Tipi Wales

Ogmore Castle was initially constructed soon after 1100 by William de Londres as part of the Norman invasion of Wales. The castle was in use until the 19th century for a range of purposes, including a court of justice and a prison, but is now a substantial set of remains and local landmark.

Famed local walks include the sand dunes at Merthyer Mawr, which overlook the Bristol Channel, Porthcawl, Ogmore-by-Sea as well as other walks by Ogmore and Candleston Castle. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is sandwiched between Swansea and Cardiff, and it has a lot to offer - woodland walks, castles, pretty villages, fossils and fab beaches.

There are 52 stepping stones leading across the ford of the Ewenny and Ogmore rivers to the pretty village of Merthyr Mawr. Local legend has it that they were laid for a lovesick girl who lived in the castle. Her lover lived across the river, and their meetings were impeded by tides and floods. Apparently the stones served their purpose - the lovers married in 1233.

At Ogmore Farm you can ride a horse on a wide-open beach near the the sea: a two-hour trek leaves from the yard twice a day, past rivers, beach and high sand dunes. The farm is set in beautiful surroundings, under Ogmore Castle. Just across the lane from Ogmore Farm are the tearooms run by Chris and Mo. Teas, afternoon cakes and daily homemade specials are available here.

Ogmore is home to a friendly country pub locally known as the Peli although officially named The Pelican in Her Piety. A cracking place to have a good drink that also has some of the best food in the area. There's often live music on a Friday or Saturday night.

Southerndown Golf Club is a links-style course with unique terrains making it one of the driest courses in Wales. There's year-round golf for both members and visitors.

From Ogmore Farm, go across the stepping stones on the river Ewenny and then over the swinging bridge into the village of Merthyr Mawr with its thatched cottages. As you walk through Merthyr Mawr towards the dunes you will see plenty of wildlife, a handsome church and, depending on the season, strawberry fields that you can pay to pick from.

There are two castles nearby: Ogmore Castle and Candleston Castle. A pleasant walk away to the west of the Ogmore Farm, Candleston Castle is at the entrance to the Merthyr Mawr Warren, a large sand dune slack. To get to this castle from the tipis, walk to Ogmore Farm then through Merthyr Mawr village.

Ogmore-by-Sea is a stunning part of the Heritage Coast and is far from commercialised, although it does have a café/bar, Franklin's, a post office and a general store. The town also has several beaches which are good for surfing, fishing and swimming.