Overlooking a picturesque river crossing, still marked by a series of ancient stepping stones, Ogmore is part of a trio of fortresses built to guard Glamorgan against attacks from the Welsh-held west. It started as a castle of earth and wood in the early 12th century but was quickly fortified in stone, before being further strengthened with a curtain wall in the early 13th century. Unusually, the later additions have not obscured the castle’s earliest defensive features, with the banks and ditches still clearly visible. Another original feature is the deep ditch around the inner ward, designed to fill with seawater at high tide.

Across the road is The Pelican Inn, who do great food and are just generally lovely people. We went for the seafood, and it didn’t disappoint.

To visit, there is a car park right by the castle on the banks of Ewenny River by the stepping stones (51°28’49.7″N 3°36’44.1″W).

We arrived from a different direction and walked down from a little car park by the River Ogmore. A pleasant spot for a picnic by the river and some kingfisher spotting thrown in. Leaving no trace, of course.