EPYNT WAY MEMORIAL DEDICATION AND NEW GUIDEBOOK LAUNCH

On 30th September, the Epynt Way Association staged an event at the Epynt Way Visitors’ Centre to mark both the release of a newly updated and re-published Epynt Way Guidebook and to commemorate the passing of the Epynt Way’s founding father, John Clifford.

John was the original project co-ordinator who worked with multiple organisations to carefully design a safe route around the training area. His work has created a stunning long distance path leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Sadly John passed away in October 2022 and it was felt his contribution needed formal recognition.

Led by former Sennybridge Camp Commandant Russell Stafford-Tolley on behalf of Association Chair, Rupert Prince, the event was well-attended by EWA volunteers, members of John Clifford’s family and MOD representatives. During the ceremony, a memorial stone, dedicated to John Clifford, was unveiled by his daughter Steph and son Alan. The memorial was set in a plinth surrounded by stone sourced from a local quarry. Also planted nearby in his memory was a young rowan tree, pertinent in that John came from Mountain Ash, while volunteers also planted daffodil bulbs around it. Everyone present agreed that this was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated many years to realising his dream of creating a path in a landscape that he loved dearly.

The event also marked the official launch of the recently re-written and re-published Epynt Way Guidebook which provides detailed information to ensure walkers, horse riders and cyclists can easily follow the well-marked route. Thanks to funding from the MOD and the hard work of EWA volunteers in re-surveying the entire route, the guidebooks are now available to buy from the Brecon Tourist Information Office or from the EWA and clearly describes the route itself and local points of interest.

The event was enjoyed by all present and was rounded off with some self-help refreshments in the Epynt Way Visitors’ Centre. The Centre itself is open all year round, regardless of military training activities, for everyone to learn more about the history of the local landscape and the people who’ve lived and worked there. More information about the Epynt Way can be found at epyntway.org or by contacting enquiries.epynt@gmail.com.