Banc Rhiw'r-ordd

Hill, Mountain in Cardiganshire

Wales

Banc Rhiw'r-ordd

The energy is clean but the mechanicals aren't Wind turbine number 3 is a particularly grubby example of the generators on the open uplands of Cefn Croes. Presumably, they are the originals from the opening of the wind farm in 2005, so perhaps it&#039;s not so surprising. However, there does appear to be a large amount of dark brown staining, possibly oil and grease from the complex mechanisms. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5581191">SN8080 : Leaking a little oil?</a> for a closer look. — The energy is clean but the mechanicals aren't Credit: Neil Owen

Banc Rhiw'r-ordd is a prominent hill located in the county of Cardiganshire, Wales. It is situated in the picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Standing at an elevation of approximately 380 meters (1,250 feet), it is considered a significant landmark in the region.

The hill is covered in lush greenery, with patches of heather and bracken adorning its slopes. Its distinctive shape and rugged terrain make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The summit provides a panoramic view of the Cardiganshire countryside, including the nearby Cambrian Mountains and the stunning coastline.

Banc Rhiw'r-ordd is a haven for wildlife, with various species of birds, mammals, and insects inhabiting its diverse ecosystem. The hill is home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to its natural beauty.

Historically, Banc Rhiw'r-ordd has played a significant role in the local community. It served as a vantage point during ancient times, providing strategic advantages for early settlers. The hill has also been associated with folklore and legends, further enhancing its cultural importance.

Accessible by footpaths and trails, Banc Rhiw'r-ordd offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching. Its tranquil and unspoiled surroundings make it an idyllic spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

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Banc Rhiw'r-ordd Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.407928/-3.7618471 or Grid Reference SN8080. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The energy is clean but the mechanicals aren't

Wind turbine number 3 is a particularly grubby example of the generators on the open uplands of Cefn Croes. Presumably, they are the originals from the opening of the wind farm in 2005, so perhaps it's not so surprising. However, there does appear to be a large amount of dark brown staining, possibly oil and grease from the complex mechanisms. See SN8080 : Leaking a little oil? for a closer look.

Neil Owen

Leaking a little oil?

A closer look at the important bits of a wind turbine, showing what appears to be some lost lubricant. The blades rotate in themselves to allow them to greet the wind in the optimum angle; the rotor obviously rotates to power the generating equipment in the nacelle; also the nacelle itself swings round (yaws) to face into the wind - all powered by electric motors. All these moving parts must have some sort of sturdy bearings, and some packed grease. See SN8080 : The energy is clean but the mechanicals aren't for a wider view up.

Neil Owen

Enter at your own risk!

Not the sort of notice one expects to see at the bottom of a rather large wind turbine. Still, if you manage to open the door, the lofty height of the tower might make you think twice about going up it.

Neil Owen

Gathering the invisible harvest

The wind farm on Cefn Croes creates a lot of electricity, which appears to be gathered and 'refined' at this installation.

Neil Owen

Bridleway towards Banc Rhiw'r-ordd

Eight years since I was last here.

John Light

Elfyn's Corner

A corner on the Myherin stage of Wales Rally GB 2017 named after the local rally hero Elfyn Evans.

John Light

Walking towards Rally GB 2017 - Myherin stage

John Light

Greeting the morning rays

Dawn over Cefn Croes, a calm and chilly affair but with the early sun casting about. The turbines form a crude set of sundials for the enthusiastic.

Neil Owen

A clear sky and a calm morning

The wind turbines at Cefn Croes are waking up to a new day on the Welsh mountains. There was hardly any wind or sound to begin with - but the individual turbines made lots of intermittent clunks, clangs and whirring noises. The latter sound came from the nacelle yaw motors, which swung the blades around to face into what wind there was. Once set, the blades rotated from the 'feathered' position (edge on) to an angle that caught the breeze nicely. Once up to speed (about 40-50 rpm) , they made a louder whooshing sound as each blade tip went round.

Neil Owen

This way to the old Roman fort

The trail marker takes walkers over Cefn Blaenmerin and down to the old Roman fort of Cae Gaer near the A44.

Neil Owen

Harvesting the wind

The many wind turbines on the mountainside create a lot of green energy, but this station aims to gather all of it in and send it back on its way in a more refined form.

Neil Owen

Banc Rhiw-r-ordd

Stood by a steep lip of the Myherin valley near Nant Rhiw-r-ordd which is one of the brooks feeding into Nant Myherin. Five of the Cefn Cross wind turbines are also visible here.

Jonathan Clitheroe

Uplands and Electrical Substation at Cefn Croes

Here at 560m above sea level we see typical moorland vegetation and bog appearing. The substation looks fairly innocuous here with the turbines out of sight.

Jonathan Clitheroe

Cofn Croes Moorland

Looking towards another group of wind turbines from a spot near the summit of the moor. Peat hags can be seen in front of the masts.

Jonathan Clitheroe

Blaen Myherin Farm

Kate Gilliver

Derelict Farm and Sheepfolds in the Myherin Valley

Stood at the head of this valley is the former farmstead of Blaen-Myherin. Imagine during the farm's heyday perhaps 150 years ago, the tenants suddenly being confronted by an army of wind turbines like those that now populate the surrounding hills. Imagine the thrashing blades marching across the horizon and down into the valley. They would surely have thought that judgement day had arrived.

Jonathan Clitheroe