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Porthkerry Country Park
OS Explorer 151 - GR 086669
Contents
PREAMBLE
Porthkerry Park is a large, public country park on the coast of Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales. It has fields, extensive woodland and nature trails, cliff-top pathways, a pebble-stone beach, and a small golf course. Architecturally, it is noted for its prominent viaduct crossed by a railway that served as a transportation for coal from the South Wales Valleys to the port in the 19th and 20th centuries. With the combination of green areas and the coastal location, the park is a popular destination for local primary schools taking their pupils on trips to study nature.
ACCESS
Road: Exit junction 33 of M4, onto A4232 and A4050 to Barry. Signs to Cardiff Airport 2nd roundabout left, Pontypridd Rd. Next roundabout 2nd exit, Park Crescent. At roundabout take 4th exit into Park Road, follow signs. There is ample free parking (although there may be a small charge Sundays and Bank Holidays).
Bus: Contact Travel Line 0871 200 22 33 for local routes. Nearest stop All Saints Church approximately 15 mins walk.
Rail: Nearest Station Barry Town, connections via Cardiff Central Tel: 08457 484950 for rail information.
A map to the whole of Porthkerry Country Park can be downloaded HERE. The park is maintained by a warden who has a residence at a quaint, old cottage along the main park road.
THE ROUTES
Right pillar
This is the obvious bridge pillar on the right as you walk from the car park along the worn track. The path runs past it on the the right.
Laps on the right pillar - 6a/b?
Looking for a quick pump? Then 10 laps of the pillar will ensure you eventually burn out. It gets easier as you learn the best holds.
The granite corners on the right pillar
Each of the four corners offer small problems of of their own. The idea being your ONLY allowed to use the granite blocks. Continue up until you get to the slabby blocks.
The 6th tee!
This is the area located on the left by the 6th tee of the golf course. The routes here are generally a lot higher.
The granite corners on the 6th tee
Climb the granite blocks only until you reach the slabby blocks above. Try not to fall off these - they are high!
The old pegged route - E2 5b ish
On the far far left there is actually an old pegged route located, more to the left, by a tree. It used to be climbable in the rain but the pegs are now old and NEED replacing. The lower off could be worse! You have been warned ...
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