IT WAS a cold morning as 13 walkers joined John Treby at the Merrie Harrier for this Valeways walk.

They set off and passed behind the Baptist Chapel and over fields to reach Pen y Turnpike Road. As they went, they were greeted by several horses that seemed to want to join the walk.

Crossing the road, they headed towards Michaelston le Pit and soon turned into Case Hill woods. The woods were showing signs of spring with the bluebells beginning to come up.

They crossed the Cadoxton river and walked into Cwm George. On this popular route they passed several other walkers and dogs, finally arriving at the road in Michaelston.

The bridge over the river at this point provided good seating for a coffee stop.

Suitably refreshed the group carried on up the river valley passing the salmon ponds to join a track close to Wrinstone Farm. They walked past Beauville to reach one o’clock gate. If you want to know why it is so called visit dpgc.co.uk/about/history/.

Ignoring the path over the golf course, the group turned into Coed Clwyd gwyn to rejoin the path through Cwm George.

Turning right and after about 250 yards they left the valley to cross fields and the river again to join the path through Case Hill. From here they retraced their steps back to the pub for welcome food and drink.

Many thanks to the Merrie Harrier for hospitality and the use of the car park.