Route
Information
Start
& Finish: Llantwit Major Railway
Station Car Park
Distance: 55km (32 miles)
Time: 3-3.5 hrs
We started this circular ride in the picturesque town of Llantwit Major in the Vale of
Glamorgan but of course, being circular you can start it wherever you like! Initially we headed west following NCR 88 to St Donats and onto the
villages of Wick and St Brides Major. Hugging the coast line of the Bristol
Channel the ride takes you through Ogmore by Sea and the outskirts of Bridgend
before moving inland and eastwards to the affluent market town of Cowbridge and
then returning on small country lanes to Llantwit Major. The route includes several pubs and cafes for
those in need of refreshment!
The route begins in the railway station car park where there is ample parking and is close to two supermarkets if you want to stock up before you ride. Riders need to head west and weave their way through the town’s west end passing through the town square with it’s War Memorial monument and three pubs. St Illtud’s Church will be on your left as you leave the town.
Coasting along Dimlands road after 3 km you will pass the entrance to St Donat’s Castle. Built in the 12th Century, it was once owned by the American newspaper magnate, Randolph Hearst and since 1962 has been the home of Atlantic College, the first of the United World Colleges, educating students from around the world. Follow the road through the hamlet of St Donats towards Marcross. Take the right turn at the bottom the short hill descent up Llan Road. If you reach the Horseshoe Inn you have gone too far! Continue for about 2 km and take the left turn towards Broughton.
It's at this junction you will see this road sign – having cycled both routes, I can assure you that one way is longer than the other!
After you have sped through the
collection of farms and converted barns of East & West Monkton and as you
enter the hamlet of Broughton take the right turn towards Wick. Cycle up the
gentle hill into Wick passing the village green on your left. At the junction of the B4265 take care and go
straight on passed the Star Inn on NCR 88.
The long fast descent will take you into Castle Upon Alun where you will
take the left turn before you go under the railway bridge. Follow this way to the village of St Brides
Major (2km). A slight detour along the
B4265 will bring you either to the Fox & Hounds Pub (run by former Welsh
rugby international Gavin Henson) or the Farmers Arms. Take the B4524 out of St
Brides towards Southerndown & Ogmore By Sea and enjoy the gentle descent
into Southerndown, passing the Golden Cups pub on your right and the
magnificent but empty, one time convalescent
home on your left.
From Southerndown to Ogmore you will be afforded some wonderful views over the Bristol Channel. Ahead of you can make out Porthcawl in the distance and out to sea to the south Tusker Rock will bare its teeth at low water.
Once you reach the mouth of the Ogmore river the
route heads east down the valley and in land towards the outskirts of Bridgend.
You can see the vast expanse of Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve on the other side
of the river which is home to highest sand dune in Wales and goes by the name
of the Big Dipper! Depending on the wind
direction the 4km ride which follows the river will be very fast or hard
work! On arrival in Ewenny a left turn
followed by a right turn will keep you on the B4524 and to the Ewenny Stores on
your right. Well worth a stop for a
coffee and one of their home-made pasties!
Onwards to Corntown and
Brocastle you will arrive at the Golden Well Chinese restaurant on the
A48. This section can get very busy.
Turn left towards Bridgend and continue down the A48 until the Ford Garage
where you will turn right at the traffic lights into the Waterton Industrial
Estate. Follow the cycle path through
the estate passing the site of the former Ford Engine plant which closed it’s
doors to the workforce in 2020, to the village of Treos and then onwards to
Llangan. From here the route takes you
through quiet country lanes across the valley of the River Thaw to Cowbridge via City, Llansannor, Aberthin
and then Cowbridge.
Once you have arrived in Cowbridge,and if you are in need of
refreshment, you have a wide choice of places to eat and drink
along the bustling High Street. One of
Cowbridge’s gems is the Wool Barn which is tucked away off North road. It’s home to artists and craft shops AND Simon’s
Cycles! Be sure to pop in to see the congenial proprietor, Simon Leadbetter – he’s always helpful, ready to chat and always willing to drink a hot chocolate!
The last section of the ride can be tricky to follow. The route takes you south west out of Cowbridge to the village of Llanblethian. Take the road off the High Street which goes passed the Old School (The Duke pub is on the corner) and follw this road up a steep hill, known locally as Constitution Hill. It’s a short climb, at the top turn right and descend the hill into Llanblethian passing St Quentin’s Castle on your right.
At the bottom of the hill turn
right and follow the country lane all the way to Llanmihangel. Once you pass
the medieval Llanmihangel House ( on the market for £1.4m) and the church go
straight on at the junction and then follow the signs for Frampton. Pass Frampton House which is currently being
renovated after many years of laying derelict and continue until you pass
Windmill Lane playing fields on your right.
At the next junction with Llanmaes Road, turn right and return to the
station Car Park.
Now you can visit one of the pubs in the town square
for a well earned drink!
REFRESHMENT
VENUES
The Horseshoe Inn, Marcross Cobbles Café,
Ogmore Village
The Star Inn, Wick Ewenny
Garden Centre Café, Ewenny
The Golden Cups, Southerndown Frolics Restaurant,
Southerndown
The Watermill, Ogmore Village Village Shop, Ewenny
The Star Inn, Treos Aroma
Café, Cowbridge
Hare & Hounds, Aberthin The
Penny Farthing, Cowbridge
The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge Harry’s Café,
Cowbridge
The Duke, Cowbridge Coast Café, Llantwit Major
The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major Café
Velo, Llantwit Major
The White Hart, Llantwit Major Wine
Street Coffee, Llantwit Major
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