|
Kenfig Castle and Nature Reserve (8km, 5 Miles)
This fascinating area is rich in history although the sands of Kenfig Burrows conceal many of its secrets. 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.
Going usually easy but can be wet in winter.
Starting Point - Pyle Railway Station
Leave the station car park and cross the green near Pyle Rugby Club, and go up Mill Road. At the junction turn left, cross the road and take the lane to the right of Wickhams shop (on Marlas Road). At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto a concrete path.
In mediaeval times, the land north and west of the river was owned by Margam Abbey. The buildings you can see through the trees on the other side of the stone bridge, include a mill built by the monks and continued to grind corn right up till the 1950's.
Follow the concrete path with the river on your left
The recently renovated dam used to divert water to the mill to drive a waterwheel. Nearby steps lead to Ffynon Collwyn, a spring once famous for the healing properties of its water.
St James Church
The church is upside down! It was built with stone form the church in the old town of Kenfig which is now buried beneath the sands of Kenfig Borrows.
From the church, go back along the main road past the end of the concrete path and take the next track on the left – downhill behind a line of houses.
Follow the track (known as the Black Path) to the farm buildings. At Llanmihangel Farm go through the gate by the river, cross the footbridge and continue straight ahead to pick up a track which rises through a small wood. Cross the stile into a field, then to the next stile, then onto a lane which will take you past Glasfryn Kennels.
When you get to the road, turn left and go under the railway bridge. Take the next footpath on the right under the motorway and onto an area of sand dunes known as Kenfig Burrows. Follow a sandy track with the boundary fence on your right
Kenfig Castle and Town
The 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.
Pick up the waymarked track across the dunes. This can be marshy and you may need to make small detours to avoid the wettest places.
Shortly before you reach the road, you have a choice, to complete the walk continue to the road, to extend the walk turn right along the waymarked path towards Kenfig Pool.
Kenfig Pool
Kenfig Pool is the heart of the National Nature Reserve and particularly valuable as a stopping off point for migrating birds. The pool is the largest freshwater lake in South Wales.
Follow the path alongside the Pool, then bear left to Kenfig National Nature Reserve.
Leave the Centre, cross the road and follow Heol Lane opposite, keeping the houses on your left. Follow the lane around to the left.
The Prince of Wales Pub
The pub dates from about 1605 and was built as a Town Hall to replace the one lost when the old town was covered in sand.
Find the kissing gate behind the bus shelter and follow the footpath along the right hand boundary of the field to another gate which will take you onto a road near Mawdlam Church.
After visiting the church, retrace your steps past the kissing gate and continue through the village to the motorway footbridge. Cross the bridge and take the ramp down to the right.
After about 500m turn left down a pedestrian way just before a bungalow and continue to the road. Cross the road, pass an area of open ground to another road. Cross this and continue between the houses to Heol Fach. Cross the road, again taking a path between houses, continue around the recreation field and onto meadow street via a gate near the sports pavilion
Turn left to the junction, then left again past the school and up the hill to Marlas Bridge. Cross the footbridge over the railway then turn right into Beach Road. Continue to the car park.
|
