What better thing to do on a winter’s day than get out walking in the glorious countryside around Abergavenny? Whenever I’m out walking with friends, at least one of us will remark on how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful area, with the hills on our doorstep and superb views in every direction. Even when the sun isn't shining, it's still a great place to be.
The week-long Crickhowell Walking Festival is coming up soon, with a panoply of walks graded from easy (no steep climbs) to very strenuous (only to be attempted by very experienced walkers). The walks are led by people who have a wealth of local knowledge to share, and are complemented by talks and musical events in the evenings.
The organisers have also thought about setting up opportunities for walkers to get together over a drink in the evenings and have set up “social hubs” where a table is reserved in a different pub each night for festival-goers. It's a great way to round off a cracking day spent outside in the fresh air. Establishments taking part include the 16th century Nantyffin Cider Mill, situated beside the A40 just west of Crickhowell, and the Dragon Inn in the centre of the town (almost opposite Book-ish).
The Festival runs from 25th February to 4th March, but don’t delay over booking - people come from far and wide for this popular festival and several of the walks are already fully booked. Go to www.crickhowellfestival.com for all the details, including information about a photography competition in which the prizes are walking boots!
Meanwhile, there’s a friendly local group you can meet up with for easy local walks. The Abergavenny Walking for Health Groups meet at the URC Church in Castle Street at 10.30 every Wednesday, and always welcomes new walkers.
There are several excellent suppliers in Crickhowell and Abergavenny for acquiring the right footwear and weatherproof gear, so you have no excuse. It's well known that walking is good for your overall health, very sociable and curiously addictive. Make 2012 the year you get to grips with the outdoors!