TEN walkers joined William at Cardiff Central railway station to catch the train to Lisvane and Thornhill in order to complete the eastern section of the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk, having completed the western section of the walk last autumn.

Setting off from the station in pleasant dry weather through the delightful Parc Cefn Onn renowned for its native and exotic trees and plants and azaleas and rhododendrons, a steep track through woods leading past one of the brick built air shafts for the Caerphilly Tunnel which opened in 1871 and is 1993 yards long, led to the Cefn Onn ridgeway.

After pausing for breath and heading east along muddy farm tracks, soon the majestic ruins of Caerphilly Castle came into view before pathways led them on through old beech woods which echoed with spring birdsong.

Entering Coed Coesau Whips, which was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1953, a pause for refreshment followed beside the hidden World War Two bunker, a small chamber underground which had been heavily camouflaged that would have been used by the Auxiliary Unit Special Duties also known as ‘the secret army’ as a wireless bunker providing information to prevent the German invasion.

To the strains of a woodpecker drumming on the trees they moved on heading steeply downhill past old kilns and through muddy fields populated only with horses to join a track leading on below woodland to the stately ruins of Ruperra Castle.

Built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan as a typical Jacobean courtier’s house, King Charles I stayed there to help raise support after the battle of Naseby and later its huge deer park was visited by the Duke of Beaufort.

On the climb through Coed Craig Ruperra, they found great swathes of the woodland had been cut down before a steep field led them down to the Hollybush Inn at Draethen.

Passing through part of Coed Cefn-pwll-du where tender young leaves of wild garlic were abundant and joining a road with extensive views across the misty Rhymney Valley they arrived at Rhyd-y-Gwern farmhouse for a quick chat with the friendly owner.

A footbridge led them over the Rhymney River into Machen and passing the war memorial, warm sunshine meant outer clothing was abandoned and a quick impromptu stop followed at the village shop to stock up on soft drinks, Scotch eggs and other snacks to gain energy for the climb ahead.

Passing the pretty St John the Baptist Church in Upper Machen which was built in 1855, a long steady climb through the forest and then onto open moorland led to the highest part of the walk, the trig point on Mynydd Machen at 362 metres.

Whilst long distance views remained hidden behind a hazy mist, in glorious sunshine and with only a slight breeze, a poem by WH Davies signalled the end of their break.

Continuing downhill past an old waste tip into ancient beech and oak woodland, the ridgeway above the beautiful Sirhowy Valley led them past old disused mine workings and quarries on Mynydd y Grug Common and past stunning dry stone field boundary walls with misty views up the valley towards Caerphilly, Blackwood and Pontllanfraith.

Some road walking led them to a narrow track then into fields just east of Ystrad Mynach where fortunately a flooded field had been drained and walking downhill they reached Maesycwmmer.

The fantastic Maesycwmmer or Rhymney Viaduct with its 16-arches and which is slightly curved lay ahead and passing the dramatic Wheel of Drams formed of six mining wagons in a circle, then a bench indicating they were on part of the Gren Way Walk that honours Grenfell Jones the famous local cartoonist, they trekked on to Hengoed railway station to await their train home.

On March 28, you are invited to join a rail ramble leaving Barry at 8.45am and Penarth at 8.47am to catch the 9.18am train from Cardiff Central to Pontyclun followed by an 11-mile moderate linear walk back to Taff’s Well to catch the train home, contact William on 01446 747239.

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 log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.