POSTPONED - Welsh Heritage Walks: Monknash Beach

This is the second walk in the Welsh Heritage Walks Series and this walk will be exploring Wales's natural and ancient heritage.

This coastal walk takes us along a section of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, which is a 14 mile stretch that runs between Ogmore-by-Sea and St Athan, with Nash Point at its midpoint...which features in the Undiscovered Glamorgan ODL Walk I put on each year. We are only doing a small section of the 14 miles, I hasten to add!

The tidal range here is the second highest in the world after the Bay of Fundy in Canada, there are also world famous sand dunes to enjoy...that alongside the dramatic blue lias cliffs means the views are ever changing and stunningly beautiful. A natural wonder of Wales, this walk showcases the wooded valleys, spectacular wildlife and 2000 years of human habitation that makes this coastline truly unique.

Starting at Monknash Beach we will head to the 19th Century remodelled Grade 2 listed Dunraven Castle, however there has been a fortification on this site since the 12th century. Dunraven Park Hertitage Centre may let us in for a look around if they are not booked for an event near here too. This section may even reward us with a waterfall on the beach, if the tide is low and the water is flowing.

Then we will head to Ogmore Castle. This ancient castle was the western defence for the Norman conquerors, built in roughly the 1100's at the fording point of the river. This effectively kept the Welsh out of the Norman Lordship of Southern Wales and exiled  to the west. This river was once renowned as one of the finest salmon rivers in Wales, pollution reduced their numbers significantly but they are now returning to their old breeding grounds...so keep an eye out!

We will have the option of a stop at a highly recommended pub here, before returning to Monknash Beach Car park