Walking with St David

Celebrating St David’s Day in Wales is a tradition that managed to survive beyond the reformation.

Primary school children usually turn up to school wearing traditional, national costumes on 1st March. This year however, as it falls on a Saturday, the people of the Vale of Glamorgan of all ages are celebrating in an altogether more immersive way. With an event being organised by two local entrepreneurs and proud Welshmen, in conjunction with the Three Golden Cups pub, an important hub in the area and a big part of not only community life but of the local history, in the pretty, coastal village of Southerndown, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

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A whole day of events is being planned.

It begins at the respectable hour of 10.45am when veteran TV weather presenter Chris Jones will lead a guided, circular walk. It will take in some of the most beautiful and historic areas of coast and countryside the county has to offer; including two medieval castles which are bursting with stories from history and folklore.

Chris also likes to build in some “surprises” into his walks. So be prepared to run into famous characters from local history. May be even the odd bard and harpist too. But I don’t want to give too much away. They are surprises after all. Wellbeing and coping with mental health issues are important aspects of these walks and Chris is an active advocate of promoting keeping fit, mind, body and soul whilst enjoying his country’s natural wonders.

Then it’s back to the pub where Janine, the land lady, will be serving up a traditional Welsh delicacy. A lamb ragu called ‘Cawl’ served with local cheeses. To entertain and educate you while you polish it off, a talk will be given by award winning author, historian and storyteller, Graham Loveluck-Edwards who recently featured in the hit BBC Three TV Series “Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country”.

The subject of the talk: The legends of St David and the Welsh Dark Age saints.

The talk will refer to a lot of places visited on Chris’ Walk as the Vale of Glamorgan was thriving in the post Roman period. In fact, the Dark Ages weren’t that dark around here at all. Familiar names like King Arthur abound. Not only does he have connections with both castles being visited on Chris’ walk, he is also supposed to be St David’s nephew. St David himself also has local connections as he studied at a monastery not more than a few miles from the pub which was only recently discovered by archaeologists. A place with an alumni which reads like a who’s who of early medieval royalty.

So, amidst the beautiful outdoors, the local delicacies and the flowing ale, be prepared to learn a lot about a period of history most of us know little about.

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*The walk starts, led by Chris, at the Three Golden Cups Pub, Southerndown at 11:00 am.

*Welsh Cawl and cheese at 15:00

*History talk, given by Graham, on St David and the Dark Age saints at 16:00

*£25 per person. Available at the Three Golden Cups pub… https://www.thethreegoldencups.co.uk/… 01656 880432

*Dogs welcome

*Walk suitable for all abilities

*Maximum of 35-40 walkers

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