On the way to Ogmore Castle, we came across a massive convoy of antique and vintage tractors. Apparently, this is a large event to raise money for charity, and the Vintage Tractor Road Run was last held on Easter Sunday in 2019. This year on Easter Sunday, when I visited Ogmore Castle in the afternoon, there were over 400 vintage tractors passing through the villages. We were lucky to be heading the other way. A lot of people in the villages were out to greet the tractors. The tractors passed by Ogmore Castle, and I could see them in the distance when I was walking around the castle.
Ogmore Castle is located at the bottom of a hill and next to the river Ewenny and river Ogmore. It is now the village of Ogmore-by-Sea. The castle is thought to date to the beginning of the 1100s, and it was later used as a court and prison. In the early 13th century, the castle was transformed into private apartments. All that remains of the castle today is ruins. It is a popular place for walks as it is near a picturesque river with stepping stones to allow visitors to cross to the opposite side of the river. Many were out with families and their dogs.
The castle was built to keep the Welsh in the west out. It is one of three castles in the area for this - the others being Coity and Newcastle at Bridgend. Ogmore was built by William de Londres, one of twelve knights sent to this region to claim land from the Welsh. The castle took damage during Owain Glyndwr's revolt.
The stepping stones across the river lead to another listed monument with carved stones. I did not fully cross the river or know about these facts until later; the area was quite busy with others waiting for me to cross the river, and I did not wish to rush and fall into the water in front of them, so I turned back around. I'll have to return at some point. However, there is also a legend with the castle and the river. The castle is apparently haunted by a lady, and spirits of the river cannot rest until their found treasures are thrown downstream.
There are walks here across the river and sand dunes and also the remains of another castle, Candleston Castle. I'll also have to leave this for another visit.
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