late...ish lunch (bring a picnic) about 1.15. We will be following marked paths, but please be aware that some of these are steep and slippery – more so in the afternoon when we head up to the Cascade. There is no charge for the day, but contributions towards Eglwys Newydd and Hafod Trust would be welcome. There is NO mobile phone coverage: nearest landline is Hafod Estate Offices. Bring anoraks, sun-cream and midge-spray!  Besides the scheduled talks there will be more impromptu readings / songs as we walk. Any further queries please contact mary-ann.constantine@cymru.ac.uk.

10.30: Gather at Eglwys Newydd church: parking and toilet available. The Friends of Eglwys Newydd have organized a small exhibition and are kindly offering tea and coffee. The artist Sarah Byfield may be showing some of her maps.  

10.50: Jennie MacVe: welcome on behalf of the Hafod Trust 

11. 00: Martin Crampin: Stained glass at Eglwys Newydd

11.20:  Easy walk down (part of the Lady’s Walk) from church to Estates office (20-30 minutes)

11.50 – 12.30: Short talks by Peter Wakelin (the painter John Piper at Hafod) and Peter Stevenson (current film project on stories from the area).   

12.30 – 12.50: Outside the ruins of the house: landscape archaeologist Andy Peters on the Treescapes at Hafod. 

12.50 -1.10 Easy walk to Mrs Johnes’ Flower Garden. Picnic here if nice, and a chance to explore the work of artist Christine Watkins, who will be making a labyrinth on the grass.

Short talk by Michael Freeman on tourists to Wales.

2.15 pm: Walk (20-30 minutes) from garden, over bridge and loop right, cutting diagonally up to Gentleman’s Walk, and along to the wooded knoll by Pant Melyn. 

2.45: Short talk by Mary-Ann Constantine on Iolo Morganwg’s visit to Hafod in 1799.

3pm onwards. From here people can visit the Cavern Cascade (10 minutes’ walk) in small groups – note the path is steep and slippery.

3.30: Option to head directly or indirectly back to Church – the latter route will take in the Chain Bridge and the newly restored Gothic arch, and will probably add 20-30 minutes to the walk.

4-4.30 return to Eglwys Newydd and depart.

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