The Stepping Stones

You'll find these stones crossing the river somewhere between Porthcawl and the valleys, and they're exactly what they sound like - a proper old-school river crossing that's been there for centuries. The Stepping Stones let you wade or hop across without getting soaked, assuming the water level cooperates. It's the sort of thing that looks deceptively simple until you're halfway across and realizing the rocks are slippery as anything.

They work best for families with older kids who can handle a bit of concentration and don't mind wet feet. Younger children might struggle with the gaps between stones, and it's genuinely not the thing to do after heavy rain when the current picks up. The real appeal is how refreshingly free-spirited it feels - no entrance fee, no facilities, just you and the water.

Allow twenty minutes if you're just crossing back and forth. An hour if you're the type to explore the riverside paths either side. The surrounding area is pleasant walking country without being spectacular. If you're based at Trecco Bay Holiday Park just down the road, it's worth the short drive for something different, a proper adventure rather than another manicured attraction. Worth the detour if you've got time, though don't expect it to be a full day's activity. The stones are the point - simple, practical, and properly Welsh.