THE group played host to a group of Belgian walkers from the Vale of Glamorgan’s twinned town of Mouscron by taking them on two walks on the beautiful Gower Peninsula and the journey down through the narrow lanes in their large coach to the National Trust car park at Rhossili proved to be an interesting and testing time for the driver.

Clive was the leader for the eight-mile adventure and his group of 25 Belgian walkers plus five group members set off in glorious sunshine from the visitor’s centre walking south along part of the long distance Gower Way in order to view Worms Head, where the causeway was still flooded by the tide. Continuing along the cliff path and overlooking Fall Bay, the Belgian guests soon commented on how beautiful the views were and contouring around the rocky headland to the cwm above Mewslade Bay one of Gower’s smallest beaches, they stopped for lunch.

Turning inland to Pitton before beginning the gentle ascent to Rhossili Down they paused at the trig point at 193m so the leader could explain what it was used for, before continuing downhill on the seaward side of the ridge, walking over rocky outcrops before descending steeply to Hillend Caravan Park for afternoon refreshments. Then trudging through soft sandy paths onto firmer sand in Rhossili Bay, the leader amused the group by drawing direction arrows in the sand as they made their way back towards Rhossili, climbing uphill towards St Mary’s Church and back to the coach with its supply of Belgian beer to quench their thirst as they waited for the return of the second group on the longer walk.

William was joined by 27 Belgian walkers and six ramblers for a 12-mile adventure and heading steeply downhill into Rhossili Bay they walked the full length of the stunning beach through a stiff headwind, before turning inland through sandy dunes to Hillend. Joining a footpath to skirt the north eastern end of Rhossili Down, passing Barraston and over a footbridge at White Moor, they continued along the edge of Hardings Down.

Entering lush green fields to reach Old Henllys, once held by the Mansel family but now uninhabited and joining part of the long distance Gower Way to reach Llanddewi, they paused for lunch in the atmospheric churchyard of the 12th century St David’s Church, built by Henry de Gower and situated in a farmyard.

Continuing through a field of cows being watched over by a magnificent bull, then through Newton and Pilton Green farms which are both derelict, a fine display of purple orchids greeted them before they crossed the B4247.

Encountering their first kissing gate the Belgian visitors were very intrigued and took the phrase literally beginning to kiss as they passed through. Heading south through fields to reach the dramatic coastline at Foxhole Slade they turned west along the magnificent cliff with its stunning views across the mouth of the Bristol Channel to Lundy Island and the north Devon coastline.

Crossing the remains of an Iron Age fort at Thurba Point with its 70 metre high cliff face, before enjoying views over the delightful Mewslade Bay, they continued on to the National Coastwatch look-out point at Worm’s Head, before the short walk back to the car park to join the rest of the group.

On June 20 there is a circular 13-mile moderate walk from Bridgend railway station taking in Ogmore, Newton and Merthyr Mawr, please remember to buy a return ticket and obtain train times from the website or the leader; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On June 21, meet 10am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a six-mile moderate walk in the Radyr area; contact Pam on 029 2025 5102.

On June 23, meet 9am at Cogan for the annual 20-mile hard Three Castles Walk taking in Skenfrith, White and Grosmont castles; contact William on 01446 747239.

On June 25, meet 7pm at the Bridge Café car park, Cold Knap, Barry for a three-mile easy walk taking in three beaches; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

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 02920 255102.