Dramatic plunging cliffs, secluded coves and breathtaking views across the channel make these protected 14 miles of coastline a must for all who love to walk in the fresh sea breezes.
Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is rich in wildlife and steeped in history. The cliff top paths allow you to discover areas of coastline and countryside hidden to all but those on foot.

Almost 1000 years ago the river Ogmore formed an important frontier during the early Norman conquest of Wales. Nowhere did the Norman invaders plant more castles to defend their dominions than here - Newcastle, Coity, Candleston, Beaupré, St. Donats and of course our very own Ogmore.
From Ogmore castle (illustrated), situated just a stones throw from the Pelican, you can take a short walk across the ancient St. Teilo's stepping stones and along the path to Merthyr Mawr...

The amusement Park at Coney Beach, Porthcawl,boasts one of the largest steel rollercoasters in Wales - the "Megablitz", plus many other thrilling rides.The park is close to Trecco Bay, one of the biggest & best equipped caravan sites in Europe,containing a host of entertainments & attractions.The "Promenade Princess" is a road train which runs from Coney Beach to Rest Bay via the splendid Victorian sea front, with it's "Grand Pavilion" theatre and "Seabank" hotel. Rest Bay, with it's rock pools & magnificent sandy beach is home to the famous Royal Porthcawl Golf Club.

This delightful mediaeval village is situated across the rivers Ewenny & Ogmore via ancient stepping stones and a swing bridge.The village consists mainly of charming thatched cottages & the quaint church of St. Teilo. Merthyr Mawr is part of the Merthyr Mawr estate and, nestled among trees, is the manor house itself.Built in 1809 by Sir John Nicholl,the house is now occupied by Mrs. Jennifer McLaggan (nee Nicholl)and her husband Murray McLaggan, The Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan.With it's meandering stream & strutting pheasants, visitors to the village delight in it's serenity & timelessness.

The road through Merthyr Mawr village leads to Merthyr Mawr Warren, part of the largest dune system in Europe. These dunes are not only a rambler's paradise but are a site of special scientific interest due to their varied & in some instances , rare flora. The remains of a Stone Age "Beaker People" burial ground were discovered there and the ruins of Candleston Castle, a 15th century fortified manor house are to be found at the edge of the dunes. After a morning's hike , it is satisfying to sit in the highest part of the dunes & appreciate the stunning view - Southerndown & Ogmore - by - Sea to the left of the river, Porthcawl to the right and across the Bristol Channel Exmoor and the Somerset Coast.

Behind the "Pelican in Her Piety" public house, and up the hill, is Southerndown Golf Club. Prestigious competitions take place at these internationally renowned links. Larks singing overhead, the scent of the gorse in bloom and a magnificent view of the sea and surrounding countryside, make a round of golf here a truly pleasurable experience.The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club , another internationally famous course, with it's view over the sweep of Rest Bay, is another unique golfing experience not to be missed and sure to leave a lasting impression.

The countryside surrounding the "Pelican" Is particularly interesting to the rambler due to it's history and diversity.Every kind of scenery is to be found here .High moorland & heathland towards Southerndown & St. Brides Major.Salt marsh along the River Ogmore & it's tributary the Ewenny.The fascinating sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr Warren.The wild daffodil woods / nature reserve at Castle - Upon - Alun .The beaches at Ogmore & Southerndown with their lofty limestone cliffs - all this within a two or three mile radius of the hamlet of Ogmore and the "Pelican"!

Approximately two miles to the east of Ogmore , towards Bridgend, is the village of Ewenny made famous by it's rugged Norman church and priory depicted in a painting by William Turner. On the hill, overlooking the village are Ewenny and Claypits Potteries. Ewenny Pottery, founded in the 17th century is the oldest established in Wales. It has been owned & run by seven generations of the Jenkins family. The family produce beautiful & unique ware which can be purchased in the large well - stocked pottery shop.

The river Ogmore and the coast offer a variety of fresh water and sea angling opportunities. The Ogmore Angling Association own fishing rights along the rivers but non club members may obtain a temporary permit or fish the tidal reaches of the river from the stepping stones to the sea. Anglers fish mainly for salmon trout, mullet & sewen. For sea fishing anglers tend to favour the estuary & "The Deeps" at Ogmore - by - sea , & "Witch's Point" in Dunraven Bay. Sea anglers fish chiefly for sea bass & cod although a large variety of fish can be caught.

Opposite the "Pelican", is Ogmore farm ,built in the 16th century and one of the oldest working farms in South Wales.The farm house is occupied by the Williams family who run a highly successful tea room and pony trekking centre. Riders of all abilities can hire a horse at the centre.There is a wealth of interesting rides to be enjoyed in the area with numerous bridleways criss - crossing the landscape. One of the more popular rides crosses the river Ewenny at Ogmore castle, then the Ogmore and continues along the river to the sea.