When I visit a city full of history like Cardiff, I often wish I could step back in time, just to have a look around and see it as it was in its hey day. Thanks to modern AI, we can now do exactly that and as 20th December 2025 marks 70 years since Cardiff was made capital city of Wales it seemed a fitting time to make this video.
I have created it by using AI to animate a series of photographs taken at various points around Cardiff between 1880 -1909. I have seen these photos many times before but the injection of movement and human interaction really adds another dimension to them.
I realise that some of these landmarks have changed a lot down the years, so here is what you are looking at, in each clip:
Trolley buses in front of Cardiff Castle. Note the “Animal Wall” used to be there and not along Bute Park as it is today.
Walking towards Canton Bridge looking up at Duke Street. Castle and clock tower in the back left
Castle walls and clock tower strewn with ivy
Castle South Gate, facing onto Duke Street and part of animal wall.
An ivy covered Norman keep inside the castle
The newly opened Westgate Street which follows the old course of the River Taff, after the land had been reclaimed by Brunel
High Street, looking towards the castle
The first ever edition of the South Wales Echo from 6th November 1880
The Empire Theatre on Queen Street
The old town hall which used to stand where Quay Street meets High Street
Another view of the High Street, town hall on the left
The Angel Hotel as it used to be
Crowds gather outside a pub in Bute Terrace (a murder had just been committed inside).
Queen Street
Duke Street
Four views of Cardiff Docks
The Glamorgan Canal
Cardiff Docks
The old ’Tiger Bay’
Hospital ship
Football fans at a Cardiff game
Cardiff Intermediate Schools Team 1909
To watch the video just click on the image below…
Now that I’ve got the bug I fully intend to make a few more of these. Taking a retrospective wander down the streets of Welsh towns, cities and villages and breathing some life back into age old photographs.
Everyone knows that I am rubbish at keeping secrets, so I might as well get it off my chest now. Yes, I have a new book coming out in October. This will be my fifth book on Welsh history and folklore and this time it revels in the misdeeds of some of Wales most wicked miscreants.
It is called “Scoundrels, Cads and Vagabonds from Welsh History” and is published by Candy Jar books and distributed by Books Council For Wales/Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.
What’s it about?
It is the definitive collection of Welsh horrible histories.
It is all based around questions such as: Who were the worst bad guys in Welsh history? The most tyrannical rulers? The most blood thirsty outlaws? The most unscrupulous traitors?
So to answer them, in this book I take a light-hearted romp through a rogues’ gallery of scandalous behaviour.
Everything from medieval miscreants to swashbuckling pirates. Even a few Kings of England thrown in for good measure.
All viewed from the perspective of the people of Wales. We look at the antics of these scoundrels and ask, “do they deserve their bad reputations?”
Just so you know, the answer is usually “yes!”
As you can guess, it is intended to be a bit of fun so as much as what is contained in it is factually correct, it is told in a manner intended to amuse and entertain. A great ‘gateway’ into history for younger readers, or an alternative narrative for people who are more absorbed by the topic.
Who is in the book?
Well I don’t want to give too much away but I do have certain rules around who is in and who is out.
First of all, to get a mention in this book you need to feature in Welsh history. That does not mean however that you have to be Welsh.
There is no question that Edward Longshanks was not Welsh. Equally however, there is no doubt that he made a big impression on Welsh history.
Secondly, there is no one in this book in living memory. My intention when writing it was to give you a light-hearted overview of some scandalous behaviour from history. The trouble with people in living memory is that commentary on their actions becomes political rather than historical and that isn’t as much fun.
So as much as you might be able to think of any number of politicians from the last 100 years who would qualify as scoundrels, none of them have made it into this book. Even though some undoubtedly deserve to be.
Finally, of course, to make it into this book you will need to have done something very naughty indeed. Something utterly scandalous in fact. It is a rogues’ gallery. A compendium of cads, scoundrels, blackguards and ne’r do wells.
How will I be able to get a copy?
It wont be available in the shops or on Amazon until 27th October but you will be able to get it earlier than that exclusively on my websitefrom 13th October (or possibly earlier printers dependant). It will retail for £13.99.
Did you mention a tour?
Good memory. Yes I did. I have written a live show based on the book. It is predominantly a ‘history talk’ but with a few flourishes and surprises along the way to liven things up a bit. The long term plan is take it on tour to venues all over the country so more dates and venues will be announced.
In the mean time however, I have my dates and venues for January 2026 nailed down and they are part of the Glamorgan leg of the tour.
And here they are:
•Thursday 8th January (7pm): Town Hall, Cowbridge
•Friday 9th January (7.30pm): St Mary’s Hall, Talbot St, Cardiff
•Tuesday 13th January (7pm): The Museum, Pontypridd
•Thursday 15th January (7pm): Pioneer Hall, Barry
•Friday 16th January (7pm): Vivian Hall, Blackpill, Swansea
•Saturday 17th January (7pm): Town Hall, Neath
•Thursday 22nd January (7pm): St Augustines Hall, Penarth
•Friday 23rd January (7pm): Town Hall, Llantwit Major
•Saturday 24th January (7pm): Coychurch Memorial Hall, Bridgend
•Thursday 29th January (7pm): The Prince of Wales, South Cornelly
•Friday 30th January (7pm): Soar Centre, Penycraig, Tonypandy
In February and March I also intend to add dates in Merthyr Tydfil, Carmarthen, Llandudno, Bangor , Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Brecon, Abergavenny, Newtown, Newport and anywhere else they’ll have me.
Tickets will cost £12 and will go on sale in October, and once again, the best place to get them is from the website.
So for the person in your life who is “difficult to buy for” here is a selection of great Christmas presents to choose from. A book and a ticket to the show for a fraction under £26. Not bad!
Scoundrels January 2026 tour poster A4
Would you like me to contact you when its available to buy?
Just in put your details below. No charge, no obligation. Once the books arrive you will be contacted and offered first dibs on a first print run of the first edition.
As you know, I am something of a nerd when it comes to Glamorgan legends and folklore. I make no apologise for that. Glamorgan can boast some absolutely incredible and fantastic stories and we have all come to love them over the years.
Here is a new way you can enjoy them and celebrate them. I have launched a new clothing brand called “Glamorgan Heritage”, and hot off the press comes this new range. A series of beautifully designed and quality made T shirts, commemorating those great stories and the people at the centre of them.
Some of them comic, some them artistic. All of them unique.
Local legends with a twist
As much as you may be familiar with the subjects and stories, you might like a couple of special new twists I have added.
First of all, each one has been designed in the style of a famous art movement. Everything from classic baroque masterpieces to pop art and comic strip. So there should be a style to appeal to everybody.
Secondly, they are also a little bit “tongue-in-cheek”. Not meant to be taken too seriously.
Here are the ones you can enjoy.
King Iestyn ap Gwrgant of Morgannwg
Iestyn ap Gwrgant was the Welsh king who lost his kingdom of Morgannwg to the invading Norman army of Robert Fitzhamon, Duke of Gloucester in 1090.
As much as he was a real person from history, there are many embellished stories and legends about him. Most from Sir Edward Stradlings “The taking of Glamorgans lands out of Welsh mens’ hands”.
On this T Shirt he has been drawn in the style of an action comic super hero. Based on his language we also catch him on a bit of an off day in his campaign against the Norman invaders.
I am sure King Iestyn would be very proud of the fact that he is available in a range of different colours, and of course, in the language of heaven. Although some poetic license is needed. Like I say, these T Shirts are just intended to be a bit of fun. I am fully aware that the words spoken by Iestyn are not what would have been used in the 11th Century.
The Coronation of King Arthur at Llandaff
According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, author of “History of the Kings of Britain”, Arthur was crowned King of the Britions by St Dyfrig at Llandaff.
On this T shirt the moment has been captured in the style of a Baroque master such as Carrivagio.
Arthurian symbols such as the red dragon and the three crowns are on show. Along with the famous Epstein statue “Christ in his majesty” which was installed at Llandaff in 1954. Just in time then!
One of the most enduring romantic tales ever recorded is that of Ann Maddox (nee. Thomas), the Maid of Cefn Ydfa in Llangynwyd.
In the story, when her romance with pennyless bard and thatcher Wil Hopkyn is discovered, she is imprisoned in her own bedroom with all writing materials confiscated. But so determined was she to communicate with her lover, she plucked leaves from the tree outside her bedroom window and wrote him love letters in her own blood.
Here she is captured writing the final verse of the love song “Bugeilio’r gwenith gwyn” on a leaf big enough to accomodate it. It is drawn in the style of Charles Robert Lesley’s portrait of Juliette contemplating.
In the First Century, south Wales bravely fought off the invading Romans under the leadership of a charismatic warrior king. Caradog. Known in Latin as Caracticus.
Their defence of their lands was resolute. The most mighty empire on the face of the earth was held at bay for over a decade.
In the midst of the real history there are many legends and stories about Caradog and his brave defence of his country.
This T shirt shows Caradog in mid fight with some invading Romans. It is drawn in the style of one of my favourite comic strip characters. The cartoons of Asterix the Gaul. A fictional character with a similar CV.
Cap Coch was a terrifying character from Glamorgan folklore.
He ran the New Inn near the Dipping Bridge in Merthyr Mawr. In the dead of night he would creep around the rooms of his guests, slitting their throats and robbing them. He would dispose of their bodies by throwing them into the river Ogmore next to the inn.
In this T shirt we have Cap Coch depicted in the Manga comic strip style. Chillingly offering someone a room facing the river.
We also have a representation of the Dipping Bridge in the background.
The loss of a thriving community and town to nature is always the stuff of legends. And here in Glamorgan we have the incredible tale of how the once great city of Kenfig was devoured by a tidal wave and hidden forever in a watery grave beneath Kenfig Pool. All in recompense for the actions of a love sick boy who commits murder in order to make himself the suitor of the woman he loves.
The scene is captured here as the town is all but lost, in the style of the Romantic artistic movement associated with the likes of Turner and Constable.
Ifor Bach kidnaps the Earl of Gloucester from Cardiff Castle
In the 12th Century, Ifor Bach, the Welsh lord of Sengenydd was so furious with William Fitz Robert, the Earl of Gloucester for stealing his land, that one night, he and his soldiers rode up to Cardiff Castle, broke in and kidnapped the Earl.
Ifor Bach held him captive in the dungeons of Castell Coch until the Earl agreed to give back all the land he had taken plus a bit more for good measure.
Here we see the daring raid captured in the ‘Pop Art’ style made famous by the likes of Andy Warhol and David Hockney.
Walter Vaughan of Dunraven Castle, Southerndown lost his fortune at the gaming tables.
To refill the coffers he joined forces with a local pirate and cut throat called Matt o’ the Iron Hand. Together they reeked havoc on shipping trying to navigate the Bristol Channel.
Through a combination of burning a bright beacon at the castle and tying lanterns to the tails of sheep grazing on the cliff tops, they lured countless ships on to the rocks. Then they plundered what they could from the spoils that washed up on the beach.
This one done in the style of an impressionist painting.
All of these garments are designed and distributed by the “Glamorgan Heritage” brand.
We will also be shortly announcing a range of heritage Glamorgan sporting memorabilia. Celebrating great names and teams of the past and their incredible achievements. Again, there will be a twist so watch this space.
All of these T Shirts are custom made so please read the full descriptions for an idea of turn around time. It is normally 5-7 days.
So get your orders in early for Father’s Day on 15th June 2025! Just saying!
The 8th May 2025 marks 80 years since the end of the European leg of World War II. A series of official events are being planned all over the UK to mark the occasion. Everything from street parties to parades and marches. South Wales paid its own toll in the war. Not just through local people suffering as casualties on the front line, but also German bombing raids in 1941. Cardiff in January and Swansea in February.
You may be surprised at how many scars of the war are still available to see 80 years on, but if you know where to look they are all around us.
When we plan The Glamorgan History Walks festival, we try to ensure that there is a good mix of history topics to discuss. That means taking in a variety of sites which tell a story for each era.
So if the second World War is a subject you are interested in, especially in this important, commemorative year, here are the walks you can join and some of the sites you can see on them which are relevant to this important chapter in the history of the World.
There was a concern during the war, that the south Wales coast was a potential location for a German invasion. The Allies had already proven the viability of an amphibious landing at Sicily so it was not beyond the realms of possibility that the Germans might try the same here.
There were a couple of things that made south Wales viable. The sand on our beaches is very compact and forms a hard surface at low tide. Certainly hard enough to support the weight of armoured vehicles. Secondly, we are only a couple of hours drive from London. And Finally, the area, particularly when compared to the south coast of England, was poorly defended. Most of the military bases here were just training centres.
The result of this way of thinking was the re-enforcement of what few defences we had and the building of a chain of new defences. Concrete bollards nicknamed ‘dragons teeth’ sprung up along wide beach heads and routes out of the area. You can see examples on Gileston Beach which features as part of our St Athan walk on 3rd July. Bunkers and gun emplacements also sprung up along the coast.
If you come on the Glamorgan History Walks, you can visit them. They include various ‘pill boxes’ and bunkers on our walks at Llantwit Major on 12th June, St Athan on 3rd July and Monknash to St Donats on 19th July and 17th August. We also visit the site of WWI artillery gun emplacement which housed an ACAC Gun in WWII on our Barry Island walks on 18th May and 19th June. There is also a far more substantial gun battery on Lavernock Point which we visit on our Sully/Cosmeston walk on 16th August.
There is also the opportunity on our walks to visit places that were changed for ever as a result of the Second World War.
In January 1941, Cardiff suffered its own blitz. The city was an obvious target as it housed one of Europe’s most significant coal exporting docks, and coal was still vital in the 1940s to Britain’s ability to wage war. It was what the Royal Navy needed to power its ships, what our trains used to move equipment, personnel and materials around the country and it was what powered our industry.
One of the casualties of these bombing raids was Llandaff Cathedral. It suffered a direct hit and had to be substantially rebuilt after the war. Here it is pictured in the aftermath.
We have walks that incorporate a visit to Llandaff Cathedral on 5th June and 21st August.
We also visit the cenotaph and garden of remembrance in Cathays Park on our Cardiff City Centre walks on 8th June and 10th July where we see more of the human cost of the war, albeit in a beautiful setting.
There were bases housing American GIs in the Porthcawl area and we also see evidence of that on a couple of our other walks. On our Kenfig and Sker walks on 24th May, also on 27th July and 14th September we see the old service road to the camp which is still there. Along with the remains of a sentry bunker. We can also see where the old air base was at nearby Stormy Down.
Meanwhile on our walks from Newton to Candleston on 7th June and also 21st September we pass through the old rifle range they trained on.
But by far the most exciting monument we have from the entire era is the wonderful Isalnd Farm POW Camp near Bridgend.
A lot of the camp has now been demolished but Hut Number 9 still stands and is a protected site. We visit it as part of our Merthyr Mawr walk on 10th May.
It is an incredible place and served several functions during the war. It started out as a dormitory for workers at the munitions factory in Bridgend. At the time, the biggest in Europe. It then became a base for US Service Personnel.
However, it is remembered in the history books for the period when it was a prisoner of war camp for high ranking German officers. Notoriety was guaranteed the night when 70 German POWs tunnelled out and escaped.
The single biggest break out of enemy soldiers in mainland Britain for the entirety of the war.
Oops!
What ever period of history you are interested in though, there is something for everyone on the Glamorgan History Walks. The full calendar of events is now published and tickets are on sale. Just click on this link to see them all. And if you need convincing how good these walks are, just read the feedback from people who came last year on Trip Advisor.
This video explains everything the festival of walks, history and storytelling has to offer:
Use the hashtag glamwalks to see Glamorgan History walks content on social media.
This summer, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have an exciting reason to lace up their walking boots. The award-winning Glamorgan History Walks Festival is back, running from May to September, with over 50 fascinating guided walks just announced.
What Is the ‘Glamorgan History Walks’ Festival?
It’s a walking festival like no other—a series of expert-led guided walks that explore the rich history of Glamorgan. Instead of reading about history, participants will walk where it actually happened, with each route ending at a charming old pub—because history is best enjoyed with a tidy pint!
All walks are hosted by renowned historian, author, and broadcaster Graham Loveluck-Edwards. Last year’s festival was a huge hit, earning a special award from Visit Wales. It turns out that discovering the history behind places you’ve passed a hundred times before—while strolling through stunning landscapes—is a winning formula.
What’s New for 2025?
The festival has expanded to meet demand! Last year, tickets sold out fast, so more dates have been added for the most popular walks. There are also brand-new routes.
Many walks last year were over six miles long, which wasn’t ideal for everyone. This time, there are 33 routes, including 9 walks under four miles. Six of these are even wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. So, whether you’re a keen hiker or a casual stroller, there’s a walk for you.
What Will You Discover?
Glamorgan is packed with hidden history, and these walks reveal incredible sites, including:
18 castles
13 Iron Age hill forts
2 medieval pilgrimage routes
A Roman fort
18 ancient burials
6 Neolithic monuments
11 great houses
15 medieval churches and a cathedral
3 battlefields
Sites of execution, lost settlements, and industrial landmarks
Even the earliest burial ever found in the UK!
Last year these walks were hugely popular as these great reviews on TRIP ADVISOR will confirm.
How to Join a Walk
All walks must be prebooked online. The festival’s website offers easy search options by date or location. Each walk listing provides details on distance, difficulty level, places visited, and historical topics covered—plus the best places to park.
Opening Walk: 3rd Mayin Llangynwyd
The festival begins on Saturday, 3rd May, with a spectacular walk in Llangynwyd, north of Bridgend. This route features:
A church established in the 6th-century
The remains of a Norman castle
A breathtaking Iron Age hill fort
A possible site for the Arthurian Battle of Badon Hill
Ancient burials, standing stones, and legends—including the famous Maid of Cefn Ydfa
Tickets for this and all other walks are on sale now.
Book Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss the chance to step into history. Explore, learn, and enjoy a great pub at the finish line!
For more details and to book tickets, on this link.
Here is a video to explain more…
Use the hashtag glamwalks to see Glamorgan History walks content on social media.
Got any plans for Saturday 1st March 2025? It’s St David’s Day you know. And I am delighted to announce that myself and Chris Jones are hosting a day of events at the Three Golden Cups in Southerndown in Bridgend, and its going to be epic.
Guided walk with Chris
It all begins at 10.45am with my good friend Chris Jones guiding you on a walk across Southerndown, Dunraven, St Brides and Ogmore. With some guests and surprises along the way.
This walk is in Chris’ back yard.
It is approximately 8 miles in length and includes a couple of hills. But it is stunningly beautiful, has a great blend of coast and country and takes in two castles, two pubs and has plenty of toilet breaks.
Then its back to the Three Golden Cups where Janine has another surprise in store for you. A traditional Welsh Cawl, freshly prepared. Just what you need after a long walk to build your energy back. And it’s included in the price of your ticket. Although your drinks will be extra.
History talk with Graham.
After your cawl, sit back and enjoy an entertaining talk from yours truly. It will be a blend of real history as well as the ever popular legends and folklore. Unavoidable given the topic:
St David and the Welsh Dark Age Saints
So we will learn about that amazing period in history when Wales was producing some of the most famous intellectuals in Europe. And all the things they got up to.
Sound interesting? Well you can buy your ticket for the whole event for just £25 per person and tickets are now on sale. Numbers will be limited as there’s only so many people we can accommodate. So if you like the sound of it, click on this link to buy your tickets.
If you have a love for history and old pubs (or if you are looking for a Christmas present for someone else who does!) then here’s a series of events you should not miss.
Historian, author and broadcaster; Graham Loveluck-Edwards (off the telly!) is hitting the road in January 2025. Touring some of the oldest and most interesting pubs in Wales. He will be delivering talks based on his best selling book “Historic Pubs of Wales“. The tour is called “Historic Pubs, and all the madness that ensued therein”.
As the name suggests, as much as these talks are based on history, the content is light and the delivery, humorous and ‘tongue-in-cheek’.
Every old pub has a mad back story and in these talks you will get to hear the best of them, told by one of Britain’s finest story tellers.
You will hear about all the incredible folklore and history tied up in these wonderful old buildings. Whose thatched roofs, darkened beams and log fires are saturated with stories from the past.
Revealing secrets such the Cardiff pub which bears the scars of a Tsunami, the Vale pub whose landlord was the most notorious pirate on the Severn Sea, the pub on the edge of the dunes with more ghost stories than Hampton Court and many many more.
We’ll also be talking about the role of the inn and tavern in centuries gone by and what the future looks like for them too.
And answering the age old question; which is the oldest pub in Wales? All washed down with your favourite tipple of choice.
The tour, spread throughout January 2025, will take in venues across South Wales. So, you can see it in a fantastic old pub near you. Venues are all within easy reach if you happen to live in Cardiff, Barry, Cowbridge, Bridgend, Penarth, Port Talbot or Porthcawl.
Each talk will be tailored to pubs near by, so if you fancy seeing more than one talk, they will all be different.
All events start at 8pm to give you a chance to grab a pint and a bight to eat before we start. They will all be finished by 9.30pm, so no worries about getting home (or staying on for a few more drinks). Its up to you really!
Tickets are available from this website on the links below. Priced at £10 per person.
These events are e-ticketed so we will have a record of who has bought tickets. So, no need to print emails off or anything like that.
Finish 1.30-2.00pm (depending on pace) on Barry Island
☕️🍰 Drinks & refreshments at end of walk.
27th September is the feast day of St Baruc, a monk from Llancarfan who lived at the turning point of the sixth and seventh century. This year Vale Foodbank are marking his feast day with a special event. A pilgrimage and history walk that retraces his steps from Llancarfan to Barry Island. The reason we are celebrating him, is because he is the man that Barry is named after. His “miracles” also made Barry Island a place of pilgrimage for around 1,000 years.
When the father of British history; John Leland visited South Wales in the 1530s (around 1,000 years later) he described Barry Island as a place with no buildings other than the 13th Century chapel, the remains of which you can still see on Friars Walk. He said it was a very busy place, packed with pilgrims wanting to visit the chapel and holy well of St Baruc.
You can watch a more thorough account of his story on this video.
The story of St Baruc
Regardless of whether you believe in miracles, this was the town’s founding patron, and he deserves some recognition for that.
The event is being organised by a new kind of miracle worker. The Vale Foodbank. They badly need to raise much needed funds to help provide emergency food parcels for people in crisis in the Vale of Glamorgan. Year on year they have seen demand for food parcels rocket locally. They gave out 8,662 food parcels last year from their centres in Barry, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys and Rhoose. An increase of 29% on the year before.
Meanwhile donations have reduced by 15% as people struggle with the increased cost of living. Walkers will be charged a small fee for taking part and all profits will go direct to the foodbank. So by taking part, you can help reverse this trend.
The walk itself will start at Llancarfan, in the church on the site of the 6th Century monastery where walkers will be shown the incredible mediaeval murals on the walls. Then onto Penmark and Porthkerry and all the way to Barry Island. History experts, authors, representatives of local churches and the odd celebrity will all add snippets of history and stories to add depth to the places we will pass through.
Here’s some of the places and history you can expect along the way.
These amazing murals are in Llancarfan, where our walk begins. This was the monastery established by the amazing St Cadoc. Baruc was one of his disciples. If you want more information on him, follow this link.
The Glamorgan History Walks was a walking festival of immersive history and storytelling that took ramblers around places of historic interest throughout South Wales. Bringing the stories of those places to life.
Between May and July in the Summer of 2024, over 350 people joined us on 15 walks to over 50 sites of historic interest in various locations across the counties of Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
We took in many castles, hill forts, barracks, burial chambers and tombs, great houses, churches, the site of lost settlements, smugglers’ coves and pirates’ hideaways. Even the odd battlefield, Prisoner of War camp, windmill and lighthouse. And of course, some great old pubs.
The festival was a great success. But it is not without its legacy.
All of the walks we did are now available to download for free, so you can be guided around them using the GPS on your mobile phone. You can also read notes on the routes and places you visit, and see which periods of history are relevant to those places. You can even watch videos to bring their stories to life.
Start your journey by visiting the Glamorgan History Walks web page. Choose a walk from the list and click through to the relevant page. To use the maps you will need to download the OS Maps App (which is also free).
The places we went to included:
Dunraven and Ogmore Castles
Llantwit Major
Monknash and St Donats
Barry and Porthkerry
Llantrisant
St Athan and Gileston
Llangynwyd
Coity
Merthyr Mawr and Island Farm POW camp
Kenfig Pool and Castle and Sker House
Mynydd Y Gaer and Peterston Super Montum
Cefn Cribwr, Bedford Iron Works and Sturmi Castle
Newton and Candleston
Dinas Powys
Cowbridge and St Hilary
Get out into the great and beautiful scenery of South Wales and enjoy everything these walks have to offer.
It has been raining so hard for so long here in Wales lately that I’m beginning to forget that it ever wasn’t raining. A depressing prospect for someone who loves nothing more than taking a walk around some local, historic monuments or sites of historic or legendary interest. Without having to wipe raindrops off my glasses to be able to appreciate them.
But of course we had a glorious Summer last year. So, the time has come to start looking forward and thinking about what we are going to do when weekends start to get warmer and dryer. When it stays light well into the evening.
To that effect I am planning a programme of history walks and talks this summer which I am inviting you to join me on. The plan is that they will all incorporate the following magical ingredients:
Walks of between 4 & 6 miles for various abilities
Start times around 9:00am
Beautiful Welsh countryside
Places of historical interest
The setting of some of Wales’ most wonderful legends and folklore
An author and broadcaster of Welsh history and other experts to tell the stories, sing the songs and bring them to life
Some weather (not necessarily sunshine, but definitely something!)
Some fun and laughs along the way
Always ending up at a pub for lunch and refreshments.
Jasper the history hound guarding my seat
This is roughly how the progamme is likely to look, but at this early stage it is subject to change:
History Walks and Talks in the Vale | May 2024
Saturday 4th May: Southerndown – Dunraven – St Brides – Ogmore Castle – Ogmore Estuary – The Three Golden Cups.
Saturday 11th May: Llantwit Major Square – The Castle Ditches – Collhugh Beach – Tresilian Bay – The Olde Swan Inn
Saturday 18th May: Monknash – Wick Beach – Nash Point – St Donats – The Plough & Harrow
Saturday 25th May: Dinas Powys Square – St George Woods – The Iron age Fort – Salmon leaps – The Star Inn
Bank Holiday Monday 27th May: St Athan – Berkerolles Tombs – East Orchard Castle – Boys Village – Gileston Manor – The Roost
History Walks and Talks in Bridgend | June 2024
Saturday 1st June: Ogmore Castle – Merthyr Mawr – Candleston Castle – Dipping Bridge – The Pelican in her Piety
Saturday 8th June: Coity Castle – Coity Common – Hendre – The Five Bells
Saturday 15th June: Llangynwyd Village – Llangynywd Castle & Woods – Gelli Lenor Fawr – The Old House Inn
Saturday 22nd June: Blackmill – Primaevel Woods – Mynydd Y Gaer – Peterston Super Montum – The Fox and Hounds
Saturday 29th June: Kenfig Pool – Sker House – Kenfig Castle – Mawdlam Church – The Prince of Wales
If there is enough demand, I may well add further walks in the other counties of Glamorgan. Namely Cardiff, RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly through July and August. As well as a pilgrimage walk I am planning from Llancarfan to the shrine of St Baruc on Barry Island on his feast day of Friday 27th September 2024. So watch this space.
In a nutshell, if you love history, and you love walks, pubs, South Wales and chirpy banter – then you’ll probably enjoy these walks.
If you would like to come along, tickets with be on sale soon for £10 per walker per walk, and will be available from this site and Eventbrite.
Over the coming weeks I will be doing risk assessments on each of the walks to make sure the routes are suitable but if you do fancy joining me, there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration.
We will be walking across country on public footpaths rather than just on roads and pavements. There will be mud, puddles, rocks and uneven surfaces. So stout footwear is required.
Many of these public footpaths require you to be able to climb over gates and styles. Dogs (on leads) and push chairs are welcome on these walks but you need to be prepared to lift them over such obstacles.
Like any outdoor activity you will need to be prepared for the predicted weather conditions of the day. Waterproofs for rain, sun hats and sunscreen for sunny days and so on.
Water bottles are essential to keep hydrated on these walks. You may also want energy boosting snacks.
When I publish the individual walk details they will feature important information to help you decide if the walk matches your abilities. These include distances in miles, the type of terrain we will cross, if the going is easy or tough, and if any climbing is involved. I will also flag any potential hazards such as stepping stones or cliffs. Please read these details carefully before committing to a walk. 🚶
If you would like to be notified when the itinerary is completed and tickets are available, or even if you just want to ask a question, please use the form below:-
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