Yesterday we visited Ogmore Castle. The castle dates from about 1116. It’s pretty unusual as it is low-lying and right next to the river Ogmore. There is a moat that apparently used to fill at high tide (the River Ogmore is tidal here). Not much remains of the castle now but it’s still worth a visit.
Lunch at the Newbridge Inn, near Usk
We went a bit further afield today to the Newbridge Inn in Tredunnock, near Usk (map). The Newbridge Inn is a pub / restaurant and hotel owned by Chris Evans of Radio and TV fame. The head-chef is Iain Sampson. We had booked for lunch, but there wasn’t any need as it was very quiet. It’s in an ideal location right next to a wonderful bridge over the River Usk.
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber
Somewhere a bit different today – a visit to a Neolithic burial chamber right in the middle of the Vale of Glamorgan. I’ve always seen the signs to Tinkinswood but have never visited. It’s pretty amazing and compliments the nearby St Lythan’s Dolmen – you can visit both in a couple of hours if you wish. No need to travel to Orkney to see some really impressive Neolithic archeology.
The burial chamber is big and dates from around 4,000BC. You wonder how they managed to get the 40 ton capstone on top.
Llantwit Major Beach
We went for a little trip along the South Wales coast today from Nash Point to Llantwit Major. When we got to Llantwit it was getting quieter but the cafe was busy because of the high tide. At high tide the beach is totally covered apart from some of the pebbles at the top.
Signor Valentino’s Restaurant, Cardiff Bay
We had a great meal in Cardiff Bay last night in Signor Valentino. The restaurant is a very good Italian with great food and good Italian service from what appear to be native Italians. Though some of my colleagues had suspicions that some of the waiters originated from Splott 🙂
We were lucky to have an excellent evening with a clear, sunny view over the Bay. The restaurant had their big doors open and some of the tables were located out on the veranda. Even on our large table inside we had a great view of the Bay across to Penarth. You couldn’t fault it. One of my friends suggested that it reminded him of being in Monterey. Impressive!
Thoroughly recommended. Make sure you book – tel. no. 029 2048 2007
Castle-Upon-Alun – “BlueBell Valley”
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.