Scar Beach was almost empty when Portia visited. (Image: Portia Jones)
There's nothing beat a trip to the beach, but on a sunny day it often means you'll arrive early to fight the crowd for parking and bet your claims in the best places.
That's why it's good to know about hidden gems and it's not better to be hidden than Scar Beach in South Wales. It is only accessible on foot, and places that are there often have fewer visitors than nearby spots. But is it worth a walk? Reporter Portia Jones was tied to his walking boots to explore the sandy coast.
Portia Jones decided to give it a try on a winding walk (Image: Portia Jones)
Portia explained her first impression of the beach. “Miles of empty beaches stretch in front of me, and the steep banks of pebbles give way to the vast expanse of golden sand and gentle waves.
“You don't come across this beach by chance. It takes a bit of a leg to get there, but that's half the fun. You'll arrive via winding coastal roads and only get there on foot.
She explained how to get there: “Remote Scar Beach is the westernmost of Porth Cole's beaches and is only accessible by walking from Rest Bay or Kemfig National Nature Reserve.”
“The reserve, near Porth Cole, was once home to one of Glamorgan's sixth largest towns, but now forms part of Europe's largest active dune system, featuring a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, attracting Welsh bird viewers and pedestrians.”
But she had warnings to those who were hoping to find a normal facility: “It's a totally lovely sandy stretch, but this is where you come to a place of solitude and walk your dog or soak in the ocean. There are no facilities here, including toilets, cafes, lifeguards, etc. Arcades and beachside fish and chip shops.”
The beach is part of the Kenfig Nature Reserve (Image: Getty Images/500px Prime)
Portia was the first to hear about the beach through word of mouth after joining a wild swimming group. She decided to visit on a weekend when the weather was perfect for a walk. “We arrived on a glorious, sunny Saturday morning at the Kemfig Nature Reserve, one of Wales' top sand dune reserves. In 1989 it was designated as the National Nature Reserve (NNR) and in 2003 the Place of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Wales.
“Today, the 1,300-acre site features a reserve centre, a Hideout Café, and a convenient hopping for the Bridgend Coast Pass, part of the long Wales Coast Pass.”
Portia went on to say: “At the edge of the reserve is Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kempfig Pool. While some people are disappointed that it is not open to wild swimming (booo), the lake provides a perfect location for bird viewers with bird hideouts around the lake.
She explained how to get on the correct route. “After grabbing coffee and cakes from the Hideout Café, I followed the path to Scar Beach. Don't worry if you follow the right path.
There were many natures that we found along the way. “Now, the sand paths twisting between the dunes do absolute ankle training as you navigate the shifting sand. Still, it's all part of the appeal. I trekked slowly.
There were some ankle training along the route (Image: Portia Jones)
When she reached the beach, Portia was surprised: “In spite of the sunlight, I was surprised that the trail was almost empty. Just a few friendly dog pedestrians, runners and wetsuit-wearing teens stretch their legs into the sea.
“In the end I was able to hear the ocean as I fell towards the unmistakable sound of the ocean. I walked down a small slope and suddenly there was a huge beach in front of me.
“As I stepped on the Pebble Bank I was immediately on hard sand that seemed to last for miles, and to the left was a cape where a lonely fisherman cast the line.
“As I crossed the coastline, I spotted a dog pedestrian in the distance and a horse rider playing in the surf, and even on a glorious, sunny day, it was very quiet here.
Almost no one was on the beach (Image: Portia Jones)
“Perhaps this is not the most accessible beach in the Glamorgan Valley, so it stops families with young children looking for beach days with plenty of comfort for their children. Instead, this vast sand stretch can attract dog pedestrians, horse riders and experienced surfers to ride the waves in peace.”
However, those who want to enjoy the water should be aware of Portia's warnings. “If you're new to surfing, this may not be the best place to give you a sway. The waves can pack punches here, and the flow of the rifts don't even have a lifeguard here. Great beach view cafe.”
After that there is a route that you can follow from Scar Beach.
Keep in mind that waves are dangerous and there are no lifeguards (Image: Portia Jones)
“If you're on a long walk, have lots of water and snacks and follow the Adventure Smart Guidance, especially if you're planning a sea swim.”
Will Portia be back? “Undoubtedly, don't expect 99 flakes, facility changes, or chip cone. This is a phenomenal South Wales with its wild winds,” she said.
“It's a beach for a reflective walk, a moment of peace, dipping your toes into the cold waters and leaving the crowd.
“We might bring in a flask, wear decent boots and perhaps bring in a companion who doesn't groan about the lack of Lou,” she added.
Horse riders love this flat sandy beach (Image: Portia Jones)
Useful information
Starting Point: A walk to Scar Beach begins at the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a 1,300-acre sand dune system near Porteux. Free parking, visitor centre, loose and caffeine fixes or after-walking sweets in front of the Hideout Café.
Location: Scar Beach is located on the Glamorgan Coast and forms part of the wilderness of Bridgend County. It is the westernmost beach in the Porte Call area, just off the Kempfig Burrows.
Go there: Enter the Kenfig National Nature Reserve in Satnav (Zip Code: CF33 4PT). It is labeled from A48 and M4 (junction 37). The nearest train station is Pile, about 2.5 miles away, with local buses to the village of Kenfig.
Walk: The route to the beach is a path through the dunes of Kenfig. It's about a 40-minute walk (about 2.5 miles there) and a medium-sized leg workout with shifting sand.
A walk to Scar Beach begins at the Kenfig National Nature Reserve (Image: Portia Jones)
Wales Coast Pass: This route forms part of the Wales Coast Pass. This is an 870-mile walking route on the Wales Coast. You can walk westward from Port Talbot and Abelabon Beach, or from East to Rest Bay and Portecole. Follow the Waymark or use the All Trails app.
What to bring: Sker Beach does not have facilities at Loos, LifeGuards or Leshrement. Fill in plenty of water, snacks and other things you need. Decent walking boots and trainers are essential even in the summer. If you are planning on a sea swim, follow the Adventure Smart Advice to check your local tide times.
