Walk from Nash Point to Ogmore on the Wales Coast Path
By Nia Knott 
Posted as a walk in – Europe, South Wales, Wales, Wales Coast Path
Walk from Nash Point to Ogmore on the Wales Coast Path
Route Essentials
Route Summary
Nia Knott takes us on a walk along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast between Nash Point and Ogmore.
See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.
Distance
14.17 kmAscent
240 mTime
3.5 hoursCalculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Start Location
Nash Point to Ogmore
Difficulty
Hazards
Very steep, unfenced cliffs. Unstable cliffs, liable to regular falls, so keep well back from the edge and bases. High tidal range, with very few exits from the beaches in some places, risk of getting cut off. The path can get muddy and slippery in sections. Livestock (including cattle) may be grazing in the fields. Dogs should be kept on a lead on the clifftops. In an emergency call 999 and ask for Coastguard..
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Walk from Nash Point to Ogmore on the Wales Coast Path Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download
Walk from Nash Point to Ogmore on the Wales Coast Path
Enjoy far-reaching clifftop views over the Bristol Channel and inland across the rich pasture land of the Vale of Glamorgan. Golden limestone cliffs, quiet wooded valleys, and expansive tidal beaches offer plenty of variety in landscape. Look out for Peregrine Falcons swooping past, Kestrels and Skylarks hovering overhead, and Choughs feeding on the grazed grassy clifftops. There’s plenty of historical interest too; a 19th Century lighthouse, Norman castle ruins, and an Iron Age hillfort. You’ll also be spoilt for choice for refreshment stops with a number of excellent traditional country pubs just a short diversion inland. A coastal bus service means that you can catch the bus back to the beginning from several points along the route, and there are bus links to nearby train stations. This dynamic coastline with towering fossil-studded cliffs deserves a little respect, however; with the second highest tidal range in the world, it is easy to misread the tide tables and become cut off. Stay until the end of the day to enjoy a spectacular sunset or sundowner in one of the pubs.
1 Nash point lighthouse
Before setting off west along the coast path, first head east from the little café down a lane towards the lighthouse. At the end of the lane go through the gate and around the back of the old lighthouse. You’ll pass the foghorn building, and reach the relatively more modern lighthouse, constructed in 1831 using stone from the beach below, with the purpose of providing safe passage for the many ships using the treacherous stretch of water it overlooks. It was the last manned lighthouse in Wales, automated in 1998. From the lighthouse turn around and head back towards the café.
2 Nash point to Cwm Nash (Monknash Beach)
From the café, head down into the steep valley towards the trees, cross the stream using the footbridge and head back uphill between the headland and the trees. From here cross the stile, and follow the path along through the fields along the clifftops, with the sea to your left. Before long you’ll reach a steep slope down to the beach at Cwm Nash. Cwm Nash has a colourful history; it is said that this was where many of the spoils and bodies were brought ashore from shipwrecks having been lured onto the sandbank by bands of shipwreckers; the most famous being the ‘Wreckers of Wick’. A few years ago, bones began to jut out of the cliffs after some particularly heavy erosion – some say they are the remains of the stricken sailors buried in a mass grave.
From here, you have a choice; if you are very confident that the tide is on its way out, you can walk along the beach all the way to Witches’ Point, keeping well clear of the base of the cliffs which are very prone to huge rock falls in this area. If you aren’t confident with reading tide tables or if the tide is starting to come in don’t attempt to walk along the beach as there is a large risk of getting cut off. Instead follow the coast path along the cliff tops as follows.
3 Cwm Nash to Cwm Mawr
This section climbs steadily up from the valley, past an old stone hut, and then along the clifftops through the fields. The path sometimes strays perilously close to the cliff edge at this point, but you’ll be able to take a more cautious line away from the edge through the field. You’ll soon reach another small valley; descend following the path slightly inland and you’ll see a crossing point for a tiny stream which may barely be noticeable after a dry spell. There is an inland route here which you can follow through the fields then along the lane to Wick village to join the bus or find provisions. Otherwise, after crossing the small stream, climb out of the valley back towards the coast. Follow the path along the cliff tops until you reach the gate. From here, descend using the path through the trees into a beautiful shady wooded valley. On a hot day this provides a welcome break from the sun on the exposed clifftops. There is a great newly built section of steps here for the climb back up out of the valley.
4 Cwm Mawr to Witches’ Point
Another clifftop section, first through open fields, before reaching a stile which takes you into a narrower path, coming out at a wide grassy area with some picnic benches. Here bear left and take the first path through the trees. Go through the small wooded area and out to a spectacular viewpoint and information board, with a sweeping view all the way back down the coast to Monknash. Turn inland now, and follow the track between the trees a very short way before going through a gate on your left, and up some stone steps. Take a left at the top of the steps, for another spectacular viewpoint. Now follow the path down the wooden steps and go straight ahead, taking the path furthest inland, not the path leading off down to the beach. If you took the beach route from Monknash this is where you’ll re-join the route. Follow this path out through the trees and an old kissing gate and along the point. Continue as far along as you can to the end of Witches’ Point.
5 Witches point to West Farm
From the point, climb steeply up the grassy hill to the top for spectacular panoramic views back along the route so far, and as far as the Gower Peninsula as well as Somerset and Devon across the channel. This spot has been home to an Iron Age Hillfort, Roman camp, Norman castle, wartime hospital and lastly a hotel, of which now only the foundations remain. Follow the clifftop down towards Dunraven, gentle at first but then fairly steep and very slippery after rain. Dunraven Bay is a storm beach with huge tidal range and expanse of sand when the tide is out. There is also a lovely little visitor centre here as well as toilets, picnic area and an ice cream kiosk in the summer. It can get very busy though so it’s often nicer to move on and admire the beach from above, away from the crowds instead. To continue the route, walk towards the Heritage Coast Centre and turn left straight behind the lifeguard building, following the stone steps with railing then grassy path alongside the road. At the top, cross the road and go through the stone pillars, then through the gravel car park, looking for a kissing gate at the far right hand side of the car park. The road here takes you up to Southerndown village if you want to visit the pub or catch the bus. Otherwise, go through the gate and past the wooden benches and continue along the clifftop until you reach a large stone barn building surrounded by stone walls.
6 West Farm to Ogmore by Sea
At West Farm, keep to the left of the stone walls, and in a short while you’ll make a very steep descent into a narrow valley. At the bottom of the valley follow the path along a much lower section of clifftop, with a wide grassy path all the way to Ogmore by Sea. Keep to the left of all the stone walls. At the end of the grass there is a gate into the car park. Just pick your way through the strange maze of a car park heading towards the life guard hut at the far end. The toilets and kiosk are found at the centre of the car park. You can also head uphill to the road to catch the bus on the main road.
7 Ogmore by Sea to Ogmore
The final stretch of the route follows the river Ogmore inland. From the lifeguard hut, keep the river on your left, pass the pay machines and exit the car park between two boulders. Follow the path along the river until you reach a large house on your left. Here you’ll need to cross the road with care, dodging sheep and motorbikes, and pick up the path through the bracken on the opposite side of the road. Keep the road on your left and follow the path along until you reach the Pelican Pub, a great place to refresh at the end of your walk! If you have any energy left go down to explore the 12th Century castle ruins and stepping stones crossing the river, before taking the bus from the stop outside the pub back to Marcross, or on to Bridgend to get the train
Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks
Route Summary:
Nia Knott takes us on a walk along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast between Nash Point and Ogmore.
Route Start Location: Nash Point to Ogmore
| Distance |
Ascent |
Time |
| 14.17 km | 240 m | 3.5 hours |
Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Activivity Type:
Summits and Places on this Route
Facilities
The Horseshoe at Marcross. A traditional pub with delicious and good value homecooked meals and beer garden. 1 mile inland from Nash Point. On bus route. Café at Nash Point. Open in summer season only for ice creams, coffees and cakes.
The Plough and Harrow at Monknash approx. 1 mile inland & uphill from Cwm Nash. A historic country pub known for real ales, ciders, hearty food, beer garden and roaring log fires. On bus route. Toilets, visitor centre & kiosk at Dunraven Bay. The Three Golden Cups at Southerndown, ½ mile inland and on bus route. Friendly, no-frills pub with lively bar and more traditional restaurant. Great home-cooked food and warm welcome. Also has a campsite.
Toilets, and ice cream and village shop at Ogmore by Sea, on bus route. Pelican Pub at Ogmore, on bus route. Beer garden & meals.
Hazards
Very steep, unfenced cliffs. Unstable cliffs, liable to regular falls, so keep well back from the edge and bases. High tidal range, with very few exits from the beaches in some places, risk of getting cut off. The path can get muddy and slippery in sections. Livestock (including cattle) may be grazing in the fields. Dogs should be kept on a lead on the clifftops. In an emergency call 999 and ask for Coastguard..
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Parking : CF61 1ZH
Parking spaces are available at Nash Point – pay in the café during the summer months. It can get busy / full & you’ll need cash. No parking on the road as emergency vehicle access is required. Otherwise, some limited on-road parking next to the Horseshoe Inn in Marcross, or pay in the pub to use their car park.
Public Transport:
Closest train stations are Llantwit Major and Bridgend, both connected by bus along the route. The 303 (usually hourly) bus service runs the entire length of the route which is ideal if leaving a car at one end. You may need to head inland to catch it.
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
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Guidebooks:
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