Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes

Fantastic place to go whether it be on your own, with your partner, the children or dog. My mother & father always used to always to take me there when I was a child (and had some fun times there as a teenager too)… now as a mother myself, we have just moved into a new home down the road from the dunes: o) … can’t wait for the warmer weather to come, so that we can take our own family for a visit. There isn’t a lot to do apart from sunbathe, walk or visit the castles, but on the plus side you won’t spend too much money on the children either… suggest taking a packed lunch and plenty of water, especially on a warm day (don’t forget the dog bowl if you’re taking the furry «kids» with you!). If the sun gets too hot or you get bored, you can always take a walk to Ogmore or head across to Porthcawl (where you’ll find plenty to do, so you’ll need your purse!).

Great for running about and sliding (or in my case falling: P) down. Lots of fun: D
Only downside is there is sand, everywhere. And it will get everywhere. :| There is still some in the back pockets of my jeans, and the last time they were worn down there was nearly 2 summers ago! lol :)

This is one of the jewels in the crown in the Bridgend area. It is a fantastic area of natural beauty. we often took the kids and dog for walks over the dunes when they were young-​our first time was very memorable as my hubby got us lost and we treked for miles-​even passing by accident an amorous couple and had to quickly distract the kids!
W took friends from a seaside town in England-​and one of the sheep who roam ran towards them-​they thought they were going to be killed and ran and of course so did thesheep-​we still laugh about it!
Its a great place to go any season but we love to go on a crisp cold winters day with the dog.

Nice sand dunes where you can enjoy nice walks :)

A beautiful place for a walk in the summer and winter. Ogmore river running nearby so if it gets too hot can always go for a dip in the river or the sea.
The dunes are also idea for sports training and are often used by athletes for sprint training.

A great day out for all the family. Plenty of picnic tables so take a pack lunch. Went here when I was young and took a sled! Will definately ensure the kids sleep all night. Well worth a visit

I first saw the sand dunes from the other side of the river at Ogmore.
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes are situated about one mile outside the village of Merthyr Mawr. Once the largest sand dune system in Europe they are a huge network, spreading across towards the Ogmore/​Porthcawl coast.
The dunes also claim fame to the highest single sand dune in Europe, known as the ‘big dipper’.
The dunes are very popular with kids for rolling and sliding down, (me included) runners for training (once saw Lynn Davies, Olympic long-​jump gold medallist, running up them) and local wildlife enthusiasts.
Scenes from the famous film Lawrence of Arabia were filmed at the dunes. Good desert little heat :)
There is a footpath to the village of Merthyr Mawr and then one to Ogmore and its castle. WONDERFUL (dangerous?) stepping stones across the river).
Also nearby is Candlestone (Candleston) Castle. (Really a fortified manor house.)
A truly great area to spend a day or two exploring and picnicing.
Race you up the big dipper!