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. Tel (01446) 792271. 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.
Note
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 Tel: +44 (0)1656 672928 Fax: +44 (0)1656 768757
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
...
HERITAGE
COAST CENTRE Dunraven Bay, Southerndown Tel (01656) 880157
Porthcawl
Tourist Information Centre The Old Police Station, John Street Porthcawl
CF36 3DT Tel: +44 (0) 1656 786639/782211 Fax: +44 (0)1656 782387
e-mail:porthcawltic@bridgend.gov.uk
Bridgend
Tourist Information Centre McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Village The Derwen,
Bridgend, CF32 9SU Tel: +44 (0) 1656 654906 Fax: +44 (0)1656646523
e-mail: bridgendtic@bridgend.gov.uk
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