Whilst carrying out a recce of the proposed route Barbara found that warm sunshine and rainfall had exacerbated the growth rate of the ferns which meant some pathways had become blocked in the Garw valley, so instead she opted for a local walk beginning from the Barry Waterfront in fairly pleasant weather.
The group set off beside the empty dock towards the new Asda store development where problems regarding drainage, amongst other things, have caused a delay in the project to climb the steps up into Clive Road. Heading downhill and under the railway bridge to Paget Road and making their way onto the promenade at Barry Island, a pause to view the frantic activities on the beach, where excited youngsters were competing against each other in swimming, boarding and sprints at Whitmore Bay as part of the Llantwit Major Nippers Carnival with plenty of onlookers to support them.
Continuing along the promenade before making their way out to the end of Friar’s Point with its fine views out across the Bristol Channel to Somerset, Whitmore Bay and Nell’s Point in the east and to the west Cold Knap point and Watchtower Bay, a huge inky black cloud was lingering in the sky above the northern part of Barry town and thinking rain might be on its way the group stopped for morning coffee whilst drinking in the views.
Joining part of the Wales Coast Path which circumnavigates Friar’s Point House and walking beside the Old Harbour and through the car park to reach the causeway, they continued to the Parade Gardens before making their way to Cold Knap Lake with its floating wildfowl. Whilst making their way around the lake it was amusing to watch an argument between a swan and a mallard duck that was intent on fiercely protecting her ducklings and after much splashing of water and wing flapping, the swan got the message and all became calm.
Reaching what originally was the sunken bandstand which now houses a fountain near the entrance to the knap car terrace, memories strayed back to when the Knap area was renowned for Bindles ballroom with its sprung dance floor, which aptly opened on Valentine’s Day in 1928 giving pleasure to many people and even the famous Joe Loss and his band played there before its closure. Afterwards it became a TV studio for a short while before being ravaged by fire, then was reopened as a restaurant before being demolished. Next door stood the Water’s Edge Hotel, built in 1960 with fantastic views out over the pebble beach, which later became an old people’s home, before being demolished to make way for luxury apartments and which the group passed on their gradual climb up to Marine Drive.
Following the rough cliff top path through the wood to descend the Golden Stairs and making their way to the Forest Café, it was time for a leisurely lunch, whilst gazing out over the parkland. Tramping through the main meadow of Porthkerry Park and under the railway bridge a very overgrown pathway adjacent to the Barry Brook led up through Cwm Barri to Salisbury Road. Entering Pontypridd Road then Jenner Road to descend the steps beside Romilly School, it was a first, as most of the group had never experienced the brilliant views over the Bristol Channel, Steep and Flat Holms and up towards Brean Down and Weston-Super-Mare from this point.
Going downhill and entering the Barry Waterfront by way of Hood Road to reach the Premier Inn on Ffordd y Mileniwm, a detour was made to enjoy a refreshing drink at the pub to celebrate the fact no rain had fallen, before returning to their start point.
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