THERE were 15 walkers who joined leader Rachel at Cowbridge on a dry morning prior to Christmas and crossing the fast flowing River Thaw and climbing through woodland to reach the top of Constitution Hill, sunshine lit up the sky as the group gazed towards Penllyn Castle away in the distance. Following Castle Hill the massive twin towered gatehouse of Llanblethian or St Quentin’s Castle loomed into sight, before they dropped downhill into Llanblethian where driveways and bridges across the Factory Brook which sweeps down through the village to join the River Thaw, lead up to the houses. Passing Great House built in 1703 for Thomas Wilkins, a muddy gateway led them into fields and gently climbing they reached woodland at Llandough behind which stands a castellated mansion and the remains of an ancient castle once owned by the Herberts and later in the 16th century by the Carne family.

A narrow pathway led onto a road and passing downhill and across a wooden footbridge before climbing through Coed y Pentre, tall steps and a stone stile led into grassy meadows, then downhill through land adjoining a carpenter’s premises where horses, chickens and geese are kept. A very wet road past Howe Mill Farm led them across another stone stile and fields through the lower Thaw Valley to Beaupre Castle meaning beautiful retreat. Entering through the three-storeyed gatehouse, the inner courtyard was the perfect stopping place for mulled wine, mince pies and coffee before a talk on its history from the leader.

Re-tracing their steps back to the road and heading west, a climb through the edge of woodland led to the aptly named St Mary’s Church and the Church of St Mary which is surrounded by houses. Tramping along the road whilst enjoying glorious views up to the wind farm at Llanharan, Mynydd Gaer and the Ogmore Forest, before following an old byway through sheep-filled fields where the sky suddenly turned black but fortunately no rain fell, and then along a very boggy path leading to a pheasant feeding station, more meadows led on to Llanmihangel Place. Descending to the Church of St Michael just opposite they paused for a very pleasant lunch within the sound of a small brook before continuing along the road towards Rectory Farm.

Turning north and crossing a series of awkward stiles in fields containing sheep and a few young cattle, the Church of St John the Baptist situated on top of a hill in Llanblethian village soon came into view. Reaching the ford over the Factory Brook, one walker wearing wellies strode purposely through the middle whilst the remainder paddled on the edge in order to get muddy boots clean. They needn’t have bothered because a muddy pathway through woodland high above Cowbridge led on to the site of an overgrown old Iron Age fort after which they slithered down a slippery boggy pathway in order to return via the playing fields where an energetic game of rugby was being played.

Ditching muddy footwear and outer clothing, the last tramp led them to the Vale of Glamorgan Inn in the main street in Cowbridge where a very satisfying pre-Christmas noggin was enjoyed by all prior to the homeward journey.

On January 2, meet 9am at the Viaduct car park, Porthkerry Park for the annual nine mile moderate circular walk to the Blue Anchor for lunch; contact William on 01446 747239.

On January 3, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 9.5-mile moderate walk taking in Llandough, the River Ely and Cardiff Bay; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On January 4, meet 9.30am at the Barry Waterfront for a six mile easy/mod walk at Newton and Merthyr Mawr; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

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. Please access the Festival walks over the yuletide period at www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.