ON A fairly dry morning 13 walkers joined Penarth and District Ramblers leader Joy for a trip down to south Gower, passing through thick mist and dark skies on their journey along the M4, however upon reaching Port Talbot then the outskirts of Swansea the skies somewhat brightened.

Beginning from Penmaen the group walked a quiet road below the eastern end of Cefn Bryn with intermittent views across the lovely Three Cliffs Bay below them. Then crossing the main coast road a rough muddy track led them down to join part of the Wales Coast Path passing an old lime kiln on the cliff above Little Tor.

Enjoying misty views across the full length of Oxwich Bay, the second largest beach on Gower where the tide was right in and following slippery pathways into woodland, a descent along sandy tracks led into Nicholaston Burrows and a stop for morning break.

Refreshed and continuing onward through the dunes, the path ahead was completely blocked by a huge deep pond that had formed following all the recent rainfall, so after circumnavigating the blockage the path led on to the elevated footbridge over the Nicholaston Pill river.

After looking eastwards at the estuary towards the misty Little Tor and Great Tor the group walked along the fairly firm sand on the edge of the now ebbing tide, whilst gazing at the variety of seashells on the foreshore and passing a number of other walkers mostly exercising dogs.

Exiting from the beach near the Oxwich Bay Hotel and following the road through the rather deserted village only a couple of occupants were out clearing drains that appeared to be blocked after overnight rainfall.

A gradual climb by road led them past the cottage where the Rev John Wesley lodged and preached on five occasions between 1764 and 1771 and uphill to the pretty Penrice Green that stands in front of the 12th century Norman built St Andrew’s Church, with its enormous porch dominating the front of the building and a churchyard that has enchanting views over Oxwich Bay and Point.

Once owned by the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, during a mighty storm in 1720 the building lost its entire roof and had to be restored.

Continuing along the road and descending past the remains of the 16th century corn mill which lies adjacent to the reconstructed quarter circular fishpond, where carp was bred as a food source for the Penrice Estate, opposite to the estate entrance a gateway adorned with carved animals led them into the Millwood.

A great amount of this ancient woodland was destroyed back in the early 1950s by a northern timber merchant who cut down many of the trees, some of which have since been replaced by the Forestry Commission with planting continuing and making their way to the millpond, handy benches made the ideal seating for lunch break.

Then leaving the woodland and following a rough track which was covered with deep pools of surface water in places and crossing the A4118 the road led uphill through Little Reynoldston and turning east a fine misty rain began to fall.

Joining part of the long distance Gower Way on the ridgeway of Cefn Bryn a small group of ponies were milling around near a viewpoint but all hope of views to the north and south of the Gower peninsula was dashed, as the thick mist made its return along with a cool breeze.

Cefn Bryn which is known as the backbone of Gower is the second highest point at 186 metres and the name means ridge hill. Continuing along Cefn Bryn, a muddy descent at the eastern end of the ridge led them back to their start point before the drive home.

On January 30, meet 8.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile moderate tramp around the Graig Diamond Jubilee walk taking in Bassaleg, Lower Machen and the Rhymney Valley; contact Sylvia on 029 2070 8758.

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.