AS THE Festival of Winter Walks continues Sue J from Penarth and District Ramblers played host to a group of 12 walkers including Ann recovering really well from a knee replacement, plus Biddy the dog on a cool crisp frosty morning.

Leaving Cogan Leisure Centre and crossing Windsor Road they followed Marconi Avenue downhill where there were stunning views of the moored boats bathed in sunshine on the River Ely.

Pont y Werin or the People’s Bridge carried them across river followed by a detour up beside the Ely River then below the A4232 in order to avoid building work which is taking place.

Passing Cardiff International White Water and making their way to the boardwalk on the western side of Cardiff Bay with glorious views across the open water, then underneath the A4232 just as a river bus came chugging along; open parkland led onto Jim Driscoll Way and passing Avondale Gardens the Clarence Road Bridge came into view.

Crossing the bridge over the River Taff as it journeys on towards the Bristol Channel and making their way along the Clarence Embankment to Hamadryad Park before heading underneath the A4232 once again, entering the Wetlands there was a pause to view the sculpture of Cader Idris.

Passing behind St David’s Hotel as the boardwalks were still covered in slippery frost and making their way through the old Mount Stuart Graving Dock to Techniquest, upon reaching the Mermaid Quay there was a chance to break away for morning coffee in some of the many cafes along the route, with strict instructions from the leader to reassemble in 20 minutes as one of the group left to join a friend.

Heading towards the beautiful carved terracotta Pierhead building which dates back to 1897 and which became the administrative office for the Port of Cardiff and regrouping, this time only 12 in number, to enjoy the views across to the western side of Cardiff Bay, the five timber structures in front of them which slope slightly inwards were originally connected by a walkway and were used to moor ships for repair work to be carried out and now they mostly act as a perching place for some of the many cormorants that frequent the bay.

Then passing the Senedd, the white-painted Norwegian Church, the unusual tiled Scott Memorial and crossing the bridge over the Roath Basin, the path led on past the Doctor Who Experience with views up to St Augustine’s Church on the horizon near Penarth Head and out over the Bristol Channel as well as across the whole of Cardiff Bay.

Approaching the Cardiff Barrage there was a quick stop to watch a group of cormorants on the seaward side diving into the water on fishing expeditions before continuing towards the old Custom House.

Then crossing the lock gate at the entrance to the Penarth Marina and following the path back up beside the dozens of safely moored boats before re-joining Marconi Avenue, a short climb uphill led back towards Cogan.

The annual Festival of Winter Walks which this year has been enhanced by some glorious seasonal weather comes to close this coming weekend.

On January 7, meet 8.15am at Cogan Leisure Centre to share transport to catch the 9.35am bus at the Storey Arms for the journey to Brecon followed by an eight-mile moderate walk back to the Storey Arms; contact Barrie on 029 2053 0753.

On January 8, meet 9am at Cogan for an 8.5-mile circular moderate walk across Rhossili Bay to Llangennith with lunch at the King’s Head halfway; 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.