SEVEN walkers from Penarth and District Ramblers joined leader Val W at St Nicholas village in dry weather for a circular evening walk.

Firstly entering the churchyard of the 14th century parish church dedicated to St Nicholas to view the ornate chest tomb of members of the Cory family, wealthy industrialists who owned Dyffryn House.

Setting off down Well Lane and onto a rough farm track leading to Homri, the views stretched across the beautiful fertile green fields of the Ely Valley, firstly northwards towards the distinctive shape of The Garth with several burial mounds clearly visible on its summit and also north westwards across Peterston-super Ely, to Groes-faen, Llantrisant and Talbot Green.

A stile in a hedge led into a grassy field then through a muddy path between trees and out into the valley on the way to Haelfaes and populated only with sheep. At the edge of woodland a sharp turn uphill led them southwards through a long grassed meadow and out onto the A48, which follows the line of an ancient Roman road built to connect Gloucester with Neath.

Carefully crossing the busy fast road, a wide path between houses led into a field of golden ripe barley and then onwards along narrow uneven paths between a field of rapeseed and tall ferns in the hedgerows, with the occasional glimpse of a scarlet poppy in amongst the crop. The two television masts at Wenvoe dominated the north eastern skyline whilst to the south views towards the tall chimney of Aberthaw Power Station and misty views across the Bristol Channel to the Somerset coastline.

Passing clumps of ragwort and the purple blue of vetch, overhead the whirring sound of a Coastguard Rescue helicopter making its way westwards, before a series of stiles led on through fields some of which had already been cut for hay.

Skirting the edge of a wheat field, an overgrown pathway led downhill and over a stile onto Dyffryn Lane to head north towards Tinkinswood Burial Chamber. Excavated in 1914 the remains of around 50 people were discovered along with early Bronze Age items and pottery and iron tools from the Roman era, whilst its 50 ton capstone makes it the largest in Britain.

Leaving the site, colourful ribbons and bits of rag were hanging from a tree in the form of wish tokens that were often left at old wells thought of as sacred places and ancient prehistoric archaeological sites, a ritual that dates back to Pagan times.

Enjoying glorious views southwards across the Goldsland valley towards the northern extremity of the town of Barry and taking their leave, a series of stiles and gates on part of the long distance Valeways Millennium Trial led through fields, where a farmer was still out working in a tractor.

Eventually reaching and re-crossing the A48 and making their way through the village, the lovely Celtic round-headed War Memorial on the village green dedicated to those who lost their lives during the First World War led back to the church and their journey’s end.

On July 21, meet 7pm at Lidl, off the Barry Dock Link Road (please use roadside parking) for a four-mile moderate urban and country walk taking in St Andrews: contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On July 23, a change to the planned programme, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile moderate walk at Llangorse; contact Clive on 029 2065 4156.

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.