The Met Office warned of Thunderstorms and flooding by 12 noon, but although the sky looked threatening at times, our initial group of 10 + 3 had very pleasant Goldilocks conditions for our walk: not too hot, not too cold, just right (the lucky 13).
Seven of us (Richard, Claire, Craig, Linda, Mavis, Moyra, me) caught the 303 to join 3 others (Moira C, Mags & Vivienne) who chose to walk the extra mile +/- to Pen-y-Cae Farm, Marcross, meeting us at the stile to begin our group walk. And to my surprise and delight, 3 more joined us at Cwm Nash to complete the walk to the Plough for light lunch and/or drinks (Chrys T, Ann D and Mary J).
The pastureland grass had grown even longer over the previous week and notably cushioned the route underfoot. From this elevated vantage point, we had good view of the lighthouse and the hamlet of Marcross; although the Channel was a little misty, not a single drop of rain or thunderclap disturbed the tranquillity of this beautiful area throughout the entire walk in good company.
In the woodland nature reserve, we wondered about the green net stretched tight and firmly fixed to the sturdy branches of a tree, high above the stream below. Notches are carved into the trunk for foothold and hand shapes were carved like ancient cave artwork which seemed to indicate where to hold while climbing up onto the net ‘platform’ from which to bird watch or star gaze …
The descent from cliff top to the Cwm was quite steep and narrow; walking poles proved helpful where needed, but overall, the walk was easy in very pleasant company and I was relieved that the 303 was nearly spot on time and the weather remained in our favour throughout.
wickwanderers.com 