Walkers take up the challenge of the Wye Valley and Barry beaches

Penarth and District Ramblers

Glamorgan Star news 15/08/2022

2 minutes read

A Monday trip up the Wye Valley with lunch at a renowned riverside inn was on offer from Robin and his spaniel Pepper and only three members of Penarth and District Ramblers took up the challenge to join him at Penallt in Monmouthshire.

They set off by road before joining a woodland footpath into the grounds of The Argoed which dates back to the 16/17th century when it was owned by the Probert family. It then passed through several hands being at one time owned by Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame and after admiring the house and grounds, they walked on through Pwllplythin Wood where Biggles could race ahead. Descending to join part of the long distance Wye Valley Walk they followed the west bank of the River Wye to their lunch stop at the delightful Boat Inn, named after the busy boat trade on the river in days gone by.

Overlooking the River Wye on the ramblers descent.

Locating a shaded table at the dog friendly inn, a fine lunch was enjoyed before they moved on and it being a valley, after descending, the only way to make their return was by climbing.

On full tummies this was a bit of a chore but hauling themselves up the road whilst enjoying some shade from the hot sun, they arrived at Penallt Old Church 600ft above the river. This pretty church overlooks a pilgrim’s route that followed the Wye before moving on to northern Spain and after this their climb was easier as they made their way through woodland and across farming land to reach Penallt village for the short walk by road back to their start.

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Naomi and Meryl stayed closer to home on their recent evening walk which took in three fine Barry beaches and they and their 12 companions firstly paid a visit to the Roman remains at Glan y Mor which were discovered by accident during building work back in the 1960’s. Excavations revealed 22 rooms set around a central courtyard that was believed to be a ‘mansio’ or a Roman guesthouse.

In lovely evening sunshine they made their way along the promenade at Cold Knap before heading across the site of the Knap Lido, which despite local opposition was demolished in 2004. Then descending across the pebbles at Watchtower Bay and crossing the stream, the open sandy bay of the Old Harbour led them to the stone steps of the 19th century built York Breakwater and onward to Friars Point.

Enjoying the breeze as they circumnavigated the headland with its lovely views they paused at the slope leading down into Whitmore Bay to make a choice, with most walkers choosing to cross the beach whilst the rest took the route along the promenade. Then regrouping at the eastern shelter they carried on along the Clements Colley Walk to the sheltered Jackson’s Bay for a quick refreshment stop, before climbing the cliff path up onto Nell’s Point for the journey to Station Approach.

Then following the causeway to the pretty Parade Gardens, their return was made via Clement Place and the Knap Gardens whilst overlooking the lake, before making their way back to the car terrace car park and the end of their journey.

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You can follow the group here or on Facebook.

Joy Strangward