If the arrival of spring has you yearning for time outdoors, The Great Glamorgan Way has plenty of routes to explore whilst soaking up the sunshine! Spanning across five counties of picturesque landscapes in South Wales, The Great Glamorgan Way is a network of bridleways and cycle paths, offering journeys rich in history, natural beauty, and Welsh charm. Whether you're saddling up or exploring by foot, each route offers a unique perspective on this stunning region. Here’s some Bridgend County routes to make your springtime a special one:
Take in views that’ll wow you at Werfa
A short but steep route - Werfa is said to be the highest point in Bridgend County, sitting on the hill of Mynydd Llangeinwyr. The descent is well worth it as you’re greeted by sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. It was also this area which inspired the famous Welsh hymn, Calon Lan, composed by Daniel James!
Venture across two valleys from Garw to Blackmill
Taking in two of Bridgend County’s three valleys, enjoy a scenic journey from Pont-y-rhyl in the Garw Valley to Blackmill at the foot of the Ogmore Valley, with a route that traces along nature-rich riverbanks. This trail offers a mix of natural beauty and industrial heritage, with remnants of old mining operations dotting the landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife, from soaring birds of prey to scampering woodland creatures.
Explore magical Merthyr Mawr
An expansive nature reserve with plenty to explore, Merthyr Mawr Warren is a coastal gem of magical woodland, stunning dunes and sandy shores. The picturesque scenery provides the perfect backdrop for visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems unique to this route. Don't miss the iconic Big Dipper dune, a towering sand formation that offers gorgeous views of the coastline.
Enjoy the vistas of the valleys from Cwm Du to the Garw
Enjoy the scents and sights of a woodland adventure with this route taking you from the beautiful Llynfi Valley, over rolling hills and enchanting forests into the Garw Valley. With a choice of starting points, the route takes in 9km of beautiful Bridgend County scenery each way.
Delve into diverse landscapes from Glynogwr to Tonypandy
For those that want to go the distance, this lengthy route journeys from Bridgend County into the neighbouring county of Rhondda Cynon Taff, starting at the peaceful village of Glyn Ogwr, with incredible views and historical St Tyfodwg's Church. The route takes in varied landscapes through river, mountains and forest before finishing up in Clydach, Tonypandy at a charming lakeside location.
The Great Glamorgan Way is a multi-user network of routes allowing you to take in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bridgend County and beyond. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat into nature or a thrilling adventure through varied landscapes, the trails of The Great Glamorgan Way offer fantastic opportunities to discover the wonders of this captivating region on horseback, bike, or foot!
