Thankfully the weather looked promising as we set off in cars from the Village Hall to complete a walk which had to be postponed earlier in the year due to storms. We parked up at the Halo Leisure Centre in Bridgend where Richard met us making eight walkers in total.
Passing the park in Newbridge Fields, we then made our way into Craig Y Parcau Nature Reserve. With the River Ogmore on our left-hand side and a canopy of oak and ash trees above us it was a surprise to many of the group that we were so close to town. Although we didn’t spot any otters or kingfishers, there were plenty of blue tits and robins singing in the trees. The Reserve ends at the A48 which we crossed before following another footpath towards Merthyr Mawr.
We all decided that it would be a good idea to add on the Merthyr Mawr circular walk in the future but today we crossed the Dipping Bridge before heading back. The old sheep underpass led us straight into Newbridge Fields and a photo opportunity in front of the cricket pavilion. Thanks to dog walker Val, and her timid rescue dog, for taking the picture.
En route we stopped at the Gorsedd Stones to tell everyone about the National Eisteddfod’s visits to Bridgend and the significance of the Bards’ coloured robes. Those of us who grew up in Bridgend reminisced about the outdoor lido and paddling pools before passing the Tennis Club and making our way over the old stone footbridge back to the carpark.
Over a cup of coffee in the Leisure Centre café we all agreed that today’s walk made us realise that there are always new walks to discover even in places we thought we knew.
Wick Wanderers 