Fancy walking the Caerphilly Mountains?

Gay Outdoor Club stride out for December hike

The Caerphilly Mountain Walk is organised by the Gay Outdoor Club's South Wales group (Photograph: The Gay Outdoor Club)

If you fancy a healthier alternative to eating mince pies and drinking mulled wine this run-up to Christmas, then why not blow the cobwebs away with the Caerphilly mountain walk?

The walk takes place on 17 December and is organised by the Gay Outdoor Club’s (GOC) South Wales group. The six and a half mile hike promises superb views throughout and incorporates ancient woodlands, farmlands, open countryside, streams and a limestone quarry.

Huw James, co-ordinator for the South Wales GOC group said, “The pace is more often leisurely with the focus on enjoying the views and the company.”

The group walks take place once a month and attract anything from five to 30 people. “Each event is organised by a member who has a walk they wish to share,” he continued.

There’s more…

The walk will start at 11am from the Caerphilly Mountain car park at the Mountain Shack Snack Bar off the A469 (brown signposts point the way). Walkers need to bring a packed lunch and wrap up warm and if anyone wants to bring a dog please ensure they are on a lead. If the weather is poor then the walk will be cancelled so check with the organiser before setting out. For further information contact Huw James on 0787637866.

Gay Outdoor Club

The Gay Outdoor Club is the activity club for gay men, women and their friends. It’s a members club which means nobody is paid for their role or makes a profit from it. Member are welcome to play a part in running the club, perhaps by organising an event, by helping to run a group or serving on the committee.

The South Wales co-ordinator Huw James explained that for many members, GOC is more than just a walking group. The events give people a lot of enjoyment and has resulted in enduring friendships or partnerships. Because GOC is a member’s club, it’s the members who run the club and all of its events.

The South Wales group was established in 2000 and meets on the last weekend of the month for a moderate walk of between six and eight miles. Currently the group has a lot more men than women but are working to change this. Walking is the main activity of this group, although other activities are offered in other regions of the GOC. Non-members are welcome to join for a couple of walks, before joining. Web membership is £12.

The GOC website lists events, groups, news and much more.

If you would like to get in touch with your regional group then the website contact page is the best way to do this.