There are some quite special, sweeping countryside routes to enjoy in Wales where you can take in stunning natural surroundings, wildlife, history, and spectacular views. But if you want to add great pubs to that list, then look no further.

On one route in Wales, there is a gorgeous country pub practically every corner you turn. And whether your Welsh road trip involves a car or a bike, there are just so many tempting options for a break. In fact, you might end up spending more time sat in a chair than a car or bike seat, the possibilities are just so alluring

The route starts off in Merthyr Mawr, a chocolate box-style village, full of thatched cottages and gorgeous greenery, and I ended my trip in Monknash, although there's nothing to stop you from carrying on to places like St Donats, Llantwit Major and St Athan. The route to Monknash takes just 23 minutes to drive, or if you're an avid biker, you can cycle the length in just under an hour, stopping along the way at your pubs of choice and enjoying relatively quiet roads along the way and little in the way of hills.

I embarked on the route by car, and was amazed by the choice of pubs on offer along this picture perfect country road. There's everything, from a pub with a Turkish restaurant joined onto it, to an award-winning gastropub, with ponies trotting behind it, to your classic village local. For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here

READ MORE: The Bridgend bucket list: 30 things you absolutely have to do

READ MORE: The Bridgend bucket list: 30 things you absolutely have to do

When you begin in Merthyr Mawr, you are taken down a winding road, where the trees often line the lane. It was looking beautiful when I went on the first day of November, with rich, autumnal colours everywhere. As you continue, you cross two, enchanting looking bridges before getting to Ewenny, which is a bit of a hidden gem village. It's small, but is home to one of the oldest potteries in Wales, so if you are passing through, you could even stop by to have a nosey.

And down a little lane is the beautiful Ewenny Priory. The Cadw website says of the priory: "Founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres as an offshoot of Gloucester’s Benedictine abbey, Ewenny Priory’s austere church, presbytery and transepts are the finest surviving examples of Norman Romanesque architecture in this part of Wales. Also notable are the settlement’s uncharacteristically robust defences, consisting of impressive walls and gates that can still be seen today."

When you leave Ewenny, you reach the first pub stop on route; Watermill, a family-friendly venue. It is located in Ogmore, and sits on the banks of the River Ewenny. On its menu are burgers, fish and chips, mac and cheese and loads more. But the main thing about this place is the relaxed atmosphere, where it feels like you could spend a good few hours catching up with family and friends in a beautiful setting.

Just down the road, as you continue your journey is The Pelican Inn, which is also well worth a visit. Its menu looked more high end than your traditional country pub, with Spanish tapas sold alongside fresh local dishes.

The pub itself also seems like the place to be, with stunning views across to a pony farm, and terrace tables outside, where people can enjoy the glorious countryside. When I visited, there were riders trotting uphill behind the pub, which made it even more picturesque.

If you are a lover of the little luxuries as well as the outdoors, this pub has simply got to be on your bucket list, especially if you are in the breathtaking area of Ogmore.

Beth Warman, who works there, said: "We do get people just discovering us by chance when passing it to go to the beach, or to go horse-riding across the road, or while visiting the castle ruins. It's very scenic when it's summer, and we opened two years ago which was great because we were decently busy."

The next pit stop is The Three Golden Cups in Southerndown. This one was probably my favourite, simply because of its location. Just down the hill lies the enchanting Dunraven Bay, and the rest of the Heritage Coast - and to get to it from The Pelican Inn, it's just a short journey up the road, passing some incredible coastal scenery along the way.

The pub is also the home of "the proper pie", according to the people who work there, as they say this depicts the fact all of their food is homemade and prepared on the site. They have also recently opened a campsite located directly behind them, with a brilliant view over the area.

Janine Payne, who owns the pub with her husband, said The Three Golden Cups used to be their local, as they have lived in the village for many years. Janine noted: "We used to live in Cardiff and this used to be our cycle around here, and lots of other people do too. It's a glorious coastline, and there are some really nice undulating hills, and as you go through the smaller villages there are some nice areas as well. From here, you can go on along the coastline, getting a really nice view of the Heritage Coast and going back down along the Ogmore river which is incredible.

"I think lockdown drew a lot of people out this way when they were looking to get out on walks without having to travel too far, and since then I think it has just grown in popularity."

After that, the next point of call is The Father's Arms, located in St Bride's Major, which is a classic country pub with a twist. Attached onto it is a restaurant called Mezze where, according to their website, they sell Mediterranean-inspired dishes along with classic British pub fare, all crafted from the freshest local produce.

They also put on an array of events, gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. And there is also an outdoor terrace to enjoy on those brighter days.

If you're doing this route, and haven't even been slightly tempted by any of the pubs along the way so far, then the next one will surely be able to draw you in. In Monknash, at the end of our route, and down a little country lane, is the Plough & Harrow. Not only is it award-winning, but it is also surrounded by gorgeous scenery, and often hosts live music nights.

This historic country inn has it's own garden and log fires, and looks like the epitome of cosy. The building, which is grade II listed, is just a short drive from Monknash coast, so you could stop for a breath of fresh air, before tucking into a homemade meal.

The business won the 2023 CAMRA award for the best real ale in the Vale Of Glamorgan and Bridgend, and boasts a four star rating on TripAdvisor. One happy customer wrote in their review: "My wife and I were staying locally and wanted a pub to unwind in and have a meal and a drink, after a long drive. This was just the place for us."

As I said, this was the end of my route, but as mentioned earlier, it doesn't have to be the end of yours. Continue on to Llantwit Major and you'll find a myriad of places to eat and drink. And from there, the world's your oyster. You can continue along the coast to St Athan and Barry, or track inland to one of the pretty villages there, like Llanmaes with its picturesque church, or up to the market town of Cowbridge and its lovely shops.

For cyclists, there is a network of little roads where you will see hardly any traffic at all, and you can easily loop back to where you started, or just head back the way you came.

Whatever you decide, you can be fairly sure that if the hunger or thirst pangs start, you won't ever be short of options to satiate them!

Places to eat near where you live: