Woodland trail at Craig y Parcau Local Nature Reserve, Bridgend

Where to go · Bridgend

Forest bathing at Craig y Parcau Local Nature Reserve

A small oak and ash wood on a steep slope above the River Ogmore, on the edge of Bridgend town.

Craig y Parcau is a council nature reserve of just over three hectares of oak and ash woodland, on a steep slope above the River Ogmore in Bridgend. It is small and close to housing, but the trees and the river below make it feel further from town than it is, and it is an easy place to get to without a car.

Follow the robin waymarkers on the circular walk of about three quarters of a mile. It is flat in parts, with steps, and some sections are muddy and uneven, so wear proper shoes. The top path links to the longer River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr circular walk if you want to carry on downstream. A map and walk leaflet can be downloaded from the council website.

Practical

Managed by
Bridgend County Borough Council (Local Nature Reserve)
Terrain
Circular path, flat in parts with steps; muddy and uneven sections
Nearest station
Bridgend, under a mile
Facilities
Waymarked trail
Opening and entry
Open access, free
Official page
bridgend.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

A guide within 15 miles of Craig y Parcau Local Nature Reserve

More woodlands in Bridgend

All venues in Bridgend
Sycamore Wood at Bryngarw Country Park, BridgendBryngarw Country ParkHistoric estate with mature woodland, riverside walks and an Oriental GardenWoodland at Frog Pond Wood Local Nature Reserve, PyleFrog Pond WoodOak and ash wood with a pond and old tramway path at PyleFootbridge among trees in Tremains Wood, Brackla, BridgendTremains WoodAncient broadleaf wood in Brackla, with old boundary banks and waymarked trails

Photos: Bryngarw Country Park, Fillius (CC BY-SA 3.0); Frog Pond Wood, eswales (CC BY-SA 2.0); Tremains Wood, Joseph French (CC BY-SA 2.0).