After the horrible weather of the previous week, we were blessed with what turned out to be a warm, dry day. Six Wanderers met up at the White Horse in Coychurch – parking in the car park behind the pub (with pre-arranged permission).
After a short walk on the main road in Coychurch, we turned onto the path through a housing estate and then crossed the railway line – taking great care as there were no lights on this pedestrian crossing. Soon we found ourselves in a field with 3 very friendly donkeys and this is where Andrew took our group photo.
We followed the path along the footpath in the valley below the crematorium and the woods there, and successfully crossed the field with cows, with them paying us no attention at all. The grass was wet, the going slightly muddy underfoot in places and the nettles had grown tall in the 2 weeks since we did our recce.
After Lais House, we headed uphill on a fairly easy gradient and stopped when we reached the high point to have a quick drink and a piece of Mags’ lovely fruit cake while we watched swallows flitting around. It was noted that it was so peaceful and quiet – considering we were not too far from built up areas and the motorway. At this point the sun had come out and we were all feeling warm and took the opportunity to remove some outer layers of clothing.
When we got to Coed- y-Mwstwr Ganol Farm we discussed the information in the walk guide which said that according to legend King Arthur had been buried in a wood here after his death near Ogmore. None of us had heard this legend before and we began to wonder if it was a different King Arthur to the one of Round Table legend. I have since looked on the internet to find out more and it seems there is a school of thought that King Arthur was from Wales not Cornwall. Here is the information from Wikipedia:
A local Arthurian legend has grown up, fostered by amateur historian Alan Wilson, who claims, in his 1986 book Artorius Rex Discovered, to have discovered a cave in Coed-y-Mwstwr Forest, just behind the village of Coychurch, where King Arthur was buried secretly, for fear that the news of his death might split his kingdom.[8] Some believe that the Holy Grail was brought to the area by Joseph of Arimathea.[9]
After the farm we followed the lane past the hotel and golf club entrance. We had to keep squeezing to the hedgerow to let cars past as there was a wedding party heading from the hotel to the ceremony. We were pleased to turn off onto an even smaller lane and admired some smart houses being built there. Crossing the railway line again (this time with lights) we were back at the pub where we continued to chat over lunch and a drink.
A lovely walk in good company. Thank you everyone.
wickwanderers.com 