Bryn Bras

Hill, Mountain in Cardiganshire

Wales

Bryn Bras

Bridge over the Afon Castell, Ponterwyd Carrying the A4120, just before it meets the A44. — Bridge over the Afon Castell, Ponterwyd Credit: Nigel Brown

Bryn Bras is a prominent hill located in the county of Cardiganshire, Wales. Rising to an elevation of approximately 427 meters (1,401 feet), it forms a part of the Cambrian Mountains range. The hill is situated in the western part of the county, close to the small village of Pontrhydfendigaid.

Bryn Bras is characterized by its rugged and picturesque landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The hill is covered in a patchwork of vegetation, with heather, grasses, and scattered trees adorning its slopes. The terrain is undulating, with some steeper sections, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds such as red kites, buzzards, and skylarks. It also provides habitat for several species of mammals, including foxes, badgers, and rabbits. The surrounding area is dotted with streams and small rivers, adding to the natural beauty and charm of Bryn Bras.

Accessible by foot, Bryn Bras offers numerous walking trails and footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its scenic vistas. The hill also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial mounds scattered across its slopes, providing insights into the area's rich cultural heritage.

Bryn Bras is a destination that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its tranquil ambiance, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the breathtaking Welsh countryside.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bryn Bras Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.401113/-3.8426002 or Grid Reference SN7479. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over the Afon Castell, Ponterwyd

Carrying the A4120, just before it meets the A44.

Nigel 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, 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

A4120 in Ponterwyd at new housing development

Colin Pyle

Road bend at Parcgwyn

David Smith

B4343 north of Parcgwyn

The road follows a contour round the hillside

David Smith

B4343 between moorland and grassland near Banc Bryn-chwith

David Smith

A44 at Llywernog

Colin Pyle

George Borrow Hotel and the A44

Colin Pyle

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

Now a museum site. 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 shows the balance bob pit for the large waterwheel that was mounted in the masonry structure in the centre of this view. The wheel worked a Cornish crusher and the pumps in the mine's shaft. 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

Now a museum site. This shows water courses and equipment associated with ore dressing. 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 - ore dressing shed

This Listed Grade II. To its right is the ore bin that received ore for the railway line above. 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

Now a museum. The mine operated predominantly as a lead mine but there was admixed silver that was worth recovering. The ore was argentiferous galena. This shows an overshot waterwheel powering jiggers for ore separation in the shed to its right.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

Now a museum site. The mine operated predominantly as a lead mine but there was admixed silver that was worth recovering. The ore was argentiferous galena. This shows two waterwheels. The lower one is overshot and the upper one is high breastshot.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

Now a museum site. The mine operated predominantly as a lead mine but there was admixed silver that was worth recovering. The ore was argentiferous galena. The waterwheel on the right drives jiggers as part of the ore separation process. The people on the left are trying their hand at panning as used in prospecting for gold.

Chris Allen

Llywernog Mine - Silver Mountain Experience

Now a museum site. The mine operated predominantly as a lead mine but there was admixed silver that was worth recovering. The ore was argentiferous galena. This shows waterwheel powered jiggers that were use as part of the ore separation process.

Chris Allen