THE morning did not start well and with a forecast of sunshine combined with heavy downpours only two walkers turned up at the Barry Waterfront to join leader Geraint for a walk in the lovely Vale of Glamorgan.

Driving down to Ogmore-by-Sea through heavy showers and dense fog, upon their arrival the skies were beginning to brighten and togged up against the weather the trio headed upstream along the banks of the River Ogmore towards the ruined Ogmore Castle, as the rain finally abated. This castle guards a fording site on the River Ogmore close to where the Ewenny and Ogmore rivers meet and in 1116 William de Londres; a Norman lord established the first castle on this site in the shape of a ringwork and motte. After this a stone castle was established with a great keep towering to a height of over 40 feet and in the 13th century when the de Londres family still owned the castle, new buildings were added. Its history however is rather uneventful and it is now in the care of CADW.

As a troop of horses forded the river, the trio made their way into the castle ruins out of the wind for morning coffee and refreshed headed up over Ogmore Down towards St Brides Major. In front of the pretty Farmer’s Arms is the delightful Pitcot Pool which is fed by springs and surface water and although there were many wells in the area this pool helped to provide the villagers and farmers with water during times of drought, as mains piped water was not introduced until 1926.

Leaving the village and heading downhill they made towards the clifftops at Dunraven where the sun put in a welcome appearance lighting up the stunning coastline as they made their way to Dunraven walled garden for lunch out of the cool breeze. This quiet sheltered garden once belonged to Dunraven castle and at the eastern end stands the ice house, a two storey building with windows where the upper part was used as a store room, whilst the cellar was where the ice was kept in order to keep fruit, vegetables and meat pure.

They made a stop at the Heritage Coast Centre which is situated in a building that was once the laundry for the castle, then the Seamouth Café and is now an information centre and opposite is the old thatched Seamouth Cottage which has featured in many films and television dramas. Then, tramping over close-cropped grass nibbled down by the resident sheep, the group made their return back to Ogmore for the journey home.

On May 14, meet 7pm at the Toby Inn, Port Road, Barry for the first summer evening walk a four-mile moderate stroll at Porthkerry; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On May 16, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an eight-mile moderate walk at Skirrid; contact Clive on 029 2065 4156.

On May 17, meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for an 11-mile moderate walk from Penmaen in south Gower; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On May 19, a rail ramble leaving Barry station at 8.45am and Penarth at 8.47am arriving at Cardiff Central to catch the 9.18am train to Pontyclun followed by the 11-mile moderate walk back to Taff’s Well to catch the train back home; contact William on 01446 747239.

On May 21, meet 7pm at Dinas Powys village square for a three-mile tramp over Pop Hill; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

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