Wild coastal walks: Glamorgan Heritage coast

Think there are no wildernesses left on our coast? Here are seven walks that let you taste the cream of the wild coastlands - moody, offbeat and inspiring - and see why these islands are so satisfying to explore. Escape the crowds and see the beauty of this shoreline in the raw – with only wildlife and the pounding tide for company

 
Secret shores

Llantwit Major to Nash Point along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

 
Remarkably few people know the wonderful Glamorgan Heritage Coast of South Wales. There is no coast road and no development - therefore it's a haven of peace and quiet for wildlife and walkers, with an intriguing and bloody past.

 

Wilderness rating: blows away the cobwebs

The absence of cars makes this a lonely coast, with a wild history. Pirate Colyn Dolphin was buried neck-deep to drown in Reynard's Cave near Tresilian; US newspaper tycoon Randolph Hearst partied in St Donat's Castle in the Roaring Twenties; Nash Point Lighthouse was built after 40 people drowned in an 1832 shipwreck, one of many along these cliffs.

 
Way to go: From Llantwit Major, head south to Pigeon Point, then west along the coast path to Nash Point, returning to Llantwit by way of Marcross Farm, St Donat's and Tresilian.

 
Time and effort needed: Nine miles on fairly level ground - a long morning or afternoon.

Refuel at: The Horse Shoe Inn, Marcross (01656 890568), a lively and friendly village pub.

 

Getting there: Take the 145 bus from Bridgend to Llantwit Major.

 

Sleep at: Bramble Cottage, Flanders Road, Llantwit Major (01446 795838, www.bramble-cottage.co.uk), a converted 17th-century barn. Double B&B, £55.

 

OS Maps Landranger 170; Explorer 151. Click here for the Ordanance Survey Get a Map service

 

For more info Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre, Southerndown (01656 880157, www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/enjoying/heritage_coast.aspx).

 

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