Hanging around Cowbridge

Starting at the Town Hall in the market town of Cowbridge in The Vale of Glamorgan, this walk follows the River Thaw north of the town along a board-walk to the village of Abertin. We then climb up to Bryn Owen (Stalling Down) with stunning panoramic views over the Vale and the horse racing stables of St. Hillary. This is the site where the Welsh, led by Owen Glyndwr defeated Henry IV' s English army in 1405. Here we will also find the standing stone erected in 1795 to commemorate the first (modern day) meeting of 'Gorsedd of the Bards', the precursor to the current day Eisteddfods. After crossing the A48 road, we will walk up to 'The Clump' on St. Hillary Down for a lunch stop and maybe an explanation of the historic activities at this eerie place during the 18th and 19th centuries.

We'll then head down the old track to the village of St. Hillary, passing the 14th century church and the 16th century Bush Inn. Following the road, we'll enter a short section of woodland before crossing fields and re-joining the banks of the River Thaw south of village of Llanblethian. The walk continues around the base of St. Quentin's Castle to re-enter Cowbridge through the 13th century town walls by the Holy Cross church and the old grammar school. The walk ends at the famous Physic Gardens next to the old livestock market (now a free car park). A short walk along the High Street and its shops will take you back to the Town Hall and the pay and display car park at its rear. 

This is a Vale of Glamorgan set walk entitled 'The Iolo Morganwg Heritage Walk'. As the name suggests it covers the significant history of the area, together with wonderful countryside views and riverside walks.

The X2 bus service between Cardiff, Bridgend and Porthcawl departs from the Cardiff Bus Interchange with a stop on Cowbridge High Street, opposite the walk start at the Town Hall. For those arriving by car, there is a Pay and Display cark park with toilets behind the town Hall (CF71 7AG) or a free car park at the old livestock market place, about 400m further along the High Street, near the Physic Garden and Bear Hotel where this walk will finish (CF71 7AP). Facilities are to be found at the start and finish of the walk together with ample opportunity for shopping.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and under control when walking through farming areas. There are also some stiles along the route.