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Our series of ten Vale Trails will help you discover the world of coastal and countryside walks on your doorstep.
Along the Vale’s rugged Glamorgan Heritage Coast you can discover the last manned lighthouse in Wales (automated as recently as 1998). Inland, walk in the footsteps of one of the Vale’s most colourful characters on the Iolo Morganwg Heritage Walk. If you dare – try the Haunted Field walk where you’ll come across Neolothic Tinkinswood Burial Chamber - it’s capstone is one of the largest in Europe.
While you’re out don’t forget to pay a visit to some of the characterful pubs and cosy cafes along the way, where you will enjoy some of the finest local dishes.
And for those that like to enjoy learning of local history and folklore, download our Vale Tales app. The storytelling app brings to life all the stories behind the trails. You will hear tales of treachery, romance, Hollywood legends and dastardly deeds by famous pirates. Your walks will come alive with the true history of the Vale. Make sure you download the App and pick up your map before you go.
To find out more about which of our Vale Trails are suitable for dogs, visit our Dog Friendly page; Paws in the Vale.
If you're not sure which walk might suit you best, watch our series of 10 Vale Trail videos and get a taste for each one. They can be found on each of our Vale Trail pages further below, or check out the Visit the Vale YouTube channel.
You may choose to enjoy the company of a knowledgeable guide on our beautiful walks through the Vale. These guides bring history to life with captivating stories from days gone by, and their extensive knowledge and passion for the Vale are truly inspiring.
Chris specialises in both guided walking tours with history, culture, food and drink and great walking, as well as bespoke tours with interesting itineraries, safe and comfortable transport and unique experiences, usually not available to visitors. Check out his website to discover each of his walks in the Vale with videos created to give you just a little taste of what you can expect.
Check out Valeways and Vale Ramblers to find out more about guided walks in the Vale.
Glamorgan History Walks by Graham Loveluck-Edwards.
The Glamorgan History Walks, a festival of walks during May-July were all hosted by author and TV history expert Graham Loveluck-Edwards. Supported by a team of other story tellers and experts in their field they were able to bring the stories behind the places they visited to life. While planning begins for the 2025 festival, Graham is delighted to share with you the legacy of the 2024 festival. Follow this link to retrace their steps and do these walks yourself. Take a look through the list of walks covered and find one that takes your fancy. You’ll see photographs, route descriptions, areas of history that are relevant to the walk and a video capturing some of the stories and history included on that walk. Most importantly, you will also find a map.
Check out Feast and Footprints, and embark on a culinary journey that perfectly complements your adventure on the ten Vale trails.
Between 1 hour and 4 hours
Ogmore By Sea Walk Approximately 4 hours
Ewenny and Spring Flower Walk Approximately 4 hours
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Coast and Lighthouse Walk Approximately 2.5 hours for each route
Celtic Crosses and Coast Walk Approximately 2 hours
Park and Seaside Walk Approximately 3.5 hours
Coast and Pier Walk Approximately 2.5 hours
Salmon Leaps Walk Approximately 3 hours
Haunted Field Walk Approximately 3.5 hours
Magical Forest Walk Approximately 3.5 hours
Iolo Morganwg Heritage Walk Approximately 3 hours
