Hide 1

The viewpoint at Hide 1 sits on high ground overlooking the Vale of Glamorgan, and on a clear day you can pick out the Bristol Channel stretching away to the north. It's the sort of spot locals know and visitors miss entirely - no gift shop, no café, just decent views and breathing space.

This works best for walkers who've got their boots on anyway. The vantage point gives proper perspective on the landscape between Bridgend and the coast at Porthcawl - the farmland and woodland roll out beneath you in a way that makes you understand why people settled here. History types might appreciate the sightlines; it's the kind of place where you can read the land.

Getting there involves a walk from the road, so expect a ten-minute jaunt minimum. There's no entrance fee and no obvious opening hours because there's nothing formal about it. Go early morning when the light's good and the car park won't be rammed, or just before dusk if you want drama in the sky.

If you're basing yourself at Trecco Bay Holiday Park for the week - it's only 3.4 miles away - this makes a decent morning outing before hitting Porthcawl for lunch. Don't expect to spend hours there though. You'll soak up the views, take some photos, and be ready to move on within the hour. It's a proper add-on, not a destination in itself.