This walk, led by Keith, eventually took place using Barry’s streets and 3 beaches. The several planned rural walks had been abandoned due to severe mud and much standing water after the wet early spring period. Today was a pleasant one.

The slightly shorter route was considered acceptable and also suited the reduced turn out of 4 walkers. 

We set off outside Cadoxton Court a walled medieval castellated mansion with its huge dove cote. We descended towards the Old Village which predates industrial and modern Barry. The group paused outside the 1837 King William IV Hotel and its adjacent pilgrims graveyards before entering the St Cadocs church. We were warmly welcomed by the minister and some of her young congregation from the nearby Cadoxton Primary school. Ascending steep Church Street we gained the elevated site of that school and Victoria Park with views over eastern Barry. Returning to the cars we shortly after took coffee in Cold Knap way.

Leaving our excellent cafe we aimed for seaside Barry via Parade Gardens and the causeway road. We skirted the fun fair and circled imposing Redbrink Crescent before the steep path to sandy Jackson’s Bay. Nell’s Point path took the walkers towards Whitmore Bay sands. We then took the opportunity to also reach the tip of Friars Point with its windy viewpoint.

The stone steps to the sand from the vertigo inducing breakwater landed us on Old Harbour Beach at low tide. We found the small stream no special barrier to gain the pebble beach. The group traversed the grassy park; the site of the former very popular Knap Lido, its high diving boards and chalet facilities. Then past the harp shaped former boating lake. Just the swans remain from its heyday as a major attraction for visitors and the youth of the town. Our final stop was reached via Cold Knap Gadens. The earlier coffee stop then became our lunch venue. Now, we ate our agreeable light lunch in warm sunshine al fresco. The walk was a fraction less than 6 miles, but at least we avoided the severe muddy and deep water challenges. The group saw Barry in perhaps another light.