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Hills, Vales And Villages
Distance : approx 108kms, 68 miles
Spectacular scenic beauty and spellbinding views make this, the longest of our four tours, a must for those who like to get away from it all. The route will take you through some of the famous Valleys of Southern Wales where coal was once king.
Nature has reclaimed the hills and vales once scarred and blackened by coal-mining but there is plenty to remind us of our great industrial heritage along the route.
From Porthcawl:
Take the A4106/A48/A473 to Bridgend
Travel onwards by the A4063 through the Llynfi Valley
About 9.6 kms, (6 Miles) after Bridgend, turn left keeping a sharp eye out for the signpost for Llan
Follow this road which leads to Llangynwyd
Rejoin the A4063 at Cwmfelin then onto Maesteg.
In Maesteg, look out for the King Alfred Pub
Turn right at the traffic lights for Nantyffyllon
Turn left at the next set of traffic lights.
The A4063 north from Maesteg climbs steeply after Nantyffyllon with spectacular views across mountainous terrain.
Follow the A4107
Turn right at the first crossroads signposted Treorchy
At the summit of Bwlch y Clawdd you can enjoy panoramic views of the Rhondda and Ogmore Valleys.
Turn right and take the A4061 south
Follow another scenic road through the Ogmore Valley and the traditional mining communities of Nantymoel and Ogmore Vale.
At the village of Pant-yr-Awel, turn right along the A4093 for the Garw Valley.
At the top of the hill, by the crossroads, turn right to visit Llangeinor Church.
Continue back to crossroads and turn right down into Garw Valley
Turn right at the 'T' junction at the bottom of hill
Just beyond Pont-y-Rhyl, stop off at the Coal Dram Memorial on the left hand side of the road.
Continue up the valley to Pontycymer Square and turn left
Visit the Steam Railway workshops
Return south down the valley taking the A4064/A4065 to Brynmenyn.
After the level crossing in Brynmenyn (by the Fox and Hounds Pub), turn right for the delightful Bryngarw Country Park.
Return to Brynmenyn following the signs for Bryncethin and Bridgend on the A4065, then the A4061, crossing over the M4
Go straight through the town taking the B4265 for Ewenny passing the famous Ewenny Craft Centre on your left as you head towards St Bride's Major. Take the B4524 for a scenic coastal drive to Southerndown through Ogmore-by-Sea with a stop at Ogmore Castle.
Follow the same road back to Ewenny and take the B4265 where you turn left onto a minor road after crossing the river.
After a mile, turn left at the staggered crossroads for the pretty village of Merthyr Mawr and continue on to Candleston.
Return through Merthyr Mawr and take the A48.
Then the A4106 back to Porthcawl.
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