ON A glorious summer morning six walkers including Penarth and District Ramblers leaders Jan and John left Cogan and headed up to Pontypool Park which was originally owned and managed by the Hanbury family for their hunting, shooting and recreational pleasures and both the Folly and the Grotto which the group would visit were used as a retreat for entertaining as summerhouses.

Setting off through the park with its well-kept gardens, there was time to admire the glorious colourful rhododendrons in full flower and superb copper beech trees tinted by the bright sunlight.

Exiting from the park, the group passed through the fine Pontymoile iron gates that serve as a reminder of the iron industry on which the town was founded. They were designed by local engineer Thomas Deakin and presented to Major John Hanbury by the Duchess of Marlborough on the occasion of his second marriage in 1703 and referred to by the family as the’ Sally gates’ the Christian name of their friend the Duchess.

A little further on stands the fountain, a commemorative horse trough which contained the heads of oxeye daisies that someone had floated on the surface of the water.

Continuing along a lane to reach Junction Cottage built in 1814 as a home to the lock keeper and which stands close to a stone canal bridge; the boats moored in the Pontymoile Basin were making colourful reflections in the still water.

Continuing the journey along the canal bank for around an hour the aqueduct came into sight which carries the canal over the river to meet the River Usk at Newport. Crossing the aqueduct and admiring the canal side gardens, with bird song filling the air and stunning views over buttercup fields, the shaded towpath was much appreciated as the heat began to rise.

A steep uphill climb along a cobbled medieval track led to the summit of the hill and the Folly Tower, which was originally built in an octagonal shape by the Hanbury family in 1765 and which was once visited by King Edward VII and became much loved by the local community.

The 360-degree views, although long distance ones were overshadowed by a heat haze made a welcome accompaniment over their lunch break. The tower was actually blown up by the Army in 1940 so that it could not be used as a landmark for German bombers and was not rebuilt until 1992.

Refreshed and continuing along tracks lined with wild flowers a guessing game to identify the ones that are less well known was aided by the fact that one member of the group had come armed with a wildflower guide.

Continuing past the Shell Grotto also built as a summerhouse and decorated inside by shells, the group were somewhat disappointed to find it closed which was contrary to the advertised opening hours.

Then making their way downhill and back into Pontypool Park, the race was on to the café to round off the day with a refreshing cuppa.

On June 18, meet 8am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile mod/hard walk taking in Fan Fawr; contact Clive on 029 2065 4156.

On June 19, meet noon at the Barry Waterfront for a nine-mile moderate walk taking in St Brides Major; contact Val W. on 01446 734925.

On June 21, the annual Three Castles Walk, a 20-mile hard walk taking in Grosmont, Skenfrith and White castles; contact William on 07528 701952.

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