FIFTEEN walkers joined leader Geraint and his sheepdog Patch at Mill Road, Dinas Powys in brilliant sunshine at the start of a short walk taking in the area around Leckwith, anglicised from the Welsh Lecwydd or the slope of the cliff, which has always been an agricultural area where the manor belonged to the Marquis of Bute.

Crossing the Cadoxton River bridge, boots crunched over thick white frost carpeting the Millfields and reaching the ford they were reminded that back in the 15th century water was diverted from the river by means of a weir and sluice gate, the remains of which can still be seen, into a leet which fed the overshot wheel of the old mill situated where Mill House now stands on Mill Road.

Following the west bank of the river before slithering steeply downhill and re-crossing over a wooden footbridge to Michaelston-le-Pit, steps near Home Farm led into a field containing sheep. Crossing another footbridge and continuing through pretty woodland at White Farm the leader advised them that the old stone structure ahead was an ice house used to preserve meat and other perishable items in days gone by. Crossing a huge field below Meadowvale Farm from where there were glorious views of Garth Hill, several stiles and a narrow pathway led to Brynwell a ruined old stone farmhouse that boasts a medieval lancet window upstairs.

From the lane the group were confronted by a locked gate with built in thick wire mesh covering the lower part, so it was a case of climbing over the top to gain entry to the public footpath leading through the field below West Hill Wood where they paused for morning refreshment. The only climb of the day, via muddy autumnal covered paths through the wood led to Cock Hill or Leckwith Hill, with its glorious views of the Cardiff Barrage, Penarth Head and across the misty Bristol Channel.

At Woodland Lane road repairs were being carried out and near the bottom a whole heap of rubbish had been dumped, which has now been successfully reported to the local council for action and reaching the busy Leckwith Road and following the pavement past Hen Eglwys or the old church, which has been tastefully renovated into a private dwelling, they carefully crossed to the neat row of houses at The Green.

Tramping past the forester’s houses built by the Forestry Commission back in 1954 and what is left of Leckwith Common and continuing along the lane past a field containing pigs and their piglets all running free, a steep descent on the slippery lane led back to White Farm. Reaching Michaelston once more the group headed west to cross the Cadoxton River to tramp up through rough farm tracks into Cwm George which they followed through the pretty beech wood back to their start after what had been a glorious half day ramble.

On December 20, meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for a 10-mile moderate walk taking in Beaupre Castle; contact Rachel on 01446 410545.

On December 21, meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for an 8.5-mile moderate walk at Monknash; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On December 27, meet 10am at Millbrook Road, Dinas Powys for a six mile moderate walk in the Dinas and Michaelston area; contact Sue J on 029 2070 2901.

On December 29, meet 9.30am at Cosmeston Country Park for a four mile easy walk taking in Lavernock and the Wales Coast Path; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice. You can access more Festival walks over the yuletide period at www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.