The Dunes in Merthyr Mawr are a beautiful part of the country side located on the other side of the River Ogmore from the Ogmore Castle. It’s extremely picturesque and they filmed some of Lawrence of Arabia here. The dunes stretch on for miles and used to reach all the way to the Mumbles near Swansea. The focal point nowadays would be Candleston Castle, a 15th century ruin which is naturally, rumoured to be haunted by various beings. It is all that remains of the village of Tregenllaw — a whole village buried underneath the sand a few years ago. Naturally, given the eerie setting of the dunes at night there are rumours that it’s haunted! It’s a popular spot for dog walkers, taking in some of the nearby sea air and, in the summer with younger people sliding down the dunes. I had many a barbecue here in my teens. It’s a lovely spot and a great walk if you fancy walking all the way down to the beach. You can also extend it and cross the nearby River Ogmore to see some more of the area.
Sarah P.
Classificação do local: 5 Cardiff, United Kingdom
I’m ashamed to say that despite its proximity to my hometown of Cardiff I had not until this week visited the village of Merthyr Mawr and associated Nature reserve. I parked at Caridleston castle car park which is reached after driving through the idyllic village of Merthyr Mawr. The cottages in the village with their thatched well maintained gardens were a complete suprise, feeling more like south Devon than South Wales! The nature reserve with its large sand dunes(scenes from lawrence of Arabia were filmed here) full of flowers with lots of butterflies and sea birds. You can either take a walk over the dunes to the beach or cut across to the River Ogmore and walk alongside as it meanders down the coast. The river was a feast for bird lovers; apart from swans and mallards we also saw a heron and some dippers!
Tanya P.
Classificação do local: 5 Cardiff, United Kingdom
Merthyr Mawr sand dunes are one of those places that, once visited, you’ll never forget. These are some of the biggest dunes in the UK, in terms of height and expanse. You can spend an entire day here, and keep exploring new dunes and pathways. Be careful not to get lost! Eventually, a walk through the dunes will bring you out to a beautiful expanse of sandy beach, which is inaccessible by land apart from via the dunes, due to a wide river cutting you off. There is a campsite situated at the entrance to the dunes, and a large free car park, which may be the only shade you see all day, so talk a hat and water. This area is great of kids, as they can roll and tumble to their heart’s content down the dunes. Sand sledging is also a popular past time out here, along with hiking and horse trekking. This is an amazing and unique part of the Welsh countryside, and I would urge anyone who’s not already been to take a look! I adore this area.
