South Wales, UK

This weekend we had a lttle trip out to “BlueBell Valley” near Castle-upon-Alun between Wick, Ewenny and St Brides. We have always called it this because of the splendid display of Bluebells at this time of year.

It’s not the sort of place that you’d find in passing - you need to go down some pretty twisty lanes from Ewenny. It’s a really interesting valley. It has a scenic approach from the Ewenny direction followed by a ford. Continuing on the road twists and turns until you pass an old limestone quarry.

You then pass under the Bridgend to Llantwit Major railway line until you come to a really old bridge across the river. Nearby is a nature reserve. You can walk up some of the footpaths nearby onto the higher ground for a better view of the whole area.

I’d recommend parking by the ford and then walking on the half mile or so to the foot bridge across the river. The location by the ford has been used as a film set in the past.

As with all quiet locations make sure that you don’t leave any valuables in the car.  The valley is definitely worth the effort.

Here’s a map of the area.