Saturday morning brought welcome respite from recent heavy rains. We seven WWs car shared from WVH to our walk starting point at Wildmill housing estate where we joined the public footpath that follows the Ogmore River for the majority of our walk.
The rivers Llynfi, Garw, and finally The Ewenny, are all tributaries of The Ogmore. Salmon, trout, eels, and minnows are found in these waters which provides popular fishing stretches.
We progressed the journey with the usual chatter and camaraderie between the walkers. We passed by Glanrhyd psychiatric hospital situated the opposite side of the river. The hospital was built in 1864 as Angelton Lunatic Asylum; in 1948 it was renamed Glanrhyd Hospital.
Onward and under the M4 motorway at Penyfai. We walked on to Aberkenfig, crossing the busy dual carriageway to arrive at Lower Llansanffraid Church in the Parrish of Sarn and Aberkenfig. The 14th/15thc Church was locked, however, we were able to appreciate the sundial porch which was added in 1762.
Link: How do sundials work?
Having consumed chocolate and flapjacks, the happy wanderers left the churchyard to join the river path onward to Brynmenin and our destination at Bryngarw Park where we sat ourselves outside the busy cafe area, enjoying a welcome break with hot drinks etc.
Bryngarw Country Park opened to the public in 1986. The Park has over a hundred acres of woodland, meadow, and garden, to include an oriental designed garden. The Park is part of The National Forest of Wales.
Homeward bound, we walked through Brynmenin, to Ynysawdre where we left the road to join the river path back to Wildmill and our waiting cars. The weather remained dry other than a brief shower near the end of our journey. Hurrah!
Thanks to everyone who came along.
wickwanderers.com 