Pylbri two

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September 2024. Direction: Pyle to Bridgend.

This Slow Way was fine until the stretch between Upper Park Farm and Laleston. There are a series of around 4 old stone styles between fields, but they were well overgrown with brambles and nettles (Photo 4) and in one place barred by gates (Photo 3). It was passable with difficulty, but clearly the path is rarely used.

However, at Laleston, I couldn`t find the route into or out of the village, in both cases having to find a long detour to get back on track. I`ll record this route as a "maybe", but Laleston beat me on this one. Worse still, the pub was shut !

Photo 1 - The view back over Pyle
Photo 2 - Heol y Sheet
Photo 3 - Blocked footpath between Upper Park Farm and Laleston
Photo 4 - Typical overgrown style between Upper Park Farm and Laleston.

I parked up at Pyle and got the train to Bridgend, so I review the route east-west (Bridgend/Pyle direction). The start of the walk was through the town centre and a perfect opportunity to stock up on supplies that were needed.

The first landmark of interest was the Old Bridge / Yr Hen Pont that was built in 1425 to join up the hamlet of Oldcastle to Newcastle. Newcastle subsequently fell into disrepair and was eventually built over by what is now Bridgend.

After carefully crossing the busy road at the lights, I made my way along roads parallel to the River Ogmore until I reached Broadlands. There are a number of shops and facilities to purchase further supplies if needed. Then the route went off road alongside cycle lanes until it left the confines of Bridgend.

After a short walk across some boggy fields I reaches the picturesque village of Laleston, again with pub, shops cafes etc. if you want a breather. Once I visited the church I followed the route across agricultural land and although the route diverts off the right of way halfway across there is an obvious track to follow. If you follow the right of way it doesn't go anywhere and there is no way you can cross into the next field.

The path eventually leads through the middle of a farm and reaches the road that runs alongside Stormy Down onto the A48. Although this is an incredibly busy road, there is good visibility and a safe place to cross the dual carriageway in sections. After a short stretch of walking alongside the A48, you take a small lane to the left past the quarry and wander down into farmland. Don't miss the right of way sign close to the farm building to split off the the right.

Once off road you gently descend to the motorway footbridge and follow the fields down into Pyle. There is another crossing at the A48 so extra care is needed to get to the footpath opposite that takes you into Pyle.

It's never going to be the most picturesque route due to it's location, but it's functional. Although there are two crossings on the A48, I would consider it fairly safe also.

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