Kenfig National Nature Reserve, Bridgend

Start and Finish

Kenfig National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre (various routes to choose from)

Distance

Variable

Along the way

Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer walk, this Site of Special Scientific Interest is bursting with options.  Simply wander through the sand paths between the dunes or follow the Sker beach circular walk for a longer journey, reaching the coast and beach before following the waymarks back inland to the Visitor Centre.

Birdwatchers should head to the hides at Kenfig Pool, the second largest natural freshwater lake in South Wales.  The lake, populated by a wide variety of waterfowl, is one of the few places in the UK where bittern can be seen in the winter. 

If you make your way to the beach, you may also spot birds like gannets, skuas, storm petrels and roseate terns. If you’re in the mood for a longer walk, join the Wales Coast Path at the beach and head east to Porthcawl or west towards Port Talbot. This is a quiet stretch of the Coast Path, which gives you plenty of space to get away from it all.

Walk Highlights 

Wales Coast Path officer’s highlights, Tricia Cottnam:
"The vastness of this area is incredible, and especially if you walk further west towards Port Talbot. The sand dunes, or the quiet beach allow you to feel pretty remote and even though the steel works loom nearby, it feels very silent as you follow the nature reserves well worn tracks".

Need to know

Toilets and car parking are available at Kenfig Visitor Centre, and there are two pubs nearby on the road towards North Cornelly.

You can either retrace your steps for your return journey or there is a limited bus service (number 265) to and from the nature reserve. Visit the Bus Time website for timetables and stops.

Itinerary and Map    

Download the Kenfig National Nature Reserve itinerary (PDF) and a route map (JPEG)