Joy Strangward

Seven walkers from Penarth and District Ramblers, accompanied by a miniature poodle, completed a 6.5-mile route through Hensol Forest, Pendoylan and Welsh St Donats in bright summer weather. The walk featured woodland, wildflower meadows and panoramic countryside, as well as visits to the historic churches of St Cattwg and St Donat, Warren Mill Farm Park and several heritage buildings. Some overgrown and damaged stiles created difficulties, although replacements with kissing gates improved access in parts of the route.

A group of eleven walkers and two dogs from Penarth and District Ramblers completed a walk of just under seven miles around Newton, Merthyr Mawr Warren, Candleston Castle, the River Ogmore and the coast near Porthcawl. The route included historic sites such as St John the Baptist Church and the ruins of Candleston Castle, along with woodland, dunes, beaches and sections of the Wales Coast Path. The leader shortened the route slightly because of the warm weather and the dogs, allowing the group to remain safely off lead.

Penarth and District Ramblers completed a six-and-a-half-mile walk beginning at Castell Coch near Tongwynlais. The route passed through Greenmeadow Wood, surrounding farmland, Fforest-fawr and its historic industrial landscape, including former mining sites, woodland sculptures and sections of the Taff Trail and Cambrian Way. The group encountered a minor bee-sting incident but completed the walk safely, returning to Castell Coch’s car park.

A group of local ramblers completed a five‑mile walk through woodlands around Dinas Powys, visiting areas including Cwm George, Casehill Wood, Pen‑y‑Turnpike Wood, and Park Wood. The route highlighted the variety of landscapes, tree species, and historical features such as former toll roads, while noting the Woodland Trust’s role in preserving the area. Rising temperatures led to rest stops before the group completed the circuit back to the village square.