EIGHT walkers joined Geraint from Penarth and District Ramblers at the small industrial complex off Graig Terrace in Blackmill before setting off on a freezing cold morning in bright sunshine and under blue skies.

Crossing a footbridge over the Ogwr Fach River and heading up steps and through a housing estate to join Dimbath Lane, the road which runs adjacent to the Nant Lechyd River was still iced over in places.

Crossing a metal fence into the delightful Cwm Dimbath and following a narrow autumnal carpeted track beside the river which was muddy in places before turning sharply westwards, a gradual climb led up to morning coffee beside the track.

A steeper climb led to a clearing in the Ogmore Forest on the east side of Mynydd y Gwair where wider forestry tracks led them northwards with grand views over the forest, through the Nant Lechyd valley and up towards the tall wind turbines gleaming white in the sunlight on the ridgeway ahead.

A narrow waterlogged track led on through the forest and past some fallen trees before crossing the stream and heading out onto open moorland below the active turbines of the Pant y Wal wind farm.

Following three marker posts to descend into a dip containing sheep and passing through a farm gate and more forestry, the path opened out beside fields.

Following a bridle path through fields which were boggy in places beside a neat dry stonewall there were fantastic but misty views southwards towards the Bristol Channel and across the Ogwr Valley.

Still descending a narrow bramble-lined sunken path led on to a concrete path below overhanging trees and following a road to Glynogwr or Llandyfodwg, the lovely Norman church dedicated to St Tyfodwg (Dyfodwg) which stands on an ancient pilgrims route to St David’s in West Wales lay ahead.

The present church dates from the 13/14th century, but unfortunately extensive rebuilding in the 1870s wiped out the original features, but inside by the altar is the Pilgrim Stone.

Carved from local Quarella stone it originated as the cover of a chest tomb bearing a male pilgrim holding a staff, cross keys, a cross and cockle shell and legend has it that he was a medieval monk on his way to Llantwit Major or St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, when he died close to the church and was buried there.

Following lunch in warm sunshine in the interesting churchyard with its ancient headstones, a steep track led downhill to a metal bridge over a disused railway line which is now a cycle track and part of the Celtic Trail running from Blackmill to Tonyrefail.

Following a quiet road below Mynydd y Gaer through Cwm Ogwr Fach, before passing through a gate and re-crossing the Ogwr Fach and the railway line, a short walk led them back to their start point.

Please note the following walks form part of the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks which runs from December 17 until January 8,2017, in order to encourage people who are not members to come out and enjoy a free walk which will benefit not only fitness but also social and mental health.

On December 17, meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for an eight-mile moderate walk in the Vale of Glamorgan taking in Talygarn (no dogs please); contact Rachel on 01446 410545.

On December 19, meet 10am at Dinas Powys village square for a 3.5-mile easy/mod walk taking in the St Andrews ridgeway; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On December 20 meet 10am at Dinas Powys village square for a 4.5-mile easy/mod walk at Michaelston-le-Pit and Cwm Slade; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On December 21, meet 9.30am at the Barry Waterfront for an 8.5-mile moderate walk taking in Ogmore and Southerndown; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On December 22, meet 10am at the Knap Car Terrace for a five-mile moderate walk taking in Cold Knap and Porthkerry; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

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.