May’s long walking group, led by Penny, was fortunate in being held on a beautiful early summer morning. A smaller group than normal due to several absences of some regulars. So, five fit u3a folk met in central Cowbridge and were soon in leafy surroundings. Through the Twt park, up the steps to Broadway and then a descent through the Windmill Hill lush grass to a short stretch of busy St Athan road. Thence to the delightful hamlet of Llandough. The zig zag road bend led to the stile entrance to the wooded hillside.
Then the fun really began. The steep short woodland climb took us to open countryside facing the south west aspect. Then, paths that were usually well marked, seemed to have melted into the landscape under recent lush grass and foliage growth. Gates led to brambles and nettles, stiles seemed to lead to further obstacles. Everyone entered into the spirit of a minor challenge. People used a variety of innovative approaches to negotiating fences and slippery banks. Some people’s trousers became muddy in unusual places. We laughed with relief as the boggy bed of a rivulet was finally crossed and we entered a
grassy valley floor. Reorientated, we headed west, up a steep grass slope and then the next attractive hamlet of Llanmihangel came into view. This tiny settlement looked at its spring best with its ancient ‘Place’, it’s medieval church and wonderful restored agricultural buildings. Work was also in progress to clear the growth around its ‘Healing Well’. The Horse Chestnuts were in bloom to perfection A minor road led us to The Victoria Inn in Sigginstone. We did not dine there, but coffees were enjoyed. Some noted, as we entered the village, the sad monument to the 1950 air disaster, at the time the worlds worst with 80 victims.
The return to Cowbridge was relatively straightforward, although path finding across the numerous fields was at times tricky. Cattle and tractor activities were intense. Stiles seemed to have been constructed to challenge even the most creative of experienced walkers. Sadly, one of the group descended into a bed of nettles despite efforts to prevent this unfortunate event. Discrete use of nearby dock leaves was required to aid healing in the inflamed area. Some humour was used to make light of this matter. The real walking ended as we descended into Llanbleddian after we’d enjoyed exceptional high level views

of our base town of Cowbridge. It was a walk of around 6.5 miles, and all considered it
another success. Thanks to Penny