ELEVEN walkers including three members of Cardiff Ramblers joined leader Rachel at Gelligroes which translated means ‘the grove at the crossroads’ at the start of a nine mile walk in rather disappointing weather, as the drizzle rain was more consistent than the forecast suggested although it wasn’t cold. With prior permission they parked at the Siloh Chapel, built in 1813 and one of the oldest Presbyterian chapels in Wales celebrating its 200th anniversary last year. At the start of the walk group member Clive received good wishes for his forthcoming birthday milestone and pieces of courgette and pistachio cake kindly baked by Rachel were shared out in celebration.

They joined the cycle track and headed up to Wyllie, where the coal mine was sunk and opened in 1926 and named after the company director Alexander Wyllie. The village grew up around the colliery as most of the houses were built by the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company for its workers and their families and the mine remained open until 1968 and now modern houses, swelling the size of the original village have been built on the old colliery land.

From Tyle-gwyn they joined part of the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk for a short distance before heading southwest to cross the Nant y Twyn where they encountered soggy, muddy paths as they passed the reservoir and reached Twernau Hall Farm, before they fought a battle with vicious brambles on the outward stile.

An extremely muddy track led up into fields which they crossed in order to reach woodland which was covered in a healthy growth of thick bracken and after passing through they paused in a field for morning refreshment and stuffed their rations of cake.

They continued towards Cae Brith and followed the Nant-y-Ffrwdd stream before heading along the valley side to Coed Ochr-ddu and engaged in some jungle warfare, hacking away at the thick bracken and strong brambles that had blocked the pathway, before entering fields and woodland tracks through Coed Margaret Shon where the trees were tinged with beautiful autumnal colours.

At the base of Mynydd Dimlaith they stopped for lunch which was brought to a swift close by a shower of rain and packing up and heading up the hill, then around the base they reached the pretty cottages at Ty Isaf before zig zagging uphill towards Mynydd y Grug from where they had views towards Caerphilly Castle.

Then re-joining the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk they walked northwards to Ffynon y-Gwaed Farm where, as a result of the leader informing the local council of footpath problems, a lovely new gate had been installed.

They passed through Pen-y-cwarel and descended to join part of the Sirhowy Valley Walk very briefly, before heading north through woodland to Tyle-gwyn and upon reaching Wyllie made the descent back to Gelligroes for a swift drink in the local pub before the journey home.

On November 8, a 10-mile moderate linear walk along the first section of the Wales Coast Path from Chepstow to Severn Junction, catching the 0847 Penarth train or the 0830 Barry train to board the 0912 train to Chepstow on platform two at Cardiff Central Station; contact Val on 029 2059 5791/Terry 029 2070 6315.

On November 11, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an eight mile moderate walk at Tretower and Cwmdu near Crickhowell; contact William on 01446 747239

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