From the Michaelston village hall car park, 13 ramblers, on a bright but chilly morning made our way via the ancient St.Michael's church, past Cefn Mably Farm Park. At the entrance to Cefn Mably park the dog walkers took an alternative route to avoid a partially broken bridge at the entrance to Coed Wern-ddu woods and then onto Ruperra Castle, which was burnt out by fire in 1941 and is still a neglected ruin 80 years later. We then walked through Coed Craig woods where we had a coffee break. As the wind dropped and the sun came out layers were taken off and it was then on through the woods and a descent to Draethen, a very pretty and affluent village. We then entered Cefn Coed Pwll Du woods for a short while before picking up a lane before we reach Machen. We then joined the Rhymney river and have lunch on the river bank before following the river most of he way back to the start. A short drive and a refreshing pint in the The Maenllwyd Inn, Rudry finished off a lovely walk.