Circular Coastal Walk From Monknash to Nash Point

The Vale of Glamorgan is home to some of the most beautiful and varied coastline in South Wales, and this circular walk from Monknash to Nash Point (returning via Marcross) is one of its real highlights, taking in beaches, the iconic lighthouse at Nash Point and rural villages. This 9km route (which can be shortened to 7km) combines peaceful countryside, dramatic clifftop scenery and a rugged stretch of the Wales Coast Path, all finished off perfectly with a welcoming traditional village pub. The walk is varied but manageable, with gentle lanes, open fields and a couple of short fairly steep climbs from the beach to the clifftops. It is ideal for anyone looking to experience the quieter side of the Welsh coast while enjoying big views and a sense of space.

Starting the Walk

The walk begins in the village of Monknash, where you'll find a small car park which costs £3 for the day - make sure you take cash because it's an honesty box. From the car park, follow the road towards the clearly signed footpath, climb over the stile where you'll join the footpath towards the beach following the path of Nash Brook.

This first section is an easy and pleasant introduction to the walk, shaded by trees with a lovely clearing next to some waterfalls and the remains of what appears to be an old mill.  As you continue towards the coast, the sound of waves grows louder, building anticipation for your first views of the sea. The path is generally well maintained, though it can be muddy after wet weather, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Monknash Beach

Monknash Beach is one of the most atmospheric and unspoilt beaches in the Vale of Glamorgan. Wide, pebbly and backed by cliffs, it feels wonderfully wild and open. At low tide, the beach stretches out to reveal rock pools, layered rock formations and broad expanses of sand, making it a great place to pause and explore.

We took a break here to enjoy the sea air and look back at the cliffs that frame the beach. Once you are ready to continue, the route climbs sharply up from the beach onto the clifftop path - the ascent is short but steep, so take your time and enjoy the changing perspective as you gain height.

Clifftop Walk

Reaching the clifftop is a rewarding moment, as the views open up in both directions along the coastline. This section of the walk follows part of the Wales Coast Path and offers some of the most impressive scenery in the Vale of Glamorgan. The path undulates gently, hugging the edge of the cliffs and providing uninterrupted views across the Bristol Channel.

On clear days, you can see across to the Somerset coast, while closer to home the cliffs themselves are full of interest, with dramatic rock layers, seabirds and wildflowers depending on the season. The path is mostly clear and easy to follow, though it can feel exposed in windy conditions. This stretch is all about slowing down, taking in the views and enjoying the sense of openness that comes with walking high above the sea.

As you continue along the clifftops, the distinctive outline of Nash Point lighthouse gradually comes into view, acting as a natural landmark drawing you onwards.

Nash Point

Arriving at Nash Point you have a fairly steep but short descent to the rocky beach, which is a lovely spot for a break or even a picnic - there's a grassy area and small river, ideal for kids playing.  Then heading back up the other side you arrive at  down is one of the most recognisable spots on this stretch of coast, known for its historic lighthouse and dramatic shoreline. The lighthouse has been guiding ships since the 19th century and remains a striking feature against the rugged landscape.

In summer months there's a cafe here, and it's also an alternative start point for the walk, with good parking (£5 for the day), or many visitors just come to explore the beach and lighthouse.  The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, with seabirds often seen nesting on the cliffs and flying overhead. Below, the shoreline is rocky and textured, with the sea crashing against the rocks during rougher conditions. There are benches nearby where you can sit and enjoy the view, making it a natural halfway point on the walk.

Return via Marcross

Leaving Nash Point, the route uses a mix of lanes and footpaths leading towards the small village of Marcross, a peaceful rural settlement that feels far removed from busy tourist areas. Walking through this landscape highlights the agricultural heritage of the Vale of Glamorgan, with livestock in the fields and farm buildings dotted along the way. Head past Holy Trinity Church and to the centre of the village, turning left along the road back towards Monknash. The walking here is straightforward and gentle, allowing tired legs to recover after the clifftop section.

Lunch at the Plough & Harrow

One of the great rewards of this circular walk is the opportunity to stop for lunch at the Plough & Harrow in Monknash. This traditional country pub is a firm favourite with walkers and locals alike, offering a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere.  We went for fish & chips and a pulled pork burger with chips - both were outstanding, and thoroughly enjoyed the "proper" chunky chips!  Being a crisp winters day it was especially nice to be sat close to the log fire, and a really good ambience in the snug bar area.

The menu typically features classic pub dishes alongside seasonal specials, making it an ideal place to refuel after your walk. On warmer days, the outdoor seating is especially inviting, while inside the pub provides a cosy retreat if the weather turns. Stopping here turns a lovely coastal walk into a complete day out, combining fresh air, exercise and good food.

Return to the Car Park

After lunch, the final section of the walk is short and gentle, just less than 1km, taking you back to the starting point at the car park. This easy finish is a welcome contrast to the earlier climbs and cliff paths, allowing you to wind down and reflect on the route you have completed.

By the time you return to the car park, you will have experienced a rich variety of landscapes in just 9km, from beach and clifftop to quiet lanes and welcoming village life. The circular coastal walk from Monknash to Nash Point is a perfect example of what makes the Vale of Glamorgan so special, from coast, to rural exploration, farmland, and tradition, all in one memorable walk.

Choose 7km or 9km

When we walked this we clocked 9km, however there are a couple of ways to shorten it down to a 7km walk.  First up, the walk takes in Monknash and Nash Point beaches, so if time isn''t on your side and you don't detour onto the beaches to take in the scenery you'll shave of a little distance, however the main way to shorten the walk is to turn left immediately when you arrive at the Nash Point cafe and head towards Marcross rather than doing the loop down to see the lighthouse up close - doing this will take 1.5km off the walk.

So whether you go for the 7km or the 9km option, we hope you enjoy this walk, getting out and about to take in the stunning Vale of Glamorgan coastline and countryside.