Ten of us met at the Village Hall at 10am and drove to St. Brides Major where some of us risked the ire of Gavin Henson and parked in the Farmers Arms carpark, the others on the road. We set off across the cattle grid and turned left up the hill past the Scout Hall and onto the Common. We crossed the Common past Southerndown Golf Course and took a steep footpath down to the Ogmore road coming out almost opposite the footbridge over the Ewenny river. Crossing the river, we went across a big field to the white suspension bridge over the Ogmore river.
We took the northern road out of Merthyr Mawr village spotting a lone peacock on the way and after a steep hill we branched off left on a rough track towards Whitney farm. The path then took us across a couple of fields before a sharp left turn bordering a wood and bringing us out at Candlestone farm. After descending the steep rough track towards Candlestone castle we entered a field on the left. By now the sun had come out so we sat down against a stone wall and had our lunches.
After lunch there was a steep uphill section then down to the road by Ton farm where we were confronted by a surprisingly lot of people, vehicles, tents, camper vans etc. Apparently, there was a big music festival taking place in the woods over the weekend. Moira had learnt that there was a Pop-Up tea and cakes taking place today in the church, so a visit was absolutely necessary. Sitting down at the edge of the graveyard having our tea and cakes was a real bonus.
We returned more or less the same way back to the cars but took a slightly different route up onto the Common and descended via the church in St. Brides. John had been most helpful aiding Robbie with collecting mushrooms as we crossed the Common.
We had been so lucky with the weather as it had tipped down just before 10am, but then remained fine throughout apart from one quick passing shower. Total distance walked was just under 8 miles.
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