Only a few minutes from the bustling seaside resort of Porthcawl is the charming picture postcard village of Newton where this great walk starts.
The village dates back from the 12th century and was once a thriving port.
From there the walk passes through a unique system of sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr Warren, a designated a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Then onto Candleston Castle, a 15th century fortified manor house inhabited until the last century by the powerful de Cantelupe family, before returning to Newton.
Distance: 5.5 milesStarting Point: Newton SS835775Map: OS Explorer 151 Cardiff and BridgendPublic Transport: Buses to Newton from Cardiff, Bridgend or Porthcawl. Contact Traveline Cymru on 0870 6082608Parking: at Candleston Castle and Newton BeachFacilities: at NewtonThanks to Bridgend Council for the information - see their Visit Bridgend website for a map and brief description of the walk.
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your comments
Elaine, Porthcawl
I work full time for the local authority and every morning before work my friend Angela and I walk this path before we go to work. It sets us up for the day - you can't beat it. My daughter works all over the world and she can't wait to come home to Porthcawl.
Bill Jones and Rose Marie VanIngen, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA
I visited Porthcawl way back in 1999 to visit my distant cousins on my late father's side of our family. My great grandfather was born and raised in south Wales and later moved to America and relocated to Scranton Pennsylvania to work in its coal mines. I am so very proud of my Welsh heritage and plan another visit to that lovely sea side town of Porthcawl this coming summer!
Emma, Ponty
O yes. This is the best place ever it is near Trecco Bay. I have a caravan down Trecco Bay and before we walked from Trecco to Ogmore and that was the longest walk going it was so fun.
Emma Ponty
O yes. This is the best place ever it is near Trecco Bay. I have a caravan down Trecco Bay and before we walked from Trecco to Ogmore and that was the longest walk going it was so fun.
Emma, Pontypridd
I loved the walk - it was the best place ever. And going there has really helped me with my geography coursework. I would love to go again - when I went it was a bit cold.
Gordon Sparks, Santa Rosa Laguna, Philippines
I was born and lived in Newton. I spent whole days on the beach at Trecco bay or Coney Beach This and the sand dunes was our playground. It was untouched and pristine - I am talking about 80 years ago. At the age of 28 I emigrated to the USA - this was in 1956. I think the happiest time of my life was growing up in this beautiful area with its miles and miles of wonderful coast line in every direction and good staunch friends beside me. Dancing at the Grand Pavilion on Saturday nights and walking the Promenade to the Lighthouse so many times. Going back to Porthcawl still excites me and looking for and finding old friends is just incredible.
Adrian Moreton from Bridgend
Merthyr Mawr is a great family favourite, and such a beautiful place. You can completly lose yourself in it. The wildlife and wild flowers are fantastic all year round. Whether we walk through the dunes to the sea or go back and across to Ogmore it is always a delight. My children always love running down the sand dunes, and also learn so much whilst they are on the walk. It has to be one of the best places on earth to unwind and relax.
Carole Sullivan nee Evans
I lived in Laleston as a girl emigrating to Australia in 1965. My parents used to take my brother and I for a Sunday walk through the fields. I remember walking past Cowslip Hill and Bluebell Dell, over the Dipping Bridge and through Merthyr Mawr to the sand dunes. We would spend the afternoon having great fun sliding down the dunes and clambering over the ruins of Candelston Castle. Idyllic summer afternoons.
justin case
im 19 years old and i love a stroll on sunday afternoons. the wildlife and plants are so beautiful, i could just sit there and admire them all day. ohh how i do like a good stroll beside the seaside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mark weiner from beach road
I lived on Beach Road for the last 7 years and walked Newton Beach and through the dunes with my dogs everyday. The sideways rain and clearest of blue skies and always the sweet smell of the sea. I now live back in New England, though newton beach still feels like home!
Elaine, Cymmer, Rhondda
This was the longest walk to the sea I can remember. My parents rented a bungalow in Wig Fach and we walked over the dunes to the beach, only at certain times when the flags were a certain colour because of the shooting range. I can remember going up to where the targets were looking for bullets!!!!!! That must be about 38 yrs ago.
Jim Bostock from Llantwit Major
Merthyr Mawr Warren is my favourite walk. It presents you with miles of wild sand dunes and scrub to explore. In all seasons there is much wildlife to see - migrating birds feeding on wild berries in winter are a fine sight, water fowl overwintering on the Ogmore estury. I have even seen a snow white egret amongst the seagulls on the river outlet. The variety of wild flowers in spring are amongst the best I know.
