PENARTH Ramblers played host again to a group of visiting Belgian walkers from Mouscron when Clive was their leader for a midweek eight-mile walk beginning from Castell Coch, which was designed by William Burges for the third Marquess of Bute and is perched high above the Taff Gorge.

Burges actually died in 1881 and the castle took another 10 years until it was completed.

Climbing uphill with his group of 25 Belgian walkers plus three from the Penarth group through part of Fforest-fawr which surrounds the castle and with the pungent aroma of wild garlic filling the air, they joined part of the long distance Taff Trail which runs from Cardiff Bay up to Brecon and was opened in 1988, before gradually heading downhill and along part of the disused Taff Vale railway line which is now part of the cycle track.

Joining a narrow track they climbed uphill through the trees before following a zig zag pathway up onto the Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk that crosses the top of Craig yr Allt, standing at 896 feet above sea level. After getting their breath back they were rewarded with clear views of Taff’s Well, Gwaelod-y-Garth and the River Taff in the valley below, Garth Hill on the western side of the valley and across the lush Vale of Glamorgan where they had previously walked with the Vale of Glamorgan Ramblers, as well as up towards the central Beacons to the north where they would be enjoying their final walk the following day.

Tramping along the ridgeway before stopping halfway down the hillside they paused for morning refreshment and a chance to replenish their sun screen before joining a road which led them downhill. Then climbing uphill through fields and exiting onto the road again, a short steep climb up an old sunken lane adorned with spring flowers led them to the Watford Road.

With skylarks trilling loudly overhead and following a pathway uphill they arrived at the trig point on Caerphilly Common with lovely clear views up the Afan and Rhymney valleys, as well as down to the ruined Caerphilly Castle. Built in the late 13th century by the Norman lord Gilbert de Clare the castles turbulent history was fairly short and after many attacks by the Welsh, the castle fell into ruins during the mid 14th century, until the Bute family carried out some restoration work during the 1950’s. It is probably best known for its leaning tower and Great Hall which hosts many events.

Continuing on to Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, after crossing a road they entered fields below the golf course, heading up towards some trees for a lunch break before passing ruined outbuildings at Cefncarnau-fawr and dropping down through woodland paths to a field below Bwlch-y-cwm. Then a wide track led them to Rhiwbina Hill and after following the road for a short distance they climbed ancient pathways through Fforestganol, owned and managed by Cardiff City Council.

Descending and crossing a footbridge over the pretty Nant Fforest brook and then crossing a road, the path led uphill into open access land run by the Forestry Commission in Fforest-fawr behind the upgraded popular Forest Tea Room, where undulating pathways led around the bottom of the woodland back to the main drive leading to Castell Coch. After climbing uphill to the car park the group split into two with one section lazing in the sunshine whilst the rest went to explore the castle interior until it was time for the coach ride back to Barry.

On June 27, meet 9.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile hard walk taking in Llangorse Lake, Llangesty and the ridgeway; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On July 2, meet 7pm at The Downs, St Nicholas (off A48) for a 3.5-mile easy walk around St Nicholas and Wenvoe; contact Val W on 01446 734925.

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.

To follow the group log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.