Bright sunshine greeted thirteen lucky ramblers (including welcome guests Martin and Huw) as we assembled in Parc Cwm Darren today. From the far side of the lake, we zig zagged up to the Marquis of Bute border stone then it was cross-country to the main path. At the start of the spooky forest (or Coed Deri-newydd to give it it’s proper name) we had a cuppa to prepare us for the next climb. Soon, we met the Rhymney Valley ridgeway walk where, at the roman soldier memorial, Huw gave a brief historical talk. Then, it was to Capel Brithdir where history and stories about Sally Darcy were shared. As we approached the place where we were planning to eat, the hailstorm heavens opened so we carried on until it had stopped and found a sheltered place where we had lunch in the renewed sunshine. After passing the wind turbine, we dropped down to above Groes-Faen farm where we turned right to parallel the road to Deri. At Deri, we picked up the trail back to the carpark. Good company made this walk great - thanks to all.