The Glamorgan Heritage Coast

The stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast between St. Donats and Ogmore is one of my favourite photographic locations. Rugged and beautifully shaped cliffs run for around 10 miles. They have a distinctive horizontal strata. Many years ago I used to rock climb here – some of the climbs would follow these strata, perhaps finishing at the top several hundred metres to one side of the start point. Also striking is the abundance of near spherical rocks underneath the cliffs.

Spending a day walking this whole stretch of coastline is rewarding. It is also possible to make a short visit with easy road access at Nash Point and Dunraven Bay. From the photographic point of view, I find sunset a good time to wander, as the cliffs are sometimes a glowing orange. Low to half tide is also best, so that it is possible to walk on the shelves underneath the cliffs. However, always be aware what the tide is doing as it would be all too easy to get trapped underneath the cliffs.