Coastwalk

Llantwit Beach → Cadoxton

Distance: 16.7 miles
Ascent: 370 metres
Duration: 5 hours 13 minutes

South Wales
« Wick | Cardiff »

Rhoose Point - half-way along this walk - is as far south as you can get on mainland Wales. Its status as the country's most southerly point is marked by a tall slate monument that has attracted more than its fair share of graffiti since its erection five years ago. Rhoose itself is pushing south towards the Point, new housing estates extending into the abandoned quarries along the coast.

Barry - towards the end of the walk - is clearly a suburb of Cardiff. Once more new buildings abound, particularly in the dock areas where wide roads await the coming traffic.

My journey back to the car in Llantwit Major cements this area's reputation of fresh development. A month or so ago a new rail service started linking Barry, Rhoose and Llantwit. I can't think of anywhere else outside London that new railways are being built in the UK.

Tomorrow's walk will take me right through the centre of Cardiff where presumably the construction I've seen today would appear small-scale.