Porthkerry Park

Park

Explorer Tom

Porthkerry Park fills a sheltered valley west of Barry with woods, meadow and a pebble shore under high limestone cliffs. A great railway viaduct strides across the green, making even a short walk feel as if a giant has left his bridge behind. Tom says he asked the bridge where it was going; it answered with the next train. The Vale of Glamorgan describes about 220 acres, with paths through woodland to the seafront. Viaduct Wood changes from sunnier trees to damper ground where hazel and spring flowers grow. Along the southern edge, a pebble beach runs between the Bulwarks Iron Age fort and Bullnose Cliff. The council has begun restoring the former golf course as hedges, ponds, wildflower meadow and salt marsh. Visitors can walk under the arches, make a woodland loop or look at the Bristol Channel. Follow a path through the trees and let the viaduct appear above you, then head towards the open coast if the weather suits. Tom claims he tried to count every arch while walking and had to start again when a squirrel heckled him. The beach is stony and the cliffs are steep, so enjoy them from safe ground rather than scrambling for a better angle. The public country park has nature paths, picnic places, a café and a play area, with parking managed by the council. Check current notices for any path work and for café service before relying on them. Keep to signed ways near the cliff edge and mind the shore conditions. Porthkerry's best trick is making railway, woodland and sea feel like parts of one generous walk.