PAM and Krys from Penarth and District Ramblers welcomed new walker David before making their way to Radyr, now a suburb of Cardiff but originally a separate village and Radyr developed after the Norman invasion of Wales.

Five walkers set off from the railway station which opened in 1863 when the population was beginning to grow as the construction of the Taff Vale Railway and the Great Western Railway brought employment to the area and made their way along Junction Terrace, the first street to be built.

Passing through two gates into Radyr Woods a Site of Nature Conservation, which also includes Hermit Wood a Local Nature Reserve, the woodland covering almost 14 acres holds all that remains of a late Prehistoric Burnt Mound, created when hot stones were immersed into water until it boiled and discovered in 1911.

During medieval times Radyr Woods formed part of the walled deer park of Radyr Court which was owned by the Mathew family and the surrounding area was farmed and quarried up to the mid-20th century exposing conglomerate rock which was used in the building of both Cardiff Castle and Llandaff Cathedral.

Going uphill several more gates led them on past Danescourt and down steps to follow pathways to a railway bridge and then along beside the River Taff.

Crossing Llandaff North Bridge and joining part of the Taff Trail through Hailey Park which was named after the family who gifted the land to the council, the playing fields were actively being used by various groups of youngsters for rugby training.

Going underneath a disused railway bridge the route led on to the Melingriffith Water Pump constructed in 1807 by John Rennie.

The mills in the nearby Melingriffith Tinplate Works were powered by water drawn from the Taff via Radyr Weir and returned down the feeder stream and through the Melingriffith Pump back into the Glamorgan Canal in order to keep it topped up.

Originally it was constructed of American Oak and cast iron, but after its restoration in 1974 some of the wooden parts were replaced with steel.

Some pavement pounding led on the old Glamorgan Canal which ran from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff and the 25 mile route was finally opened in 1794 in order to transport goods from the iron industries at Merthyr through 50 locks down to the port of Cardiff.

But eventually water power was overtaken by the railways and in 1885 the canal was sold to the Marquis of Bute.

Following the banks of what remains of the canal which is now a haven for birds, plants and insects and which was populated with lots of people out enjoying the dry weather, a stile led out onto a road.

Then continuing through woodland paths towards the M4 high above them and turning southwards to re-join the Taff Trail, where the path was originally a tram road to the Melingriffith works and following the River Taff downstream, Radyr Weir with its new hydro scheme which officially opened in July of this year came into sight.

A channel has been built adjacent to the river, allowing water to power two turbines which are attached to a generator that provided renewable energy in the form of electricity, after which the water is returned to the Taff and continuing along the riverside a footbridge led back to Radyr Station.

On December 10, meet at Redbrink Crescent, Barry Island for an 11-mile moderate walk taking in the Barry beaches, Rhoose Point and Porthkerry Park; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On December 14, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile easy walk taking in the two Severn Bridges in south Gloucestershire; contact William on 07528 701 952.

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.