GERAINT from Penarth and District Ramblers played host to eight walkers for a ramble in the lovely Vale of Glamorgan beginning from Wick, which probably derives its name from the Anglo Saxon word Wic, meaning hamlet and which is also renowned in folklore for the Wreckers of Wick who lured ships onto the rocks by showing false lights in order to plunder their cargoes.

Setting off along Ewenny Road and entering fields and across land that was once part of the Clemenstone estate, which was purchased from the Powell family with dowry money settled by Thomas Mansel Talbot on his daughter Isabella when she married Richard Franklen; the estate was eventually broken up and sold because of the lack of a male heir.

Passing the Victorian North Lodge and crossing a stream and then the main Bridgend railway line, a large field containing some boisterous young cattle led them onto a diverted footpath and through a field to a small stone bridge over a stream.

This was a convenient place to stop for morning coffee whilst mulling over the fact that the lumpy mounds in the adjoining field indicate the site of a lost medieval village which contained both a chapel and a mill.

Joining another footpath diversion around the Grade II listed 19th century Llampha Court and heading through fields past a small pond surrounded by trees to a road for a short distance, before heading back into fields and across the railway line again, they dropped downhill to Castle-upon-Alun.

The old 28 metre long stone packhorse or clapper bridge, now classed as an ancient monument led them safely across the River Alun onto a road before a short steep climb up a slippery stony path adjacent to an old stone wall led onto open land at Craig Ddu, then through the blossoming gorse bushes on Old Castle Down with its delightful views of the surrounding countryside.

Exiting onto Blackhall Road and Penylan Road led them gradually downhill onto Wick Road at St Brides Major and on past Pwll y Mer (Pitcot Pool) which supplied water to the village and surrounding area until mains water came in 1926.

Crossing several stone stiles adjacent to farm buildings at Pool Farm to pass through meadows and downhill into delightful woodland at Pant y Slade, upon reaching the roadway and after passing the Heritage Coast Centre they arrived at the coastal car park at Southerndown.

With waves crashing onto Dunraven beach also known as Southerndown beach which acted as Bad Wolf Bay in the BBC series of Doctor Who, masquerading as a bay in Norway where Rose and The Doctor said their last farewell, a path led them to the walled garden of the old Dunraven Castle and their lunch stop.

Continuing to the viewing point overlooking Traeth Bach and Traeth Mawr and joining the Wales Coast Path along the dramatic cliffs to Cwm Mawr or big valley, where the Nant Cwm-mawr drops over the cliff in a stunning waterfall, upon reaching Cwm Bach it was time to turn inland.

Heading up through fields to cross Heol Las Road and along Tre-pit Road back towards the 12th century Church of St James, boots were hastily abandoned for some liquid refreshment in a local hostelry prior to the homeward journey.

On October 8, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for the 10-mile moderate circular Graig Diamond Jubilee Walk taking in Bassaleg; contact Sylvia on 029 2070 8758.

On October 9, meet 9am at Cogan for a nine-mile mod/hard walk taking in Table Mountain, Pen Cerrig-calch and Pen Allt-mawr; 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.