On a beautiful sunny early autumn day, just 3 members of the group – Val, Marian and Teresa – set off from Cowbridge on the walk of just over 6½ miles.

We went across the playing fields and then across the ‘3 Fields’ footpath to Llanblethian, where we were lucky enough to see some bullocks grazing.

From Llanblethian, we followed the Thaw valley, eventually heading up to St Hilary, via the woods and lane. We passed The Bush, to head up the track passing the new vineyard which has only recently begun selling their wine, then on through a field to get to the highest point in the area, on St Hilary Down. A sit down on the bench there was welcome, not only to rest and take on water, but to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and far reaching views.

Our walk took us across the A48, onto Stalling Down. Again, we appreciated the stunning views, and stopped at the Iolo Morgannwg monument to enjoy them.

Near the bottom of the hill, we took a short detour to see the recent bench sculpted as a Lancaster bomber, in memory of local man John Moore who had died in 2020, and who had flown such aircraft in WW2.

The fields and boardwalk took us back into Cowbridge.

Joined by Penny, we had a leisurely lunch in the courtyard of The Penny Farthing.

VEM