Monknash Bay < 3 Miles
The majestic Glamorgan Heritage Coast features cliffs composed of stacked limestone strata and flat limestone pavements stretch into the sea. Monknash makes a perfect base: from here a stream with a ruined mill leads to the vast beach of Traeth Mawr. If you’re looking for a roaring fire and an impressive selection of ales and ciders, head for the Plough and Harrow Inn back in the village, built from the ruins of the adjacent monastery.
Photo is “Traeth Mawr” by Reading Tom, used under CC BY / Cropped from original.
Nash Point < 5 Miles
Nash Point beach is a rocky beach with stunning views along the coast. Not great access if you have difficulty walking. It is home to a beautiful lighthouse which you can climb up and look out over the coast.
Cwm Colhugh < 5 Miles
Geologists love this rugged stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Around 300 million years ago, a continental collision caused its limestone cliffs to be pushed up out of the sea and contorted into striking formations of stacked rock. This is one of the best places in Wales to hunt for Jurassic fossils including giant brachiopods and ichthyosaurus bones.
Read about more local beaches at valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Photo is “Llantwit major beach” by Archangel12, used under CC BY / Cropped from original.
Dunraven Bay < 5 Miles
Dunraven Bay is arguably the most scenic of the numerous idyllic coastal villages in the Vale and is certainly the most popular with the locals. The drive or walk to the bay is right on the cliff edge and has the type of dramatic drops that will make your heart shudder. Although the beach is officially called Dunraven Bay, the locals here call it Southerndown beach. The half pebble, half sand stretch is nicely secluded and has impressive surf due to the eastern Atlantic off-shore winds. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could try walking over the rocks around the cove at low tide to the empty cove next to it. But you do risk the chance of being stuck there when the tide comes back in. Needless to say, the beach gets rammed in the summertime, but you can always seek refuge in the nearby Three Golden Cups pub, or pop into the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre. If you fancy a good walk, try going through the large gate in the car park and walk along the Glamorgan Coastal Path past the ruins and gardens of Dunraven castle. The views will blow your mind.
Merthyr Mawr Dunes & Beach < 10 Miles
Merthyr Mawr is a sandy beach backed by the dunes of Merthyr Mawr warren on the west side of the Ogmore river. Parking is at a P&D car park pleasantly situated in a wooded glade next to the ruins of Candleston castle – a 14th century fortified manor house. A small wooden hut houses male and female toilets. The car park can be reached by following the lane through Merthyr Mawr village, with its delightful thatched cottages.
Access to the beach is a walk of about a ¾ mile across the dunes of Merthyr Mawr warren, which are a popular training area for joggers and local sports clubs. This dune system is a maze of paths and there are numerous possible routes to the beach, so if you’re not familiar with the area follow the route marked with red discs. The largest sand dune in Europe, known locally as the Big Dipper is just to the south of the car park.
Photo is “Dunes” by Ben Salter, used under CC BY / Cropped from original.
Rest Bay, Porthcawl < 20 Miles
A little further away – Porthcawl has a large sandy beach – the most spectacular area is over three bays – when the sea is out you can walk the entire 2 mile coast. Rest Bay, Golf Bay then Pink Bay. As part of the Heritage Path, there is a path that surround the bays, so if you don;t want sand on your feet. The famous Royal Porthcawl Golf Club residence is above the bay.