By Joy Strangward

ON A lovely summer evening, a group of 12 walkers met up with Naomi and Meryl from Penarth and District Ramblers at the Knap car terrace at the start of a local four-mile walk taking in three beautiful Barry beaches. The word knap means hill-top but this area is known locally as The Knap or Cold Knap.

They made their way to the extensive Roman remains that were discovered in the 1960’s when building works destroyed much of the remaining walls, after which the site was excavated by the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust in the 1980’s. The theory is that the remains of the building date to the end of the 3rd century or the early 4th century and it may have been abandoned before it was fully completed. This 22 room building around a central courtyard had local lias limestone walls with ceramic tiles as opposed to slates on its roof, and although it may have had dealings with trade at a nearby harbour was more likely to have been a ‘mansio’ or Roman guesthouse with extensive views out over the Bristol Channel.

Tramping eastwards along the promenade above the pebble beach they crossed the site of the old Knap Lido which opened on 1 May 1926 after being constructed voluntarily by local unemployed people. This open-air swimming pool originally had wooden changing boxes with concrete semi-circular ones being added in 1937 and was very popular. After its decline in the 1980’s and despite local opposition, it was finally filled in and demolished in 2004 and is now grassed over.

Arriving at Watchtower Bay which lies below the white-painted Whitehouse Cottage or Cole Farm that dates back to 1570 and is believed to be the oldest domestic dwelling in Barry, they descended the pebble beach past the Watchtower. Built in the 1860’s it acted as a Coastguard station and is now privately owned after being sold by the local authority.

Crossing the stream and the vast expanse of sand at the Old Harbour they climbed the stone steps onto the York breakwater to access Friar’s Point. Originally the Grade II listed Friars Point House was built as the Marine Hotel by Francis Crawshay, before passing to J.D. Traherne who enlarged the house and renamed it the Pier Hotel. These renovations were then demolished by Lord Windsor who owned the house in 1894 and gave it its present name.

A breezy route around Friar’s Point with its lovely views was followed by the group dividing into two, as the majority chose to cross the lovely sheltered sandy Whitmore Bay, whilst the remainder made their way along the promenade to regroup at the eastern end of the promenade. On past the brightly painted beach huts to join the Clements Colley Walk on the lower reaches of Nell’s Point and below the National Coastwatch Institution building, whilst enjoying clear views of Sully Island and Flat and Steep Holm.

Arriving at Jackson’s Bay named after Sir John Jackson the eminent engineer who helped to create Barry Docks and the harbour; they paused for a drink whilst watching the paddle boarders. The steep cliff path led them uphill to Redbrink Crescent from where they enjoyed views over Barry harbour and after the docks opened in 1889, the lighthouse at the end of the stone breakwater which stands at a height of 11.6m was built in 1890.

Following the path over Nell’s Point where a swallow flew overhead they turned into Friars Road following it to Station Approach, passing the pleasure park and Barry Island Railway Station, where millions of day-trippers over the years have disembarked. Then descending steps into the main car park, they emerged onto Harbour Road, known locally as the causeway for their journey to the Parade Gardens with its pretty flower displays.

Sneaking down through Clement Place to the railway tunnel they entered the Knap gardens following the feeder to the harp-shaped lake with its floating wildfowl before returning their start point.

You can follow the group at www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com or on Facebook.