Bridgend is a busy town on the banks of the River Ogmore. It has a long past that you can still see today. Newcastle Castle stands on the hill and looks over the town. The stone walls of this old fort are very tall. Nearby, the sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr are wide and high. These are some of the largest dunes in all of Europe. You can walk the paths to see the sea at Ogmore-by-Sea. The town has many local shops and a big market. It is a place of green parks and fresh air. Life here is fast and full of local heart. It is a good spot to see the south coast.