Gwenddwr

Settlement in Brecknockshire

Wales

Gwenddwr

Road to Tregaer from A470 Credit: David Smith

Gwenddwr is a small village located in the county of Brecknockshire, Wales. Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, it is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The village is positioned approximately 8 miles southwest of the town of Builth Wells.

Gwenddwr is characterized by its charming rural atmosphere and traditional Welsh architecture. The village is home to a close-knit community that takes pride in preserving its cultural heritage. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with farming being the main occupation for many residents.

One of the notable features of Gwenddwr is its historic church, St. Dubricius, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is an architectural gem, with its medieval stone walls, stained glass windows, and ancient tombs. It serves as a spiritual and social hub for the villagers, hosting regular religious services and community events.

The surrounding countryside offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Brecon Beacons National Park provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The tranquil River Irfon flows through the village, offering a peaceful setting for fishing and leisurely walks along its banks.

Despite its small size, Gwenddwr is well-connected to the neighboring towns and cities. The village has convenient road links, making it easily accessible for visitors. It also benefits from being in close proximity to amenities and services available in Builth Wells, such as schools, shops, and healthcare facilities.

In summary, Gwenddwr is a delightful village nestled in the natural beauty of Brecknockshire. Its rich history, idyllic surroundings, and strong sense of community make it a desirable place to live and visit.

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Gwenddwr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.079953/-3.36293 or Grid Reference SO0643. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road to Tregaer from A470

David Smith

River Wye, taken mid-river from exposed bedrock

Keith Salvesen

Beiliheulog Chapel

The upper Wye was an area where Nonconformity established itself early. There were conventicles from the Restoration to the Glorious Revolution, and after that a chapel was built at Beiliheulog, a remote spot up the valley, ironically, of Nant-yr-offeiriad, the priest’s stream. This chapel still exists. It had a congregation of 150 in 1715 and flourished again in the early 19th century. It has its regular worshippers to this day; when I went there to take this photograph the farmer, whom I knew slightly, told me that the next Sunday was Harvest Festival and I would be very welcome to join them.

CHARLES GORDON CLARK

Gwenddwr from the north

The parish of Gwenddwr, with Llaneglwys to the south, was owned by the Cistercian abbey of Dore in the Middle Ages. Most of the farms are now owned by the farming families. There is a very small village centre round the church.

CHARLES GORDON CLARK

View to the Black Mountains

It was a long way for the monks of Dore to come to their grange at Gwenddwr, especially as the Black Mountains were in the way.

CHARLES GORDON CLARK

The River Wye

Taken from the Wye Valley Walk, which here follows a minor road for about 2 kilometres. Erwood Bridge SO0843 can be seen in the middle distance.

David Purchase

The River Wye, looking upstream

The Wye Valley Walk was completely blocked at about SO074441 by the debris from hedge-cutting, and so we had to detour by way of a minor road, and then 1.1 kilometres along the busy A470 (seen here). Fortunately the verges were quite wide as far as Erwood Bridge, and the detour at least provided a good view of the river!

David Purchase

A470 at Ffrwdwen

John Firth

Road junction at Tre-Gaer bridge on A470

John Firth

A470 north near Little Hill

John Firth

Cillan-fawr

Alex McGregor

Fields near Cillan-Fawr

Alex McGregor

Bridge near Erwood

This bridge spanned the Cambrian Railway (Mid Wales section). The abutments are far enough apart to allow for two railway tracks, although only one was ever laid. The bridge carried the original ‘B’ road which was realigned along the railbed after closure of the line in 1962.

Flying Stag