Ogmore
Ray Ponting
Nearby Postcode CF31 4AH
Map 170 Ref SS902794
The site is in the middle of Bridgend, adjacent to the Bridgend Recreation Centre (known as 'The Rec' - address: Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4AH). The course is virtually straight and flat except for a low weir at the end. The weir has been happily run by many inexperienced young paddlers, with problems only occurring when the water is too low, when courses are set to finish above the weir. However, the river can rise and fall quickly and, when it is high, it is possible that any slalom event may have to be cancelled. Where this is deemed necessary, a notice will be posted on the event web site once a decision has been made. Note that any such decisions are unlikely to be able to be made more than 2 days ahead of an event.
The site can be reached quite easily from any of junctions 35, 36 or 37 of the M4. However, we have various possibilities for car parking, and as events may not use the same car park each time, directions will be provided on the club's website.
All of the car parking possibilities are on the north side of the river and share a common approach via Glan-Y-Parc (just off the A473).
Please note that Angel Street, which, according to the map, seems to connect with the A473 just to the North of the river, actually doesn't - it goes under the A473.
General information: The Town Centre and its shops (including 'The Rhiw') are in walking distance from the slalom car park. For those who like to shop en route, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is right beside junction 36, where there is also a petrol station, a cinema and a Sainsbury's supermarket. (The motorway services at junction 36 are separate from these.)
JS Grading: B
B: Slightly moving water, giving some eddy-lines, but not enough to worry paddlers; and with at the most one small drop which paddlers simply have to run down.
Even courses that are usually easy can become dangerous in exceptional high water conditions. If in doubt, seek advice or stay off the water.