KRYS and Pam’s latest walk for Penarth and District Ramblers attracted a group of 10 walkers plus a dog that joined them at Taff’s Well Railway Station for a pleasant local six mile trek, not only up a hill but in an area that has a long industrial history.

The village gained its name from the fact it lies along the River Taff but more importantly it contains the only warm thermal spring in Wales which is situated in Parc Ffynnon Taf.

In 1767 when the Merthyr ironmasters built their own road from Merthyr to Tongwynlais, toll gates were set up at Tongwynlais, Portobello and Cross Keys Inn at Nantgarw and Portobello was an inn situated in the village which Taff’s Well was known by at this time. Then in 1840, the village was one of four stations on the Taff Vale Railway line built by Brunel and in the census of 1841, the village is listed under its present name of Taff’s Well.

Setting off in sunshine the group made their way onto part of the Taff Trail that runs for 58 miles between Cardiff Bay and Brecon and is so called because for most of its length it follows the River Taff and is frequently used by runners, cyclists and pedestrians.

On this particular day many cyclists were using the trail and one particular male cyclist had a very close encounter by bumping into one of the leader’s, almost knocking her off her feet, however after checking there were no injuries and receiving an apology the group resumed the walk.

After about half an hour of flat walking along the Taff Trail which follows the route of a dismantled railway, the group deviated over a stile to a viewing point and some outer clothing was removed as the temperature rose in the warm sunshine, whilst the stop was utilised for a chance to take on liquid.

Returning to the stile and crossing onto a path that slowly zig-zagged its way up the hillside to the summit of Craig yr Allt or Rocky Hill, which stands at 273 metres above sea level, the sun disappeared behind some clouds bringing a chill in the air.

The views from the top were stunning, towards Caerphilly in the northeast and across the Taff valley in the west to Garth Hill standing at 307 metres, with Gwaelod-y-garth nestled at its feet.

Whilst below them the A470 snaking its way past Taff’s Well and Tongwynlais, the distant M4 and out over the Bristol Channel to Flat and Steep Holm and the distant coastline of Somerset.

Finding a suitable place to stop for lunch, the sun re-appeared and views were enjoyed in its warmth. The valley area to the south of Craig yr Allt contained an old colliery and several drift mines and some of the old mining buildings have since been converted into stables for a riding school.

Dropping gradually downhill and over a stile where thankfully previous muddy pathways had dried out, the group re-joined the Taff Trail following it back to their start.

On May 7, meet 9.30am at the Barry Waterfront for an 8.5-mile moderate walk taking in beaches and cliffs at Monknash and Marcross; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On May 8, meet 9am at Cogan for a 9.5-mile hard walk taking in Capel y Ffin, Rhos Dirion and Twmpa; contact Robin on 029 2051 4051.

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 please log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com or Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.