Glamorgan History Walks Routes
Start in the Old Hall Gardens, Cowbridge CF71 7AP (near the library)
This walk is known as ‘the Iolo Morgannwg walk’. It’s named after the antiquarian and philanthropist who kept a shop in Cowbridge . It takes us through the medieval walled town and surrounding countryside. Past battlefields, gallows and the former baronial court. We also encounter some spectacular folklore about the local highwaymen.
History topics discussed
- The Norman invasion of Glamorgan
- Cowbridge Grammar School
- The Battle of Staling Down
- The Legend of Ianto Franc
- The tombs of Sir Thomas Bassett & William of Kerdiff
- The Bassets, Carnes and St Quentin families
- And others…
Places we visit
- The Old Hall
- Cowbridge Old Prison & Town Hall
- Stalling Down
- The gallows at Lladron gwag
- Ianto Franc’s cave
- New Beaupre
- St Quentin’s Castle
- The South Gate and town walls
- Cowbridge Grammar School & Physic Gardens
Route Information & Data
- Parking: The Butts Car Park, Cowbridge CF71 7BD
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Elevation: 564.49 feet
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
Walker Level
This walk has been graded as suitable for ‘Experienced Walker’. More information on these gradings is available on this link.
This is an easy going walk. Only 1 or 2 styles, only 2 hills of note and good easy to follow paths. The only reason it has an orange ‘Experienced Walkers’ flag is because it is 6 miles. That’s the only reason. But we do stop at a pub half way round if that makes it easier?
Map of the route
Photos from the walk
Get a taste of some of the local history we will be discussing with this video. Just click on the picture below to watch.
Do you want to read more about the history and folklore discussed on this walk?
If you want to read more about the history and folklore of this area and the places visited on this walk, then these two books are a great start. Available at discounted prices on this website. Just click here to read more about them and order your copy.
