PERHAPS it was because a good weekend of sport was on the cards or maybe because of the unseasonal weather forecast, but only a single walker turned out to join Pam and Krys from Penarth and District Ramblers for the short journey to St Fagans.

Parking near the Plymouth Arms the trio set off down towards the entrance to the National History Museum more commonly referred to as St Fagans which houses buildings from all over Wales that have been dismantled, moved to the site, rebuilt and will hopefully be preserved for posterity.

The original castle was turned into an Elizabethan mansion and in 1948 as part of the Plymouth Estate was donated for the use of the public by the Earl of Plymouth.

Following the banks of part of the River Ely which rises near Tonyrefail and journeys southwards via Pontyclun into the Vale of Glamorgan on its way through Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina, fields in the Ely Valley led them onwards to cross an old railway bridge in order to follow the line of the old railway track and underneath the busy A4232.

Climbing a slope before continuing along the disused railway line and passing through a field, a footbridge led them across the River Ely and into St George’s-super-Ely for the short road walk to the delightful small cruciform 14th century church dedicated to St George, where the nave is the oldest part of the building.

A narrow road led them on towards St Bride’s-super-Ely where the church is dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bridget. Although the present building dates back to the 13th century, there is a holy well sited nearby which pre-dates the church and may in fact be the reason for the church being built on this site.

After partaking of a pleasant lunch at the church, a short but sharp shower of rain dampened the proceedings before they continued along the road, crossing St Bride’s Road and into fields leading towards St y-Nyll Farm.

Crossing a road and into more fields, ahead of them on the horizon the remains of an old windmill which was operational during the 18th century, but most likely fell into disuse following the Napoleonic Wars when there was less demand for home grown produce. Originally five storeys and standing 13 metres high, the ruin is now covered in vegetation.

Several more meadows led them downhill to once more cross below the A4232 onto St Bride’s Road which they followed to Tregochas where a stile led onto what is regarded as the field where the last great battle of the Civil War took place on May 8, 1648.

The Battle of St Fagans was actually a running battle and took place over a wide area of the surrounding land, much of which has now been built upon. The Royalist army containing mostly untrained men marched from west Wales but were overpowered by the Parliamentarians led by Colonel Horton and during the bloody battle 200 men were killed whilst 3,000 were taken prisoner.

Skirting the perimeter of the National History Museum and passing Pwll Arthur hidden in the trees, a narrow path led them downhill past pretty cottages for the short walk back to their start point.

On July 9, meet 9.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a six-mile moderate walk taking in the original Severn Crossings and a local vineyard; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On July 14, the evening walk will leave St Nicholas School at 7pm for a four-mile easy walk taking in Tinkinswood Burial Chamber; 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 please log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com or Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.