THE summer holidays are upon us so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to stretch your legs and enjoy a walk. From full-on hikes in the middle of natural environments to short strolls nearer urban areas, there is something for everyone.
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons. One of the most popular walking locations in Wales, there are multiple walks to the summit of Pen y Fan. At 886m tall, it is the highest peak in South Wales, but novice walkers need not be put off by this. There are relatively easy routes to the top such as the route beginning from Pont ar Daf or more picturesque routes such as the route beginning from Cwm Llwch.
Parc Penallta. Picture: Hajnalka Csilik CAR parking charges are being axed at five Caerphilly council-owned country parks. The county borough council’s cabinet agreed yesterday to remove the existing pay and display fees in five of the authority’s country parks. This follows on from a recent decision to extend free parking at council-owned car parks in towns across the county borough until the end of March. That move is intended, to support key workers and to encourage residents to shop local. It is being stressed by the council however, that people must continue to follow the current restrictions governing travel to take exercise, and the new fee-free parking arrangements should only be made the most of after the rules have been eased or removed.
It is suggested that charges should start at 70p for one hour, as they currently do at most car parks except for those at Oakfield Street in Ystrad Mynach and The Twyn in Caerphilly. The council has currently suspended charges at pay and display town centre car parks until at least March 31 to help businesses hit by coronavirus restrictions and support residents in “staying local” for shopping. Charges introduced at five country parks in 2014 should also be removed to recognise health benefits to residents, it is said. Charges would be scrapped at Bargoed Woodland park, Parc Cwm Darran, Parc Penallta, Pen-y-Fan Pond and Sirhowy Valley Country Park, where free parking is currently offered due to the coronavirus pandemic.