Log No 238. Fri 7th Feb 2014 - Llantwit Major to Penarth, 22 miles (3644 miles walked)

Driving to Llantwit Major it wasn't quite light yet but I could see breaks in the clouds, a hopeful sign.

I got going at 08.00 and didn't put on my waterproofs.

It was a great day for walking, the sun had come out and there was just a slight wind.

The first part of the walk to the Power Station at Aberthaw was along the edge of fields. This was actually slow going because it was so wet and muddy underfoot.

There was a concrete walkway round the edge of the Power Station and then a track to a Biodiversity Area, a fancy title for a nature reserve.

The track was waterlogged in a few places so it was easier for me to walk on top of the sea defense wall.

After the Biodiversity Area the path climbed back up to the top of the cliffs then through an old quarry and on to Rhoose.

Cardiff Airport is at the back of Rhoose, I don't think it can be that busy as I only saw 2 planes comee in.

It was back down to sea level through the park at Porthkerry then back up again at Barry.

It felt like a spring day and I even saw a Red Admiral butterfly flying about.

The path dropped down for last time to round Old Knap Point then it was on to Barry Island, was this ever an island?

There were a lot of people about today and the beach at Whitmore Bay was almost crowded.

It was 14.00 by the time I got round the island, I half expected I would have to return over the same road but thankfully the developers of the old dock area had left a walkway accessible.

I still had 2 hours to go and it was beginning to feel a long day.

It was road walking through Barry to get past the docks etc and I got back to the coast at Sully.

Time was running short and I had 2 trains to catch so I came inland a bit and came into Penarth on the road, arriving with only 5 minutes to wait for the train.

22 miles today but it will likely be much shorter walks over the weekend if the weather is as predicted.

It is raining now as I write this and the wind has picked up.