ON A dreary wet morning eight walkers from Penarth and District Ramblers joined Clive for the trip down to Pontneddfechan which stands at the confluence of the Mellte and Nedd Fechan rivers and after heavy overnight rain the waterfalls they had come to explore would surely be in full flood.

Togging up in wet weather gear and tramping along the old tramroad along the Elidir Trail past the enormous Black Rock and flooded entrances to the old silica mines this area was renowned for, a deviation along the swift flowing Afon Pyrddin with its series of smaller falls led to the 10 metre high Sgwd Gwladus crashing into the river below.

Crossing a footbridge at the junction of the Pyrddin and Nedd Fechan rivers and following undulating muddy tracks through the woods past the swollen and beautiful Horseshoe and Sgwd Ddwli falls, upon reaching the picnic area at Pont Melin-fach, when thankfully the rain stopped, it was time for morning coffee.

After crossing the river bridge, a short scramble led back into woodland above the Nedd Fechan where an assault course of exposed tree roots, thick mud and a couple of small landslides caused by the sheer amount of winter rainfall, led to Pont Rhyd-y-cnau or Nut ford bridge.

A steep climb up a badly eroded rocky bridleway eventually led out onto a road with a rather misty view towards Moel Penderyn and continuing along the road under overcast skies, a deviation onto a muddy bridleway with young soaking wet lambs glumly following their mums, led the group gradually downhill.

Continuing along the muddy narrow path past moss-covered stones, new fencing and recently lopped trees and crossing the Nant y Carad brook, eventually the track emerged at Cwm Porth where the sun put in an appearance just in time for lunch break and then remained for the rest of the walk.

After lunch some of the group made the descent to the Afon Mellte which derives from the Welsh mellt - meaning lightning, as the river tends to rise and fall very swiftly after heavy rainfall and it certainly lived up to its name as it gushed towards and flooded the massive Porth yr Ogof cave entrance.

Then regrouping and crossing to the east side of the Afon Mellte where a group of cavers were standing near one of the entrances to the massive caving system this area is renowned for, more muddy tracks led on to Sgwd Clun-gwyn or White meadow fall, crashing down into the valley below.

Underfoot conditions were deteriorating and slowing the groups’ progress and yet more muddy paths led on towards the waterfall that everyone comes to visit because it can be walked behind.

Descending steps into the Afon Hepste valley, the spray and roaring noise already emanating from Sgwd yr Eira meant it was in full flood, so waterproofs were hastily donned prior to the exhilarating walk along the old drover’s track underneath the raging waterfall which lived up to its name of Fall of Snow.

Clambering up the steep hillside on the opposite riverbank before removing wet outer clothing, the heat from the sun soon warmed everyone, as yet more muddy paths led on through delightful woodland past the old ruined farmsteads at Cilhepste-fach and cerig and eventually on to the towering Craig y Dinas or Dinas Rock, composed of carboniferous limestone and which derives its name from an Iron Age fort on its summit.

Descending steeply to rejoin the flat banks of the Nedd Fechan, after crossing a footbridge over the river, pavements led back to the start where an enjoyable drink in the warm sunshine outside the Angel Inn set the group up for the journey back home.

On April 16, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an 8.5-mile moderate walk taking in Ewenny Priory and St Brides Major; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On April 19, meet 8am at Cogan for a 12-mile mod/hard walk taking in Y Grib and Twmpa in the Black Mountains; contact William on 07528 701 952.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group please log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com or Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.