Welcome to Visit the Vale’s ultimate guide to immersing yourself in the great outdoors!
As part of our Vale Being campaign celebrating outdoor adventure in the Vale of Glamorgan, this page is your guide to discovering the perfect balance of thrill and tranquility across the county’s breathtaking landscapes.
From the dramatic Glamorgan Heritage coastal paths to tranquil forest walks, the Vale offers endless opportunities to connect with nature, boost your wellbeing and enjoy thrilling outdoor experiences. Whether you’re seeking the adrenaline rush from an early-morning sea swim or the fresh air from a brisk walk, the Vale is the perfect choice for your next adventure!
What are the mental and physical benefits of outdoor exercise?
Stepping into the fresh air isn’t just refreshing - it’s transformative for your health and wellbeing. Here are some of the key benefits of outdoor exercise, backed by science:
- Boosts mental health: Studies show that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature can significantly reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
- Enhances mood: Outdoor exercise increases the release of endorphins and serotonin, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormones, helping you feel happier and more energised.
- Improves sleep quality: Exposure to natural light during physical activity helps regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
- Supports cardiovascular health: Activities like hiking, swimming, and cycling strengthen your heart, improve circulation, and help reduce blood pressure.
- Boosts immune function: Regular outdoor activity can increase white blood cell count, helping your body fend off illnesses more effectively.
- Encourages mindfulness: Being surrounded by natural landscapes reduces mental fatigue and increases your ability to focus and stay present.
Dive into adventure Embrace the waves with the Dawnstalkers
The Vale has incredible coastal variety, with every kind of beach, cove, bay and cliff you can think of. The beach at Penarth is the home of the Dawnstalkers, the Vale of Glamorgan’s very own outdoor swimming community.
Meeting daily to swim in the sea at dawn next to Penarth Pier, they enjoy the incredible benefits of cold water swimming, kickstarting your day with endorphins, and boosting your body and mind.
Ready to take the plunge? Join them at Penarth to experience the magic of sunrise swimming. For more information on how to join, check out the Dawnstalkers Instagram page.
Swimming in the wild With miles of unspoilt coastline and dramatic cliffs revealing hidden tidal bays at low tide, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast makes an ideal destination for a wild swimming adventure. Beaches like Monknash and Nash Point are popular with wild swimmers. See more about sea swimming trails in the Vale on this page.
When wild swimming, make sure to be aware of some safety considerations…
- Remember that tides can change quickly, so plan your exit points in advance
- Stay away from unstable cliffs, and watch out for submerged rocks
- Always check the water conditions before entering, as waves and currents can be strong
- Be careful with cold sea temperatures in winter and don’t stay in for too long
- Ideally, don't swim alone. If you're not a confident swimmer, consider visiting one of the lifeguarded beaches nearby, such as Dunraven Bay, Ogmore-by-Sea, Llantwit Major and Whitmore Bay
Finding your balance Another way to get the most out of the water is stand-up paddle boarding, a popular activity in the Vale around both Barry Island and Southerndown. Offering scenic views of stunning bay backdrops, everyone from beginners to the experienced can enjoy the tranquility of paddling over the waves. More information about the paddle boarding on offer in the Vale here.
Step into nature The Vale of Glamorgan also makes a fantastic destination for hiking and attracts walkers from across the country. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Heritage Trail which will be celebrated with a series of guided walks from April - August. See more on the Valeways website. Looking for walking inspiration? Try out the ten specially curated Vale Trails which show off the best coast and countryside trails in easy-to-follow routes. Striding the shores The beaches and coastline of the Vale of Glamorgan are some of the most scenic walking and hiking routes in Wales. Breathe in some crisp coastal air, full of negative ions which help with oxygen absorption and boosts sleep time and slows mental decline.
Approximately 25 miles of the Wales Coast Path runs across our coast, of which 14 miles is made up of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Some of the most beaches on offer in the Vale include:
- Dunraven Bay (Southerndown)
- Ogmore-by-Sea
- Whitmore Bay (Barry Island beach)
- Jackson’s Bay
- Monknash (Cwm Nash)
- Llantwit Major
- See a full list of the Vale of Glamorgan’s beaches here.
Hiking the heart Away from the clifftops, the inland Vale of Glamorgan offers peaceful paths and rolling fields surrounding picturesque villages. A route that shows the best of the Vale’s woodland is the ‘Magical Forest’ walk (Vale Trail 8); highlights include the mixed deciduous and conifer forest, Hensol Gin distillery, Pysgodlyn Lake and a series of pretty villages.
Pedal power For those that prefer to travel on two wheels, the Vale offers delightful backdrops for cyclists. Sections of Route 88, a national coastal route, passes through the Vale. Find more information on Route 88 and local’s favourite cycling routes on this page. Bikes are available to rent with Brompton Bike Hire, at just £5 for 24 hours. They offer a flexible and convenient road biking experience as they can be folded away. They are on offer in Llantwit Major, more information here.
Chasing views Across the Vale, there are running routes for all levels. Running in nature lifts your mood, reduces stress, enhancing your physical and mental fitness. There are a number of community running groups across the Vale of Glamorgan. Join the running community and find one that suits you!
- Vale Runners
- Penarth and Dinas Runners
- Cowbridge Moovers
- Run2gether Barry
- Ogmore Phoenix Runners
- Llantwit Major Milers Running Club
Reconnect with the wild. Escape to our parks & gardens Wander round one of the many parks or gardens in the Vale, each offering unique opportunities to connect with the region’s natural beauty. Visit Penarth for Cosmeston Country Park, a haven for visiting birds and wildlife. In Barry, wander round the flower-filled borders of the Knap Lake and Gardens or Romilly Park’s green open space.
Explore 220 acres of woodland and meadow at Porthkerry Country Park overlooked by the photogenic viaduct. Grab a nibble at Mrs Marco’s Cafe or enjoy a picnic on one of the green spaces. In the market town Cowbridge, the Physics Garden holds a glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs. Dyffryn Gardens is a collection of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens under the care of the National Trust. Its 55 acres encompass a horticultural treasure trove including walled gardens, themed garden rooms and woodland walks all overlooked by an Edwardian manor house. The garden is specifically designed to ensure that for every season there is always something on display. More about parks and gardens in the Vale here.
Wild encounters Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will find a haven in the Vale of Glamorgan. The area is home to a remarkable variety of animals, birds, and plant life, thanks to its diverse coastal habitats, lush woodlands and wetlands. In autumn or winter, the lucky may spot flying fish on the ‘Salmon Leaps’ walk (Vale Trail 6). Although the chances of spotting this phenomenon at the cascade is slim, the weirs of Wrinstone Brook make a scenic attraction before the route loops back across itself to the charming village of Michaelston-le-Pit. The Glamorgan heritage coast's unique tidal range makes it a perfect spot for foraging, especially when the tide is out. Visitors can explore the beaches searching for edible sea creatures, seaweed, plants, shellfish, and crustaceans among the rock pools. The coastal countryside of this southern Welsh region provides a unique and abundant wild food offering - make sure to find a local guide or someone knowledgeable about foraging to help you.
Sweat it out Relax and unwind in the Môr a Sawna wood burning barrel sauna, nestled in the heart of Jacksons Bay, with breathtaking views of the beach and harbour. Accommodating up to 10 people, the sauna experience is enhanced by cold showers, a cold plunge pool, or the option to dip into the sea for contrast therapy, which is known to reduce inflammation, promote deeper sleep, and alleviate stress. Môr a Sawna also offers special sunrise and nighttime sessions as well as other wellness sessions such as day-long retreats including yoga, meditation, creative therapy and south bathing - see more on their socials. On specific dates, the Dawnstalkers also collaborate with Hot2Cold Sauna Co. to bring a wood fired barrel sauna directly to Penarth seafront. Keep an eye on their social pages for updates of when the next one will be.
After dark Starry nights Reconnect with nature through the night by stargazing on the cliff tops of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast! Wales is a region with one of the highest percentages of land designated under Dark Skies status globally. Monknash coast, along with the scenic viewpoint of Nash Point lighthouse, are ideal locations for stargazing. Park at the Nash Point carpark and explore the coastline to find the best angle to see the stars from. One of the most loved spots is the coastline between Nash Point and Dunraven Bay, where you can escape the light pollution and see true dark skies. Beware of the wind on Monknash Bay - but the views are also sure to blow you away! See more on stargazing here.
Dancing in the moonlight Under every full moon in 2025, the Anwen Project will hold a family-friendly silent disco on Barry Island promenade, under the Eastern shelter. To find out more about the Anwen Project and book tickets, visit their website.
Wellness elsewhere The Vale Resort has just unveiled the 800k refurbishment of its spa facilities, including two luxurious 2.5m diameter jacuzzis, a new 8-seater steam room, a new glass-fronted sauna, floating benches, ambient lighting and more. It was also just named Wales' Best Resort Spa for the ninth year in the row!
Revive Wellness Club – Cowbridge Located at Unit 4a 1S, West Winds Industrial Estate, Bridgend CF35 5DR, Revive Wellness Club in Cowbridge boasts one of the largest traditional saunas in the country. Their facilities include four ice baths with temperatures ranging from 8°C to a brisk 2°C, designed to clear mental fog, refresh the body and mind, and accelerate recovery. They offer both social contrast therapy sessions and private hires, accommodating up to 12 people. For more information or to book a session, visit their website: revivewellnessclub.co.uk
Soul and Soma – Barry Soul and Soma is a wellness studio located in Barry, offering a range of classes and therapies aimed at nurturing both body and mind. Their services include yoga, pilates, and mindfulness sessions, all designed to promote holistic well-being. To explore their offerings and stay updated on their latest classes, check out their Instagram profile: @soulandsoma
Alive BP – Sully Experience the ultimate contrast therapy with a traditional Finnish wood-fired barrel sauna and invigorating ice baths. This wellness practice is perfect for boosting circulation, enhancing recovery, and promoting relaxation. Enjoy the benefits of heat and cold therapy in a tranquil setting designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. For more details and updates, check out their Instagram profile: Alive BP
