Take trails brimming with natural beauty! With gorgeous, green landscapes - Bridgend County is a great place to get close to nature - and one local beauty spot has just reopened the doors to its café and visitor centre, set in idyllic, rural surroundings.
Parc Slip Nature Reserve
Just a few miles out of Bridgend Town Centre, through luscious, leafy countryside lanes you’ll find Parc Slip Nature Reserve - a nature-lovers paradise with 300 acres of stunning landscapes - offering visitors unique opportunities to explore the rich natural habitats of South Wales. The reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from dragonflies and butterflies to birds of prey and deer. The wildflower meadows, arable crops, grazed pastures, wetlands and woodlands that make up the landscape nurture thousands of plant and animal species.
You can walk or cycle for miles to explore the scenic circular routes at Parc Slip,or enjoy a short stroll from the car park to look out from the hide at the northern wetlands, where Highland Cattle graze the banks of a beautiful lake. If tea and cake with a view is more your thing - why not simply soak up the serenity of the reserve’s location from the café and visitor centre, with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Learn about Parc Slip’s coal mining history with the heritage trail, stepping back in time to the nineteenth century where the land was home to the Parc Slip Colliery. Various sculptures throughout the reserve serve as a reminder of the land’s industrial past - with a memorial fountain to remember those who lost their lives in a large mining disaster on the site on August 26th 1892. You’ll find QR codes along the trail which link to audio bites and information from the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales’ website.
Parc Slip is one of many locations in South Wales making up The Valleys Regional Park (VRP), with Discovery Gateways being highlighted as launchpads into the landscape and heritage of the Valleys’ story. Bridgend County is home to two Discovery Gateways from the VRP - Parc Slip Nature Reserve and Bryngarw Country Park.
Bryngarw Country Park
With over 100 acres of parkland to explore, Bryngarw Country Park is another stunning countryside location in Bridgend County where you can immerse yourself in nature. Easily accessible from the M4 motorway, the park offers a great day out for families who love the outdoors - with winding woodland trails and colourful gardens to explore, as well as an adventure playground, café and discovery room where little ones can learn about the many habitats the park offers to plant and animal species.
The park’s wildlife ponds, ornamental lake and wet woodland areas are great places to spot aquatic life such as frogs, toads, newts and fish! If you need tips on observing pond life - Awen Cultural Trust runs Pond Dipping sessions throughout the year where Park Rangers will help children seek out underwater creatures to learn more about them and their habitats.
Get lost in the woods (metaphorically!) as you discover various native tree species at Bryngarw - including mature sweet chestnuts, ancient oaks and towering beeches, many of which are hundreds of years old! Visit in Spring and marvel at beautiful bluebells carpeting the woodland floor.
As well as being a haven for nature enthusiasts, Bryngarw hosts a programme of exciting events throughout the year, such as outdoor theatre, Gong Baths, Children’s activities and workshops for adults.
The fun doesn’t stop there…
In addition to the VRP Discovery Gateways, Bridgend County is home to many other stunning locations to enjoy the great outdoors…
For those wanting to test their legs with a hilly hike, or seeking out some meaty biking trails, Parc Calon Lan in the Garw Valley is a great starting point for mountain adventures. Appreciate the scenery of the valleys as you travel through wonderful forestry ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or simply sitting for a while.
In the Llynfi Valley, local nature spot The Spirit of Llynfi Woodland, has scenic routes for walking, running or cycling, as well as a dog activity trail and beautiful surroundings to be explored! Look out for the Keeper of the Colliery, an oak sculpture honouring Bridgend County’s rich industrial heritage.
Down at the coast are two stand-out destinations for nature lovers - Kenfig National Nature Reserve and Merthyr Mawr Warren Nature Reserve. Both have vast sand dune systems that flow onto golden, unspoiled beaches and are home to various species of animals and plantlife. Nestled between the two reserves is the seaside town of Porthcawl - another great location to enjoy nature, with opportunities to explore sea life at Beach Academy Wales, Rest Bay.
We could go on…
Bridgend County offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors,. whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active adventure, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the wonder of Bridgend County’s natural treasures!
P.s Don’t forget to tag @visitbridgend if you post about your visit on social media!
