The Glamorgan Heritage Coast

From the spectacular coast to the breathtaking Heritage Hills, there's a land of mystery, legend and imagination.

The Legend of King Arthur - Legend has it that King Arthur was born locally. Ogmore Castle is the point where it is believed Arthur was fatally wounded, and the cave where his body was reputed to be hidden is at Coed yr Mwstwr woods. His final resting-place is said to be a little church high on the hills above Pencoed.

The Town of a Hundred Hands - The windswept sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr, is home to the remains of Candleston Castle, believed to be haunted! Perhaps the biggest mystery of Candleston however, is the lost village of Treganllaw (Welsh for 'the town of a hundred hands'), engulfed by the dunes.

The Pilgrim's crossing at Bridgend - A sleepy little market town, halfway between Cardiff and Swansea. Pilgrims waded the river en route to the shrine of St David. A little bridge built in 1425 now stands on the spot. At the top of a hill is Newcastle, and the oldest part of the town with its cluster of tiny cottages. The original 127 year old Market Bell still hangs in the Rhiw Shopping Centre, near to the entrance of the new Covered Market.

The Murderous Innkeeper - An ancient bridge known as the 'Dipping Bridge' crosses the river where an Inn stood. Legend has it that the owner of the Inn murdered many pilgrims for their belongings, and buried them in the cellar. Early this century the remains of the Inn were demolished and several skeletons were found.

The Sands of Kenfig - The fascinating dunescape of Kenfig National Nature Reserve, stands on the site of a medieval town buried beneath the sands. Only the castle Keep is now still visible. Legend has it that the houses of the buried town can be seen at the bottom of the lake and the bells of the old church can be heard ringing!

The Maid of Sker - Sker House, on the windswept dunes is the setting for another mystery. Elizabeth Williams, fell in love with a local harpist, Thomas Evans during the annual Saint's festival. Elizabeth's father refused to allow the alliance and kept her locked away. She was forced to marry a suitor of her father's choosing, but never forgot her harpist. She died eight years into the marriage. It's said, her ghost can still be seen at the window of Sker House.

The Maid of Cefn Ydfa - Llangynwyd has a similar story to tell, as it was the birthplace of the Celtic poet Wil Hopcyn. His tragic love of local girl Ann Thomas is remembered in the Welsh Legend - The Maid of Cefn Ydfa. Ann was forced against her wishes, to marry her guardian's son, she is said to have died of a broken heart.

The Ancient Port - Porthcawl offers sailing, swimming, fishing, surfing, watersports, golf and more. Some of the cleanest beaches in South Wales, Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay recently won the 'Four Dolphin' classification, for clean bathing waters and safe beaches. Rest Bay was awarded the European Blue Flag plus a Tidy Britain Award. Historic steamers leave Porthcawl for cruises along the Channel, and over to Lundy Island. The 'Promenade Princess' road train runs around the resort from Coney Beach to Rest Bay and back. Take in a spectacular show at the Grand Pavilion - Porthcawl's seafront theatre.

Visit: Visit Bridgend