Our route today would be purely coastal and mostly completed in open countryside. There are a couple of small village to the west of Barry (Porthkerry & Rhoose) but from there until we hit Llantwit Major there is little of any substance. The walk profile is ... kind, rolling countryside with almost nothing over forty metres. The weather is forecast to improve as the day goes on, but there may be showers in the late afternoon. We have cleared the mouth of the River Severn now and will be back walking on the coast of the Bristol Channel, with Bridgeater Bay on the opposite shore with us for most of the day. Once off the roads and tracks, the walking surface should be good on a well walked trail, albeit a little rough.
You are no sooner up on the cliff than your are descending down a steep set of stairs in a small, shaded area that offered nice views of dappled areas in the wood. Coming off the cliff to walk along to Rhoose, there is a parkland-like area from where you have great views of Porthkerry Viaduct and along the base of Bull Cliff. Originally part of the Vale of Glamorgan Railway, the viaduct was built 1894-1900 and was one of the last major masonry viaducts completed in Great Britain. Local signage informed us that were in snake country (adders) and, aware of their proclivity for sunbathing, we were careful to look out for them seeking a tan on the pathways.
The route drops back down a little way before rising again to Stout Point and back down again to Pigeon Point. At breaks in the hedgerow, we stopped to enjoy the views over the Bristol Channel to Minehead and the rest of Somerset. As we dropped to Col-huw Point what should pop up but a cafe where we enjoyed another coffee and a yogurt and cranberry slice. I tell you, its hard work this walking lark!