Banc Bwa-drain

Hill, Mountain in Cardiganshire

Wales

Banc Bwa-drain

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump There is a museum section with several artefacts including this Worthington-Simpson of Newark on Trent horizontal duplex non-rotative pump. It would work on steam or air. This one is works No. D356A and the size is 3&quot; x 2&quot; x 3&quot;. — Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump Credit: Chris Allen

Banc Bwa-drain is a prominent hill/mountain located in the county of Cardiganshire, Wales. This geographical feature is situated in the western part of the county, near the village of Llanrhystud. Rising to an elevation of approximately 168 meters (551 feet), Banc Bwa-drain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The hill/mountain is characterized by its gently sloping sides, covered in lush green grass and scattered with a variety of wildflowers. The terrain is mostly accessible, making it a popular destination for hikers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the hill/mountain is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including indigenous bird species and small mammals, adding to its ecological significance.

Banc Bwa-drain holds historical importance as well. It is believed that the hill/mountain was once used as a lookout point during ancient times, providing a strategic vantage for monitoring the coast and surrounding areas. Today, remnants of an Iron Age hillfort can still be found on the summit, further attesting to its historical significance.

Visitors to Banc Bwa-drain can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and photography. The hill/mountain offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, allowing individuals to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

Overall, Banc Bwa-drain is a picturesque hill/mountain in Cardiganshire, Wales, offering breathtaking vistas, ecological diversity, and a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

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Banc Bwa-drain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.408153/-3.8774437 or Grid Reference SN7280. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump

There is a museum section with several artefacts including this Worthington-Simpson of Newark on Trent horizontal duplex non-rotative pump. It would work on steam or air. This one is works No. D356A and the size is 3" x 2" x 3".

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience - winch

A small duplex geared winch by Holman Bros of Camborne. This would have worked on steam or compressed air. Features of note are the steel frame, pitchfork connecting rod and tubular piston rod guide, and the valve drive off the crankpin. There is no reversing mechanism.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump

A John Cameron of Manchester inverted vertical single cylinder rotative steam pump. Would also work on compressed air. One of several exhibits of steam interest in the little museum section. I almost didn't look in here. I'm very glad I did.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump

A JosephEevans of Wolverhampton 'Cornish' steam pump. This is a horizontal single cylinder non-rotative pump with a valve gear with no external parts beyond a handle for starting if needed.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, steam pump

A single cylinder rotative steam pump by Chris Holden of Blackburn, works No. 1222. This is the only example I have seen by this firm.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience - winch

This is a small duplex winch by Holman of Camborne. This is similar to another Holman winch in the museum but with the major difference that it has a cast frame to hold all the parts in alignment while the other has a steel frame built from rolled steel joists. In my opinion this is the nicer and more professional looking of the two.

Chris Allen

Dyffryn Melindwr

Viewed from Bwlch Nant-yr-arian Visitor Centre.

John Lucas

Path leading down to Llyn Nant-yr-arian

Strangely, the OS don't name this significant area of water on any map (available to me). The Nant-yr-arian café is visible on the right. A haven after a bracing walk (or ride) in the hills hereabouts!

John Lucas

Pen-darren

Near Nant-yr-arian Visitor Centre. Red kites are circulating above, waiting for the 2.00 feeding time.

John Lucas

A cyclist at Nant-yr-arian

There is a multitude of paths and tracks in this area for walkers and cyclists.

John Lucas

A view across Llyn Nant-yr-arian from Bwlch Nant-yr-arian

John Lucas

Cyclists on the hill

A steep climb at Nant-yr-arian.

John Lucas

Mountain bike track Nant-yr-Arian

Steven Brown

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

This shows the large wheel-pit with the offices to the left and the crusher house to the right. The water wheel operated a Cornish pump in the mine shaft via a flat rod system. The mine operated predominantly as a lead mine but there was admixed silver that was worth recovering. The ore was argentiferous galena.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

This is the entrance to the top level of the mine on the guided tour. All the lower levels are flooded. At this point it was originally an open cut open to he sky but has been covered with a wooden and concrete ceiling. The tour leads you to the main shaft with the remains of the Cornish pump rising main and pumping rods. You then exit via the drainage adit that is still carrying water out of the mine and keeping the top level dry(ish).

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience, Tangyes Special Pump

A non-rotative steam pump by Tangyes of Cornwall Works, Smethwick. The 12" steam cylinder has a special self-acting valve gear and the only external moving parts are the piston road and a lever for starting the valve in motion if required. The nearby Evans Cornish pump is as very similar device. The site also has a little museum containing various steam pumps and winches. The foyer contains a horizontal tandem compound steam engine from a mill in Leek. This latter really has no connection with mining but has been there for a long time.

Chris Allen