This walk begins at Kenfig National Nature Reserve and follows a section of the Wales Coast Path to Margam, continuing on to Margam Castle and Country Park. The walk is just under 7 and a half miles, ‘point to point’.

The start point is the car park at Kenfig Reserve, here’s a link for information and charges.

Location: What3words ///cemented.trifles.corals

Walk Highlights

Kenfig Nature Reserve covers a vast area of 1300 acres, as well as the sand dunes there are dune slacks, low lying areas between dunes which can be swampy and a natural habitat for orchids particularly the rare fen orchid found here, one of only 3 sites it grows in Wales. There are also wetlands and a 70 acre freshwater lake, Kenfig Pool.

It was a fine day with a cool breeze as we set out on this walk. Near the visitor centre is a wood carved sculpture defiantly looking out toward the coast.

We took a trail heading towards Kenfig Pool. Some birdwatchers were on their way to the hides located nearby, as it’s a good place to spot various wading birds. It’s a splendid view across the pristine and calm waters of the lake with a backdrop of dunes and rolling hillsides in the distance.

The wonderful cloudscape would no doubt delight Derek the walking weatherman!

We followed one of the main sandy tracks across Kenfig Burrows with climbs and descents along the way, meandering towards the coast. Incredibly beneath parts of this vast landscape are the ruins of the original town and castle of Kenfig, which was established here in Norman times. The old town was abandoned in the Middle Ages due to huge quantities of sands carried inland on the winds. The sands encroached further inland and built up, eventually covering the landscape. So the townspeople were forced to ‘up sticks’ and build a new settlement further inland.

Once you’re out on these paths you’d never know that the busy M4 and Port Talbot steelworks are within a few miles, it feels totally different here, isolated with a peaceful atmosphere.

As we found on our previous walk which finished at Kenfig, a path here can sometimes lead into a marshy bog. We could see a post way marker on the far side of this pond, half submerged. Finding a way around, all adds to the enjoyment of a lively walk!

We followed the Wales Coast Path way markers to a sandy track which runs behind the beach at Kenfig Sands.

A gap in the dunes provides an opportunity to venture onto a lovely beach of wide sand and pebbles backing onto the dunes, a perfect tranquil spot to take a relaxing five minutes.

We rejoined the coast path where beyond the dunes is the sight of Port Talbot steelworks in the distance.

At the far end of Kenfig Burrows, the dunes are separated by the River Kenfig which flows to the coast here. There’s a gap in the dunes leading to the beach, but as it’s very isolated and a known naturist area we decided against venturing to explore further!

A footbridge crosses the River Kenfig and links the Kenfig Burrows to the Margam Burrows.

Once across the bridge the coast path swings northwards tracking along the lower edge of an old tipping site which is now sand covered so blends into the landscape.

The sandy path is very soft underfoot and difficult to walk on, so it’s a relief when the path turns to firmer ground through a sheltered area of low trees and vegetation. At Margam Moors, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, there’s a very pleasant boardwalk across reed beds, rich with birdsong, butterflies and dragonflies.

The feel of the walk then changes entirely as the path leads towards an industrialised area, first crossing multiple rail tracks serving the steelworks, then another crossing over the main rail line.

The path follows a scruffy litter strewn lane at Heol Cae’r-Bont. On the right side is the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. This is the huge lake which can be seen when travelling along the M4, but as the lane is below the reservoir you don’t see it at all from here.

At the A48, there are 2 options for the Wales Coast Path. One option is a low route which follows urban roads through Port Talbot. The alternative is a high level route from Margam Country Park across the hills above Port Talbot.

The high level route will be our next walk on this section, so we crossed the A48 towards Margam village. In a field is a Gorsedd Stone Circle from a National Eisteddfod held locally in 1966. It was very overgrown with brambles and weeds, a sorry sight.

We went past the point where the Wales Coast Path leads into woodland and continued instead to Margam Country Park Estate. The 850 acre estate blends history and natural beauty. It has grand historic buildings in a wonderful country park setting with gardens, mature trees, ponds and nature trails to explore. There’s also a large herd of deer which roam the country park.

We walked through the grounds of the park, admiring the atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian abbey founded in 1147.

The centrepiece of the estate is the magnificent Margam Castle. The Tudor gothic style mansion was home of the Mansell Talbot family, who were granted the Cistercian abbey estate after the dissolution of the monasteries. The family name lives on in the local town of Port Talbot.

A wide path provides a splendid approach to the castle, to fully appreciate the splendour of the gothic architecture and style.

At the castle courtyard, there’s a visitor centre and gift shop to browse, also a Cafe with outdoor tables where we ended our walk here to enjoy the customary drinks and snacks.

Until we lace up our walking boots again. Happy wandering!

Route Stats

Also worth a visit on site are The Orangery said to be the best example of its type in Britain and the Margam Stones Museum which houses a collection of relics from the abbey including some of Wales finest Celtic crosses.

Note ~ WCP diversion August 2025: Due to damaged boardwalk and Network Rail closure of level crossings near Eglwys Nunydd (J38, M4), the Margam moors are currently closed. Walkers are advised to follow the official high tide route between Kenfig Nature reserve on the A48 road, to and from J38, M4.