A Carmarthenshire coastline hike past a 19th century shipwreck
Early morning sun dazzled the wave-rippled Pendine Sands, which edge Carmarthenshire's coastline for seven golden miles. Prized by speed-seekers since the 1920s, these level leagues have been the site of multiple land-speed records set over the decades. This was also, in 1933, where Amy Johnson and her husband, Jim Mollison, took off in a de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, crash-landing just short of New York to a heroes' welcome.
Between Pendine and neighbouring Amroth, the well-signed Wales Coast Path rollercoasters its way through steep-sided coastal valleys on a challenging but thoroughly worthwhile walk. We set out from the beach, a long flight of steps — more than 200 in total — winding up to the headland at Gilman Point, an Iron Age promontory hillfort. The
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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands
The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands Get ready to spot resident deer on this lovely park bike ride Margam Country Park covers around 850 acres (Image: Getty Images ) With a gothic castle, free-roaming deer and gorgeous views, Margam Park in Port Talbot is loved by many and is the perfect place for a bike ride this summer. Set in 1,000 acres of glorious parklands, Margam Country Park offers natural beauty, history, wildlife, and a wide range of fun activities and facilities, making it one of the best days out in Wales for all the family. This historic 850-acre estate is set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to 349m. The estate's history can be traced back to prehistoric times, with Bronze and Iron Age relics and evidence of Roman and extensive Celtic occupation. According to their website, Margam's very own deer herd was probably introduced by the Romans. It's also home to Grade I listed gardens and landscapes, biking and hiking trails, wildlife, a Norman Abbey and Margam Castle—a grand Victorian mansion—and an impressive 18th-century orangery. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The castle is a 19th-century Tudor Gothic mansion designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot. The outbuildings around the castle courtyard house the visitor centre and park administration, and during the summer months, the Great Hallway is on display to the public. Article continues below One of the best activities in Margam Park is mountain biking. You can cycle around the park on tarmac roads and rough tracks to a fantastic viewpoint. The park is part of the National Cycle Network, The Celtic Trail Route 4, which runs across South Wales and through the North of the Park. Here, you'll find several trails, including a waymarked mountain bike trail and a family cycle trail if you are biking with the little ones. The park is part of the National Cycle Network (Image: Portia Jones ) The family trail is an easy cycle along mostly flat tarmac paths. It passes close to the adventure playground, farm trail, and open parklands. Kids will love stopping off on the farm trail to meet the animals and use the animal feed stations. Here, you'll find a range of adorable animals, from pygmy goats and ponies to alpacas, rabbits, pedigree sheep, Glamorgan cattle and donkeys. The mountain bike trail is a relatively short 2.3 miles and includes a challenging ascent halfway up Margam Mountain. Along this scenic route, you might spot the resident deer. According to the Margam website, the famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, including Red and rare Pere David deer. If you visit during the rutting season (typically between September and November), the male deer, or stags, compete for dominance and the right to mate with females. During this rather dramatic period, you'll hear them roaring, parallel walking, and even fighting with antlers. Definitely have your camera ready, and don't get too close. These are wild animals, and we want to keep them that way. The famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, (Image: Getty Images - Lea Scaddan ) As you wind your way through the track, you'll start a bumpy ascent up Margam Mountain; this is where an e-bike comes in really handy for those burning thighs! If you don't have your own, you can rent bikes from Margam Park Adventure, which runs a range of activities. As you climb up, you'll have fabulous views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The trail then levels off and returns on a steep descent onto the Cwm Phillips access road with a return ride to the castle, reputedly one of the most haunted places in the UK. If you love history and ghosts, definitely take a tour of this spooky spot after your bike ride. Margam Castle is part of Margam Country Park (Image: Robert Melen ) Visitors to this 19th-century Gothic mansion in Neath Port Talbot have long shared eerie tales of spectral figures, unexplained laughter, and objects that seem to move of their own accord. From the Bronze Age through Roman times and later the founding of the Cistercian Abbey in the 12th century, this site has seen centuries of human life—and, perhaps, lingering spirits. The castle, built between 1830 and 1840 by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, is a striking example of Tudor-Gothic architecture and is hauntingly beautiful. The Talbot family owned the estate until 1942, when the castle fell into disrepair following a devastating fire in 1977. The council owns the property today, and ongoing restoration work ensures its grandeur is preserved. Despite the fire's destruction, many original features remain, from the intricate stone carvings to the elegant stained glass windows, which date back to when the house was built almost 200 years ago. While the castle impresses with its architecture and history, its eerie ghost stories draw in thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Margam Castle's ghostly reputation has attracted paranormal investigators from across the globe (Image: Getty ) The most infamous spirit of Margam Castle is Robert Scott, a gamekeeper who was murdered on the estate—some say by a poacher, others by an escaped convict. His presence is said to rage through the castle and the estate to this day. Scott is frequently spotted making a determined ascent up the Gothic staircase that leads to the Castle. His presence is a recurring theme among psychic investigators, who all agree that his spirit seethes with fury, unable to rest after his untimely and unjust death. The castle isn't the only historic sight, as Margam Country Park has long been a place of religious and historical significance. Here, you'll find Margam Abbey, founded in 1147, which was an important Cistercian monastery until its dissolution in 1536. This remarkable abbey now serves as a parish church. The small Margam Stones Museum, located next door to the medieval abbey church, is also well worth a visit. Here, you'll find a remarkable collection of nearly 30 inscribed stones and crosses, some dating from the early days of Christianity in sixth-century Wales. They originally stood as milestones on Roman roads or, in one case, on top of a Bronze Age barrow. If you love history, this is a must-visit. Want to make a day of it? Margam has plenty of events throughout the year where you can enjoy special activities or stay after dark at one of their chilling Halloween events or ghost hunting events. Check out their website for more details. Need to know Article continues below
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Stunning coastal walk in North Wales named amongst world's best for 'no-sweat scenery'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A relatively short coastal walk in North Wales has been adjudged one of the world's most scenic for those who don't want aching limbs at the end of it. A bonus for walking slackers is the pub that lies en route - it has a global reputation for combining leisurely pit stops with stunning views. The walk, on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is just 3.6 miles (5.8km) and involves climbing no more than 54 metres along the way. Porthdinllaen Circular, along a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, was considered to be among the world's top 10 'easiest walks to the world's best views'. Its rating, following an analysis by AllClear Travel Insurance, leaves the walk rubbing shoulders with iconic spots like the Giant's Causeway and Switzerland's Panorama Trail. The idea of 'easy walks' to scenic locations was conceived for those who struggle to access the world's 'most iconic views'. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints or travelling with children can all make challenging hikes a no-go. The people behind the study imagine the concept will also appeal to idlers who want 'big views with minimal effort'. Or as they call it, 'no-sweat scenery'. The circular walk gives unspoilt views of Porthdinllaen Bay, a charming pub on the beach and, on clear days, views stretching all the way to Eryri's majestic peaks. The pub, Tŷ Coch Inn, was once named one of the world's best beach bars. There is one jarring note: the route highlighted, devised by an online hiking specialist, includes a section to a campsite that's actually private land. Alternative footpaths are nearby, perhaps offering even more scenic landscapes, but these will add distance to the trek. The shortest alternative may involve an extra 10-20 minutes to the 70-minute walk, so for most people it's probably not a deal-breaker. Whichever way you go, from the B4417, the destination is Nefyn Golf Course and the Llŷn Coastal Path. Following the latter takes you up one side of the Nefyn headland – a finger of land curving out from the bay – and back down the other side. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) One side offers cliff drama, the other stunning views across the bay towards Yr Eifl mountains. The latter passes the RNLI Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and its small but wonderful sandy beach. From here, you can follow the Llŷn Coastal Path down below, or stay atop the headland for better views. The high point was once the site of an Iron Age hill forts, whose ditches and ramparts can still be made out on the golfing fairways. Once on the beach, Tŷ Coch Inn awaits. Named by the Sunday Times one of the UK's top 10 'best proper' pubs earlier this year, it's the centrepiece of the tiny hamlet of Porthdinllaen, a former fishing community that once vied with Holyhead to become the main harbour for Irish trade. Since 1994 it's been looked after by the National Trust. Even in winter the Tŷ Coch Inn can be busy; on warm summer days it positively bustles. From here, the Porthdinllaen Circular continues along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, then back up to the B4417 via Lon Bridin and Lon Las. Visitors have two main options for parking – the National Trust car park off Lon Golff, and a set-aside parking area further up the hill at the golf club. Both charge a fee. Letitia Smith, of AllClear, said: 'For millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. Our research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions.' Topping the list was Artist Point in the Yellowstone National Park, USA. The scenery is pretty good – the viewpoint looks out over the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls. But the 'walk' barely merits the description – it's just a 200-yard stroll from a car park. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox According to the study, the world's most difficult viewpoint to reach was Indonesia's Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with an impressive turquoise crater lake. Getting there requires a steep and strenuous hike but the views are considered amongst the most rewarding in south east Asia. The Top 10 most scenic walks requiring the least effort 'Difficulty score' in brackets. Artist Point, USA (11.9) Cadillac Summit Loop, USA (14.7) Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand (17.7) Cape Flattery Trail, USA (17.8) Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada (18.5) Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore-Manarola, Italy (21.3) Moro Rock, USA (21.9) Grand Canyon South Rim (22.3) Bastei-Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany (22.6) Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales (22.8); Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (22.8); Bryce Point Trail, USA (22.8) Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- North Wales Live
Stunning coastal walk in North Wales named amongst world's best for 'no-sweat scenery'
A relatively short coastal walk in North Wales has been adjudged one of the world's most scenic for those who don't want aching limbs at the end of it. A bonus for walking slackers is the pub that lies en route - it has a global reputation for combining leisurely pit stops with stunning views. The walk, on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is just 3.6 miles (5.8km) and involves climbing no more than 54 metres along the way. Porthdinllaen Circular, along a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, was considered to be among the world's top 10 'easiest walks to the world's best views'. Its rating, following an analysis by AllClear Travel Insurance, leaves the walk rubbing shoulders with iconic spots like the Giant's Causeway and Switzerland's Panorama Trail. The idea of 'easy walks' to scenic locations was conceived for those who struggle to access the world's 'most iconic views'. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints or travelling with children can all make challenging hikes a no-go. The people behind the study imagine the concept will also appeal to idlers who want 'big views with minimal effort'. Or as they call it, 'no-sweat scenery'. The circular walk gives unspoilt views of Porthdinllaen Bay, a charming pub on the beach and, on clear days, views stretching all the way to Eryri's majestic peaks. The pub, Tŷ Coch Inn, was once named one of the world's best beach bars. There is one jarring note: the route highlighted, devised by an online hiking specialist, includes a section to a campsite that's actually private land. Alternative footpaths are nearby, perhaps offering even more scenic landscapes, but these will add distance to the trek. The shortest alternative may involve an extra 10-20 minutes to the 70-minute walk, so for most people it's probably not a deal-breaker. Whichever way you go, from the B4417, the destination is Nefyn Golf Course and the Llŷn Coastal Path. Following the latter takes you up one side of the Nefyn headland – a finger of land curving out from the bay – and back down the other side. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now One side offers cliff drama, the other stunning views across the bay towards Yr Eifl mountains. The latter passes the RNLI Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and its small but wonderful sandy beach. From here, you can follow the Llŷn Coastal Path down below, or stay atop the headland for better views. The high point was once the site of an Iron Age hill forts, whose ditches and ramparts can still be made out on the golfing fairways. Once on the beach, Tŷ Coch Inn awaits. Named by the Sunday Times one of the UK's top 10 'best proper' pubs earlier this year, it's the centrepiece of the tiny hamlet of Porthdinllaen, a former fishing community that once vied with Holyhead to become the main harbour for Irish trade. Since 1994 it's been looked after by the National Trust. Even in winter the Tŷ Coch Inn can be busy; on warm summer days it positively bustles. From here, the Porthdinllaen Circular continues along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, then back up to the B4417 via Lon Bridin and Lon Las. Visitors have two main options for parking – the National Trust car park off Lon Golff, and a set-aside parking area further up the hill at the golf club. Both charge a fee. Letitia Smith, of AllClear, said: 'For millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. Our research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions.' Topping the list was Artist Point in the Yellowstone National Park, USA. The scenery is pretty good – the viewpoint looks out over the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls. But the 'walk' barely merits the description – it's just a 200-yard stroll from a car park. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox According to the study, the world's most difficult viewpoint to reach was Indonesia's Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with an impressive turquoise crater lake. Getting there requires a steep and strenuous hike but the views are considered amongst the most rewarding in south east Asia. The Top 10 m ost scenic walks requiring the least effort 'Difficulty score' in brackets. Artist Point, USA (11.9) Cadillac Summit Loop, USA (14.7) Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand (17.7) Cape Flattery Trail, USA (17.8) Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada (18.5) Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore-Manarola, Italy (21.3) Moro Rock, USA (21.9) Grand Canyon South Rim (22.3) Bastei-Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany (22.6) Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales (22.8); Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (22.8); Bryce Point Trail, USA (22.8) Find family activities near you
