ON A fine summer’s day, Nick took his small group of ramblers up to Monmouthshire for a 10-mile hike in the delightful countryside surrounding their start point at Trellech (or Trelleck) which derives its name from three standing stones known as Harold’s Stones.

From the small village car park they tramped through a farm to visit the famous Tump Turret a huge mound of earth dating back to Norman times and on its summit stood a motte and bailey castle the property of the de Clare family.

Following a narrow pathway beside fields, a stone stile led into the churchyard of the imposing church of St Nicholas with its tall prominent spire that contains three bells, where they paused to view the ancient medieval cross with five steps that stands behind a single Pagan worshipping site composed of a heavy stone slab mounted on blocks of stone at each end and carved on the outside with crosses contained within circles.

Entering the church they examined the font and the ancient sundial which was moved into the church from the school garden with its representations of the important sites around the village.

Passing through the peaceful village and a small cluster of houses to enter a meadow where blue butterflies were flitting around in the warm sunshine, a field led on to Redbarn Farm, where the farmer kindly opened the gates and lowered the electric fence which was set up to control his sheep and Guernsey cows with their calves, so the group could pass safely through.

On their journey towards Cwmcarvan they passed through woodland and along a footpath that was overgrown with brambles, prior to them reaching a lane where a green woodpecker was hopping along some 50 yards ahead of them before being disturbed, when it flew off to join its mate. This lane was so quiet and deserted that they also spied several rabbits and pheasants.

Arriving at the delightful medieval stone built St Clements Church in Cwmcarvan where much rebuilding has taken place over the centuries before it was restored in 1877, a gentleman was cutting the grass in the churchyard who immediately offered to fetch the key and open the church for the group to view inside, so they had a unplanned visit before continuing their walk.

Gradually climbing uphill to a minor road at Craig-y-dorth some more road walking led them to Chapel Farm where they found the stile into a field near some farm buildings was completely overgrown with thick prickly hawthorn. After clearing a way through and crossing fields containing grazing sheep they arrived at a property called The Farm, before entering more fields containing a crop of corn where the thoughtful farmer had left a wide path for foot soldiers to pass through. By now the party were beginning to feel pangs of hunger and a stop was made beneath a large oak tree for much needed sustenance.

Then making their way through Colonel’s Park Wood the path descended to the White Brook stream and after crossing they heard the loud sound of motorbikes travelling in the same direction, but fortunately one bike had broken down and the riders had all stopped in an effort to fix it.

Climbing up through woodland to The Narth before passing an old village pub which has been turned into a lovely private dwelling, the old pub sign has been retained in the garden as a memory of its former use. A descent followed by another climb through woodland led them to Parsons Allotment for the return journey by field and road back to their start.

On August 29, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile moderate walk in a figure of eight at Llantrisant; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On August 31, meet 10am at Dinas Powys village square for a 10-mile moderate tramp on local footpaths to avoid the Bank Holiday crowds; 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.

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