Description:
The heritage coast stretches for 14 miles from West Aberthaw to Porthcawl, and along the way showcases some beautiful low cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. More remarkable still are the extensive sand dune areas in the west, including some of the largest dunes in all of Europe at Merthyr Mawr Warren.
The ruins of Dunraven Castle (actually a 19th-century mansion) stand upon the headland at Dunraven Bay, overlooking the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre, where you can learn more about the ruggedly beautiful coast. Dunraven Bay is notable for the banded sandstone cliffs which back the beach. Southerndown beach is an excellent bathing area.
Halfway along the heritage coast is medieval St Donat's Castle, now a school. Guided tours of the castle are available in the summer months. If you have sharp eyes you can spot the outlines of several Celtic hill forts along the cliffs.
Footpaths follow the coast, but beware when walking along that the cliffs can be subject to slippage, and the beaches can become dangerous traps at high tide.
Contacts
The Bridgend County Borough Council has produced a booklet entitled "The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & Countryside", available at any tourist information centre or from:
Tourism Unit
Innovation Centre
Bridgend Science Park
Bridgend
CF31 3NA
Email tourism@bridgend.gov.uk
Area Countryside attractions:
Brecon Beacons National Park
This is walking country and the peaks and valleys are crisscrossed by numerous waymarked trails. Well, not totally walker's country; they must share the Beacons with sheep, who vastly outnumber the humans here. More ...
