Seven Walkers met at The Village Hall before heading off in a convey of shared cars to the start of the walk on the far side of Ogmore Down near Portobello House. It was lovely to see new member Sue, along with Pennie, Liz, Phil (especially as it was Monday), and Graham who joined Richard (kindly standing in for Mags) and myself as walk leaders. A little more description than usual of the happy crew members as we forgot to take a photo!
After parking off road, and hoping the threatening drizzle would stay away, we followed the path upwards trying to keep to the grass rather than the sandy route. Our first point of interest was a small stone structure which Graham reliably informed us was an old well. Second point of information again from Graham was connected with the grazing sheep and ram, Liz chose not to look at this point!
We then crossed the Common and walked through the hamlet of Heol y Mynydd to the crossroads at Groes Farm. Ahead of us was a bench which appeared to have a wonderful view of just a hedge! However, if you looked to the left it afforded a beautiful view of The Bristol Channel, cliffs near Wick, the top of Nash Lighthouse and Devon.
I include a photo (one I had taken another day) to replace the one we forgot to take. The bench provided a handy point to take a break, have a coffee and a biscuit. Mags was heavily missed at this point as no cakes. We did wonder though if she had sent The Air Ambulance that kept circling over us, just in case Richard and I had lost any walkers enroute in her absence.
Following the lane down which was quite steep in parts, we discussed farm buildings, ponies, inviting looking footpaths to be explored on another day…. but the piece de resistance was what was the purpose of a certain gate hidden near some trees. Richard had earlier described we would be passing an Arbour, far more an eloquent description than mine of tall wooden gate posts with an aluminium top!
Arriving back at the cars, a quick consensus of opinion was we would all like to head to Ewenny Garden Centre Coffee Shop for refreshments.
Thank you all for your lovely company on the walk.
Wick Wanderers 