JAN and John from Penarth and District Ramblers played host to four walkers including two women who are new to rambling and chose a shorter walk for their initiation into the benefits of walking, and on a cold and damp morning they set off from the car park in Fforest Fawr.

During the 19th century, this ancient woodland which is now owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales was mined for limestone and iron used in the smelting process and having been excavated was conveyed by packhorse to the Taff Furnace in nearby Tongwynlais.

So throughout this mixed and beautiful wood there are many holes and indentations along with three marked walking trails taking in different aspects of the history of the area.

In fact it is thought that the mining probably dates back to medieval times and then the Roman occupation of Wales.

There are two distinct mines still in situ, one at the Blue Water iron mine which has a tendency to flood and the other at the impressive openings of Three Bears Cave which has been used to film episodes of Doctor Who, Merlin and Torchwood, along with the rest of the forest which has featured in many television programmes and films.

Arriving at the Sculpture Trail which opened in 2007 and was designed by the Cardiff Outdoor Learning Wales Network Group, who worked closely with children from the Ty Gwyn Special School there are large sculptures and carvings of a dragon, wizard and other mythical creatures scattered around which can fire the imagination of not only children but adults as well.

Continuing their journey but unfortunately being blighted by frequent showers, a south easterly tramp led to the fairy tale Castell Coch perched on the hillside above the steep Taff Gorge.

The Red Castle dates back to the 19th century when it was built as a romantic folly by William Burges for the very wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute on the site of an earlier 13th century castle and after the untimely death of Burges in 1881, it took 10 more years to complete but despite its lavish interiors was rarely used by the Bute family.

Although there was some mist, the visibility wasn’t too bad and having enjoyed views over Taff’s Well and across to Garth Hill on the opposite side of the valley, a walk of around two miles along part of the Taff Trail which follows the route of the old dismantled railway line heralded a stop for refreshments.

Then it was time to climb in a zig-zag fashion uphill onto Craig yr Allt or rocky hill, which is 273m above sea level and overlooks Caerphilly to the east and Taff’s Well to the west.

Climbing higher good views towards Pontypridd along with Pen y Fan in the central Beacons to the north and Caerphilly to the east opened out but all too briefly.

Upon reaching the summit the sky darkened, the mist moved in and snow and sleet bombarded the group as they made their way along the ridgeway managing to view the outline of Caerphilly Castle before the descent by road past Rockwood Riding Centre.

Some road walking led back to their start point and despite the adverse weather conditions the two new recruits vowed they would return for another jaunt, the next time hopefully in brighter weather.

On February 25, meet 8.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile hard walk from Garwnant Visitor Centre taking in Mynydd-y-Glog; contact Barrie on 029 2053 0753.

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.