From the rugged Glamorgan Heritage coastline to the serene, rolling countryside, the Vale of Glamorgan warmly welcomes walkers, especially as autumn's chill begins to set in.
Here, we've rounded up the top five autumn walks - with pub and refreshment stops - each showcasing what the Vale has to offer this season.
1) The Salmon Leaps Walk
Starting in the ancient village of Dinas Powys, walkers can follow Vale Trail 6 along Wrinstone Brook.
Here, walkers can enjoy the refreshing ‘salmon leaps’ walk. Although the chances of spotting this phenomenon is somewhat slim, the weirs of Wrinstone Brook make a scenic attraction before the route loops back across itself to the charming village of Michaelston-le-Pit.
The Cwn George area is made up of four woodlands and is also home to an early medieval hillfort.
Distance: 5 miles
5 miles with shorter 3-mile option, approximately 3 hours length. The walk is across gentle terrain and ideal for all the family and is also dog friendly.
Where to eat: The Humble Onion or Star Inn
Everyone knows the best way to finish a chilly walk is with some warming local food. In Dinas Powys, The Humble Onion serves a-la-carte lunches and Sunday dinners made with local ingredients or the Star Inn is the perfect place for a cosy pint at the most popular pub in the village.
2) The Rugged Ghostly Coastline walk
Starting at Vale Trail 2, the walk encompasses attractions including Nash Point Lighthouse (built in 1832 as a response to the wreck of the ‘Frolic’ with the loss of 40 lives), Monknash Beach, enchanting wooded nature reserves and the incredible coastline.
Monknash Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in the Vale, featuring a dramatic cliff backdrop, golden sands in low tides and Nash Brook overflowing to create stunning gushing waterfalls and rock pools. This tidal bay is an excellent wild swimming spot for those that dare to brave the temperatures.
Distance: 4 miles
4 miles, with the option to include Route A and extend the walk to see St Donat’s Castle.
If you're seeking locations with minimal light pollution, Wales has one of the highest percentages of land designated under Dark Skies status globally. The views from the cliff tops of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast therefore make the perfect base for stargazing - and is best experienced in the longer, darker nights of autumn.
One of the most loved spots by locals is the area between Nash Point and Dunraven Bay, which offers incredible angles of true dark skies over Nash Point lighthouse. Park at the Nash Point carpark and beware of the wind on Monknash Bay - but the views are also sure to blow you away!
Where to eat: Plough and Harrow pub
The end point of the walk is the Plough and Harrow pub, known as one of the best in the area and perfect for a cosy drink or traditional pub food. It has an interesting but grizzly past; dating back to 1383, its backroom was used to store shipwrecked bodies who had been killed at the hands of the Wreckers of Wick and Dunraven, and the pub is said to be home to these ghostly victims!
3) Ogmore-by-Sea walk
The Ogmore-by-Sea walk encapsulates the best of the Vale; stunning coastal views from the Wales Coast Path, opportunity to beach-comb and forage on the beach, two castles, ancient stepping stones and sand dunes.
When the tide is out, visitors can spend time scouring the beaches, spotting edible sea creatures and foraging sustainably. The walk starts on Ogmore beach and winds up to Ogmore castle, where the brave can walk across the famous river stepping stones. Head inland and refresh at the pretty village of St Brides Major.
Distance: 8 miles
The route is 8 miles, but includes options for a 4 mile and 2 mile walk.
Why autumn?
Autumn the harvest season is the perfect season for foraging. Coastal foraging is often seen as easier than inland, and there is a massive variety of coastal edible plants and seaweed on offer. From kelp and samphire to shellfish and crustaceans, explore the rugged cliffs to the deep rock pools to find their plentiful delights. It is a good idea to consult a local professional or regional experts on coastal foraging.
Where to eat: The Fox
Food speaks for itself at The Fox, the boutique, stylish stone pub of former Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson located in the village of St Brides Major. It has quickly made a name for itself as a top eatery in Wales for its incredible freshly sourced, seasonal food with both modern and classic cuisine. Unwind with an artisan beer, cask ales or fizz by the glass.
4) Dyffryn Gardens
Located near the villages of Dyffryn and St. Nicholas in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, this Edwardian collection of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens is under the care of the National Trust. The 55 acres encompass a horticultural treasure trove all overlooked by a grand Edwardian manor house.
Distance: self-guided
Self-guided, so make it as long or short as you desire.
Why autumn?
Dyffryn Gardens is a breathtaking spot year-round, but it truly shines in autumn. Try Dyffryn’s self-guided Autumn walk which is free to explore (general admission to the National Trust property applies), part of their ‘Into the Canopies’ range of events and is available to pick up for the 16th September.
The gardens are a living canvas of seasonal change, with acres of formal gardens and an extensive arboretum that transform into a rainbow of autumn colours. Enjoy the best versions of trees like acers, and Katsura trees and spot waxcaps across the gardens. Inspect the unique gourd display in the Glass House - a must-see on an autumnal visit to Dyffryn.
Where to eat: Gardens Cafe
After immersing yourself in the autumn splendour, relax and refuel at the onsite Gardens Café. Serving a variety of hot drinks, light meals, and homemade cakes, and doggy treats too, take in the views of the gardens from the cosy indoor seating which is particularly inviting on a crisp autumn day. During weekends and school holidays the Galleries Café opens, with a second-hand bookshop to enjoy.
5) The Magical Forest Walk
Explore the Vale Trail 8 ‘Magical Forest’ walk, a circular route which runs through the best of inland Glamorgan.
Along with some impressive coastal views, this walk features quaint Welsh villages and lots of native forest, with the opportunity to spot some wildlife. Passing through the Vale Resort golf course, and crossing through farms, fields and stiles brings you to the historic village of Pendoylan. Also look out for herons at Coed Llwyn Rhyddid Heronry, one of the most important heronries in Wales and dragonflies at Pysgodlyn Lake.
Distance: 7 miles
About 7 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes long.
Why autumn?
Spot some of the Vale’s best autumn colours in the woodland sections of this walk, which follows through patches of native mixed deciduous and conifer forest.
Where to eat: The Vale Grill
Stop off at the Vale Resort on route for a pristine dining experience. The Vale Grill is the resort's premier eatery, where diners can enjoy a view of the lush greens through the floor to ceiling glass conservatory. The restaurant provides a ‘Best of Wales’ menu and their chefs create unforgettable seasonal dishes with local ingredients, from Welsh afternoon teas to a Sunday lunch.
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