WITH the weather beginning to calm down, Penarth and District Ramblers recently enjoyed two lovely walks, one on the hillsides above Blaenavon, the other local.
Clive was joined by a dozen keen walkers near the Rifleman’s Arms to conquer Blorenge and on a crisp dry day in winter sunshine they were later treated to the wondrous views across the Usk Valley towards Abergavenny, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Ysgyryd Fawr.
This area was mined for coal, with limestone and ironstone quarried as well, so it bears the acute scars this left behind. They made their way gradually uphill to the Foxhunter car park and paid a visit to the grave of the international show jumping horse Foxhunter that was ridden to victory on many occasions by Harry Llewellyn.
Next was a lesson in WW2 history at the remains of Station Zero, a hidden auxiliary unit bunker which hosted a radio station, one of many set up around the country in case of German invasion. After morning break at the trig point on Blorenge, they circumnavigated the northern hillside for the long descent to the Punchbowl for lunch, overlooking the very still lake, where years ago bare knuckle fighting took place.
A climb on Hill’s Tramroad, which linked the Blaenavon Ironworks to the Brecon/Abergavenny canal, soon warmed them up as they enjoyed the surrounding views, before heading downhill to Keeper’s Pond, glistening in the afternoon sunshine and, following well walked pathways, they returned to their start.
Lunch at Blue Anchor
William hosted his annual new year walk, with a stop for lunch at the Blue Anchor for lunch and was joined by 12 walkers at Cold Knap on a cool frosty morning lit up by winter sunshine.
To warm the group, they climbed uphill onto the clifftop walking westwards towards to the Golden Stairs and descending, they crossed the new footbridge over the Barry Brook to enter Porthkerry Bay. They headed uphill through woodland and on through the Iron Age fort of the Bulwarks and Porthkerry Leisure Park to reach Rhoose Point, for a WH Davies poem from William entitled ‘Ships and Stars.’ The coast path brought them to Fontygary Bay and a pause for quick refreshments with delicious cake from Marilyn before continuing through the caravan park for the descent to the salt flats.
Entering Pleasant Harbour, the very muddy public footpath led them behind the old ruined Limeworks and under the railway arch for the short climb to the Blue Anchor Inn, where muddy boots, gaiters and rucksacks were discarded. Then, it was inside for a warm welcome and a delicious luncheon, after which it was time to get going again up Port Road to Nurston, where in places the waterlogged road was thick with slippery ice.
They walked up the bridleway and into Rhoose village to cross the main Vale railway line and return to the coast to retrace steps before heading to Porthkerry village for a visit to St Curig’s Church which was open. Descending and passing under the Porthkerry Viaduct, they made their return up the Golden Stairs and along the coast just as the sun was moving into the westward sky.
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Joy Strangward
- Penarth ramblers enjoy their weekend in Sussex
- Ramblers explore Sully Island
- Ramblers celebrate with a picnic in the park
- Penarth ramblers take a liking to Lydney
- Ramblers explore two sections of the Heritage Coast
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