By Joy Strangward.
Louise from Penarth and District Ramblers played host to a group of five walkers for an urban trip around Penarth whilst also hearing the history of the Welsh composer Dr Joseph Parry who resided at ‘Cartref’ towards the end of his life and was renowned for composing the poignant love song ‘Myfanwy.’ Making their way from Victoria Square to the Dolly Steps and into the delightful Alexandra Park, they passed the War Memorial surrounded by its bed of red roses and poppies to pay a visit to the Garden of Remembrance, which was the first of its kind in Wales. Pavement pounding led them to the locally known ‘Top Church’ or St Augustine’s, a landmark for miles around and through its churchyard to view the marble memorial to Dr Joseph Parry, whilst listening to a rendition of his hymn tune ‘Aberystwyth.’
Making their way to Penarth Head they found the look-out that has fantastic views was locked, so they diverted via streets to reach the Kymin and out onto Beach Road to descend to Penarth Pier for some welcome refreshments. Making their way along the esplanade they strolled through the Italian Gardens before a steep climb brought them into Windsor Gardens with its lovely views out over the Bristol Channel. Then passing the rather grand Holm House they meandered along Marine Parade with its large Victorian houses before making their way back to their start point at Penarth Clifftop car park.
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12 mile walk from Abergavenny’s Skirrd
As the glorious summer weather continues a group of ten walkers joined William in the car park below Ysgyryd Fawr, anglicized as Skirrid at the start of a 12 mile walk. A steady climb through woodland and then the open hillside led them up onto the ridgeway of ‘Big Skirrid’ which is also known as the ‘Holy Mountain’ and its distinctive split in the hillside was actually caused by a landslide, although legend would have it that it split into two at the time of Christ’s crucifixion.
Pausing at the trig point that stands next to the remnants of St Michael’s Church, which was the secret location for Catholics to celebrate mass during the 17th century when they were persecuted, and enjoying the views it was time to descend and pass through grassy meadows with lovely orchids and summer wild blooms to arrive at Llanddewi Skirrid for a visit to the Church of St David.
Refreshments with delicious homemade cake from Marilyn followed before a series of overgrown green lanes brought them to their lunch stop below an old oak tree which afforded them shelter from the heat.
With birdsong ringing in their ears they continued past Ty-hir Farm and over a small stream to cross the open fields of an Alpaca farm and an interesting conversation with their lady owner.
Then onward via a country lane and back into fields with views towards their next target Ysgyryd Fach or ‘Little Skirrid’ and following a stop for a much needed drink, a steep climb up the wooded hillside led them to the top.
Descending to High Leas Cottage and then back into fields, a stream and leafy laneway led them to Ty-draw Farm, across Wernddu Golf Course and back to their start via the hamlet of Bryngwenin after a hard but enjoyable journey through the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside.
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JS
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