A GROUP of seven walkers joined Penarth and District Ramblers leader Joy for a nine mile coastal walk beginning from the Plough and Harrow in Monknash on a wet morning but with the promise of better weather to come.

Togging up against the elements, a short piece of road-walking on Heol Las which originally was a green way leading from Monknash to Marcross and St Brides Major led to a stone stile bedside The Forge.

Entering meadows where sheep were grazing on the opposite side of the Nash Brook the ruined foliage covered buildings at ground level belong to one of the largest monastic farms in Glamorgan, situated on land given to Neath Abbey in the 12th century whilst the ruined dovecot still remains about half intact.

Paddling across the Nash Brook and continuing through a field with friendly horses, some of which were still wearing warm coats, a wooden footbridge led back across the brook and down to a lane.

Entering the wooded Cwm Nash, the rough stony path was very slippery following overnight rainfall and slithering their way down to the coast the sun appeared as if by magic. Pausing to disrobe from outer clothing before joining part of the Wales Coast Path, a short climb up the cliff heralded misty views along the coastline towards Trwyn y Witch and Southerndown.

Heading east along the cliff with only a ruffle of a breeze before crossing a tall stone stile, upon descending into the peaceful Cwm Marcross the hillside was completely covered with pretty cowslips.

In the valley a brief stop was enjoyed for morning coffee before tramping across sets of stepping stones in the Marcross Brook and heading northwards up through woodland decorated with bluebells and very upright tall red campion.

Joining the road through Marcross village and passing the delightful Norman built church of the Holy Trinity which dates to the 12th century, a track through houses led back into fields with lovely views to the rear of the Nash Lighthouse and foghorn.

Avoiding a large dung heap and passing through a gate onto the lane leading to Marcross Farm, the sound of barking farm dogs filled the air and crossing a field cut for silage, several more stiles led on to the re-routed path around Parc Farm. Passing through newly installed gates into the woodland surrounding St Donats where many of the trees had been felled and re-joining the coastal path and heading west along the hedge-lined clifftop, the 37 metre Nash Lighthouse dominated the skyline.

Out in the channel as the tide was on the ebb part of the Nash sandbank was visible and over the years many vessels have been lost including the passenger steamer Frolic in 1830 with a loss of 78 lives, and following a huge public outcry two lighthouses were built to give safe passage past the sandbank.

Reaching Cwm Marcross again and descending onto the beach below Nash Point where rocks were utilised for seating over lunch, a trek across the beach where there is much evidence of cliff falls led back to Cwm Nash and not wishing to follow the busy lane, the group retraced their steps back through the fields to the Plough and Harrow for a refreshing drink in bright warm sunshine.

On 19 May, please note the change of meeting point, meet 7pm at Penarth Clifftop car park for a 3.5-mile easy walk taking in Penarth cliff tops and Cosmeston; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On May 21, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile moderate walk at Henllys; contact Rachel on 01446 410545.

Alternatively on May 21 you can join part of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival by meeting at 11am at Dinas Powys Village Square for a three-mile moderate walk led by Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On May 22, please note this walk has been brought forward a week because of the Spring Bank Holiday, so meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for an 11-mile moderate walk on South Gower taking in the Bishopston Valley; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

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.