A group of 12 walkers plus Bruno the dog joined Robin and his young spaniel Biggles from Penarth and District Ramblers at Hillend car park on southwest Gower on an overcast but dry morning.

Setting off along a sandy pathway through the burrows to Rhossili beach there was a grand but misty view of Worms Head to the east of the bay stretching out into the tide as they turned west along the foreshore. Crossing the stream known as Diles Lake which when the former marshland of Llangennith Moors was reclaimed from the sea by means of drainage ditches and the water was re-channelled to this outlet, they moved inland on the western end of the moors following grassy tracks and sandy lanes, before pausing for morning break.

A stop along the way was made to chat with a gentleman who showed them his handsome Harris Hawk that was about to be used to catch rabbits before they moved on past Broughton Farm Caravan Park in order to join part of the Wales Coast Path.

Then uphill across Delvid Burrows to the coast overlooking Broughton Bay and on past Llanmadoc Caravan Park for the steep descent through woodland and below the craggy Cwm Ivy Tor with its hazy views over Whiteford Sands and burrows and the lighthouse completely encased in mist.

A flooded area at the bottom of the road led to a climb through the pretty village of Cwm Ivy and turning eastwards the road brought them into Llanmadoc village for a very warm welcome at the Britannia Inn, where they made a stop for a delicious lunch and liquid refreshment.

Afterwards a climb by road and a very muddy bridleway beside a stone wall brought them onto the northern lower slopes of Llanmadoc Hill overlooking the marshland of the Lougher Estuary and with views of the west Wales coastline completely obliterated by thick mist.

A narrow steep path through bracken led them uphill and skirting the contours of the hillside below the Iron Age fort known as The Bulwarks, rough muddy and stony waterlogged barely visible tracks brought them across open moorland with the thrilling sight of three Red Kites circling lazily overhead.

Then descending the hillside and a field to the village of Llangennith, passing a beautifully restored stone barn converted into cottages, the Church of St Cennydd and the King’s Head Inn, a rough muddy track which turned into a mini stream led them uphill below the western end of Rhossili Down, where one walker slipped in the mud but thankfully was uninjured. Passing a huge flock of sheep grazing on turnips and following the road, a descent led them back to their start after what had been a really enjoyable day.

On February 15, an 8.5-mile easy /moderate walk taking in Clytha Folly and Bettws Newydd Church with a stunning display of snowdrops along the way, will leave Cogan at 9.30am; call Jan/John on 01446 418514.

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 leader for advice. For up to date information log onto www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com or follow on Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.