Rare Opportunity to see German Prisoner of War Compound

Island Farm POW Camp, Bridgend

Hut 9, Island Farm POW Camp, CF31 3LG
Between 10.00 -12.00 and 14.00-16.00 hours
Sunday 25th September 2011

A rare opportunity to enter the compound at Hut 9, walk around the site and learn about its history.   Due to the isolated location this is not suitable for disabled access and there are no public facilities. Parking is not available directly adjacent to the site.  Booking is essential, please contact 01656 815214  to book.

Please see below for answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What do I get out of the event?

• The chance to access the compound, though not inside Hut 9 itself (due to the presence of a bat roost).
• Display boards, with history of the site & Hut 9.
• Talk to experts on the history of Island Farm Prisoner of War Camp, Hut 9, and current and future issues.

Why no disabled access?

• The only access at the moment is via a very rough footpath which is often very muddy and is surrounded by overhanging brambles.  This can be very difficult even for the able bodied, especially after rain.

Why no public facilities, and why no toilets?

• The site is remote with difficult access.
• There is no electricity at site and no running water.

Note: that there are no public toilets in the immediate area.  Local supermarkets have the nearest toilets facilities. 

Where do I park?

• We would encourage as many as possible to park in town centre car parks and walk to the site (approx 25 mins)
• Parking is possible in the Science Park, Technology Drive (approx 10 mins walk)
• Please do not park on the main road (A48), it is a very busy and dangerous road.
• Please do not park in Island Farm Road, or Island Farm Close, this is a small cul-de-sac and we do not want to upset local residents.

What should I wear?

• Sturdy shoes are essential, as the footpath can get very muddy.
• Please do not wear your best clothes as the footpath goes through bramble bushes.

Why can’t I go inside Hut 9?

• Access inside Hut 9 is not possible at the moment due to the presence of a bat roost.

Why do I have to book?

• The facilities on site at the moment are not adequate to cope with large numbers of people.
• We don’t want to encourage hundreds of people due to the lack of car parking.

Where is Hut 9?

• The footpath to Hut 9 can be accessed from the A48 (between Ewenny and Broadlands roundabouts, on the left side of the road as you are heading towards Laleston) and will be signposted on the day.  As mentioned previously the footpath is often very muddy and is surrounded by overhanging brambles.  Parts of the footpath is also used by riders on horseback so please be aware that there may be others using the path.

• If you are travelling by car from M4 (westbound) – Exit the M4 at Junction 35, stay in the left hand filter lane straight on to the dual carriageway – A473. Continue across the first two roundabouts along the dual carriageway to the third roundabout. Take the 3rd exit off this roundabout.  At the mini-roundabout (near McDonalds and KFC) go straight across to the next roundabout (Ewenny Roundabout).  For parking, take the first exit – B4265.  After approx. 150m, turn right into the Science Park, where you can park either side of the access road.  To get to Hut 9 from here, walk back to Ewenny Roundabout and turn left.  The footpath is approximately 100m from Island Farm Road.

• If you are travelling by car from M4 (eastbound) – Exit the M4 at Junction 37, go left on to the A4229, take 3^rd exit on roundabout onto A48.  Straight over the next roundabout, get in right hand lane and take 2^nd exit at the next roundabout, continue along the A48, take 2^nd exit on next roundabout.  For parking – at the 3rd roundabout with traffic lights, get in right hand lane and take 3^rd exit – B4265. After approx. 150m, turn right into the Science Park, where you can park either side of the access road.  To get to Hut 9 from here, walk back to Ewenny Roundabout and turn left.  The footpath is approximately 100m from Island Farm Road.

The Three Valleys (part 1!)

Nantymoel, originally uploaded by fatdeeman.

I’ve worked in Bridgend for the best part of two years now and one of the best surprises for me was the Three Valleys that sit north of the M4 and which I had never visited before (I tell a lie, I once went to the Old Parish in Maesteg to watch a game of rugby when I was 14!).  These valleys are certainly off the beaten track, yet just a stone’s throw from the M4 so really easy to get to. What makes them special is that they are relatively unknown, full of character, humour and very Welsh in their own way.  Scenically they are both dramatic and gentle in parts, and also great for walking without the being too extreme (‘walking for softies’ if you like!).  The Ogmore Valley or Ogmore Vale was the first place I visited in Bridgend, and loved it.  The drive up to the top through Nantymoel taking you into the Rhondda Valley via what is known locally as ‘the Bwlch’ is spectacularly memorable for all the right reasons.  There’s a great little farm shop up there just before the climb starts to the top of the mountain, a nice place to replenish with a cake or two!   So, if you are staying locally in South Wales,  the 3 Valleys is a must really, and this drive in particular I highly recommend.  You could combine the journey with a visit over the top of the mountain to the Grogg Shop in Pontypridd for instance…. see our previous post!

Groggs born in Pontypridd

Believe it or not, but these little gems are indeed iconic in Wales.  Known as Groggs,  they are as well known in rugby circles as the stars themselves.  If you want to try to understand the psyche behind the Welsh obsession with the oval ball, then there’s of course the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to visit, but essential and a bit off the beaten track is the Grogg Shop in Pontypridd, where these little beauties are made. It’s not all about rugby and sport though, as there are now Groggs of film stars, miners and even sheep but for the full collection and the history of these unique creatures in Wales, you have to pop into the shop. Guaranteed to be a cultural experience with a difference! If you’re staying near us in Porthcawl or Bridgend, then there’s a lovely journey over the top of the valleys to Pontypridd, will take about 30minutes or so.

Llantwit Major

Figure and the Sea, Llantwit Major, 23 May 09, originally uploaded by Castaway in Scotland Now.

A quaint coastal town in the Vale of Glamorgan with an interesting history and a great place to view the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The town has ruins of a manor house, a medieval town hall, foundations of a Roman Villa and a historic church. Elaine’s tearooms in the town famed for its cakes is a cool place to stop off before wondering around the town and down to the coast. Llantwit Major is a stone’s throw away from Porthcawl and only about 4 miles south of Cowbridge.

Kenfig Beach

Kenfig nature reserve beach, originally uploaded by Foomandoonian.

Located just off the M4 near Bridgend in between Cardiff and Swansea, Kenfig beach is one of those secrets kept well by the locals and surfers looking for something special.  Accessible via the Kenfig National Nature Reserve where you can park free of charge, there’s a pleasant 20 minute walk through the dunes to the impressive expanse of coastline linking Porthcawl to Port Talbot.  Because of the walk, this is certainly off the beaten track territory and well worth the visit as you are likely to have the whole stretch of sand to yourself. Bliss.