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Bryniau Pica

Hill, Mountain in Cardiganshire

Wales

Bryniau Pica

The moorland of Groes Fan
The moorland of Groes Fan Credit: David Medcalf

Bryniau Pica, located in Cardiganshire, Wales, is a picturesque hill/mountain region that offers breathtaking views and a tranquil environment. The area is part of the Cambrian Mountains, a range known for its rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes.

At an elevation of approximately 500 meters, Bryniau Pica showcases a diverse range of natural features. The hill/mountain is characterized by rolling green pastures, scattered woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Its slopes are covered with heather and gorse, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape, especially during the summer months.

The summit of Bryniau Pica provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Cardiganshire coastline and the nearby Teifi Valley. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the Snowdonia National Park in the distance.

The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Several well-marked trails traverse the hill/mountain, providing opportunities to explore its diverse flora and fauna. The region is home to a variety of bird species, including red kites, buzzards, and peregrine falcons, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Bryniau Pica also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites scattered across its slopes. These archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage and provide an opportunity for visitors to connect with the past.

Overall, Bryniau Pica in Cardiganshire offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical interest. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous escapade, this hill/mountain region has something to offer for everyone.

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Bryniau Pica Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.27954/-3.7583321 or Grid Reference SN8066. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The moorland of Groes Fan
The moorland of Groes Fan
Moorland below Groes Fan
Moorland below Groes Fan
Ford across the Afon Claerddu in Ceredigion North-east of Llyn Egnant, this ancient road from Ffair-Rhos is sometimes referred to as the Monks' Trod, and was also used by cattle drovers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Four hundred metres ahead it splits, then the track also leads down the wide Claerddu valley towards the Claerwen Reservoir.
Ford across the Afon Claerddu in Ceredigion
North-east of Llyn Egnant, this ancient road from Ffair-Rhos is sometimes referred to as the Monks' Trod, and was also used by cattle drovers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Four hundred metres ahead it splits, then the track also leads down the wide Claerddu valley towards the Claerwen Reservoir.
An accurate weather forecast The forecast was for clouds and sunny patches, with hail arriving mid-afternoon driven by strong winds. The hail arrived on time, with Groes Fan seen here plastered by the first, heavy, shower. The wind is blowing from right to left.
An accurate weather forecast
The forecast was for clouds and sunny patches, with hail arriving mid-afternoon driven by strong winds. The hail arrived on time, with Groes Fan seen here plastered by the first, heavy, shower. The wind is blowing from right to left.
Footbridge across Afon Claerddu The bridge provides access across Afon Claerddu to a path which runs from here to the south of Llyn Egnant <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SN79116657">SN79116657</a> and beyond, a route that I had intended to follow. But having had my spirits dampened by continuous rain, I decided to retrace my steps on the defined track to Craig Ddu Fach <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SN79426803">SN79426803</a>, rather than attempt the heavily waterlogged path.
Footbridge across Afon Claerddu
The bridge provides access across Afon Claerddu to a path which runs from here to the south of Llyn Egnant SN79116657 and beyond, a route that I had intended to follow. But having had my spirits dampened by continuous rain, I decided to retrace my steps on the defined track to Craig Ddu Fach SN79426803, rather than attempt the heavily waterlogged path.
A broken sign on the ground The remains of a sign which is shown fully in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3968121">SN8067 : Road sign on the Monks' Trod east of Llyn Teifi, Ceredigion</a>.
A broken sign on the ground
The remains of a sign which is shown fully in SN8067 : Road sign on the Monks' Trod east of Llyn Teifi, Ceredigion.
Flooded Afon Claerddu The crossing here is marked as a ford on the map but after much rain over the last few days, it had become a major obstacle for walkers. Nothing for it but to wade across, with the water reaching knee height.
Flooded Afon Claerddu
The crossing here is marked as a ford on the map but after much rain over the last few days, it had become a major obstacle for walkers. Nothing for it but to wade across, with the water reaching knee height.
Afon Claerddu looking upstream After several days of rain the moorland was fully saturated.
Afon Claerddu looking upstream
After several days of rain the moorland was fully saturated.
On the Monks' Trod Rounding Banc Dafadbeddol.
On the Monks' Trod
Rounding Banc Dafadbeddol.
Looking south from Groes Fan North of Llyn Egnant. I haven't yet managed to identify the distinctive hill.
Looking south from Groes Fan
North of Llyn Egnant. I haven't yet managed to identify the distinctive hill.
Road junction at Bryn Glas To the left for the continuation of the Monks' Trod across the Claerwen National Nature Reserve towards Pont ar Elan. To the right for the track to the Claerwen Reservoir and thence the public road to Rhayader. This route (to the right) was apparently open to motor vehicles when photographed in 2012, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3967171">SN8067 : Junction east of Llyn Teifi, Ceredigion</a>, but that is no longer the case. Access to the Monks' Trod has been a contentious issue over the years. Cars and 4WD drive vehicles were banned in 1990 and then motorcycles in 2002. In 2011 there was even a ridiculous suggestion that the Trod would also be closed to pedestrians. That proposal appears to have been abandoned. The authorities probably realised that such a ban would be totally unenforceable, particularly as the whole area is CROW land. What is interesting is that the road signs in 2012, and currently, imply that the access restriction across The Trod applies only to cars - the standard 'low-flying motorcycle' sign is not used, seemingly allowing motorcycles to use it. Indeed, a group of motorcycles passed me as I walked across the moor. I wonder about the legality of using a non-standard prohibition sign and the possibility of a court challenge.
Road junction at Bryn Glas
To the left for the continuation of the Monks' Trod across the Claerwen National Nature Reserve towards Pont ar Elan. To the right for the track to the Claerwen Reservoir and thence the public road to Rhayader. This route (to the right) was apparently open to motor vehicles when photographed in 2012, SN8067 : Junction east of Llyn Teifi, Ceredigion, but that is no longer the case. Access to the Monks' Trod has been a contentious issue over the years. Cars and 4WD drive vehicles were banned in 1990 and then motorcycles in 2002. In 2011 there was even a ridiculous suggestion that the Trod would also be closed to pedestrians. That proposal appears to have been abandoned. The authorities probably realised that such a ban would be totally unenforceable, particularly as the whole area is CROW land. What is interesting is that the road signs in 2012, and currently, imply that the access restriction across The Trod applies only to cars - the standard 'low-flying motorcycle' sign is not used, seemingly allowing motorcycles to use it. Indeed, a group of motorcycles passed me as I walked across the moor. I wonder about the legality of using a non-standard prohibition sign and the possibility of a court challenge.
The Afon Claerddu
The Afon Claerddu
A ford on the mountain road Where the Afon Claerddu heads south across the road.
A ford on the mountain road
Where the Afon Claerddu heads south across the road.
No public vehicles beyond this point The sign is no doubt intended to deter 4x4 drivers.
No public vehicles beyond this point
The sign is no doubt intended to deter 4x4 drivers.
A road junction on the moors And another sign banning motorised vehicles.
A road junction on the moors
And another sign banning motorised vehicles.
A remote place to park a manure spreader In a shallow quarry that was probably used for road stone. Claerwen farm is in the distance.
A remote place to park a manure spreader
In a shallow quarry that was probably used for road stone. Claerwen farm is in the distance.
The track near Claerwen
The track near Claerwen
Footbridge across the Afon Claerddu A bridleway crosses the river here, so maybe there is a ford as well.
Footbridge across the Afon Claerddu
A bridleway crosses the river here, so maybe there is a ford as well.
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Bryniau Pica is located at Grid Ref: SN8066 (Lat: 52.27954, Lng: -3.7583321)

Unitary Authority: Ceredigion

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///suits.roughest.allows. Near Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion

Nearby Locations

Bryniau Pica Esgair Wen

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