However, notwithstanding, Phil and Glenys joined us at the Cardiff West Services at Junction 33 and we set off. On practice runs the lanes through Pendoylan had only produced a horse and cart, but today we met a massive lorry (aptly named “the Big Yin”), which made it quite clear that the only way we were going was backwards. Here, at least, it was an advantage to be only two cars!
This was just the start: if there was a lorry, a horse box, a tractor or a learner driver on the road, we met it! However, once clear of St Nicholas we had plain sailing through Dyfryn, St Andrews Major and Dinas Powys, and duly arrived at Cosmeston Country Park where we enjoyed excellent coffees.
After a short crawl through commuter traffic on the way to Cardiff Airport, we then had a clear run through Llantwit Major (and down to the beach), St Donats, Marcross, Southerndown and Ogmore by Sea. We stopped at Ogmore Castle where it was so peaceful - the only signs of life being men thatching a nearby house and Phil attempting to run across the stepping stones. From there it was a very short journey to the Grove Golf Club.
It would have been more pleasant if the sun had come out, but it did not rain and it was not cold and so it was “tops off” all the way, and what more can you ask for this summer?
Thank you, Phil and Glen, for holding our hands on our first attempt at a run. We enjoyed ourselves, and hope you did too.