Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve — Attraction in Merthyr Mawr

We visited on a bank holiday. We arrived in the middle of the day and stayed for 2 hours, thinking that would be enough time. We didn't make it to the beach and back in that time. If I visited again I'd pay for the full day, we just felt £5 for parking was a bit much as it went from 2 hours to all day. We'd have benefited from more staggered parking options.

There are a couple of dunes that some people were sledging down while we were there (or attempting to). It was a sunny but not hot day, so there were some beautifully clear views to the beach across the dunes. It was stunning we saw some birds of prey hoovering above. Paths are larger than some other similar nature reserves. As you'd expect with sand dunes, there are loads of hills to navigate).

Signage was a bit confusing from the car park (to head to the beach you need to find the double bins to the left of the nature reserve sign - see photos for sign - then take the path to the right of them). Signage when in the dunes was almost non existent, which may have added to the time it took us to head to...

Has the largest sand hill in Europe apparently and Laurence of Arabia was filmed here. Note there are several ways to the beach - one route took us over 40 minutes but other routes are less. The walk to the beach is very beautiful. The beach is a bit of a back wash but okay - obviously watch the tide. Car Park is not free - camera in operation. It can be paid via machine (card only) or via the RingGo app £5.40 at the time of writing for all day. I got mobile data reception in the car park btw. Don't miss out on taking the short trip to Ogmore Castle via a 20 minute walk. Some beautiful cottages along the way. There is a river before the castle ruins. When shallow enough you can cross the river via the stones or get wet feet trying :). Overall a great day if you're prepared to do...

A beautiful country park. The car park can get very crowded on busy days and is around £3 per day for parking. The sand dunes are beautiful. It's heavy walking but enjoyable. To get to the beach from the car park is approximately 1.5 miles and is reasonably tiresome, especially with small children or heavy bags. Be sure to take plenty of water and good with you. There is a small van in the car park that sells drinks and snacks but nothing more.

It's a good area to visit with dogs as they can explore the dunes freely and Merthyr Mawr beach is dog friendly all year round.

The walks are really not suitable for pushchairs, walking or mobility aids or wheelchairs. The sand is too soft and...