The most Southerly Point in mainland Wales
A cliff barrier separates the gravel pits from the sea at Rhoose Point. At a break in this barrier stands a tall, engraved rock, brought from North Wales purposely to link the north and south. It punctuates a break in the cliff barrier and overlooks the sea to mark the most southerly point of the Wales mainland.
The cliffs of soft sandstone stand precipitously, overhanging stone blocks threatening both the rocky seashore and the path on the hinterland. How long for this cliff barrier to be eroded and the gravel pits become open to the sea?
Naturalisation is making the ponds a beautiful place with water lilies and notices advising care when bathing. People have brought chairs to spend time enjoying this place, while dogs scamper amongst the bushes seeking out interesting smells.
Follow the coastal path eastwards, taking care at the cliff edge hidden by wizzened hawthorn bushes.
After twenty minutes or so, a huge quarry cuts a swathe into the land. Today, firemen are practicing their stretcher skills on the unstable edge. Their red outfits highlighting their presence amongst the greenery and yellow cliffs, their voices echoing on the slight breeze.
The coastal path continues through a caravan park. Garden ornaments, pot plants and patios demarking territory and revealing individual taste. In the 28deg. heat of this wonderful summer day, an icecream van is a welcome encounter, though choice is limited as business has been good.
Across another field and
Porthkerry Country Park
greets us with a steep woodland decent . Although walking is dry underfoot there is evidence that this slope was a mud slide running with water just a couple of weeks ago. Porthkerry Park is really popular today with families and dog walkers alike. There's ample grassland space for cricket, rounders or just running around, while a pitch & put course tempts the less exuberant.
The long pebble beach provides a quiet place to sit and enjoy a picnic with sea views, or wander and search for 'treasure.' Aeroplanes seem surprisingly large as they appear over the treetops from Rhoose airport on their way to exotic places.
But today is Thursday, and with the sun shining and children on summer vacation the park is as crowded as a bank holiday. With the car park and overflow car park full, but despite signs to the contrary, a blind eye is turned to some imaginative parking on the grass verges.
Porthkerry Viaduct dominates the overflow car park. It was opened for the railway in 1900 after delays as two of the huge stone supports collapsed, but today the stone columns with brick infilled arches, look robust enough for the next 100 yars.
This walk of 2.5 miles has taken around an hour and after a coffee we will make our way back.
http://www.barrywales.co.uk/porthkerry.htm
http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/living/environment/countryside/porthkerry_country_park.aspx
A cliff barrier separates the gravel pits from the sea at Rhoose Point. At a break in this barrier stands a tall, engraved rock, brought from North Wales purposely to link the north and south. It punctuates a break in the cliff barrier and overlooks the sea to mark the most southerly point of the Wales mainland.
The cliffs of soft sandstone stand precipitously, overhanging stone blocks threatening both the rocky seashore and the path on the hinterland. How long for this cliff barrier to be eroded and the gravel pits become open to the sea?
After twenty minutes or so, a huge quarry cuts a swathe into the land. Today, firemen are practicing their stretcher skills on the unstable edge. Their red outfits highlighting their presence amongst the greenery and yellow cliffs, their voices echoing on the slight breeze.
Porthkerry Country Park
greets us with a steep woodland decent . Although walking is dry underfoot there is evidence that this slope was a mud slide running with water just a couple of weeks ago. Porthkerry Park is really popular today with families and dog walkers alike. There's ample grassland space for cricket, rounders or just running around, while a pitch & put course tempts the less exuberant.
But today is Thursday, and with the sun shining and children on summer vacation the park is as crowded as a bank holiday. With the car park and overflow car park full, but despite signs to the contrary, a blind eye is turned to some imaginative parking on the grass verges.
This walk of 2.5 miles has taken around an hour and after a coffee we will make our way back.
http://www.barrywales.co.uk/porthkerry.htm
http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/living/environment/countryside/porthkerry_country_park.aspx
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