Unfortunately the weather man was right and it has rained all day. This did not deter 11 Merthyr Valley Ramblers including welcome guest Sam. We set off from Taf Bargoed Community Park headed towards Tirbach where we made our way toward the solar farm, stopping for a welcome warm drink stop under tree cover on the way. Passing by the beautiful 16 century Pen-heol-adam farm we made our way to the Gelligaer and Merthyr Common, here we were able to take a lunch break sheltered from the wind but it was soggy sandwiches all round as the rain continued to fall. We headed in the direction of Bedlinog where a decision was taken to shorten the route by about a mile, we passed the dilapidated Zion Craigybargoed Independent Chapel and the municipal cemetery before passing the climbing centre and returning to the car park. Thanks to Lynne Green and Caroline Kelly for leading today's walk which was a little over 6 miles after the route was shortened.