Hay Meadows

Downs, Moorland in Glamorgan

Wales

Hay Meadows

Ffordd-y-Gyfraith Cottages situated South of the crossroads - taken from the East. — Ffordd-y-Gyfraith Credit: Chris Shaw

Hay Meadows is a scenic area located in Glamorgan, Wales. It is characterized by its rolling hills, vast stretches of moorland, and picturesque downs. The landscape is a blend of lush green meadows dotted with hay bales, wildflowers, and grazing livestock.

The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. Hay Meadows boasts an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers, including yellow rattle, oxeye daisies, and meadow buttercups. These vibrant blooms attract numerous insects, bees, and butterflies, creating a vibrant and colorful ecosystem.

The meadows also provide important habitat for various bird species. Skylarks, lapwings, and curlews can often be spotted soaring through the skies or nesting amidst the tall grasses. Additionally, the moorland areas are home to heather, gorse, and bilberry, adding to the diverse flora of the region.

Hay Meadows offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Walking and hiking trails crisscross the area, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting landscapes and take in breathtaking views. The meadows are also a popular spot for picnics, photography, and wildlife observation.

Overall, Hay Meadows in Glamorgan is a captivating destination that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Welsh countryside. Its rolling hills, moorland, and meadows create a picturesque and idyllic setting for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Hay Meadows Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.544446/-3.6231223 or Grid Reference SS8784. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ffordd-y-Gyfraith

Cottages situated South of the crossroads - taken from the East.

Chris Shaw

Railway and Nature Reserve

Looking down the hillside right into the centre of the square - the railway track can be seen and part of the nature park beyond.

Chris Shaw

Cows and hills

Looking south from the lane

Chris Shaw

M4 Eastbound

Looking East across the square towards the Bridgend junction.

Chris Shaw

Fountain pub and crossing

Looking South down the lane towards the B4281 junction.

Chris Shaw

Cefn Junction Signal Box

The signal box started work in 1898 at the junction made by the newly-opened Port Talbot line and the older Porthcawl Branch. By 1974 the Porthcawl line (immediately in front of the signal box) had disappeared but the box and Port Talbot line remain.

Martin Edwards

Cottages at Ty Cribbwr Hill

Martin Edwards

View of M4 motorway bridge

Martin Edwards

Railway to the north of Cefn Cribwr

Looking east-northeast along a stretch of the single track Margam to Tondu railway line at a point just to the north of the hamlet Cwm-ffos, near Cefn Cribwr. This line is reportedly used mainly for the transportation of coal from a nearby opencast site.

eswales

Lane and field by Mynydd Baedan

Southward view of a stretch of the high lane which runs through the grid square. Also seen is part of a large field which seems to cover much of the west-facing slope of Mynydd Baedan.

eswales

Cycleway/Path at Parc Slip Nature Reserve

Looking eastwards along a path in Parc Slip Nature Reserve at a spot just to the north east of the point where the lane and railway in the grid square cross. The path seen is also a part of National Cycle Route 4.

eswales

Steep road in Coytrahen

Eastward view of the road in Coytrahen which is marked with a 1 in 7 to 1 in 5 gradient symbol on Ordnance Survey maps.

eswales

High lane to the north of Ffordd-y-Gyfraith

Looking roughly northwards along a stretch of the lane which passes through the grid square. This lane continues to run at altitude over hills through several grid squares to the north and north west of here.

eswales

Wide road to the south of Ffordd-y-Gyfraith

Looking north-northeast along a stretch of the road running from Cefn Cross to Ffordd-y-Gyfraith. To the south of the railway which runs through the grid square this thoroughfare is much more typical of the minor roads in the area, being a rather narrow and twisting lane.

eswales

High fields and woodland to the west of Coytrahen

Looking roughly eastwards over fields and patches of woodland on Mynydd Baedan from a footpath location in the western half of the grid square. The photograph covers much of the land in the middle and the north-eastern quarter of the square. The barn visible to the right lies close to the square's centre whereas scrutiny of Ordnance Survey's 1:25,000 map reveals that the eastern margin of the square passes through the rather isolated hillside line of trees towards the left of the picture. This line of trees also lies just a little to the south of the square's northern edge.

eswales

Ascending lane to the north of Ffordd-y-Gyfraith

View, looking north-northwest from a point in the south of the grid square, of a lane nearing the end of a climb begun in the hamlet Ffordd-y-Gyfraith to the south.

eswales

Field and conifer plantation to the west of Coytrahen

Photograph taken from a similar spot to SS8785 : High fields and woodland to the west of Coytrahen though offering a more southerly view and showing a conifer plantation (mostly) not included in that other picture.

eswales

Woodland edge to the west of Coytrahen

Looking roughly eastwards from a footpath towards an edge of the westernmost part of an area of woodland which occupies a good deal of the south of the grid square.

eswales

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Hay Meadows is located at Grid Ref: SS8784 (Lat: 51.544446, Lng: -3.6231223)

Unitary Authority: Bridgend

Police Authority: South Wales