The day started off miserable, misty and wet, so I was quite prepared for a few “Do we really want to walk in this weather?” However, I was very happy that a carload set off from Wick Village Hall to meet up with Margaret and Moyra for the start of our walk. We were lucky to park near the path that took us through the fields and the bridges over The Ewenny and Ogmore rivers.
First stop was St Teilo’s Chuch in Merthyr Mawr, very prettily surrounded by drifts of snowdrops. We admired the church interior, taking our group photos inside at both east and west ends. The little church was built c1850 on a very ancient site, we walked around to the back of the Church yard to view a collection of stones dating back to the 5th century.
Next we headed along the lane towards the sand dunes, stopping at the ruins of Candleston Castle which is actually a 14th century fortified manor house. We then held ourselves back from doing a Steve Ovett and running up The Big Dipper, and with no sight of Lawrence of Arabia heading our way set off back towards Merthyr Mawr. A sandy path, and a grassy hill with the most beautiful view (imagined due to the mist!) led us back.
We then crossed fields and woodland behind the church meeting several equine varieties, all very friendly and photogenic. They did however have the same problems with their hairstyles as me…… the windswept bedraggled look.
After a refreshing coffee stop, the walk continued along lanes and a few challenging slippy stiles. The gentlemen in our group quickly perfected a routine, one pushing the other pulling (well almost) to help us on our way. On reaching the road we passed the overgrown drive and gates which lead up to the derelict Lanerch House, then over The Dipping Bridge back to the picturesque thatched cottages of Merthyr Mawr. We then retraced our way to the cars, and finished with well-earned refreshment at The Watermill. How lucky we are to have such beautiful places to walk, made even better by such great company. Thank you!
Wick Wanderers 