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River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr (8km, 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.
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Going is easy but may be wet in winter.
Starting Point - Bridgend Station
Turn left out of the station and down Court Road. At the bottom of the hill, turn left into Nolton Street and continue along the right hand sidewalk till you reach Merthyr Mawr Road. Turn right and go along Merthyr Mawr Road to the bypass.
Turn right and take the underpass alongside the river.
River Ogmore
Parts of the river Ogmore used to run black with coal dust but the water is now clean and the river supports salmon, herons and otters.
Cross the river via the pedestrian bridge and continue along Angel Street with the Fire Station on your right and the Recreation Centre on your left.
The Dancing Stone
Legend has it that at cock-crow on Christmas morning, the stone dances down to the river to bathe!
Pass the stone and turn left into Park Court Road and continue to the little stone bridge on your left. Follow the path up the hill to the woods, but take care as this is a cycle route also.
Craig y Parcau Woods
The pathway leads through Craig y Parcau woods. It's now classed as a local nature reserve to ensure that wildlife continues to survive.
A short distance into the wood, there are steps down to an alternative path alongside the river. Either way, you'll eventually reach a timber stile. Climb over and turn left.
At the main road you have a choice
1) To make your way back to the station, turn left along the verge to the next gateway on the left and follow the path keeping the river on your left. Continue to the pedestrian bridge, cross the river and turn right. Follow the path and path past the Recreation Centre and the pavement with the river on your ight to the old stone bridge. Cross the bridge into town and turn left along Wyndham Street and back up the hill to the station.
2) To continue the walk, carefully cross the A48 main road, to the footpath opposite, and continue through the woods. You will eventually arrive at New Inn Bridge. Take care crossing busy A48 road.
New Inn Bridge
The bridge was built in the 15th century and at one time there was an Inn at the side. The holes in the side of the bridge were for pushing sheep into the river to clean their wool.
Continue the walk by turning right along the road and look for the stile on the left opposite the entrance to Llanerch Home. Follow the path keeping next to the wall and when you reach the road, carry straight on down the hill. At Home Farm, cross the stone stile on the right and follow the path to the road.
Merthyr Mawr
The name has connections with St. Myfor and probably means 'The place where St. Myfor was martyred' The church dates back to the 19th century but was built on an ancient site dating back to the 5th century and there are many stones depicting this.
To extend the walk to Newton or Porthcawl, carry straight on to Candleston Castle, but to continue the circular walk, turn left past the church.
Take the road on the right, down to the river Ogmore, crossing the suspension bridge. The track ahead leads to the stepping stones and Ogmore Castle on the other side of the river. You can extend your walk to St. Bridges from here. If you decide to cross to the castle and the Pelican Inn, take care as the tides change very quickly here and you could be stranded on the wrong side of the river!
To continue the circular walk, take the stone stile on the left after the footbridge and follow the path to the bridge over the River Ewenny. Turn left alongside the river.
Kissing Gate
The metal Kissing Gate marks one end of an earth embankment which is the last vestige of the ancient settlement at Verville.
Continue past Verville Farm along the waymarked path to the road and then turn left just before the New Inn Bridge. Take the footpath on the right. Follow the path across the field to the A48 main road. Cross the road with care and go through the gate opposite.
Follow the path keeping the river on your left.
Stone Circle
Investigate the circle and find its reason for existing!
Continue to the pedestrian bridge, cross the river and turn right. Follow the pavement to the old stone bridge and cross the river again into town. Cross Dunraven Place and turn left into Wyndham Street and up the hill back to the station.
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