Blown away on the Heritage Coast: A family adventure

Today, we swapped the comfort of our warm, dry home for an exhilarating, rain-soaked adventure along the stunning Heritage Coastline of the Vale of Glamorgan. Just a short 25-minute drive from our doorstep, this breathtaking stretch of coast promised fresh air, dramatic views, and a chance to stretch our legs—though we weren’t quite prepared for just how wild the weather would be.

The day began with a proper Welsh downpour, but a forecast for mid-morning brightness gave us hope. Armed with our best winter gear, we bundled up the kids and headed for Dunraven Bay. By the time we arrived, the rain had eased, replaced by howling winds that didn’t so much gust as roar relentlessly. At one point, a particularly fierce blow nearly sent my youngest daughter flying! Thankfully, she found her footing, giggling at the audacity of the elements.

Our first stop was the ruins of Dunraven Castle. Wandering through the remnants of its history, we imagined what life might have been like within those walls during calmer times. From there, we followed the coastal path, which rewarded our efforts with stunning views across the Bristol Channel to England and westward into the vast Atlantic. Despite the winds, we were captivated by the sheer beauty of it all.

For the more adventurous part of our journey, we ventured down to the beach. The tide was receding—by design, I might add (thank you, tide timetable)—revealing a rugged shoreline battered by 8-foot swells. The crashing waves were mesmerizing, though I couldn’t help but note that the brave souls who might normally be surfing those waves were conspicuously absent. Wise choice, I’d say!

We spent nearly four hours soaking in the dramatic scenery, exploring the winding paths, and letting the kids embrace their inner adventurers. Even with the wind and chill, there’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by such raw natural beauty. As the clouds began to gather and rain threatened to return around 4 p.m., we reluctantly made our way back to the car, cheeks pink from the cold but spirits high.

The Heritage Coast delivered everything we hoped for and more: a sense of adventure, stunning views, and plenty of family memories to cherish. Yes, it was wet. Yes, it was windy. But there’s a unique joy in embracing the elements and finding beauty in the storm.

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