RACHEL was joined by a group of eight walkers at the Castell-y-Bwch pub in Henllys Vale and heading off under a short shower of rain they ventured west past Castell Farm and Greenmeadow, with the sound of the cuckoo away in the distance, before crossing a field filled with friendly sheep, after which the rain stopped for good and it began to warm up.

Heading over a stile that landed up in a stream before tramping along a track, a narrow plank at the corner of a field led the group safely across a stream and a spring. Climbing up through a field containing rare breed sheep grazing and arriving at the pretty Pensarn House, an informal diversion guided them around rather than through the garden.

Crossing a road and into fields past Pensarn Farm with an enthusiastic chorus of barking from four farm dogs, they reached Blaen-y-cwm to tackle the biggest climb of the day through a wooded area carpeted by native bluebells and crossing two picturesque streams, the deep ravines where they flowed were decorated with wild garlic.

Then a pause at Pant-yr-yrfa Farm for coffee whilst gazing at the breath-taking views across the Bristol Channel to the English coastline and up the Severn Estuary towards the second Severn crossing as well as the route they had already travelled. Eight generations of the same family have farmed this land and the water from the spring in their garden is fresh enough to drink.

An easy stroll along a farm track was followed by a steep descent on a stony track to Cwrt Henllys Farm with its flock of chickens and on to Pant-yr-eos reservoir, before the route led them on through lush pasture land and across a stream feeding the reservoir in a lovely wooded glade. Heading up to Craig y Merchant woods they were surrounded by bluebells and wood sorrel which indicates this being ancient woodland, wild garlic, red campion, yellow archangel, herb Robert and forget-me-nots and the delightful sound of birdsong.

Following the bluebell lined path to Craig y Wenallt Nature Reserve to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the glorious sunshine near Lower Wenallt Farm, they moved on across the road passing Golynos Fawr and Fach, then a large pond fed by the Pant-yr-Eos Brook climbing gently to the Norman St Peter’s Church. Passing Church Farm with its field containing eleven horses, then on to Mill Wood and through lush fields to Cwm Farm, a short but steep drag up the lane led back to Castell-y-Bwch which translated means castle of the buck (referring to deer) where a cool drink was really appreciated to round off the day.

On May 21 as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival you can join a four-mile easy walk leaving All Saints Church, Victoria Road, Penarth at 2pm, taking in the Victorian town and seafront and bring some money for an ice cream on the pier; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278. Geraint will be in action later at 7pm, when a three-mile moderate walk over Pop Hill will leave Dinas Powys Village Square at 7pm.

On May 23, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an 11.5-mile mod/hard walk taking in Parc Slip and the Ogwr Ridgeway; contact Phil on 01446 711533.

On May 24, meet 9.30am at Cogan for a six-mile mod/hard walk to visit to the Guardian memorial in Abertillery; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On May 28, meet 7pm at Dinas Powys village square for a four-mile moderate walk taking in the St Andrews Ridgeway; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

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.