Jo’s choice of 29 March for this extremely rural and lush region of the Vale could have been unfortunate. Up until the last moments before we set off, delayed 1/2 hr because of the weather, we thought a total drenching was inevitable. The eight who gathered at Pugh’s garden centre, Wenvoe were eventually rewarded for their stoicism.
The first outward leg skirted the extensive fairways of Wenvoe Castle golf course. The slopes and greens on either side of our path were devoid of golfers. The path itself was a mixture of minor farm tracks and ankle deep liquid mud in many places. Rain was still with us as we passed the ancient farmsteads of New and Old Wallace. This is an area of ancient tiny settlements with dwellings of great antiquity. We reached the minor road through the Hamstons, passing the medieval Dogshill farm with its CADW listed moated defensive site. A short rise took us for refreshments in Dyffryn Gardens cafe. The rain had eased and largely remained at bay for the rest of the walk. Regaining the minor road east, we passed the celebrated St Lythans burial chamber which still retains the secrets of its actual construction and purpose. The road rose gently to St Lythans church yard, where some paused to reflect. A zig zag of paths across fields, near old quarries, small coppices and undulations took us southwards and downwards. Very slippy at times. Burdonshill hamlet led into the residential streets of Wenvoe, past the church to the exceptional rugged Carboniferous Limestone Grade 11 Listed war memorial. It mentions not just the
casualties but all local combatants in the World WarsThe walk ended in the cafe of very busy Wenvoe Garden centre. Another successful and satisfying walk of around eight miles.