The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Fontgary

Where is Fontygary?

Fontygary – Ffont-y-gari, is a village linked to the west of Rhoose. It is 3 miles south-west of Barry and set along the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline. The origin of the name is uncertain but in 1587 it was documented as “Fundygary”. It is set in a landscape with earthwork traces of prehistoric use. Local finds of pieces of pottery indicate settlement from the Roman period onwards.

Image of cave opining in cliff face at Fontygary beach
Fontygary Cave©heritagehiker

The area is better known for the large camping and caravan park with facilities open to the public that sit above the cliffs overlooking Aberthaw Nature Reserve called Fontygary Caravan Park

It is through the caravan park that you can walk down to the old Aberthaw Lime Kilns to the west along the Wales Coast Path or you can walk east along it towards Porthkerry.

History of Aberthaw Limeworks

Image of brick building - Aberthaw Limeworks near Fontygary
Set within a modern nature reserve Aberthaw Limeworks ©heritagehiker

Aberthaw Limeworks were established in 1888 by the owner of the ‘Western Mail’ newspaper, David Owen. The lime at Aberthaw is well known for its quality of setting under water which is required for harbour works and lighthouses. The works ceased operation in 1926 and surviving remains include roofless stone buildings, two tall shaft kilns and a square brick chimney. The site makes for a lovely view along the Wales Coast Path stretch from Aberthaw to Rhoose and the area that surrounds it is a beautiful nature reserve.

How to get to Fontygary Beach

Steps down to Fontygary beach at high tide.
Fontygary Beach ©heritagehiker

The beach is accessed via the holiday park. It is reached by following a path downwards that runs behind the main reception complex. The shingle beach and cliffs form this section of coastline and there is a large cave called Font-y-Gary Cave, viewable at low tide (for tide times click here). The cliffs along this stretch of coast are know for rock falls through erosion. Walking under the foot of the cliffs is strongly discouraged.

Milburn Park

Image of lawn, path and trees at Milburn Park Fontygary
View of Milburn Park ©heritagehiker

Milburn Park is a lovely little green space along the main road. It was donated to the people in 1973 by Hugh Ironside Milburn, in memory of his sisters Gwendoline and Brenda. and is a lovely space to stop and sit or picnic. It is used by the community as a place to hold local community events.

Metal dedication plaque. Milburn Park Fontygary
Dedication Plaque at Milburn Park©heritagehiker

Walks

The Wales Coast Path runs along this section of coastline. Going east will take you to Barry or west towards Llantwit Major.

For articles relating to areas near Fontygary see Aberthaw, Rhoose and Barry

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