ON A dry and slightly cool autumnal morning a group of 10 walkers joined Sylvia from Penarth and District Ramblers for the journey to Bassaleg which now forms part of Newport, but until the middle of the 18th century was a farming community.

Then later small forges opened firstly to smelt iron with charcoal and later coal and as the industrial revolution grew the mining of tin and coal increased and with the building of canals and railways the population grew by the middle of the next century as the area became prosperous. The name more than likely derives from the Latin Basilica which describes a religious building erected on the site of a shrine to a saint or martyr.

Setting off along Pentre-Poeth Road to walk the circular Graig Diamond Jubilee Walk, a narrow woodland path alongside houses led into a meadow containing horses clad in coats and crossing a boggy area, a narrow footbridge led them across the brook and uphill on tracks to the man-made lake at Cwm Hedd, with its glorious views towards Twmbarlwm. Disturbing a grey heron which took to flight and observing a cormorant coming in to land, a stile near an electric fence led them into fields containing horses and sheep who barely registered their presence.

Following a road past Croescarneinion Farm where rather unusually a small plane was parked up alongside a field and turning into Park Wood, also known as Coed Mynachty or the wood of the monk because of its connection with the Benedictine Priory of Bassaleg the path, muddy in places, led out onto a deep rutted and water-filled track.

Arriving beside the fast flowing Rhymney River where the gate is a memorial to Frank Rees a local community councillor and keen walker, a huge field being worked by a farmer in his tractor led them on past neatly trimmed hedges which overlooked the Elizabethan manor house of Plas Machen with its tall chimneys.

Taking a detour down to the river and passing through a gate, a stop for morning coffee utilising cut logs as seats near the restored iron bridge at Draethen, which was constructed in 1829 by the Morgan family who owned Plas Machen, as part of their carriage drive to connect their residence at Ruperra to the church in Lower Machen.

Then crossing fields and the busy A468 and heading along a quiet lane into Lower Machen, the delightful 12th century Norman church dedicated to St Michael and All Angels set within its churchyard is directly opposite Parkfield House, which was established in 1834 as the Lower Machen National School and Schoolhouse by the Rev Morgan of Machen House.

Continuing uphill whilst collecting conkers falling from the tall horse chestnut trees and crossing a railway bridge over the old Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction railway line, a stile led back into fields for a steep climb up past Pant-teg and Maendy-uchaf with stunning views down through the Rhymney Valley.

Entering a gloomy forestry plantation and dropping downhill into open meadows the panoramic misty view of the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel complimented their lunch break.

Descending by field to a track and following the road to Five Lanes Farm, a path led through outbuildings and along a wet path, past a pretty pond and onwards to a housing development at Rhiwderin where a narrow lane led uphill to the road. Ascending to join muddy paths in Coed Bedw followed by a descent to the banks of the River Ebbw led them across a footbridge and disused railway line for a short but steep climb into a housing estate at Bassaleg.

Returning past the impressive St Basil’s Church and adjourning to the Ruperra Arms for refreshment, grateful thanks go to the staff for their warm welcome and unexpected hospitality in the shape of finger sandwiches, a variety of scrumptious cakes and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream all donated to the group for free and very swiftly devoured, a fantastic end to a great day.

On October 22, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a seven-mile moderate walk taking in Sharpness and the River Severn; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On October 23, meet 9am at Cogan for an eight-mile moderate walk taking in St Briavels and Hewelsfield; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

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.