Visiting the Vale
Valeways works in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to encourage visitors to the Vale to enjoy the lovely countryside and hospitality. Examples of places to visit are listed below. If you want to find details of other events, activities and accommodation in the Vale of Glamorgan, please click on the link Visit the Vale.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council assisted by Valeways volunteers established a series of ten Vale Trails some years ago. The details of these walking routes are available from the link Vale Trails.
Parks
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Cosmeston offers a fine introduction into the countryside and is open all year round. The park has been designed to enable people of all abilities to discover and enjoy the countryside found within the Vale of Glamorgan.
Porthkerry Country Park
220 acres of woods and meadowland in a sheltered valley leading to a pebble beach and spectacular cliffs. Nature trails, picnic sites, café, play area, and barbecue area.
Dyffryn Gardens & Arboretum
Truly a garden for all seasons. Only six miles west of the centre of Cardiff, in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan countryside, Dyffryn Gardens is an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design. At over 55 acres it's amongst the most beautiful gardens in Wales. Dyffryn Gardens is owned and managed by the National Trust - more information can be found on their website.
Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Fourteen Miles of Beauty
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast stretches for 14 miles, from Aberthaw to Porthcawl.
Drama
Plunging cliffs, tiny secluded coves and breath-taking views make the Heritage Coast a must for walkers, cyclists or anyone with a love of the countryside. The whole coastline is fringed with delightful towns, small villages and miles of footpaths and country lanes.
Explore
By far the best way to explore this remote and beautiful coastline is on foot. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Walk is a spectacular journey past dunes, cliffs and coves, rich in wildlife and history.
At Dunraven Bay, Southerndown, a sheltered sandy beach is backed by Dunraven Park's 56 acres of green hillside. Dunraven Bay is also home to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre where you can find out about the history, flora and fauna of the area.
Close by is Ogmore-By-Sea, another popular spot. This village, perched high on the headland, enjoys panoramic views over the estuary of the River Ogmore and as far south as the Devon coast.
For more information visit Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Walkers are Welcome
Walkers are Welcome is a nationwide initiative launched in 2007 to be ‘welcoming to walkers’. The organisation has enabled the development of over 100 accredited Towns and Villages members to assist with their communities’ economic, physical-health and mental well-being through walking.
Valeways are pleased to support the nationwide Walkers are Welcome initiative, and in particular helped to get Cowbridge added to the list of Towns and Villages members in the scheme. If you would like further details, please click on the link Walkers are Welcome.