RAIN heralded the start of 2017 but despite this, on New Year’s Day seven walkers met at Colcot Road to welcome the New Year with a shortened local walk which as the leader was indisposed was led by John N.

Back in the 11th century, Wales was subjected to the Norman invasion and in 1093 Lord FitzHamon and his 12 selected knights and companions landed in Porthkerry and set about capturing Glamorgan after which he gave his faithful knights portions of his territory in recognition of their service, which were known as Lordships or Manors.

Barry was a sub-manor of Penmark and was granted to the Umphreville family who built Barry Castle.

The main villages in the area were Cadoxton, Merthyr Dyfan, Highlight and Cwm Ciddy all of which suffered during the 14th century when plague, war and famine hit Wales badly killing many of the population.

Heading off along urban streets to join Highlight lane, it is interesting to note that in fields at the rear of the farm once stood the medieval Highlight village.

It consisted of a manor house and moat which was the home of the St John family who were descendants of the original Norman invaders, and remains of buildings, a church, priest’s house, enclosures, a mill, and an iron smelting hearth all of which were deserted by the early 16th century and later the site was demolished and replaced with the current Highlight Farm during the 18th century.

A narrow muddy track led them on to the remains of the stone built Highlight church or Uchelolau in Welsh.

This small building containing a nave and a chancel was constructed in the late 12th century or early 13th century and was closed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I around 1570.

Descending a tree-lined path gradually to join fields and the footbridge over the pretty Nant Brynhill a series of water-logged meadows led them northwards towards the muddy farmyard of Old Wallace and then along soggy muddy tracks to New Wallace.

Crossing a stile into meadows and turning south to drop through the Brynhill valley before re-crossing the Nant Brynhill by footbridge, a short climb led them up to Little Brynhill Farm and the return by lane to Port Road for the short journey back to the Colcot Arms.

On January 14, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 12-mile moderate walk taking in three Cardiff Parks and returning via Cardiff Bay; contact Sylvia on 029 2070 8758.

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.