The Glamorgan Heritage Coast
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast - 35 miles of dramatic cliffs,
golden beaches, pretty villages and traditional resorts.
Starting from the edge of Cardiff Bay, the
coastal area of Southern Wales snakes its way westwards.
Along the way, it takes in the Victorian splendour of Penarth,
complete with historic pier and the traditional seaside resort of
Barry Island. Further along the coast are the dramatic cliffs
of Nash Point, giant dunes of Merthyr Mawr and the town of
Porthcawl before arriving at the internationally renowned
Kenfig Nature Reserve.
Thanks to the new Wales Coast Path you can now work the
entire stretch. Or if you prefer, take the scenic coast road
which will take you through the pretty villages of Llantwit Major,
Ogmore by Sea and Merthyr Mawr as well as one of the
most picturesque castles in Wales at Ogmore.
The area is well known for its golden sandy beaches with Whitmore
Bay, Southerndown, Newton Bay and Rest Bay regularly winning
recognition for their cleanliness and facilities.
It's not surprising, that with such a varied coastline, the area
is an excellent location for water sports. Surfers regularly
take to the sea at Southerndown and Coney Beach whilst Rest Bay is
considered one of the best beaches in the country for surfing, not
surprising when you see some of the waves that come crashing in off
the Atlantic.
Surfing is not the only top quality sport on offer at Rest
Bay. Overlooking the sands is the Royal
Porthcawl Golf Club, one of the toughest courses in
the country. It has hosted top professional tournaments in
the past and in 2013 it is due to host the Speedy
Services Wales Senior Open, followed in 2014 by the
prestigious Rolex Senior Open Championship.
Golf is something of an obsession here, with 3 golf courses in
Porthcawl alone. Joining Royal Porthcawl are the Grove and Pyle & Kenfig whilst
slightly further afield are Southerndown Golf Course, and the Wales
National Course at the Vale Resort.
Inland, away from the coast, the area is perhaps surprisingly a
bit of a shoppers paradise. Just on the outskirts of the town
of Bridgend is the Bridgend Designer Outlet. Here
you'll find almost 100 shops selling top brands at discounted
prices. A couple of miles down the road is Cowbridge, a
picturesque market town whose streets are full of independent
boutiques selling a range of quality fashions and produce.
Look out too for the various events that are held in the region
throughout the year. They include the popular Celtic Festival of Wales,
the Beyond the Border Storytelling Festival and the annual food
festivals in Bridgend and Cowbridge. But, without doubt, the
most unusual of the area's events is the Porthcawl Elvis Festival. Each
year 1000s of Elvis fans from around the world descend on the town
for a weekend of concerts and festivities in honour of their
idol. It has to be seen to be believed.
For more information on the area visit:
www.bridgendbites.com
@bridgendbites
www.visitthevale.com
@visitthevale