I wish I could say I came here to rock climb, but mainly I just visit Ogmore-by-Sea with my beloved…read moreand his two-year-old daughter (which explains the my photo of a stuffed cow on the grassy knoll). Even on cold, dreary days, you'll find surfers of all ages here. When the sun emerges, be prepared, as this beach gets crowded with picnickers and lovers walking hand in hand. This was my first excursion to a Welsh beach (I ignorantly thought all seafronts in the world were lined with soft sand), so it was a pleasant surprise to find jagged cliffs and smooth rocks in place of fine white grain. I think Ogmore is the ideal spot for a picnic, with spectacular views, ample car parking and pretty clean bathrooms for a beach spot (there was even soap and loo roll!). Be careful during certain times of the day, as the tide comes in much faster than you'd expect - we set up our blanket and within 15 minutes had to move it to back!

I grew up in Ogmore by Sea, and lived pretty much right on the beachfront until I was about 15…read more Stupidly, I've probably been to the beach here more in the 6 years since moving away than in the entire 15 years I lived there! This is one of the nicest and most popular beaches in the area, and one of the largest. When the tide's out there's plenty of space here and there's also some really interesting caves all along the front stretching down to Southerndown. These were used by the famous smugglers of the area. Their modus operandi would be to attach lanterns to the local sheep. Passing ships would then come in towards land and get wrecked on the many submerged rocks in the area. The smugglers would then loot the wreckages and store their various goods inside the caves. There are even rumours that when the smugglers' local tavern was demolished (on the banks of the River Ogmore) a concealed tunnel was found, stretching about a mile to Southerndown. They would use this to make a quick escape. There's plenty of history here and there are many more interesting stories emanating from the local area, adding further mystique to the beach itself. Quick word of warning though - keep your eye on the tides as you can get stranded if it catches you unawares When the tide's in, the only area accesible is pretty rocky. I'm no expert (as the next few words will demonstrate) but there are many cool looking rocks to be found here (!). I've found plenty of fossils - some of them pretty large. Apart from the beach itself, in the summer there are burger vans and ice cream vans to keep you refreshed. It's a great part of the South Wales coast and it's teeming with history. You can walk pretty much all the way around the coast as well, around to Southerndown and Nash Point. If the sun's out, I would highly recommend it as there's some truly breathtaking views to be had along the way.

A spectacular view as you wend your way down Beach Road in Southerndown, down from the Three Golden…read moreCups pub, it opens right out across the Bristol Channel and then down the sheer cliff top to the beach below. A tentative gasp as you engage 1st gear to crawl down the incredibly steep hill to the little car park at the bottom - or if you prefer, park at the top and walk down (just remember you have to go back again!). The beach is pebbly and rocky at high tide but extends dramatically as the tide goes out, revealing golden sands and lovely rock pools on the exposed wave cut platform (remember that term from 3rd yr geography - not much else mind). Surfers love the place (westerly facing), sun worshippers and even fossil hunters too; the massive, domineering cliffs bounding the beach are full of dead creatures' imprints - just watch out for big lumps that fall off regularly. Behind the beach, steep undulating hills provide walking excursions and exploring and there are the ghostly ruins of Dunraven Castle up at the top to wander round (in a black cape would be best). Apparently a couple of the Dr Who episodes were filmed here too. Fantastic place - definitely recommended.

Merthyr Mawr sand dunes are one of those places that, once visited, you'll never forget. These are…read moresome of the biggest dunes in the UK, in terms of height and expanse. You can spend an entire day here, and keep exploring new dunes and pathways. Be careful not to get lost! Eventually, a walk through the dunes will bring you out to a beautiful expanse of sandy beach, which is inaccessible by land apart from via the dunes, due to a wide river cutting you off. There is a campsite situated at the entrance to the dunes, and a large free car park, which may be the only shade you see all day, so talk a hat and water. This area is great of kids, as they can roll and tumble to their heart's content down the dunes. Sand sledging is also a popular past time out here, along with hiking and horse trekking. This is an amazing and unique part of the Welsh countryside, and I would urge anyone who's not already been to take a look! I adore this area.

The Dunes in Merthyr Mawr are a beautiful part of the country side located on the other side of the…read moreRiver Ogmore from the Ogmore Castle. It's extremely picturesque and they filmed some of Lawrence of Arabia here. The dunes stretch on for miles and used to reach all the way to the Mumbles near Swansea. The focal point nowadays would be Candleston Castle, a 15th century ruin which is naturally, rumoured to be haunted by various beings. It is all that remains of the village of Tregenllaw - a whole village buried underneath the sand a few years ago. Naturally, given the eerie setting of the dunes at night there are rumours that it's haunted! It's a popular spot for dog walkers, taking in some of the nearby sea air and, in the summer with younger people sliding down the dunes. I had many a barbecue here in my teens. It's a lovely spot and a great walk if you fancy walking all the way down to the beach. You can also extend it and cross the nearby River Ogmore to see some more of the area.

The walk down to beach is the highlight. Interesting to see how pebble beach turns to large stretch…read moreof sandy beach .

This is a wonderful beach to spend the afternoon. The best thing about this beach is the walk down…read moreto it. A beautiful short walk down a hedged road full of honeysuckle brings you to a public footpath to the beach. You pass through peaceful woodland, a stream below you through the trees, and even a ruin of an old building in the dappled valley. Soon you climb out onto the beach and it's a lovely sight, of course. This is a great place to walk dogs and/or children. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day soaking up the sun. It's a whole lot less busy than some of the other beaches in the area, but it also doesn't have any of the facilities that other have to offer. The nearest toilets and watering hole are in the nearby pub, The Plough and Harrow, which is a great place for a seaside drink. There is usually a local field open for parking, donations politely requested. This beach is not wheelchair accessible, unfortunately.

Southerndown beach is a fantastic spot and popular with local surfers. It's got a large beach and…read morehuge cliffs to explore as well as gardens and a wooded area with picnic tables. You can walk up onto the site where Dunraven Castle used to be (it was demolished in 1963) and explore the large gardens which still remain. In keeping with other historical landmarks in the area, it's also got plenty of ghost stories to keep you on your toes if you choose to camp here. The beach is great for families but there are plenty of areas nearby which probably wouldn't be great for children. There's narrow footpaths leading down to an adjoining beach where I've almost fallen to my certain death. We used to go here for regular barbecues and light camp fires and generally hang out in our teens and it's a beautiful part of the coast line on a warm summer's night.

Southerndown is a small village on the South Wales coast, best known for its amazing beach. This is…read moreone of my favourite days out, and should not be missed by people travelling through or living in the area. A large and excellent beach suitable for families, summer swimming and surfing; be careful through, this stretch of coast can get grim in bad weather, and currents can be strong. There are also walled Victorian gardens open the public, which have been very well cared for and are an excellent place for a sheltered picnic. On the cliff overlooking the beach is the ruin of an old courtyard and stunning walks with panoramic views. The wind will put some colour back in your cheeks! There is a large amount of parking on site available, but during busy times this might cost you a couple of pounds. There are public toilets and a small shop selling ice cream, drinks, beach toys and some hot food and drinks. Nothing like getting a pasty to eat while paddling in the sea after you cliff-top walk. This beach quadruples in size to expose a huge stretch of clean sand when the tide is out, so check the tide times before you go to avoid disappointment (although the pebbles are very nice as well). Note: I love the google map Yelp gives this review!

A great place to visit to take a walk across the beach and over the cliffs. When the tide is out…read morethere are rock pools, and fossils to look for amongst the rocks.There are many legends of smuggling here. Dunraven is home to the Heritage Coastal Centre where information is available (drive through the car park and turn left). There is a second beach around the headland but it's difficult to get to as it's around the headland and the access down is by steep steps.

If your preference is for rugged, raw, untamed and wild, look no further, here is a beach that will…read moresuit you to a T! Remote and windswept (well, it is at the moment, even though it's supposed to be mid-summer), you could call it bleak. But, there's beauty in bleak. A vast expanse of virgin sand backed by a pebbly foreshore and then behind that the warren of sand dunes that makes up the rest of the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. It's a trek to get here, from Rest Bay in Porthcawl via a small bit of the newly opened Wales Coast Path. Or from the Nature Reserve car park by Kenfig Pool, trudge along the myriad sandy tracks and pathways that try their best to disorientate you, make you feel like you're a million miles away in the Gobi desert, lost until found as skeletal remains (OK, maybe a bit OTT - they're bound to find you long before decomposition sets in). Surfing, lazing, throwing pebbles, making sandcastles, watching wild-life, chatting to the resident life-guard, or his girlfriend, burying your head in the sand, watching the amazing sunsets; these are all acceptable activities at this lonely but lovely beach. Definitely recommended

A lovely wide sandy beach and nice place to visit for a walk, paddle, or even a swim or surfing if…read moreyou don't mind braving the cold! Lots of rock pools for children to explore. There are good views across the Bristol Channel towards Somerset too. There's a car park nearby which charges in season (pay and display). To find it, take the B4265 from Bridgend then the B4524 and follow the signs to Ogmore.

A broken down ruin this has nonetheless got some very interesting history attached to it…read more Reputed to have been the place where King Arthur gathered his forces prior to marching up to Mount Badon (Mynydd Baedon) a couple of miles away, it even has a memorial stone granting land to a nearby church by Arthur himself Worth an excursion if you like hidden Welsh history

A beautiful wide and sandy beach about a mile from Porthcawl, which is very popular with surfers -…read moreit's a lovely place to walk too. There is a lifeguard here during the summer (when dogs aren't allowed on the beach). There's a car park above the beach and the coast road, right next to The Royal Porthcawl Golf Course. A small Italian ice cream shop stands off to one side of the car park but there are no other cafes.

Really family friendly, kite friendly, bird friendly, surfing friendly, walking friendly, really…read morefriendly! The sands at Rest Bay stretch probably for more than 1.25 miles at low tide - flat and enticing, especially in the setting sun. Black headed gulls dot the shimmering sands, rivulets invite giant steps and running jumps to cross, the setting sun due west blindingly dazzling. There are rock pools and sand holes to explore, flat expanses to run around and expend as much energy as a whole pack of Duracel batteries, waves that generate excitement even for hardened surfers to run towards with glinting eyed expectation. Definitely worth a visit - something for everyone.