SEPTEMBER 9 saw long time members of Penarth and District Ramblers, Jan and John Nash celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They were very generous in inviting some group members to share their celebration with a walk followed by afternoon tea at their house on the Sunday before.

John who is the group secretary and wife Jan have over the years led some brilliant walks which have been thoroughly enjoyed, not only locally but taking in the Clydach Gorge, to Sharpness and the ships graveyard, around the City of Bath, a visit to Aust and the toll booths on the Severn Bridge, around and about Llangynwyd, out from the Barry Sidings, along the Machen Forge Trail, through the Sirhowy Valley and up over Mynydd Machen, to Pontypool Park for a visit to the Folly, up over Craig yr Allt and through Fforest Fawr, to Six Bells and a visit to the statuesque Guardian of the Valleys, Gloucester Docks and a chance to see the Severn Bore, over Mynydd Llangorse, Bryngarw Park and Tondu, the Dare Valley and Lluest Wen Reservoir and the Upper and Lower Lliw reservoirs to mention but a few.

This was a chance for them to lead a local walk close to home, with a ‘Golden’ theme and being joined by a group of seventeen members chosen by them to reflect their friendships within Ramblers, plus dogs Douglas and Biddy; they set off from the Gorsedd Stones at Romilly Park Road. On through Romilly Park and into Birch Grove Wood which is cared for by a volunteers and up the hill to walk the clifftop in front of Marine Drive whilst enjoying its grand views back towards Cold Knap, Barry Island and Steep Holm.

In overcast weather with a forecast of showers which thankfully did not arrive, a woodland path at Cliff Wood led them onward for the descent down the GOLDEN Stairs, which is designated as an SSSI and across the Barry brook to the main meadow of Porthkerry Country Park. Making their way below the railway bridge and past Derwen the Dragon who guards the bottom of Fishpond Hill, they meandered along the path through the Millwood. This woodland was used for timber production for many years and the name derives from the saw mill that was built by the Romilly Estate around 1850, powered by a water wheel and whose ruins are still within the woodland.

Crossing a footbridge over the almost depleted Nant Talwg brook a steep climb via steps brought them to the Four Fields. Farmed since the 17th century the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission and Coed Cymru joined forces to develop this area into a community woodland and passing through one of its many pathways where a small orchard complete with apples is situated, they eventually descended through woodland into the bottom of Cwm Barri.

Following the recent spell of dry weather, the Barry brook was also looking the worse for wear as they crossed the footbridge to clamber up steps leading onto Fishpond Hill, then along Coed yr Odyn to return via pathways bisecting the Garden Suburb.

Returning to their home, the afternoon began in the garden with cool refreshments for the thirsty troops until a shower of rain fell and forced them indoors for afternoon tea of sandwiches and goodies, with much chatter, reminiscing and laughter whilst gazing at wedding photos of the happy couple. This was followed by the cutting of a special fruit cake with Royal icing baked by Josie, who also produced delicious carrot cake and sugar free chocolate cake, along with sugar free fruit slices baked by Jan, all washed down with hot beverages.

Our thanks are sent to Jan and John for their input into the group over the years, for leading some fantastic walks and for opening their home and allowing us to share their celebration. All that is left is to wish them a Happy Anniversary and our love and best wishes for the years to come.

You can follow the group at www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com or on Facebook.