ARRIVING at Rhossili the race was on to complete as much of the walk as possible before the forecasted rain began to fall as well as fitting in a pub lunch halfway around.

Seven walkers and Jack Russell Fudge set off in dry weather with Penarth Ramblers leader Robin and his dog Pepper descending steps into Rhossili Bay with the huge shape of the Worms Head half hidden in the mist.

With only a few dog walkers and surfers for company they set off past the bare timbered bones of the wreck of the Helvetia sticking out of the sand and on past the isolated cottage and outbuildings of the Old Rectory, situated on a raised plateau above the beach, to complete the three mile trek across Rhossili beach with waves whipped up by the wind crashing onto the shore.

Arriving at Spaniard Rocks where an assortment of plastic items were littering the tideline, Burry Holms, which contains the remains of an Iron Age fort and a monastic settlement relating to the Middle Ages marks the end of Rhossili beach.

Leaving the beach at this point and heading along narrow sandy pathways through the lower part of Broughton Burrows there were fine views out over Broughton Bay and Whiteford Sands towards the distant disused and wave-swept cast iron Whiteford Lighthouse, built in 1865 and something of a landmark on both sides of the Loughor Estuary.

Whilst enjoying misty views towards the coastline of west Wales, a slippery wooden-slatted pathway led the group on around the headland and into a caravan park and passing Broughton Farm and heading inland, a series of small meadows led uphill to a quiet road.

Climbing gently on a track thick with mud on the lower slopes of Llanmadoc Hill which rises to 186 metres before following narrow pathways through bracken around the contours of the hillside, a descent through a field led to the Kings Head in Llangennith.

This pub gives a hearty welcome to both walkers and dogs and sure enough during the short wait for their delightful lunch, the public bar with its flagstone floor soon filled up with a variety of dogs, both large and small, who were all very well behaved.

During their lunch the sun put in an appearance but exiting from the pub the sky soon darkened heralding the arrival of the forecasted rain. Opposite the pub is the 12th century village church built on the site of an earlier church and dedicated to St Cenydd, who founded the earlier church in the sixth century, and after viewing the lovely carvings of animals and flowers on the lych-gate, a paddle uphill on a rough waterlogged track led onto the lower slopes of Rhossili Down.

Continuing to climb uphill onto the ridgeway and turning eastwards into a brisk wind the rain began to fall and large waves were smashing up against the rocky cliffs of the Worms Head.

Descending and making their way back to their starting point in Rhossili village by means of muddy pathways, the pretty Norman Church, which was just being locked up for the day, is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and has a stunning carved Norman archway leading into the church, with dogtooth mouldings and deeply cut chevrons and worn carved heads on both sides as well as a scratch dial, an old form of sundial on the left pillar.

The original church stood below the cliffs of Rhossili Down and was part of a medieval village on the Warren which was overcome by sandstorms and this archway was rescued and transported from the original building.

On February 6, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile moderate/hard walk taking in Trelewis and Gelligaer Common; contact Rachel on 01446 410545.

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.