Nash Point - St Donat's - Marcross
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Nash Point is a popular site for outdoor activities such as walking, sea angling, amateur radio and birdwatching. The Mid Glamorgan Amateur Radio Group has put on a special event station, GB2.LNP, at Nash Point Lighthouse. Birds such as the chaffinch and willow warbler can be seen in summer, together with redwings and finches in the autumn. Ornithologists may also catch sight of rarities, like the rose-coloured starling (Sturnus roseus) reported in the British Birds Rarities Committee decisions (February 2001). The remains of an Iron Age fort are visible at Promontory Point, which is a few minutes' walk from the car park.
This short, anticlockwise circuit combines coastal scenery, woods and farmland with sites of historic interest. Sections of the Glamorgan Heritage Trail and the Valeways footpath are also included. The walk starts at the entrance to the car park, where the interpretive sign is worth studying. Light refreshments are available in season.
The walk goes east along the Glamorgan Heritage Trail, passing Nash Point Lighthouse before entering the woods near St Donat's Point and descending to St Donat's Bay. Children should be supervised closely, as the footpath lies close to the cliff edge in places. After walking past the front of Atlantic College, the path regains the clifftop. Just past a stone stile, the route turns inland and passes King George's Field.
Parts of St Donat's Castle date back to the 12th and 15th Centuries. It was restored and extended by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1925 and for a time, was visited by the rich and famous. Nowadays, it is part of Atlantic College, a sixth form college which hosts students from around the world. The castle and grounds are not generally open to the public.
A short path leads outside the castle walls to St Donat's Church, which is a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th Century. It is noted for its Victorian stained glass, Norman font and Stradling Family memorial. Bridleways and footpaths lead north and west to Marcross via Cwm Harcorne, Parc Farm, part of the Valeways footpath and Marcross Farm. It is possible to make a short detour to Marcross Church of the Holy Trinity (grid ref SS 920 690), which is located about 450 metres SW of the Horseshoe Inn. It dates back to the 12th Century and retains several distinctive Norman features, including the chancel arch.
The final section of the walk follows footpaths from Pen-y-Cae Farm to Nash Point via Marcross Brook.
Wales - South Wales - Vale of Glamorgan - Coast
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Sea, Woodland