12 stunning South Wales Argus Camera Club pictures
There are photos of everything from stunning scenes and popular landmarks to the local flora and fauna.
Here are 12 of their latest pictures that we absolutely love!
If you would like to join the camera club and have your pictures featured, search South Wales Argus Camera Club on Facebook.
Male great spotted woodpecker at Llandegfedd (Image: Michael Fullagar) Canada goose in Torfaen (Image: Roslynne Eaton) Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon (Image: Wayne Barham) Blackbird in Cwmbran (Image: Nicky Deacon) Easter scene near Fourteen Locks (Image: Rebecca Smith) Pontypool Park bandstand and blossom (Image: Gina Bacchioni) Pluto at Pen-Y-Fan Pond (Image: Stephen Davies) Common sandpiper on the mud banks of the River Wye in Chepstow (Image: Andrew Thomas) Pheasant in Abergavenny (Image: Angela Shipp) Caerwent south facing defensive tower (Image: Marie Coombes) Heron and sheep at Goldcliff (Image: Larry Wilkie) Model boat on the boating lake (Image: Ken Mitchell)
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Wales Online
3 minutes ago
- Wales Online
The woodland walk that ends with a ruined abbey and a lovely coffee shop
The woodland walk that ends with a ruined abbey and a lovely coffee shop This five-mile route offers glorious views of the Wye River and the surrounding landscape and includes the passage through Tidenham Tunnel The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of my favourite walks is a scenic five-mile stroll in the beautiful Wye Valley. The Wye Valley borders England and Wales and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's a peaceful part of Wales with rolling countryside, attractive market towns, hiking trails, mountains and outdoor activities. You can crisscross seamlessly from Wales into England and easily explore this well-heeled area. If you want a walk with river views, woodlands, an ancient abbey, and a lovely café, the Wye Valley Walk between Chepstow and Tintern is a great shout. Stomp along the Wye Valley Greenway, a shared-use path that follows the disused Wye Valley Railway. The five-mile route offers glorious views of the Wye River and the surrounding landscape and includes Tidenham Tunnel. This stretch is part of the longer Wye Valley Walk, a 136-mile national trail that follows the course of the River Wye and includes some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. One of the area's most natural features is the flowing River Wye. This meandering river begins in Plynlimon in mid-Wales and flows south, becoming part of the border between Wales and England and eventually meeting the Severn. You can choose various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes, or opt for a full walking holiday and do the lot. Article continues below If you don't fancy trekking the entire trail, the Chepstow to Tintern section isn't too taxing if you're an experienced walker and takes you on a winding track where you'll spot wildlife and heritage features. Chepstow to Tintern walk The walk starts near Chepstow Castle, Wales' oldest surviving post-Roman castle that dates back to 1067. (Image: getty ) You have two options for this walk. You can start at Chepstow and walk linearly to Tintern, then get a bus back to your starting point of Chepstow. Alternatively, you could do a 12.5-mile circular walk, which links the Wye Valley Greenway path from Sedbury to Tintern with the Wye Valley Walk between Tintern and Chepstow. I prefer the longer circular route, so I'll include some features and highlights of this walk below. Your walk begins in the border town of Chepstow, a major medieval powerhouse with its Norman castle strategically built along a limestone cliff overlooking the meandering River Wye. Known as 'the gateway of Wales,' Chepstow derives from the old English 'chepe stowe', meaning a marketplace. Today, the small, historic town retains its cobbled streets and has an impressive variety of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs. To follow the route, download the All Trails app and search for nearby routes or print out this PDF of the route and let it guide you. Wye Valley is one of Wales' most beautiful landscapes (Image: Fine and Country, Brecon ) Along the route, look out for resident wildlife like Red Kites, dippers and herons. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Kingfisher or otter if you venture near the river. From the town centre, the trail will take you past Chepstow Castle, a beautifully preserved Welsh castle that proudly stands atop a limestone cliff above the River Wye, having stood the test of time. For more than six centuries, Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages. The Castle building was started in 1067 by Earl William Fitz Osbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn, William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk), and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War. The oldest building is the Norman Great Tower, but construction continued well into the 17th century as stronger, musket-friendly parapets replaced medieval battlements. Today, visitors can learn more about this historic site that Cadw now manages by visiting this impressive castle on a day trip or booking one of their special events. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here From the castle, the route heads to Old Chepstow Bridge, which offers views across the Castle and downriver towards the mouth of the Wye. Take a steep footpath, signed Gloucestershire Way, up between two walls until you reach a path signposted Offa's Dyke, another long distant trail. Continue onwards on the Greenway link path. Follow this route onto Sedbury Lane, then continue until you cross a bridge over the main railway line before reaching the old Snipehill Railway Bridge. The Chepstow to Tintern Abbey walk is full of blooms and wildlife (Image: Portia Jones ) At the bridge, you'll take a signed stony track to the right to join the start of the Wye Valley Greenway, where you'll be spoiled with views across to the Severn Estuary. The Wye Valley Greenway footpath and cycle route follows the former Wye Valley Railway line for 5 miles between Sedbury and Tintern. Continue towards the Tidenham tunnel on the old Wye Valley railway. This eerie tunnel closed in 1959, but trains continued to use this line section until 1981 when freight was carried from Tintern Quarry. It's closed at night and completely closed from October to March 31st to protect the roosting bats. Check opening times on the signs at the start of the Greenway to avoid a detour. Continue on the Greenway to Tintern. As you get closer to Tintern, you'll get teasing glimpses of Tintern Abbey across the river. Keep following the route, passing the old Abbey Mill (now a cafe and shops), and you'll soon reach The Filling Station cafe. Here, you'll find freshly brewed coffee, teas, cakes and light meals, and you can rest your weary legs. Near the cafe is Tintern Abbey, one of our greatest monastic ruins, the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, and the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain. Tintern Abbey is an incredible place to explore, and it looks even more impressive when the sun's out (Image: Portia Jones ) It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and has a long history, including the dissolution of the monasteries, which led to the abbey slowly turning into a majestic ruin. Today, you can visit this important heritage site in Wales and marvel at the scale of the roofless abbey and the British Gothic architecture. Tickets can be bought on arrival at the visitor centre, and a selection of guidebooks can help you learn more about this beautiful abbey. At this point of the walk, you can either head back to Chepstow via public transport (if two drivers are walking the route, you can always park one car in Chepstow and one in Tintern) If you take the circular route, you'll pass "Limekilns Catch" and spot a small path leading to an old Tintern Limekiln used from the 1700s to 1902. You'll also be treated to an utter highlight of the walk, the Eagle's Nest viewpoint. Eagle's Nest Viewpoint overlooking the Wye Valley (Image: Gemma Wood ) This retro stone viewing platform was constructed in 1828 by the Duke of Beaufort. Originally a double-decker platform, access to the lower platform was removed in 2010 for safety reasons. Article continues below On the edge of the steep Wyndcliff, 700ft above the Wye, this is the highest point of the Piercefield Walks with outstanding views of the Lancaut peninsula and Wintour's Leap beyond, with the river curving downstream to Chepstow Castle and the Severn estuary. Stop here for a rest, soak up the view, and get some epic snaps for your socials. From Eagle's Nest, you'll descend 365 steps to the Lower Wyndcliff and continue back towards Chepstow via picnic areas and woodlands, where you'll finish this lovely walk.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands
The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands Get ready to spot resident deer on this lovely park bike ride Margam Country Park covers around 850 acres (Image: Getty Images ) With a gothic castle, free-roaming deer and gorgeous views, Margam Park in Port Talbot is loved by many and is the perfect place for a bike ride this summer. Set in 1,000 acres of glorious parklands, Margam Country Park offers natural beauty, history, wildlife, and a wide range of fun activities and facilities, making it one of the best days out in Wales for all the family. This historic 850-acre estate is set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to 349m. The estate's history can be traced back to prehistoric times, with Bronze and Iron Age relics and evidence of Roman and extensive Celtic occupation. According to their website, Margam's very own deer herd was probably introduced by the Romans. It's also home to Grade I listed gardens and landscapes, biking and hiking trails, wildlife, a Norman Abbey and Margam Castle—a grand Victorian mansion—and an impressive 18th-century orangery. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The castle is a 19th-century Tudor Gothic mansion designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot. The outbuildings around the castle courtyard house the visitor centre and park administration, and during the summer months, the Great Hallway is on display to the public. Article continues below One of the best activities in Margam Park is mountain biking. You can cycle around the park on tarmac roads and rough tracks to a fantastic viewpoint. The park is part of the National Cycle Network, The Celtic Trail Route 4, which runs across South Wales and through the North of the Park. Here, you'll find several trails, including a waymarked mountain bike trail and a family cycle trail if you are biking with the little ones. The park is part of the National Cycle Network (Image: Portia Jones ) The family trail is an easy cycle along mostly flat tarmac paths. It passes close to the adventure playground, farm trail, and open parklands. Kids will love stopping off on the farm trail to meet the animals and use the animal feed stations. Here, you'll find a range of adorable animals, from pygmy goats and ponies to alpacas, rabbits, pedigree sheep, Glamorgan cattle and donkeys. The mountain bike trail is a relatively short 2.3 miles and includes a challenging ascent halfway up Margam Mountain. Along this scenic route, you might spot the resident deer. According to the Margam website, the famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, including Red and rare Pere David deer. If you visit during the rutting season (typically between September and November), the male deer, or stags, compete for dominance and the right to mate with females. During this rather dramatic period, you'll hear them roaring, parallel walking, and even fighting with antlers. Definitely have your camera ready, and don't get too close. These are wild animals, and we want to keep them that way. The famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, (Image: Getty Images - Lea Scaddan ) As you wind your way through the track, you'll start a bumpy ascent up Margam Mountain; this is where an e-bike comes in really handy for those burning thighs! If you don't have your own, you can rent bikes from Margam Park Adventure, which runs a range of activities. As you climb up, you'll have fabulous views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The trail then levels off and returns on a steep descent onto the Cwm Phillips access road with a return ride to the castle, reputedly one of the most haunted places in the UK. If you love history and ghosts, definitely take a tour of this spooky spot after your bike ride. Margam Castle is part of Margam Country Park (Image: Robert Melen ) Visitors to this 19th-century Gothic mansion in Neath Port Talbot have long shared eerie tales of spectral figures, unexplained laughter, and objects that seem to move of their own accord. From the Bronze Age through Roman times and later the founding of the Cistercian Abbey in the 12th century, this site has seen centuries of human life—and, perhaps, lingering spirits. The castle, built between 1830 and 1840 by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, is a striking example of Tudor-Gothic architecture and is hauntingly beautiful. The Talbot family owned the estate until 1942, when the castle fell into disrepair following a devastating fire in 1977. The council owns the property today, and ongoing restoration work ensures its grandeur is preserved. Despite the fire's destruction, many original features remain, from the intricate stone carvings to the elegant stained glass windows, which date back to when the house was built almost 200 years ago. While the castle impresses with its architecture and history, its eerie ghost stories draw in thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Margam Castle's ghostly reputation has attracted paranormal investigators from across the globe (Image: Getty ) The most infamous spirit of Margam Castle is Robert Scott, a gamekeeper who was murdered on the estate—some say by a poacher, others by an escaped convict. His presence is said to rage through the castle and the estate to this day. Scott is frequently spotted making a determined ascent up the Gothic staircase that leads to the Castle. His presence is a recurring theme among psychic investigators, who all agree that his spirit seethes with fury, unable to rest after his untimely and unjust death. The castle isn't the only historic sight, as Margam Country Park has long been a place of religious and historical significance. Here, you'll find Margam Abbey, founded in 1147, which was an important Cistercian monastery until its dissolution in 1536. This remarkable abbey now serves as a parish church. The small Margam Stones Museum, located next door to the medieval abbey church, is also well worth a visit. Here, you'll find a remarkable collection of nearly 30 inscribed stones and crosses, some dating from the early days of Christianity in sixth-century Wales. They originally stood as milestones on Roman roads or, in one case, on top of a Bronze Age barrow. If you love history, this is a must-visit. Want to make a day of it? Margam has plenty of events throughout the year where you can enjoy special activities or stay after dark at one of their chilling Halloween events or ghost hunting events. Check out their website for more details. Need to know Article continues below
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island
And how to find the world's longest coastal path in the UK JOG ON The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're looking for the UK's most beautiful beachfront walks, you're in luck. Conde Nast Traveller has revealed their top coastal strolls across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Here are the best seaside walks across the UK Credit: Alamy 4 Studland Beach was named one of the best in the UK Credit: Alamy One of the best named is Osea Island, a private island in Essex which has been visited by a number of A-Listers. Rihanna, Stormzy and Daniel Radcliffe have all been spotted there, although the public can stay by booking a night at one of the hotels or cottages. They said: "In the middle of the Blackwater Estuary, with faint echoes of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, sits 380-acre Osea, reachable only around low tide along an ancient Roman causeway." The island has been owned by Nigel Frieda for more than 20 years, a music producer behind The Rolling Stones and Sugababes. Read more on walks HIKE ON UK's best winter walks with a pub en route revealed - is your local on the list? Earlier this year, the island went on the market for £25million which includes the entire island as well as all of the hotels on it. Also dubbed the English Necker Island, it is great for nature lovers due to the abundance of wildlife and fauna. Prices for the hotels start from £300, or you can splash out £35,000 to rent the whole island. Osea Island is not the only beautiful walking route that was praised by the experts. In regard to Lythe, Sandsend, they wrote: "There's something a bit magical about the place. "In these parts, it's possible to beach hang, fossil hunt, forage, rock pool, and explore more of the North York Moors." Scotland's West Highland Way: A Global Hiking Gem Ravenscar in Scarborough made the cut, for it's "huge, breathtaking views" and "prosperous wildlife". Studland Bay, in Dorset also made the list, with walks alongside the Jurassic Coast cliffs. They also listed Ynys Gifftan in Wales, praising the "lush uninhabited isle". You can only visit for a few hours a day, due to the ide, but the walk has views of the huge Snowdonia. 4 St Ninian's Isle was a top spot Credit: Getty And in Scotland, St Ninian's Isle was listed for its "fine sand that slowly disappears as the tide rises," along with the "romantic" Erraid, also in Scotland. Last year, a 2,700-mile walking route was finally complete, making it the longest coastal path in the world. The King Charles III England Coast Path stretches from the Scottish border to the Cornish coast. There is even a walk that in the UK that people say looks more like Canada. Here are some other UK walks that all have a pub along the way. And we spoke to a man who has walked thousands of miles across the UK - here is his favourite.
