Company and near calamity!

Sunday 14th June

Steps on the trail  12062 –  Miles on the trail 5.22

Circuit from Oxwich Bay

Leisurely start as I was meeting Athene for today’s walk at 11am at the Oxwich Bay car park. I got there first,  and sat in my beach folding chair trying to look conspicuous! It worked and Athene soon arrived. I had decided it was best to do a circular walk that day, as buses on Sunday are not so frequent or not running, and it was difficult to predict how far along the coast we might get.

We had a coffee at the beach café and started to catch up! It was a lovely temperature and sunny as we set off and did the inland leg first, climbing steeply up a road at the back of the beach through Oxwich Green and on to Slade (Happy 80th birthday to Noddy Holder!). We turned off down a track which turned into a very overgrown final section – which was almost impassable before joining the coast path and i made a touching point. The next section was fairly easy going, and we stopped for a coffee stop as soon as we could and admired the beach and general scenery. There was a high cliff above us, and this area was especially renown for Gower specific birds.

We made good progress toward Oxwich point, with the path getting a little more challenging as we went. We scrambled down a slope to a good vantage point for lunch (that a family were just vacating and  when we left another 3 people arrived to take it over). Climbing back up to the path was easier than coming down it. We soon wound round the headland and the scenery changed to dense woodland.

The path started to undulate more, and when we were quite close to the beach, there was a stepped ascent – which went on and on! Taking us eventually back right up on to the headland, before descending with similar steps down to St Illtyd’s church. We diverted back inside and it was clearly well used!

A short stroll back to the beach and across the car park led back to the cars. As I had my Dementia UK t-shirt on, I was given a donation towards the walk by a lady who equally has a mother with Alzheimer’s, which was generous of her. I set up a touching point in the car park.

Monday 15th June

Steps on the trail 13247 –  Miles on the trail 5.73

Kenfig to Port Talbot, train/bus take the strain. I went by train to Pyle, and then after a bit of confusion found the bus stop to get the 63B back to Kenfig Nature reserve. I was there about 10 minutes before 11am, and used the facilities (never believe AI station information about there being toilets when there were not at Pyle). I had a coffee and Gavin and Alison arrived. More coffee was consumed, and catching up began. I was abit apprehensive about the sand dunes down to the coast path, as this is where I had upset my ankle back in April. I was careful to use the poles well, and we broke through to the coast path after about 20 minutes, by carefully following the way markers.

We carried on along the coast path – enjoying the wide views of the beach and had a coffee stop on a log. We did the requisite couple of miles before the path started to turn away from the coast to skirt around the steel works – which were entirely visible on this day. It was a nice temperature bit did have humid moments. We saw a barrier which was not across the path, and a sign saying the path was closed for 5 months in 2024! We didn’t think much of it as it was very out of date and carried on. Now skirting through dunes, around the edge of a large naturalised spoil mound and a grassy track which was rather overgrown. We were looking for a place to have lunch and eventually (by this point we had done about 5 miles!) we came out near some active works and there was a large pipeline by the path, above a track so we sat on that to eat our lunch (it turned out to be a temporary replacement sewar pipe!).

We were just packing up after lunch, we had been spotted earlier by someone in a van on the track, and another man (called Gethin) came along in a 4×4 and explained the path was closed, and in fact, we should not have been where we were! We explained we hadn’t seen any active signage etc (though later found it is indicated on the internet that the path is shut even if the alternative route is incomprehensible!). After initially suggesting we go back the way we had come, the lovely Gethin offered to take us back to where we would have come out near Margam (and got us past large locked gates about a mile further on which would have barred our way on the route!). This meant scrambling down the steep bank to the track to get in the 4×4 -where Gavin assisted me for which I was most grateful. I am so glad we were spotted and ‘rescued’ and Gethin, true to his offer, took us back out to the roundabout near the crematorium on the edge of Margam in his 4×4.

We did the final 3 mile section through housing and by roads from there on foot, I linked  with my previous touching point, and then connected with Alison. We returned to the café I had used at Aberavon on Saturday for some sustenance, before Gavin and Alison dropped me back to Port Talbot and I got the train back. The last 10 minutes back up to base camp were abit of a struggle as I had stiffened up (and overall I had done just over 11 miles that day).

Wet and much drier!

Thursday 11th June – It rained heavily for most of the day – I had a rest day!

Port Talbot parkway to Baglan

Friday 12th June

Steps on the trail 13927 –  Miles on the trail 5.18

It was a drizzly cool start to the day so I was well wrapped up and with my winter waterproof trousers on and gloves!. I walked down from base camp to Gowerton Station and let a train ultimately aimed at Manchester Piccadilly take me as far as Port Talbot Parkway. I descended on the coast path side of the station and I soon connected with the coast path, and created a touching point on a coast path sign.

Touching point

I walked along the side of various roads on a shared pedestrian/cycle track – wondering at the very low cloud and windy conditions – which was obliterating any sense that a large steel works was nearby!! I saw some really impressive orchids and a pyramid orchid on this section – It looked that machair! The route ran along several main roads, and eventually after a complicated cycle/pedestrian bridge section, I walked through a housing estate, to a water way cut. On the opposite side  was the completely invisible steel works. There was quite a nice path along the side of the water way, but I was getting blown and damp due to the persistent drizzle! There was even some artwork of the other side which I could not see!

Eventually the route came out onto Aberfan beach – which was a spectacular 3 mile stretch of golden sand – but I was then walking straight into the very strong wind. This really wasn’t very pleasant and rather hard work! I saw various penguins and a whale, plus a highly decorated house as I struggled along. There was also a very dominant kite sculpture. Eventually I decided to take a break in a café and had a very welcome cappuccino and  toasted tea cake. You can see in the picture I am looking rather windswept.

I had to do at least another mile after the café on the seafront – the rain was easing a bit but the wind persisted. I eventually took a small short cut from the route and to have a break from sharing my way with bicycles! I soon reconnected with the coast path signs as I got through a housing estate including walking past 2 large schools towards the industrial estate at Baglan. I found the bus stop touching point I had used on Wednesday by another cycle bridge. I repeated my route back from  that day – an X1 to Swansea bus station and then the 116 back to base camp! I took a while to get everything dry again!

Southgate National Trust Car Park to Caswell Bay

Saturday 13th June 2026

Steps on the trail 12440   –  Miles on the trail 4.43

Thankfully the day started dry and I drove to the National trust car park at Southgate to start today’s walk. It was still pretty fresh, but as the walk progressed it got warmer. I was determined to walk with the wind at my back today – which I definitely achieved (rather than yesterday’s experience). I connected with a touching point at the coast path and set off. The first section was an easy grassy path next to a narrow road, at times on the road and I made good progress. I saw a fantastic dragon at a gateway of a house on the road section.

The path verged off towards Pwlldu Head and started to be much more up and down. The views were getting impressive!  And I worked around Pwlldu head before reaching a steep descent. I had a comfort stop and half a coffee at this point – whilst taking in the wonderful view. The descent was quite tricky and eventually became stone steps which made it a bit easier. I came down through a wood – to another even more tricky descent. After yesterday’s rain it was slippery and had a loose stone/muddy surface on quite a steep gradient. Not pleasant and I made heavy weather of it really. My left ankle though much improved after my post-Easter break is still abit twingey!

Eventually the tricky path came out at Pwlldu bay – but it took a while to find a suitable rest spot as the path wound back up again. This was an easier stretch generally  and eventually I found a lovely vantage point for a longer coffee break and rest. Shortly after this there was a very difficult stretch of descent when I ended up on my bottom (deliberately) for the bigger drop and it took a while to get down safely – with a steep drop on one side. There were several notices warning of the danger of falling which was a bit  off-putting – as a couple told me this path was going to be used for a race that afternoon!

I continued on and there was a stiff climb up and then windy steps down to reach the beach at the far end of Caswell bay. A lovely walk on the beach followed winding back at the touching point, with plenty of time before the rather late number 1 bus back to Blackpill on Swansea bay. Unfortunately I missed my connection as the first bus was late, and had just over an hour to kill, so found a bench overlooking the bay and the promenade/cyclepath and watched the world go by whilst eating my lunch. There were convenient toilets here but I didn’t use the first one as they were trying to release someone who was stuck in that cubicle! Oops.

I got the No 14 back to Southgate with a rather grumpy driver!

Adding to both ends!

Mumbles – South end car park to Caswell  Bay

Tuesday 9th June

Steps on the trail – 13927  Miles on the trail 4.35

It was a bright sunny morning – rather windy and I returned to the South end car park on the Mumbles. I took a while to get organised and set off on the final bit of the promenade, up to the pier. I availed myself of some facilities before ascending some steep steps up on to the headland. What followed was several miles of scenic coastal walking, made very much easier by a cement track (all bar the last ½ a mile into Caswell Bay). There were many seats and a few ascents and descents. There were lots of people on the track of all sizes and ages, and plenty of dogs. I stopped first for a coffee looking back at Limeslade bay.

The wind was really blustery and I wished I was walking in the opposite direction. It was really very straightforward – dipping down first to Langland Bay – where I again used some convenient facilities. There was a terrific footpath sign, with memorial plaques, and a reference to the dark side! I stopped for a  second coffee on a bench at Snapple point (which was reasonably sheltered) looking back across the bay.

The next stretch was even more windy and a big more rugged and after about a mile wound down into Caswell Bay. I didn’t need the conveniently placed defibrillator near one of the sharp ascents. It was in good time to get a No 1 bus back to Mumbles but it stopped about a mile from where the car was parked. I had lunch on a bench on the promenade, did a little bit of shopping and walked back to the car along the road, taking in a wool shop with lots of knitted animals on the way back!

Jersey Marine to Baglan (near the station!)

Wednesday 10th June 2026

Steps on the trail 12440  –  Miles on the trail 3.94

I got the 116 bus from 5 minutes away from base camp back to the Swansea bus station. I nearly missed my connection as the bus driver had logged off the bus before I tapped off! I had to wait for the new driver to log in again! Not very helpful. I just caught the X7 back to New Road in Jersey Marine where I had stopped on Monday. I really wasn’t feeling that special (and an hour on the bus hadn’t really helped!).

I started the trek by the bridge over the Tennant canal and retouched my touching point. I walked on soon joining a combined cycle route and walkway alongside the A483. I stopped in a garage, to use the facilities (and some of the reason I wasn’t feeling so great became apparent!).

The walk was not very exciting along side a main road but there were occasional orchids in the verge. As I drew near the M4, there was an underpass so I could get under the dual carriage way, and I then walked under the motorway (M4) (which is elevated at this point!). I carried on alongside the A48 and over a bridge over the river Neath. I had to make a choice between the red and blue options on the coast path – and I chose what I thought would be a walk on the beach/sand dunes – the blue option. As soon as I could I stopped for a coffee break on a slightly less busy road, on the corner before a turning to a recycling centre sitting on a crash barrier. Not my  most scenic coffee stop by any stretch of the imagination! It started to rain briefly so I donned my kagoul. I was contemplating putting on my waterproof trousers when it stopped!

Shortly after crossing under the M4 again, I started following the coast path signs for the blue route – which bore no relation to what the map or the guide book said – and the walk was alongside a B-road through a long industrial estate! I really wasn’t feeling it and it tried to rain on me several times.  I decided when I eventually reached a footbridge near a bus stop to regroup and was contemplating what to do sitting  on the footbridge footings. I was just under the 4 mile point, but I really needed facilities! And there was nothing obvious ahead.

I checked what was happening bus-wise and 2 minutes away was an X1. I hastily set up a touching point abandoning the activity of the day.  I took the X1 back to Swansea bus station, and was relieved to find the facilities (spotlessly clean but 30p a throw) and spent some time in there. I decided to get the 116 back home. Again feeling rather grim on exiting the bus  – I knew I had made the right choice! I had a quiet afternoon, watched some tennis and had a sleep and things have calmed down!

Swansea Bay

Mumbles – South end car park to Brynmill

Sunday June 7th 2026

Steps on the trail 8064 –  Miles on the trail 3.48

A more leisurely start, following a church service at Murton Methodist Church – with a good exposition on the first chapter of Philippians. I liked the idea of Bible month, and enjoyed the strong Biblical focus and some super singing – with 2 great Wesley hymns.

I  parked at the South end car park on the Mumbles, it was overcast and it looked like it might rain! I failed to get the car park machine to work after several efforts (things improved a bit when I got it to prompt me in English rather than Welsh – but it failed to do the final step – so I resorted to an app). I set up a touching  point using the Southend sign on the Mumbles railway trail.  I did a leisurely stroll on the promenade in the direction of Swansea, seeing evidence of the Swansea half marathon that had been earlier. There had been significant improvements to this end of the promenade, which were opened in 2025 – it did look good, and rather better than my memories from a placement in Sketty in 2003. I stopped for a coffee after I had found a public toilet.

I walked on to Black Pill before stopping for lunch. By this stage I realised I wasn’t going to be able to get a bus back very easily because it was Sunday, and the land train wasn’t running because of the marathon, so I decided when it came to it I would get an Uber!

Lunch hit the spot – and I carried on through more of a country park. The evidence of the half marathon was littering the side of the track, and it was quite poignant as I passed the 11 mile mark. I remembered my own half marathon (run for Christian Aid and my 50th birthday in 2011!) in and around the Royal Parks in London. I remembered hitting the wall a bit between the 11th and 12th mile markers on that occasion. I had trained for 6 months to get to this point and I was particularly grateful for the encouragement from the crowd as I alternated between walking and running at this stage!

I did another mile on the trail, but was getting a bit conscious of sharing the path with a cycle track and seeing several folk in county lines kit passing me at speed – I have watched too many episodes of Line of Duty!. At Bryn mill on the mumbles railway trail I established a touching point and a very chatty Uber driver took me back to where the car was parked. Just as I was getting out of the Uber it started to rain! Which continued well into the evening!

Brynmill to Jersey Marine

Monday June 8th 2026

Steps on the trail 15329  –  Miles on the trail 6.56

I had spotted a car park near the Brynmill touching point and I headed back there. Ready to walk by 9:30am. It was bright and sunny, but cool and I decided gloves would be a good idea! There was a very patriotic bin! After connecting with the touching  point, the trail kept above the beach and was much more open than yesterday’s final section. I walked along with the developments getting more and more upmarket, (though some were not ageing well), and there was a mermaid!. Eventually where a building site blocked off the path, I turned a corner on the side of the river Tawe and a marina came into view. I found a toilet, crossed the Tawe on a foot bridge, and then settled down for morning coffee.

The trail headed inland round the Prince of Wales dock, past a Norwegian Church which is now a nursery and on to a track, with a  very impressive footbridge (suspension!) over the main road. I carried on along the track for about ½ a mile, before passing Fabian Way park and ride to a road.

I had a bit of a dither here, as I worked out whether to carry on. I did do a further 2 and a ½ miles to Jersey Marine, along a track that deteriorated to a narrow path, and went past some wetland, and eventually the last mile or so by the disused and overgrown Tennant Canal. (Thankfully this was much to remote a path for more county lines stuff! And I saw 2 cyclists and 1 man walking his dog on the entire stretch!) – There were several signs discouraging crime and telling me I was being watched!

I established a touching point where the path came out by a bridge, and wandered up the road to a very convenient bus stop. I had a short wait to catch a T6 bus into Swansea and then a number 1 back to Bryn Mill. I ate lunch overlooking the beach back near where I started, before heading back to the car.

Post Easter rambles

Steps on the trail 44738 Miles on the trail 19.3

Steps off the trail 32392 Miles off the trail 13.9

TOTAL 77130 steps, 33.2 miles

Unusual to be on the coast path trail for my post Easter break. Lots of contributory factors to me not being very trail fit. For starters I had a nasty run in with cellulitis in March, and have been rather careful with my right hand as a result. I was a bit reticent about using my walking poles – but that has proved to be OK and I have had no issues with my hand!

Unfortunately the choice not to use my walking poles on my first day – which ended with a lengthy spell through the Kenfig sand dunes to connect with a bus went not a good one for different reasons. Not using the poles was a mistake, as I ended up with an achy left ankle (from an old sprain I think!). Lots of twisty movements in the sand dunes without the stabilising influence of my poles was really not good…. And resulted in 1 day only doing a short distance (because my ankle hurt) and a rest day (with retail therapy at the bridgend outlet centre!). The ankle responded well to icepack treatment and wearing a tubigrip in support and reverting to my old boots! Also the poles helped in ensuring I didn’t have too many twisty movements, along with a  lot of time with my foot up on the sofa watching the snooker!

Over the days I have done short chunks of the coast path and picked up the trail from Cwm Nash and got as far as part way through the Kenfig reserve – with me only doing  on the trail and off it (total mileage . I have been pretty blessed with the buses using a 63B, the 303 and an X2 to connect up bits of the trail and where I had left the car. I walked from my base camp in Porthcawl on several days which was unusual.

I was vindicated in the choice I made in the summer when I stopped on a very  hot day too – which was a relief. I need to trust my instincts about this more. I have usually carefully plotted where the possible exits are and how to connect with buses etc, and this is time well spent!

The weather, though initially rather cool with a stiff wind – has been dry through out. I have also combined with watching the early stages of the World Championship mostly in the afternoons and evenings!

At the weekend the weather was lovely which meant it was very unusually busy! I met anglers, walkers, runners, swimmers, Duke of Edinburgh expedition survivors (on Sat and Sun), a large queue going to a street food festival near Ogmore, and lots of families on and round the beach and headland at Dunraven!

On Sunday, I redid the walk I abandoned earlier at  low tide, which reduced the section in the sand dunes from several miles, to just about 1 so as not to aggravate my ankle further!

Lovely stretch of coast path and very few issues with navigation  – even if I have not achieved a great distance. I am back soon staying on the Gower, but can hopefully join up to where I finished in Kenfig somehow!

And the trail total is 524.3 + 19.3 =  543.6 miles!!!

Rest and a final stunning walk

Cwm Colhuw (Llantwit major beach!) to Monknash beach.

On the trail steps, 13,202* on the trail miles 6*. Off the trail steps 21,030, off the trail miles 8.6.

*Due to the lack of internet this is a bit of a guess!

Since my last blog, I had a rest day taking in Bridgend outlet centre, and a new frock for an upcoming event.  Then a hot afternoon wander around the garden at Dyffryn (National trust and very close to base camp), which was a work in progress and a mass of Orchids!!  Very hot – but good to give my legs a rest!

My final walking day started early, as hot weather was forecast. I set off and was at my parking space at Llantwit Major beach (where I finished the first walk with Gavin several days ago!) I set up the forgotten touching point, used the facilities and set off up the first ascent on to low cliffs. It was a beautiful day and a very well kept path as I snaked up and down on the low cliffs – A short stretch on a stony beach after the 2nd descent and then some very welcome shade in the woods around the Atlantic College at St Donat’s. I had a brief hot coffee on the beach there!

And then onward – up out of the woods into grassy fields with the Nash lighthouse getting closer and closer. It was a lovely and relatively easy stroll at this point if a little hot! I walked through the somewhat deserted cottages and past the lighthouse, and stopped for a second  breather just beyond the car park.

I did a big up and down to get to a more deserted stretch next to a field that the farmer was cutting (for silage I guess!). I kept seeing a couple who seemed to be using a bird identifying app as they went. I stopped for a third stop by a stone stile and kissing gate. I knocked over my second coffee which was annoying, but I did get half of it. At this point the view was stretching out ahead for walks to come (as this is my final day on this trip!). It was getting hotter than I could deal with, so at the next opportunity after a tricky descent down to Monknash’s beach, I set up a touching point on another stone stile and then after due consideration I took an inland path.

I had had no internet signal for most of the day, so wasn’t able to work out if the buses back to Llantwit would work well or not! The initial section was rather in the stream and then the path turned out to be a rocky track gently up onto the headland in woods, with a lovely stream and the remains of some kind of mill/industrial building. I was on the Valeways millennium heritage trail and found a car park at Mill Farm I may be able to use in the future and just beyond a pub the bus stop. Miraculously a 303 was due in 10 minutes. It actually arrived after 16 causing difficulties on quite a narrow road.

In Llantwit it dropped me off at the train/bus station and in the heat I walked to the local spa and got an ice cream and a cold drink!. I then had a hot half an hour winding back to the beach (including some very unwelcome ascent!). The final section included a sharp descent, a footbridge over the stream, and then about half a mile of all weather accessible path down to the beach car park.

I found an unconventional sheltered shady spot for lunch and had a drink in the café (which was open this time) before heading back! The car was hot, hot, hot – settling after about 10 minutes on 29 degrees!

A fantastic walk – classic coastal path stuff and a great way to end this stretch of Wales coast path walking. Chepstow to Monknash Beach….

That’s 75.6 miles on the trail, and 29.6 miles off – total walked 105.2 miles

And the trail total is 448.7+75.6= 524.3 miles!!!

Under the bridge!

Goldcliff Sea Wall to Calicot

On the trail steps, 15,098 on the trail miles 6.5. Off the trail steps 3076, off the trail miles 1.3.

I drove back to the Goldcliff sea wall parking place, and set off on the embankment after reconnecting with my touching place from Saturday.

All was well on the embankment to begin with and progress was good. A combination of things made life a little more difficult. First of all there was a small holding with a very affectionate horse – who made access difficult as it was less than a foot from the kissing gate  and then followed me albeit at a better distance to the kissing gate on the other side. Second it got increasingly overgrown. I have known for some years that they do mow aspects of the path, but this needed doing and the cuttings from last time were adding to the difficulty. This is clearly not the most used part of the path! Other sections had not been maintained and needed it! This made it very slow going for about 3 of the 5 miles on the embankment. The view was encouraging and I had a couple of coffee stops on steps down to the estuary side of the embankment.

It was nice to see the Prince of Wales bridge getting nearer and nearer! I saw 2 walkers and a tractor the entire way! Rather remote!

It was also important not to overshoot on the embankment and get into a firing range. This was slightly tricky as I was on a section where I didn’t have the map on my phone (being off the edge of the Newport map and not quite on the Wye valley map I did eventually find the spot to turn off inland – but no where comfortable for lunch. So I took the inland cut – which joined the cycle path. After another hot mile in the heat of the day I  crossed the M4 on a road bridge – I took a detour into Rogiet country park and found a very suitable and much needed lunch bench.

It was then another mile to Caldicot station and a short wait for the hourly train service back to Newport.

 On arrival in Newport station, I ordered another Veezu taxi. Pick up was a bit more tricky and I got in the wrong place apparently (how was I to know!). The driver took me to the sea wall at Goldcliff and he was very taken with it! He was still there taking in the view when I left to drive home.

Caldicot to Chepstow

On the trail steps, 23,488 on the trail miles 10.11. Off the trail steps 4813, off the trail miles 2.

I started out early so I could get parked up in Chepstow and on the 9:21 train to Caldicot. Alas no room in my first choice of car park, so I missed the train. The car park I used (Castle Dell) turned out to be very fortuitous at the end of the day but I didn’t know that then. Using the Newport bus app, I walked uphill until I found the bus station and got a bus (X74) back to Caldicot which was a quicker option than waiting for the next train.

I walked from the bus stop to my touching point and set off! It was another ½ a mile on the cycle track and a footbridge over the M4 followed by several miles back on the embankment next to the estuary. This time I crossed under the Prince of Wales bridge – which was really quite cool!!

I stopped for a coffee in an iron age fort at Sudbrook, and a suitable bench looking across to the Prince of Wales bridge. I then carried on for about 4 miles of embankment walking with a short breather at the black rocks viewing point. This time the M48 bridge was getting closer in front, and the Prince of Wales bridge getting further away behind! As I started the trek back inland and over the railway I got back on the map on my phone – this time the Wye Valley one. This helped as the route involved crossing various fields and was not always very clear! I had a shady lunch on a warm day in Mathern Church yard.

After this it was a hot and long stroll back to Chepstow. There were  contours which are days of walking on a flat embankment was a bit of a shock. There were even 2 stiles (one at a leaning angle) to contend with. I went a bit wrong in the field section, and then up to an industrial estate and park, and then down to go under the M48 in a decorated tunnel. The up into a wooded section, steeply down and then equally steeply back further up into a housing estate! Then another long wooded section and eventually out through the port wall and down into the town.

I was very tired by this point but determined to keep going as the finishing point was the end of the trail marker (Not the end for me as I still have more to do!). I also saw the start of the offa’s dyke trail!

I finally got there and had a chocolate ice-cream and a coke zero sitting on the Wales Coast path bench! I also took some photos of some seals (which could be a treat for another day). A short stroll back to the car was much appreciated at this point as I had walked the furthest I have done on this holiday and was rather tired and also pretty hot!

Wetlands and filling the gaps

Newport RSPB Wetlands to Goldcliff Sea Wall

On the trail steps, 12,600 on the trail miles 5.40. Off the trail steps 5231, off the trail miles 1.93.

Tried to pick an interesting walk as Athene was joining me (and this one was recommended as a highlight!). After a bit of faffing about, and a quick look inside Redwick church, I met up with Athene and we got the cars in strategically a good start and end point (as this is an area with no buses!) It was great to see Athene, and we started in a very civilised way with coffee and a welsh cake, and a comfort stop before kicking off on the coast path around the wetlands, once a touching point had been established.

 There were quite a lot of benches and people, and occasional sightings of birds and lots of orchids! We also saw the sister of the lighthouse I had seen yesterday – the thinner and less squat East Usk light house! It was good to catch up and chat as we talked, and after numerous benches the need for a coffee stop came after we had just left the grounds of the wetland centre. It took ages to find a not very scenic or comfortable spot by a lane (so we didn’t linger!)

Then we walked around the salt marsh – where we not were allowed to walk on the embankment so as not to disturb the nesting birds, so the view of anything was extremely limited, and then across fields (which was increasingly getting rather overgrown!). The meadow sections were rather pretty (and we did see a marsh harrier though no red beaks (oyster catchers) – though I have seen them several times on the trail.

We eventually resorted to lunch in a bird hide (as at least there was  a seat!) we were joined by a couple of birders but not much to be seen! Post lunch we soon wound down to the car by the sea wall and took a quick walk up to see the sea and establish a start point for when I pick up the trail again in this place.

We drove the second car back to the RSPB place, and had another drink and comfort stop before going our separate ways. Next stop with Athene is centre court at Wimbledon (so excited!!!)

Two gaps

On the trail steps, 16843 on the trail miles 7.26. Off the trail steps 9497, off the trail miles 3.4.

I did 2 distinct sections of walk to join up all the trail that I have done. First from the wetlands back into Newport – which turned out to be rather overgrown in places and clearly not the most walked bit of the Wales coast path. I started from the wetland centre – but was so early that the café and toilets were not open!! I found my touching point and set off.

Due to the overgrown nature of the paths, there was quite a bit of checking I was on the right path. There were several fields with sheep and cows including some young ones (who were a bit frisky!). I saw absolutely no-one on the first part of the walk.  Navigation and the going got a lot easier when the path  joined a cycle path as we got closer to Newport (and landed in the inevitable industrial estate). I was soon back next to the A48 and over the road bridge to my touching point. There were again excellent views of the not functioning transporter bridge.

I crossed the road, and availed myself of the convenient costa coffee I had seen on my previous visit. I then hailed my first ever App based taxi service (Veezu in Newport!). This worked amazingly well and they ran me back to the RSPB place (as there are no bus options).

I drove a rather eccentric route back, finding somewhere to eat my lunch, and then went down to Rhoose to pick up Gavin for the second gap walk from Rhoose into Barry!

This turned out to be a much better path with no overgrown bits and much more up and down! We went back to the most southerly point of Wales touching point, and set off! Again lively conversation was had, as we headed towards Porthkerry through the inevitable caravan park, and down through the trees – some ancient ones!.

We stopped for a breather and a drink in Porthkerry park, and then a stiff ascent up and then over into Barry. The ascent began with steps and  a false summit, it eventually levelled out with a wide expanse of green, and posh houses with a fantastic view! We had to work over to the coast path a bit for the steep descent (without steps). We had a brief pause at the Roman remains on display at the bottom of the hill. Then a bit of a canter along a short promenade. before catching a short cut across the beach to connect with a path and a bit beyond my original touching point from last Saturday.

We headed to Zio’s and met Alison and had excellent icecream. Later Gavin and Alison came over to base camp for supper.

Low cliffs and lots of embankment walking!

Rhoose to Llantwit Major beach

On the trail steps, 16,565 on the trail miles 7.12. Off the trail steps, 2,641 off the trail miles 1.13.

Had a more leisurely morning, caught up with the blog and sorted some stuff out. Then headed off to Rhoose to see Gavin and Alison, as Gavin was going to walk with me for the day.

After a coffee and a catch up, we set off from Rhoose establishing a very scenic touching point at the gap – to be picked up later to complete the section back to Barry. This was close to the most southerly point of Wales. The walk had wide expansive views of the Bristol channel and the shipping, and was more classic low cliff walking. We were making steady progress into the breeze. There was lots to see including geological formations, fossils and a rocky shore line. Much conversation was had.

We had a breather on a log when we descended down to a path by the sea wall after the lengthy stretch next to Fontgarry Caravan park! We were chased by the man on a ride-on mower for most of that too! As we continued we saw the cement works and the power station and outer workings of it. It was fun to see some antitank defences which had been painted, including an impressive rubics cube!

We had lunch just beyond the Aberthaw power station on an uncomfortable bench in the car park. This seemed to be a favourite amongst dog walkers. A very chatty chap told about the latest ‘urban thrill experience’ was to break in and explore the derelict power station (we had seen holes in the perimeter fence!). Not my idea of fun! We continued to walk at a low level, which was very reminiscent of Suffolk beyond Sizewell. It was a bit rough and ready (and actually we should have gone in land!)

It was at this point we saw the first sign indicating a path closure. It was not at all clear so we carried on! We eventually reached a barrier not across the path (and I sent Gavin ahead). There was one bit of path in need of attention but it was passable with care! It was all abit overgrown – and we came out by the second barrier (also not barring the path) by the seawatch centre. We were intrigued by an accommodation block at Hafod.

After this we had about 3km to go – and we managed a cliff edge path in some huge fields. There was a down and up section, and finally we wound down into Llantwit beach. I was so pleased to see our lift (Alison) – that I forgot to establish a touching point! Oops. Back to Rhoose for a lovely supper and more catch up too!

De haviland Road, Pengam green to Lighthouse park

On the trail steps,  18,208 on the trail miles 7.84. Off the trail steps 6,681, off the trail miles 2.86.

Unfortunately when I had got home last night I found I had a blister – so compeed (other brands exist) to the rescue and back in the old boots for today’s walk. Made my way back to Pengam green, and found somewhere sensible to park (about ½ mile from the touching point in De haviland road. When I get the bus back I will connect the gap, but for now touched the car as an interim starting point. The initial stretch was complicated by roadworks and a special walking lane at a roundabout and about ½ a mile next to a busy road. It ducked off into a park with a large pond (but you could still hear the traffic). It then struck out towards the coast, coming out near an embankment – which I walked on for much of the rest of the walk. I had an initial coffee stop sitting on a green storage box.

Initially I saw only 1 person on a very isolated spot walking alongside the estuary. It got increasingly humid and I dodged some cows, there was some interesting birds too. I stopped for a breather at the first get off point – near Peterstone church, sitting part way down the embankment. I didn’t linger as it was a bit hot and uncomfortable! The view was very constant – large estuary, with a varying amount of shore (and rural land put to various uses on the other side and some marshy stuff too)!

I stopped further along just beyond Peterstone Gout by the emerging sea wall. At this point people became more prevalent. Another possible exit point emerged and I realised that the bus stopped near the coast at Lighthouse park. I was getting hot and sweaty in the prevailing conditions, and I knew it would be too far to walk the final bit into Newport from where I was. So I established a touching point here, and cut inland to a closed pub/café and ate my lunch at a picnic bench next to a Roman Soldier sculpture and then took the 31A back to Newport. We went on a diverted route including the M4. Lighthouse park turned out to be a static caravan complex!

I wandered into the shopping centre to find a toilet, and then got the bus back to Cardiff (X30). Then a short walk to a number 11 bus stop in the centre of Cardiff and a half hour wait to get the 3rd bus of the day back to Pengam green. I walked to the De haviland road bus stop – touched the touching point and did the extra half a mile back to where I had parked the car.

Lighthouse park to A48 road bridge in Newport

On the trail steps, 12,634 on the trail miles 5.41. Off the trail steps 53147, off the trail miles 2.29.

After a rest day (with a lot of driving but that’s a story for another day) – the blister was still on going so another day in the old boots ahead and with compeed protecting my left foot! I drove back to the Lighthouse park, on the way passing the six bells – another very closed hostelry – which was described in the guide book as a going concern, but it has been tough times. The local community were trying to save that one!

I set off via yesterday’s touching point, and walked to the West Usk Lighthouse on the embankment – with birds, cows, horses etc!. The lighthouse was quite charming but very squat as lighthouse’s generally go. There was lots of accommodation around it – but the path diverted onto a track around it with some very unfriendly notices! I missed the initial link to the coast path by crossing a cattle grid carefully, and then had to come back across. One more final stretch of embankment before the path turned inland and into a farm track. I saw one person in this whole stretch, along with horses, cows and sheep!

The track wound inland and up and over the railway before emerging onto a road. I was pretty desperate for a good coffee stop but without much success. A short stretch on an overgrown path followed, and then a rather desolate bit with lots of rubbish and school boys near a high school. It came out by a rugby club and eventually I found a bench in a children’s play ground after going under a main road in a tunnel and back over the railway line.

What followed then was an urban stretch through 2 out of town shopping areas, and a more pleasant residential area working around to the A48 and to the very closed Transporter bridge. It remained a very impressive sight and had a smart visitor centre – I wonder what has happened there?

It was again warm and sticky and walking next to a dual carriage way on a main road is not my favourite! I stopped and established a touching point by the Old Dock reach – and walked back into Newport for a mile, to pick up the 31A bus back to Lighthouse park from the bus station. This went a very convoluted route back (and took 50 minutes!).

I liked the Coronation balls I saw as I walked to the bus station! I attended to some necessary shopping for food and blog writing when I got back to base camp!

Barry to Cardiff and a bit beyond!

Penarth to the edge of Barry

On the trail steps, 15,134 on the trail miles 6.33. Off the trail steps 5316, off the trail miles 2.

After some dithering over where to park the car, I finally found a suitable car park in Penarth – right near the coast path but a bit of a trek from a bus stop. It had toilets and a café too. I decided on wearing the old boots to give my feet time to get used to the new ones too. I set up a touching point by the café and the coast path and set off.

The initial stretch was lovely and very easy with many dog walkers! The sun was shining but it wasn’t particularly warm.  I moved onto a more conventional cliff path, and in places rather tacky after yesterday’s rain. The views were a bit obscured by overgrowth on the sea side of the path, but the views were great every time there was a gap.

It was a day of 3 detours round caravan parks and the first was named after Marconi as it was close to the spot where the first morse code message was transmitted. I passed a church dedicated to St Lawrence. I found a bench and had morning coffee, just after a section through a nature reserve. The second caravan park diversion was further inland, before leading down on the road to Swanbridge. This was territory I had covered once before on a circular walk from Cosmeston (another favourite Saturday afternoon spot with Jane and Jasper!).

After the 3rd caravan park, I hit Sully recreation ground. I resisted the temptation to go and browse at the busy car boot sale! The path led between the houses and the rocky beach, and again was busy with families and dog walkers. After an uncomfortable stony section for about ½ a  mile, I found a bench and ate my lunch there in the sunshine.

I went a little further along the beach edge, before the coast path turned inland. I didn’t succumb to the temptation of seeing dinosaur footprint fossils further along the shore (though the new coast path walk book was very enthusiastic about them)! I headed inland past the inevitable chemical works and walked back to yesterday’s ending touching point at the bus stop by Macdonalds on the edge of Barry. I was lucky that I had a about a five minute wait to get the 94 bus back to Penarth as they are only 1 an hour on Sunday’s.

Unfortunately, I alighted the bus at Penarth station, but then had a 20 minute walk back to where the car was. The bus ride was long enough to have got a bit stiff! All in all a good day, rounded off with a rum and raison ice cream at the car park café before heading back to base camp!

Penarth to the edge of Cardiff (De Haviland Street bus stop near Pengam Green Tescos!)

On the trail steps 18302,  on the trail miles 7.88.  Off the trail steps 5342, off the trail miles 2.29.

After making some phone calls, I set off from the Penarth car park I had used yesterday. I would have the same problem of getting back from the bus stop but it was a fantastic place to start. I was in my new boots, having done some adjustments to the insoles and lacing arrangements! I touched in on yesterday’s touching point by the café, and headed in the opposite direction, gently down hill into Penarth. As I got to the sea front, I saw the Waverley setting off from the pier (which was to have some friends on it later that day!).

It soon became apparent I would have to ascend over Barrage Hill. There was an excellent view point at the top. It was a bit overcast at this point, but I soon took off the waterproof I had on as I ascended the hill! The path gently wound down to the beginning of the Cardiff bay barrage through housing of typical style in Penarth! The walk across the barrage was interesting, and again the terrain of many dog walkers and cyclists… I contemplated a Mothering Sunday boat trip at Cardiff bay from many years ago!

I stopped for coffee and a caramel chocolate brownie at the Norwegian church, before doing the ‘city’ leg of the walk. The Norwegian church was another stopping point on trips into Cardiff from theological college! The sun was out when I left the café and heading through much of the redeveloped part of central Cardiff past the Millenium Centre and the Senedd building. I was heading for County Hall, when I got rather caught up in a large building site. I eventually found my way to the Atlantic walk – but I was less than confident it was going to work out – with lots of building work going on (and for once an absence of coast path signs for reassurance!).

What followed was a charming section on the side of the canal – but it was very overgrown – and I saw baby coots and cygnets! This led into a section on roads in a very built up area. Just beyond Lidl, I stopped again at a picnic area and ate some lunch whilst contemplating what to do. The walk book was a bit sniffy about the next section (and it was longer than I knew I could do at that stage of the day), and I took a shorter detour (which it did  suggest). This took me through Splott, Tremorfa (and Tremorfa park). It was quite a contrast in style but one of the things I love about this walking stuff is the variation in what is on the trail. I stopped at a bus stop by the Pengam Green Tescos, where I established a touching point to pick up the trail.

I then did a rather satisfying bus ride back to Penarth. First a number 11 into the city centre, and then after a bit of confusion on to the bus station (which I couldn’t find initially – it had been vastly redeveloped since my last visit 20 years ago! This was a case of where memory was not helpful! I realised eventually it was in front of me looking very smart in its new splendour!).  Then a 92 back to Penarth station and a repeat of the 20 minute walk back to the car park. As the bus ride was about an hour (though I had walked a much more direct route!) all told I was very stiff on the way back to the car so it was slow going.