Ten special places to visit in the Vale
When you come to the Vale of Glamorgan during the Eisteddfod,
try and leave the field (Maes) behind for a little while if you
can. You'll enjoy exploring any of these hidden treasures we've
selected for you to share while you're here. And of course,
then it's back to the Maes for more entertainment and
culture.
Ogmore Castle and surrounding walk
These fine castle ruins are right on the
western edge of the Vale overlooking the Ewenny River. Take a left
turn off the main road if you’re coming from Southerndown, just
opposite the unusually named ‘The Pelican in her Piety’ pub. Drive
down the short track to a car park alongside the river. Not only
can you explore the Norman ruins but, for the daring, a series of
stepping stones takes you across the river to paths on the opposite
side.
Ewenny Priory and Pottery
One of the finest surviving examples of Norman
buildings in the Vale of Glamorgan. Founded in 1411, the nave still
serves as the local parish church. Ewenny Pottery is a family
business of eight generations' standing. It makes distinctive,
highly collectable and easily-recognised pots and is well worth a
visit.
Monknash beach and nature reserve (as opposed to Nash
Point)
Peaceful, secluded and fabulously wild. Worth
assessing for suitability for smaller children and perhaps those
who are not so steady on their feet, since it's a stone beach. The
upside is that you can really get away from the hubbub. Take care
in the strong tide.
Jackson's Bay, Barry
Hidden away from its more famous neighbour,
Whitmore Bay, this beach can be reached from there along a path
around the headland called Clement Colley Walk (but not at high
tide). You can also access it via a path down from Redbrink
Crescent on the Island. The beach is shallow, clean and sandy and
usually well sheltered from the wind, which makes it an ideal spot
for a picnic.
Lavernock Point nature reserve round to St Mary's Well
Bay
Drive along Fort Road and, just before the
entrance to the Lavernock Point Holiday Village, is a gate and
stile providing a way in to this secluded nature reserve. A series
of walks throughout the reserve take you past some small ponds, an
old World War Two gun emplacement (with interpretation panel) and
through an environment full of wildlife. At the far end of the
reserve are views across St Mary’s Well and the Bristol
Channel.
Aberthaw lakes (the old limeworks)
An unexpected hidden oasis is not what you
would expect to find in the vicinity of a large power station. The
lakes are reached via the steep Well Road just across from the
famous old Blue Anchor pub. Follow the pathway south towards the
sea through shady quiet woodland and at the end, just before the
coast, are the lakes. Originally part of the River Thaw before it
was rerouted through the power station, it is now home to swans and
a host of other wildlife. It is overlooked by the impressive ruin
of the 1888-built Grade-II listed Aberthaw Lime Works, out of use
since 1926.
Penarth Head 
Unlike the many formal parks in Penarth, this
one is short on planting but big on views. We
recommend starting with a wander around the churchyard at
nearby St Augustine’s. Then follow the road left from the main
church entrance, cross the road at the end and go down Penarth Head
Lane. There are panoramic views from Cardiff in the north, as well
as both Severn bridges, Portishead, Clevedon,
Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater Bay, the islands of Steep Holm and
Flat Holm followed by the north Devon coast and a fine view across
Penarth seafront. Make sure you visit on a clear day, bag a seat
and enjoy.
Physic Garden, Cowbridge
A peaceful oasis just yards from Cowbridge’s
bustling High Street. Based on the original garden where herbs and
flowers were grown for medicinal purposes, there is a wealth of
information to absorb as you soak up the calm atmosphere. A place
to de-stress and relax.
Orchid Fields, Wenvoe
The Vale's newest nature reserve and home to
over 300 species of wildlife, including the orchids that gave it
its name. The five-acre field is surrounded by hedgerows and
woodland and there are fine views from the higher points across the
valley. On a clear day you can see Penarth, and beyond that, across
the Bristol Channel. There are several benches around the field,
some in the sun, others in shade.
Cwm George and Casehill Woods, Dinas Powys
Cwm George and Casehill Woods are between the villages of Dinas
Powys and Michaelston-le-Pit. Much of the area is owned and managed
by the Woodland Trust and is free to explore. A popular walk starts
in Dinas Powys, heading through Cwm George, a dramatic valley, past
the site of a Celtic hill fort, through farmland. Here you may
see one of the local buzzards soaring overhead. Then it's on
to the ‘salmon leaps’ on the river at Michaelston-le-Pit, where, if
you're lucky, you may spot a kingfisher.