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Home , Afon Alun, Coity, Colwinston, Corntown, Cowbridge, Ewenny

Continuation of Bridgend Circular Walk see leaflet 2 A473 Leaflet 3 (Vale SECTION) The Bridgend 1 2 Introduction Circular Walk This leaflet describes a 13 Km (8 Mile) section of the Bridgend Circular Walk. You should be able to complete this section of the walk in 4 hours but Vale Section (3) allow more time if you are thinking of visiting some of the sites identified in this leaflet or if you simply Ty Candy r Farm want to enjoy the countryside. The villages of Rive nny Coychurch, and St. Brides Major have most of the Ewe things you will need by way of facilities. A48 Star Inn For convenience purposes the directions below are 3 written with the village of Coychurch as the start- Ford ing point for this section of the walk. You could Link to Motor Treoes Continuation of Circular Walk Factory however equally start from Merthyr Mawr or any Bridgend Circular Walk point along the route, and if travelling in the see leaflet 1 and Church opposite direction simply reverse all the directions. (founded 1141) Before starting the walk from Coychurch you could Br visit the Church of St. Crallo (1) and the Tombstone 5 oc as tle of Thomas Richards (2) which can be found in the B ro churchyard. Further details on these sites of ok 1 interest can be found in Bridgend Circular Walk Ewenny A48 ny 4 leaflet (2). Stepping wen To E To begin this section of the walk leave the Main Stones Ewenny Nant Heol y Baptismal Cawl Road in Coychurch Village and follow the road Pool between the properties known as Isfryn and 9 Coychurch Cottage. Then take the public footpath Ogmore 8 Corntown on your left which runs between Nos. 28 and 29 St. Ogmore Farm 10 Farm Mary’s View, walk across the road Flemingstone Iron Age Fort Tair C KEY Pelican Inn ro and follow the signposted foot- es path between Nos. 22 and 23 St. Heol y Ogmore Down Bridgend Circular Walk Millwyr Link to Mary’s View. Cross over the stone Common Ewenny Link to other walks stile onto the verge of the A473. Circular Take care when crossing this dual Old Castle Down Pant Walk River Quarry carriageway and follow the way- Ford Common Railway marked tarmac path across the central reserva- Link to tion. Use the steps and follow the waymarked foot- Vale Roads Millenium path over a stone stile and a wooden stile and Stepping Link to St Brides Stones Trail Built up areas Circular Walk continue across the field. Pass through three Railway kissing gates to a point where you come to a small Viaduct wooded area. Go over another stone stile and follow the well-defined path through the woods Croes Antoni All maps in this series are based upon Ordnance Survey maps. and through the metal kissing gate. Follow the 7 St Brides © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. waymarks across the first small field and over the Church of Major ( Council) (licence no. 100023405, 2004). The Butler Tomb 6

wooden deck board heading for the large river turn left. Follow this public footpath, which is Village of Ewenny. There is also a link to the right, continue along the field edge path through a bridge in front of you. Go over the bridge and con- bounded on one side by a hedgerow and post and Ewenny Circular Walk. field gate out onto the road where the footpath is tinue straight ahead until you reach a wooded wire fence and the other by the security fence of Ewenny is a unique rural village just south of sign posted in the verge. area, walk through the wooded area where you the Ford factory. Continue along the footpath for Bridgend situated on the edge of the . Turn right at this point and follow the road which will note an old derelict farmhouse. The footpath 800 metres until a point where you come to a In the village you will find a grocery store, a craft is known as Tair Croes, until you note a public then goes through two field gates and comes out wooden stile. Go over the wooden stile and up a shop and café. bridleway signpost on your left hand side. Continue on a country road. set of concrete steps. At the top of the steps turn The highlight of the village is the Ewenny Priory and along the bridleway, which is bounded on both right and follow the stone dust path along the To continue the walk, turn left and walk along the Church. sides for a short distance before it runs into an road until you come to a road junction. At the verge of the A48 until you get to a wooden sign open field. Keeping the field boundary on your left In 1141 the Church of St. Michael became the junction turn right past Ty Candy Farm and walk post which is waymarked across the road. Take care hand side continue along the field edge bridleway beginning of the Benedictine priory of Ewenny along the road for approximately 500 metres until when you are crossing the road and use the central through the wooded area (please note that the granted to the of St. Peter at you come to a property known as Tyn y Caeau. At reservation. surface of this section of path can be wet at times, together with the churches of St. Bride’s Major, this point you will note a wooden footpath sign on Follow the stone dust path which is so wear suitable footwear). As you come out of St. Michael at and the Manor at Lampha. your right hand side, go through the double field waymarked into the Bridgend Golf Complex. From the wooded area follow the direction of the way- The Priory and church was founded by Norman gate (remember to close the field gate behind you) here go over a wooden stile and follow the tarmac mark arrow and keeping the field edge on your left nobleman, Maurice de Londres and is widely and head in the direction of the way-marks across access track until you see a gap in the hedgerow hand side continue along the bridleway to a point regarded as one of the finest fortified religious 2 fields and over 2 wooden stiles. Once you have where there are the remnants of an old stile, go where you go through a small copse area onto a buildings in Britain. The village of Ewenny is also gone over the second stile head towards the wood- through the gap and head towards a steel stile track that widens and terminates on the road. home to Ewenny Pottery founded in 1610 and still en signpost near the road, turn left and follow the which is situated in the boundary of a football worked by the same family. It is the oldest working Choice: At this point you can also take the Vale pavement. You are now entering the village of field, go over the steel stile and across the football pottery in . Millennium Trail which is waymarked. Treoes on a street called Glan-y-Nant. pitches to a point where you will see a tall metal To continue on the Bridgend Circular walk - Shortly To continue on the Bridgend Circular Walk cross the In the centre of the village of Treoes you will find gate in the hedgerow near the road. Go through after entering Corntown take the turning on your road and proceed straight ahead along the tarmac a number of Grade 2 Listed buildings including The this gate and turn right along Corntown Road left hand side signed for Heol y Cawl and Nant Lias. lane until you come to a ford. Use the stepping 2 Star Inn PH (3), which is a characterful village 3 towards the village of Corntown, using the grass 4 5 You will also note a wooden footpath sign pointing stones over the Afon Alun, then walk along the house with a thatched roof. Some parts of the verge for a short distance then the pavement. up the track towards Corntown Farm. This track is bridleway on your right hand side. Continue along building date from the mid to late 17th Century. The Nant Baptismal Pool (4) in Corntown was once steep in places. When you get to the gates of the bridleway for a short distance, through a field Opposite The Star Inn is Treoes Farmhouse also used for baptising people. However, it is thought Corntown Farm you will note a wooden stile on gate and under the viaduct. Immediately after the Grade 2 Listed as an early to mid 19th Century that the last baptism was per- your right hand side. Go over the wooden stile railway viaduct turn left through the bridleway Farmhouse, which is unaltered. formed here at the turn of the 20th turn left and follow the field edge path. Follow gate and follow the track for a short distance. Century. More recently it has been Continue along Glan-y-Nant then take the street the path into the corner of the field where the Keeping the fence line on your left hand side go up used for watering cattle. The pool on your right hand side called Parc Newydd. Keep route turns right and the field edge path continues the steep embankment where you will see a way- is fed by groundwater and over- walking along Parc Newydd and then turn left past again with the boundary on your left hand side. mark post with the Bridgend Circular Walk logo in flows into "The Nant", which even- the property known as Old Barn. Continue along You will come to a point where on your left hand front of you (Note: this section of route is very tually flows through the ground of this road past the property known as Ty Deri at side there is a wooden stile and a double field gate steep). Approximately 30 metres up the steep the Ewenny Priory and into the Ewenny River. which point the footpath follows a rough access either go over the stile or, if the field gate is open, embankment turn right where you will see a track for some distance to a point where a field In the village there are also some Grade 2 Listed go through the double field gate. defined track: this section of the route is also gate will be straight in front of you. buildings which include Corntown Court which has At this point, if you wish to stop and take a breath, quite steep so take care when walking. 17th or 18th Century origins and Corntown Farm Go through the field gate and continue almost on a clear day the view is quite spectacular and you Follow the route through the gorse and bracken which has 14th Century origins and is an important straight ahead until you see a wooden footbridge should be able to see Bridgend Town and beyond. until you come to the wide open track on top of the frontage in the centre of Corntown Village. over Brocastle Brook, go over the two wooden Continue straight ahead from the wooden stile and Old Castle Down Common. Turn right at this point stiles at either end of the footbridge and turn right Choice: At this point continue along Corntown double field gates and follow the field edge path and follow the well defined and waymarked bri- following the waymark arrow until you come to Road to a point where there is a footpath on your with a dry stone wall on your left-hand side.This dleway until you get to a point where you will note another wooden footbridge across another brook. right hand side which leads to the grounds of eventually turns into a hedgerow. Keeping the an old dry stone wall. Proceed straight ahead with Go over both stiles on this footbridge and then Ewenny Priory (5) or just continue along the road hedgerow on your left hand side continue along the the wall on your left hand side until the wall ends. turn right heading towards the Ford Motor factory. for approximately 1km which will bring you into the footpath until you note a wooden way-mark post Turn left at this point and follow the well-defined Climb over the wooden stile in the fence line and with a way-mark arrow indicating that you bear path. Continue along the route until you come to a property known as Brynawel House. The bridleway was used by troops commuting to garrison Ogmore • After visiting cross the River Leaflet 3 continues along a rough access track for a short dis- Castle below. In the other direction the road was Ewenny via the stepping-stones to return to tance until a point where you will note a wooden probably used via the Croes Antoni to the Norman Merthyr Mawr. However, you must take care as the waymark post on your right hand side. Follow the castle at Castle Upon-Alun. Croes Antoni (7) can be tides can be exceptionally dangerous as they direction of the arrow on the post and continue found just to the north west of St. Brides church. change very quickly and you could be isolated on until you come to an opening where you will see a The remains of this stone cross incorporate a cup the wrong side of the river. Story has it that these waymark post in front of you. At this point turn shaped depression which used to be filled with holy stones were built for the convenience of a love right and walk for a short distance until you come water for use by pilgrims arriving at the Church of stricken girl who lived in Ogmore Castle. Her lover to the road that leads into the village of St. Brides St. Bride’s. lived across the river at Merthyr Mawr and their Major. tryst was impeded by tides and floods. The stepping Without deviating from the wide grass track con- -stones enabled them to meet each other and To go into St. Brides Major turn left and go over the tinue straight ahead where you will note they married in July 1233. The bridegroom was cattle grid. The village will have most of the facil- Golf Course on your left hand side. William de Breose. ities that you will need. Follow the telegraph poles (one of which has a The parish Church of St. Bride’s Major (6) was built Bridgend Circular Walk waymark on it) until the • Ogmore Farm situated next to the Castle is one of in the 12th Century and is dedicated to St. Bride route becomes bounded on both sides. Continue to the oldest established working farms in (an abbreviated form of St. Bridget) a 5th Century a point where there are two routes ahead of you although the present farmhouse dates Irish Saint. The Church has and a field gate on your right hand side. Take the from the 17th Century a lease of the farm is many interesting features lower route, again following the line of telegraph known to one John Walsh as long ago as 1490. and is well worth a visit. poles. At this point if you look up to your right you Just before you get to a cattle grid cross the road The most interesting will note the remains of the Flemington Iron Age you will note a Merthyr Mawr Coastal Path way- feature of the church is an Fort (8), this is less well known than the one on the mark arrow embedded on an old stone. Walk incised sepulchral slab or cliffs at Dunraven, and it occupies the high ground through the kissing gate along the tarmac footpath coffin-lid beneath the alter 7 above the best water supply in the whole area. 8 and over the bridge across the River Ewenny. From 6 where it was placed in 1854. The engraving on it Go through the wooden field gate and follow the the bridge continue straight ahead across the field shows Johan le Botiler (Butler) of Dunraven. On the section of bridleway that is bounded on both sides towards the stone stile heading towards the swing North side of the church is a window containing a by dry stone walls. Continue until you will come bridge. Go over the stone stile, turn right, across fine tomb chest (The Butler Tomb) which dates out on the road near the Schwyll Pumping Station. the swing bridge which spans the , from around 1540. The Churchyard Cross rests on a At this point turn left and follow the pavement. you have now reached the car park in Merthyr pedestal on 5 steps, which are indented and worn, Mawr and reached your destination of Merthyr Choice: caused it is said, by pilgrims kneeling in prayer. Mawr Village. • If you wish you could visit Ogmore Castle (9) and To continue on the Bridgend Circular Walk cross the Merthyr Mawr Village is an idyllic little settlement, Castle Tea Rooms. Ogmore Castle was built during road and follow the direction of the arrow on the as picturesque as they come, with an outstanding the conquest of the Coast, the signpost along the tarmac track which runs up an collection of Thatched Dwellings beautifully built 3 at Ogmore, Newcastle incline. When you get to the top of the track take positioned around an old Village Green. and (see leaflet 2 for information on Coity the bridleway that is waymarked with the Bridgend Castle). William de Londres built Ogmore Castle Circular Walk logo across the Ogmore Down as early as 1116 on the South bank of the Ewenny Common. Continue on the bridleway for a short Thanks to the following for helping to either prepare the walk River where it commands a strategic position. The distance until you come to an opening, at which and text or for sponsoring the leaflet: Castle was not completed in one period, one point turn right and follow the route on the wide building was added in Tudor times, and was kept track in the direction of the wooden telegraph in repair until the 19th century as a court of poles. Pant Quarry will be on your right hand side, justice, a prison and also to receive court fees, it is fenced off and you will see notices saying rents and other dues. ‘Keep Out’. Continue along the wide track over the common. At this point the bridleway follows a • Or spend some time at the ancient Pelican Inn section of what was an old Norman military road, (10) overlooking the castle. BCBC design@bridgend: 01656 651005 Heol y Millwyr, (the road of the soldiers), which e.mail: [email protected] 13km (8 miles) 4 hours

At this point you can: BRIDGEND on a Sunday. Please note; the 145 departs from • Continue on the next section of the Bridgend outside the Farmers Arms PH. The 146 service Circular Walk (see leaflet 1) travels between Bridgend and Wales Airport 3 times a day, Monday to Saturday.The journey time • Or retrace your steps to Coychurch IRCULAR C from St. Brides Major to Bridgend is 16 minutes. Information and AdvicE Distance: 32KM (20 miles) Corntown is linked to Bridgend and with The going is generally easy although a few sections WALK the V4 service. There are 5 services in each of the route are steep and may also be wet in directioN, Monday to Saturday. Journey time to places. Remember to wear suitable clothes and Bridgend and Cowbridge is 15 minutes. good shoes/boots and take food and drink with you. Ewenny is serviced by bus services 145, 146 and V4. Follow the Countryside Code and when you are on There is one bus service linking Treoes to Bridgend roads, keep to the right and make use of verges and Cowbridge. It operates 5 times a day, Monday whenever you can. to Saturday. Journey time to Bridgend is 10 minutes It should be easy to follow the route using the map and to Cowbridge 30 minutes. and instructions inside this leaflet. When walking For further information on bus times and service the route try and look out for the Bridgend Circular numbers telephone Bridgend County Borough Walk logo that will be situated on stiles, gates and Council’s, Public Transport Section on 01656 642559 posts along the route. Directional waymarks with or The Public Transport Section yellow and blue arrows will assist you as to which on 01446 704687 or the National Bus Enquiry direction to walk in once you are on a public foot- number on 0870 6082608. path or bridleway. We also recommend you refer to the OS Explorer Map 151 Cardiff and Bridgend. Car Parking 9 For further information about this walk, to pass on 10 The car park at Merthyr Mawr is a rough surface your comments and suggestions or to report any situated on the bank of the River Ogmore near the practical problems on footpaths in the Bridgend swing bridge. Area please contact the Rights of Way Section, Accommodation Environmental and Planning Services Directorate, Morien House Bennett Street, Bridgend Industrial To make a reservation or to obtain information on Estate, Bridgend, CF31 3SH (telephone 01656 accommodation contact one of the Heritage Coast 642537 or 01656 642516). For any practical prob- Tourist Information Centres. These are at McArthur lems on the section of route in the Vale of Glen Designer Outlet off Junction 36 of the M4 Glamorgan area contact the Rights of Way Officer (telephone 01656 654906) and at John Street, on 01446 704810. (telephone 01656 786639) or Llantwit Key Key Major Visitor Centre (telephone 01446 796086). Public Transport Section 1 1 Link to Vale Millenium Trail. For further general information about the Bridgend There are number of bus routes that link to this Section 2 area you can contact us via e-mail at 2 Link to Ewenny Circular Walk. section of the Bridgend Circular Walk Section 3 3 Link to Nant Bryn-glas Circular Walk. Coychurch village has 3 regular bus services depart- Diverted/alternative routes [email protected] ing from Main Road 44, 62 and 244. The services 4 Link to Sky to Sea Long Distance Trail. Link to other walks and or for information on the Vale of Glamorgan area operate every 15 minutes, daytime Monday to trails 5 Link to Ridgeway Long Distance Trail. contact Saturday and travel to Bridgend via Brackla the Railway line 6 Link to Sarn Station Walk (Proposed). Journey time is 12 minutes. Built up area 7 Link to C4 C/way and Routes. [email protected] If you wish to get to or from St. Brides Major there M4 Motorway Link to Bridgend Station Walk. Alternatively, you can visit us at are 2 services to chose from. The 145 - Bridgend 8 and via Ogmore-by-sea every hour in Road network 9 Link to Heritage Coast Walk. www.bridgend.gov.uk each direction, Monday to Saturday and 6 services River 10 Link to St. Brides Circular Walk.