Bendricks Dinosaur Coast

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience a unique 7.6km out-and-back coastal run along the Bendricks coastline, starting from the Swanbridge area near Sully. This route is exceptionally flat with 0m of ascent, making it an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo while enjoying the sea breeze. The terrain is roughly 65% paved, primarily following well-defined paths close to the shore, though runners should be prepared for more rugged, rocky sections where the trail meets the natural coastline. With Sully Island providing a dramatic backdrop as you navigate the shore of the Bristol Channel, this route offers a perfect blend of approachable flat-ground running and the raw, natural beauty of the South Wales coast.

Beyond the scenic views, you are running through a prehistoric landscape that dates back over 220 million years. The Bendricks is world-renowned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), famous for harboring some of the best-preserved Triassic dinosaur footprints in the UK. Local runners know to keep an eye on the distinctive rock slabs during low tide, where the fossilized tracks of early dinosaurs are still visible today. Starting near the Captain's Wife pub—a spot steeped in local smuggling lore—this route connects the modern runner with the deep geological history of the Vale of Glamorgan, offering a truly unique perspective on the Welsh seaside.