Make this year about finding forgotten treasures, embracing journeys of the senses and making memories along pathways around attractions, activities, landscapes and coastlines.
2023 is the Year of Trails in Wales and we have trails a plenty in Bridgend County. Trails with summits, Trails with Surf, Trails with Scenery. Here’s a taster. There’ll be plenty more throughout the year.
Trails with summits
High in the Garw valley are two challenging routes for experienced mountain bikers. The exhilarating blue Glengarw Trail offers a winding single track and beautifully crafted berms, while the black Gellideg Trail promises a leg burning climb and a thrilling descent with berms, bomb holes, slab drop-off sand technical rock features.
Trails with Scenery
Try the 5 mile River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr Circular Walk. Explore the best of Bridgend as you follow the rush of the River Ogmore, passing the pretty village of Merthyr Mawr on your way. Starting in Bridgend Town Centre, why not start with a tasty breakfast in one of the cafes the town has to offer, or head down to the indoor market for some Welsh cakes to enjoy along the way. You'll soon leave town behind walking through the ash and oak trees in the tranquil Craig-y-Parcau woodlands, following the river Ogmore towards Merthyr Mawr Village and Dunes. A little further along stands the 15th century Dipping Bridge, with holes in the parapet so farmers could push their reluctant sheep into the river for their annual dip. Following the riverside trail, passing through the pretty village of quaint thatched cottages towards the atmospheric ruins of Ogmore Castle.
Trails with Surf
Our11½-mile stretch of the Wales Coast Path (870 miles long in total). Some sections are accessible to all: try the boardwalk between Rest Bay and Pink Bay, and the promenade in Porthcawl. Highlights include dramatic sand dunes, blue Flag beaches and National Nature Reserves. Or try our Beach-side biking with Porthcawl’s coastal cycling trail running from Trecco Bay to Rest Bay, explore what the town has to offer, from its golden sands to its ocean views. Mostly off road, little ones can use the 2.5 mile path to catch a wave, play on the beach or even stop for an ice cream along the way.
