A convoy of 4 Wick Wanderer’s cars set off from Wick Village Hall for Brynna Woods and met up with the occupants of 2 other cars who had travelled separately. For a drizzly September day, it was a good turnout of 14 +1, Liz’s lovely granddaughter Rose joined us.
So, 15 headed down into the woods, not a teddy bear in sight, but instead were greeted by an owl, the first of many fabulous wood carvings. A picturesque path of overhanging trees took us to the southern boundary, crossing Ewenni Fach on the way. We stopped to look at the new pedestrian bridge being constructed at Trenos Crossing, which will also enable horses, cyclists and wheelchair users to cross the South Wales Main Line safely. The first bridge of its kind in Wales.
In theory a circular path leads on, but we found on the recce, even Indiana Jones would find it a challenge. So, we retraced our steps, returning to join the main central path. That led us through the woods with so many beautiful trees including a 400-year-old majestic oak, wood carvings, a pond and reminders from Mining Days.
Then we climbed upwards through a meadow to the northern boundary path, which is parallel to the old Cardiff line. Only the old stone bridge remains which allowed the animals to cross safely and graze in bye gone days.
I took a small diversion up into Llanharan Community Garden and Allotments, which I had found a really pretty and interesting place. Unfortunately, it had started to rain, and most people were keen to move on. So, we headed back down into the woods, past the dormouse sculpture (these woods are a haven for the nationally declining dormouse population as well as some rare bats). We stopped for a group photo in the outdoor classroom, sitting and standing around a magnificent wood carved snake bench. Rain was stopping play, so off back to the cars. Several of us then headed off for refreshments in nearby Kettle Black Cafe in Llanharan.
Thank you fellow walkers, it was good to have your company
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