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Walks in and Around Bridgend County Borough
Leave the car behind and discover some of the hidden treasures in and around the County Borough of Bridgend. These walks will enable you to explore some of Southern Wales' most spectacular coastline and countryside - off-limits for motorists but just waiting to be explored on foot. From towering cliffs and hidden coves to breathtaking mountain scenery and heritage trails - we've highlighted some of the best short circular and longer routes to help you enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of this fascinating coastal County. All the walks are waymarked and detailed leaflets on each of the walks can be obtained from either of the Heritage Coast Tourist Information Centres and by email from our offices.
You can follow the walks using the printed out instructions on this site, or from leaflets available; but it is recommended that you take a map with you, as well as a mobile phone. Don't forget to leave details of your route with someone at home, particularly if you are planning to do one of the more remote walks. Please do follow the advice given in the leaflet.
Circular Walks
A number of short Circular Walks through areas of interest and outstanding beauty have been developed by the Council in association with Groundwork Bridgend. These vary from 4 km (2.5 miles) to 15.2 km (9.5 miles) in length and are located close to towns. All are accessible by public transport with some starting from local train stations.
The following leaflets in our "Circular Walks" series are available from one of the Heritage Coast Tourist Information Centres
Bridgend (32 km, 19½ Miles)
This walk can be completed in three sections. Walk one starts at Ogmore Castle, walk two starts at Sarn Park and Ride (Railway Station) and walk three starts at Coychurch.
Cornelly (5 km, 3 Miles)
This walk starts and ends in South Cornelly. Alternatively you can start the route in North Cornelly from Heol y Sheet or Porthcawl.
Ewenny (5.6 km, 3.5 Miles)
This is a delightful walk through countryside characterised by woodlands, fields and hilltop views around the pretty rural settlement of Ewenny. Ewenny Priory and Church was founded in 1141 and is widely regarded as one of the finest fortified religious buildings in Britain.
Kenfig Castle And Nature Reserve (8 km, 5 Miles)
This fascinating area is rich in history although the sands of Kenfig Burrows conceal many of its secrets. Kenfig Castle and Town were founded in the 12th century but, by the middle of the 15th century, the sands of the Burrows advanced and covered the town and only the castle keep is still visible. The fascinating dunescape of Kenfig National Nature Reserve is a mecca for naturalists, birdwatchers and ramblers and is one of the most important sites in Britain for nature conservation.
Llynfi Valley Walk 5 (8 km, 5 Miles)
This walk goes from Maesteg Station to Caerau through the Llynfi Valley countryside and requires you to make your own way back to your starting point. The route uses a combination of maintainable highway, public footpaths and public bridleway. This is not a Circular Walk.
Nant Brynglas (4 km, 2.5 Miles)
A 2 hour walk through attractive countryside within easy reach of Bridgend and Pencoed. 12th century Coity Castle was once an important seat of Norman influence in South Wales. Founded by the knight Payn de Turberville, Coity Castle was besieged in 1404 by Owain Glyndwr – who is regarded as the greatest of all Welshmen.
Newton Porthcawl (8.8 km, 5.5 Miles)
Only a few minutes from the bustling seaside resort of Porthcawl is the charming picture postcard village of Newton. The village dates back from the 12th century and was once a thriving port. Candleston Castle was a 15th century fortified manor house inhabited until the last century by the powerful de Cantelupe family.
Nottage Porthcawl (4 km, 2.5 Miles)
This route goes from Nottage Village Green through the countryside around Nottage.
River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr (8.8 km, 5.5 miles)
Riverside paths, woodlands and ancient stones are featured in this fascinating walk through the scenic beauty and history of the Merthyr Mawr area. Merthyr Mawr village is an outstanding collection of thatched cottages surrounded by meadows and woodlands. Stepping stones take you across the river to Ogmore Castle built by the Normans, it commands a strategic crossing point on the River Ewenny.
St Brides Major (6.4 km, 4 Miles)
This route takes you out of the County Borough through an area of great landscape beauty and historical interest close to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. St Bride's Major is a picturesque village with an interesting church, which has a 12th century chancel. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre can be found at Dunraven Bay and is well worth a visit to learn more about this wild and beautiful 14-mile stretch of coastline.
Old Industries And New Parks (8.8 km, 5.5 Miles)
This walk provides a fascinating glimpse into the past where the remains of the South Wales coal and iron industries provide a heritage trail through an area rich in wildlife and natural beauty. Parc Slip Nature Park, headquarters of the Glamorgan Wildlife Trust, is on the site of an old colliery and opencast workings. It has been restored to provide a variety of wildlife habitats, including grasslands, wildflower meadows, wetlands and woodlands. Bryngarw Country Park is a secluded world of woods, gardens and grassland with waymarked walks.
Community Routes
These are traffic-free paths for walking, cycling and wheelchairs which form a network linking the urban areas with each other and with the wider countryside.
Garw Valley Community Route (22km, 14 miles)
This route takes you through wooded parks and forests, down deep valleys and high into the Heritage Hills, with stunning mountain views.
Ogmore Valley Community Route (18km, 11 miles)
This route takes you from Nantymoel to the outskirts of Bridgend.
Tondu to Pyle Community Route (10km, 7 miles)
This route takes you from Tondu to Frogpond Wood Local Nature Reserve including parts of the Celtic Trail.
Longer Walks
Leaflets are also available on a series of longer walks, which are in more remote coastal or upland areas. They can be walked in short sections or as one continuous route and form part of a wider network of long distance walks throughout the South Wales region. The map below shows the approximate location of these walks.
Ogwr Ridgeway Walk (20.8 km, 13 Miles)
Some of the most spectacular scenery and panoramic views in Wales can be enjoyed as you walk this 13-mile waymarked route from east to west across the mountain ridges. From windswept heights to wooded valleys, the scenery changes dramatically as you walk the Lower Pennant ridges from Mynydd y Gaer and Bryn Wrach to Mynydd Baeden and Mynydd Margam. Be prepared and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Even in the summer months, the weather can change dramatically on top of the hills. Refreshments can be obtained en route at Blackmill, Coytrahen and Llangeinor.
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Path (22.4 km, 14 Miles)
From Newton Burrows (west to east) or Gileston Car Park (east to west)
Walk this 14 mile stretch of protected and dramatic coastline with a variety of habitats from sand dunes, cliffs, rocky and sandy beaches. The coast holds many hidden dangers. Do keep strictly to the cliff paths and watch out for changing tides.
Sky To Sea Walk - Over The Bwlch (25.6 km, 16 Miles)
From Dare Valley Country Park A 16-mile walk on public rights of way, forest tracks and minor roads from Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare to Bryngarw Country Park near Bridgend. You will pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in South Wales especially as you cross the Bwlch Mountain. Part of this walk involves some strenuous hill walking so be sure to be properly equipped and prepared. Check the weather forecast before setting out and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Wear suitable clothes and boots and take food and drinks with you.
Sky To Sea Walk – Through The Vale (30.4 km, 19 Miles)
This walk is the second walk, which takes you from the mountains of South Wales to the sea on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The walk starts in Bryngarw Country Park, near Bridgend and finishes on the Heritage Coast near St. Athan.
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