With news that Dogs Trust will be extending its A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy and going walkies into Porthcawl in 2022, there’s now little doubt that Bridgend County is the paw-fect destination for coastal adventures with your four-legged friends.
Originally a Cardiff-based event with 50-plus sculptures, A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy will be extended to include key Porthcawl locations such as the harbour, the Grand Pavilion and Rest Bay Watersports Centre.
And while you might have to wait until next year to go sniffing around these new giant Snoopy sculptures, there’s still plenty of dog-friendly pubs, cafes and brilliant beaches to enjoy across Bridgend County in the meantime…
Going walkies elsewhere:
i. Pink Bay
Visit Wales recently listed Pink Bay when highlighting the top dog-friendly spots in the country. Pink Bay is a great option for taking your dog for a beach-based walk and is just a short distance from Rest Bay. Named after the unusually pink hue of its stones and pebbles, Pink Bay also features a 7,000 ton wrecked steamship, which is a monument to the crew of the Mumbles Lifeboat and SS Samtampa. There are no amenities so make sure you’re well-stocked with treats.
ii. Bryngarw Country Park
With over 100 acres of woodlands and wetlands, meadows and gardens to explore, it really is a dog’s life at Bryngarw Country Park. There are a number of designated walks to be enjoyed including a ‘Riverside Ramble’ through the eastern side of the park towards the Afon Garw and a picturesque ‘Meadow Meander’ that guides you through charming open meadows.
Paw-fect Pubs...
i. Farmers Arms in Nottage
Like many of our destinations, Farmers Arms in Nottage warmly welcomes furry companions to relax in the bar area of their classic pub. Enjoy a day out in the surrounding countryside and reward yourself with home-cooked food and real ales whilst your four-legged friend enjoys a well-deserved rest.
ii. The Jolly Sailor in Newton
Unwind in The Jolly Sailor’s bar, moments away from the mighty Merthyr Mawr sand dunes. Give your dogs the run-around amongst the rolling dunes before ending your adventures at the Jolly Sailor, where they’ll happily provide hydrating refreshments for both you and your companion.
iii. The Globe Inn, Porthcawl
Just a short walk from three of Porthcawl’s wonderful beaches; Newton Beach, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay, you can pause for a pitstop at The Globe Inn. With welcoming old-school interiors, you and your pooch will feel perfectly at home in this classic establishment.
Canine-loving cafes…
Potting Shed, Newton
Feed your hunger with light bites at the dog-friendly cafe tucked away in Newton, Porthcawl. The Potting Shed offers a variety of deli dishes that you can enjoy while your best friend relaxes at your side.
Coffi and Co, Porthcawl Harbour
Located in the iconic Jennings Building, sandwiched between the marina and the sea, head to Coffi & Co to indulge in coffee, their iconic Coffi-Cocktails and fresh food. Soak up the summer sun and seaside views with man’s best friend outside on terrace deckchairs.
Rest Bay Cafe Bar
Having opened its doors in 2019, Rest Bay Cafe Bar offers a variety of breakfasts, sandwiches, meals and snacks to either eat in or take away, not to mention a special Puppicino for your faithful friend! The tables outside are dog-friendly and offer some spectacular views out across Rest Bay beach.
The Hyde Out, Kenfig
Ideally located at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, The Hyde Out is a converted horse box that is open Weds-Sunday 10am - 4:30pm. It serves up a menu of local coffee & cakes, as well as 100% natural ‘A Dog’s Life Gourmet Deli Treats’. With the natural beauty of the nature reserve on your doorstep, either stock up pre-walk or treat you and your faithful friend at the end of a dog-friendly adventure.
Dog-friendly overnight stays...
Best Western Heronston Hotel
Is your pup completely pooped after all that adventure? Not to worry, the Best Western Heronston Hotel is the ideal option for pet-friendly accommodation - it’s in a great location for exploring both coastal and inland sections of the county, and up to two dogs are welcome to stay for £10 per pooch, per night
Coed Y Mwstwr Pet-friendly afternoon tea (and a workout)
And for the ultimate dog-friendly break there’s the Coed y Mwstwr Hotel which, on top of dog-friendly rooms for overnight stays, are now offering a doggy afternoon tea. Pamper your pet with an afternoon of indulgence with this menu featuring homemade doggy delights including bacon and peanut butter bone biscuits and salmon & sweet potato brownies.
And if they’ve overindulged, the hotel is now also home to a pup agility course where they’ll be able to work off those extra calories.
Year round dog-friendly beaches...
Newton Bay Beach
Dog owners will rejoice over being able to visit Newton Bay throughout the summer months. Walk along the sandy beach of Porthcawl’s easterly bay which ends at Newton Point. Positioned beside the iconic Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, this area is a great destination to unwind and appreciate the coastal air.
Sker Beach
Kenfig Sands (known locally as Sker Beach) is the most westerly of Porthcawl's beaches and is only accessible by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Generally sandy and flat, it is mostly used by locals, making it one of the quieter beaches in Porthcawl and dogs are allowed year round.
Pink Beach
A 15-minute walk from Rest Bay, Porthcawl’s quieter beach is popular with locals and surfers; it has a steep pebble bank down to the golden sand. The rocks at the top of the beach have a unique pink marbling effect - hence the name Pink Bay.
