"Clwb Cerdded Crwydro Caron(CCCC) was set up back in 2003 when a group of keen walkers and mountaineers, devised a series of eight walks around the Tregaron area.

These walks were very well supported and some of the organisers eventually attended a six-day course to improve and develop their skills as Mountain Leaders. This training was organised by the local community development group Curiad Caron Cyf. and was funded by the Communities First Trust Fund. During this training course - and over a pint or two in a pub in the Brecon Beacons - it was decided to set up a club. Of course, a club needs officials and after a little persuasion and coaxing, it was decided who would do what and when.

Over Christmas 2003, the club organised its first official outing - the Tackle the Turkey Trek. Up to 60 people gathered in Tregaron Square to burn off those additional calories which crop up around the festive season. This was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the club but it also demonstrated that there was a demand locally for a walking club.

For 2004, CCCC organised a total of 14 guided walks - leisurely local rambles as well as trips further afield to Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire and, of course, the Brecon Beacons!

By the end of 2004, the club was well and truly established with 72 members of varying ages and walking abilities. It was noticeable that some of our members didn't live locally - they were either visitors or lived outside the Tregaron area. It was decided therefore to have a motto for the club - 'Serving the local community - responding to visitors needs'.

There were often calls for new challenges and CCCC therefore decided to organise several trips up Snowdon, offering many people their first chance of reaching the summit. This event has become an annual outing by now.

The club's inaugural annual dinner was held in the Talbot Hotel in Tregaron at the end of 2004 with Caradog Jones as guest speaker - a most gentle, genuine and mild-mannered man who was the first Welshman to climb Everest. Those who didn't know Caradog would have found it difficult to perceive how such a gentle and amiable person succeeded in reaching the summit of the world's highest, harshest and most unforgiving of mountains. Born and bred in Pontrhydfendigaid, Caradog was there that night to support the activities of the walking club and to accept our invitation to take on the mantle of Honorary President.

In 2005, the club organised 27 guided walks with 89 members and 12 leaders. Support came from Sportlot's Community Fund, Communities First and Tregaron Town Council. Without their backing, the club would not have prospered as it did in the early days and CCCC will always acknowledge this support.

Tempted by the mouthwatering programme for 2005, more people joined us and the club has played its part in encouraging more and more people to take up walking.

CCCC is always willing to try out new activities and take on new challenges. Its current programme includes organising some interesting events such as the Twm Sion Cati Challenge, the Classic Red Kite Tour, the George Borrow Walk and the Lady's Walk on the nearby Hafod Estate. Walks like these make the most of the rich resources we have on our doorstep - namely heritage, culture and the environment.

If you'd like to join the club on any of our walks, please email daf@cerddedtregaron.co.uk or take a look at the club's website www.cerddedtregaron.co.uk."
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Written by Dafydd Morgan, Secretary of Clwb Crwydro Caron.