This is the village of Merthyr Mawr near
Bridgend. It's an idyllic little settlement, as picturesque
as they come, with an outstanding collection of thatched cottages
positioned around an old Village Green
Despite being a relatively small village, there's plenty of
interesting places to visit.
At the entrance to Merthyr Mawr village is the 'Dipping
Bridge'. Built in the 15th century, the holes in the sides
allowed farmers to push their sheep into the River Ogmore for a
seasonal dip! At the side of the bridge once stood an inn, once
popular with travellers on a pilgrimage to the city of St David's
in Pembrokehsire. It was reputed that the landlord would rob
and murder his visitors and bury their bodies in his cellar.
When the pub was
eventually demolished at the beginning of the 20th
century hundreds of skeletons were found in the
basement.
Just down the lane from the Dipping Bridge lie the remains of
Candleston Castle, once a 15th century fortified mansion house, it
is now an ivy covered ruin that was the centre point of ancient
village of Treganlaw.
Just beyond the castle is one of the biggest sand dune systems in
Europe. It one stretched for miles, right around Swansea Bay
and some of the dunes are as big as small mountains. The
dunes are an important wildlife habitat and site of scientific
interest, which shelters a rich variety of plants. Parts of the
Hollywood blockbuster 'Lawrence of Arabia' were filmed here.
Finally, cross the 'Swing Bridge' and over the stepping stones to
explore Ogmore Castle, probably the most picturesque castle in
Wales before sitting down for some well earned refreshments in the
tea rooms or one of the country pubs nearby.
