On a dry and windy morning, they set off along a flat path to the site of a very poignant memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in a terrible mining disaster.
On August 26, 1892, when 146 men and boys were working in the mine, a huge explosion occurred, and only 42 miners survived, whilst 112 large stones at the memorial site are dedicated to those who were sadly killed.
Retracing their steps, they began the gradual climb up onto the Ogwr ridgeway with stunning views in all directions, crossing sheep-filled fields and following grassy paths, leading them over a series of stiles and through gates before their morning break in the shelter of a grassy bank.
Then onward to Pentwyn Farm and a descent down a winding path to the busy Maesteg Road before following a lane and over a railway line and the clear waters of the Llynfi River, to walk its muddy bank following the imprints of horses’ hooves.
Another climb brought them to a securely tied-up gate and through a field containing cows and calves before they emerged on the outskirts of Bettws.
A leafy lane and then through trees with abundant Himalayan Balsam decorating the pathway led them into Bryngarw Park, and more massive trees leading to the wetlands and crossing lots of boardwalks, they finally arrived at the Oriental Garden and a stop for lunch.
Once part of the Coytrahen Estate owned by the Powell family, it later passed into the Traherne family by marriage, and during the Great War the house became a Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital known as Coytrahen Park Hospital.
The Oriental Garden, which is Japanese-inspired, is planted with many exotic species including Rhododendron, Magnolia, Tulip Tree, Handkerchief Tree, Sequoia, Ginkgo Biloba, Scots Pine and the Black Poplar, which is apparently the most endangered native timber tree.
In 1980, Ogwr Borough Council designated the area as a future country park, which finally opened to the public on May 23, 1986.
Moving on after their break via Brynmenyn, where the disused railway line ran between houses, common land led them towards Tondu with its quiet streets and well-tended prefab houses and gardens, to pass through a delightfully painted tunnel below the railway line.
Negotiating a new housing estate and heading towards Tondu Railway Station, the village was created to house workers in the nearby Parc Slip Mine.
Crossing the railway line over a tall bridge, they were able to see the signal box, which is still in use and in its heyday six railway companies used the line.
The town also contains the remnants of the most intact Ironworks in Britain, developed by Sir Robert Price MP alongside the Dyffryn, Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway during the late 1830s and although its progress was slow, with the first furnace not becoming active until 1844, he moved on to own more coal mines and ironworks.
The site held two engine houses, and amongst the buildings there was a hospital for pit ponies to obtain treatment and rest.
The general managers of the Ironworks resided at Tondu House, a mansion with lawns and gardens, and during the 1940s it was commandeered by the Ministry of Supply for the Pyrotechnical Research Department, which had been evacuated from London.
Situated only four miles from the Royal Ordnance Works at Bridgend, it was used in the development of incendiary flares, which were dropped from the Pathfinder aircraft flying ahead of the main bomber squad to mark targets, but was demolished in 1963 by the Merthyr Mawr Estate.
A clear path through woodland led them onto a leafy pathway through Parc Slip and heading for Karrie’s Café meant a sit down to enjoy tea, coffee and delicious cakes, a fitting end to a lovely and historic walk.
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