|
MERTHYR MAWR
Merthyr Mawr is an idyllic little settlement, as picturesque as they come, with an outstanding collection of Thatched Dwellings straight from the pages of a Thomas Hardy novel, beautifully positioned around an old Village Green. Surrounded by meadows and woodlands, the Ancient Church, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century, was built on an ancient site that still stands guard over the residents. If you are a fan of obscure, long-lost historic sites, then search out Candleston Castle, once a 15th century fortified mansion house on the edge of the Sahara-like dunes of Merthyr Mawr Warren. It is now an ivy covered ruin that was the centre point of the village of Treganlaw, buried beneath the ever shifting sands of Merthyr Mawr Warren. The present warren is all that is left of what was once the Largest Sand Dune Complex In Britain, stretching along the coast to Mumbles. The warren is an important wildlife habitat and site of scientific interest, which shelters a rich variety of plants. Parts of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ were filmed here.
Cross the ‘Swing Bridge’ and over the stepping stones to Ogmore Castle and Castle tea rooms, but take care as the tides can be exceptionally dangerous as they change very quickly and you could be isolated on the wrong side of the river. Its easy to see why the Normans built a Castle here as it commands a strategic position on the River Ewenny.
At the entrance to Merthyr Mawr village is the 'Dipping Bridge' built in the 15th century with holes in the parapets where farmers once pushed reluctant sheep into the River Ogmore for a seasonal dip! At the side of the bridge once stood an Inn where the landlord would rob and murder travellers en route to St. David’s shrine.
Tours by foot - Merthyr Mawr
|
