This is a nice, easy and short walk starting at the large car park in Rest Bay and taking you to Porthcawl town centre and sea front. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Porthcawl, or you can just grab an ice-cream before heading back to the start of the walk.
The car park in Rest Bay is large, but can get full during peak season if the weather is good. It is discounted out of season, we were able to park for a pound for the day. In peak season a road train runs between Rest Bay and Porthcawl, so you could return on this for a small fee if you only wanted to walk one way.
The route is on pavements, which are wide and largely smooth so wheelchair and pram access is very good. If you want to be more adventurous you can walk along the cliff path which is quite rocky in places and can be muddy after rain – the sea views are well worth the extra effort though as it is a very nice section of coast.
Once you get to Porthcawl seafront you can drop down to the concrete sea defences and walk along the water’s edge if the tide is right. Waves spashing up on the steps are always fun for the kids as well.
From the seafront you can drop back into the town centre where there are plenty of places to eat and shops to nose around in.
Once done you can return the way you came back to Rest Bay – or you can continue further around to Sandy Bay and the Amusement arcades if you wish or take in Porthcawl lighthouse – a great place to watch storm waves break onto the seawall towards high tide.
This is a pleasant walk to an underrated town that has a lot to offer, on top of sea air and views.