Bryn Trapau

Hill, Mountain in Cardiganshire

Wales

Bryn Trapau

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 Credit: John Lucas

Bryn Trapau, located in Cardiganshire, Wales, is a prominent hill/mountain that offers breathtaking views and outdoor recreational opportunities. Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,312 feet (400 meters), it is a prominent feature in the region's landscape.

The hill/mountain is characterized by its lush greenery, rocky outcrops, and diverse flora and fauna. Its slopes are covered in a patchwork of heather, grasses, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene throughout the year. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including buzzards and kestrels, soaring above, while the hillside is home to smaller animals such as rabbits and foxes.

Bryn Trapau is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its accessibility and stunning vistas. Several well-marked trails crisscross the hill/mountain, providing options for both casual walkers and experienced climbers. As visitors ascend, they are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Cardigan Bay coastline and the rolling hills of Cardiganshire.

The hill/mountain also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and stone structures scattered along its slopes. These archaeological sites offer glimpses into the area's past, providing a sense of the rich history that has unfolded on Bryn Trapau.

Overall, Bryn Trapau in Cardiganshire is a natural gem, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical intrigue. Whether one seeks a tranquil hike, a captivating view, or a deeper connection with the region's heritage, this hill/mountain promises an unforgettable experience.

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

Bryn Trapau Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.278034/-3.7367974 or Grid Reference SN8165. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Old ford, new bridge Crossing the Afon Claerwen.
Old ford, new bridge
Crossing the Afon Claerwen.
The track to Claerwen farm
The track to Claerwen farm
The track towards Claerwen Reservoir
The track towards Claerwen Reservoir
Looking up the valley of the Afon Claerddu
Looking up the valley of the Afon Claerddu
Low water level in Claerddu Reservoir
Low water level in Claerddu Reservoir
At last, the water! On the map this is a large expanse of water.
At last, the water!
On the map this is a large expanse of water.
Looking across Claerwen Reservoir
Looking across Claerwen Reservoir
The track alongside Claerwen Reservoir
The track alongside Claerwen Reservoir
Looking across Claerwen Reservoir
Looking across Claerwen Reservoir
Show me another place!

Bryn Trapau is located at Grid Ref: SN8165 (Lat: 52.278034, Lng: -3.7367974)

Unitary Authority: Ceredigion

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///completed.wardrobe.inflict. Near Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion

Nearby Locations

Bryn Trapau

Related Wikis

River Towy

The River Towy (Welsh: Afon Tywi, IPA: [ˈtəwɪ]) is one of the longest rivers flowing entirely within Wales. Its total length is 120 km (75 mi). It is noted...

Claerwen

The Claerwen reservoir and dam in Powys, Wales, were the last additions to the Elan Valley Reservoirs system built to provide water for the increasing...

Elan Valley Reservoirs

The Elan Valley Reservoirs (Welsh: Cronfeydd Cwm Elan) are a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan...

Desert of Wales

The Desert of Wales, or Green Desert of Wales, is an archaic term for an area in central Wales, so called for its lack of roads and towns, and its inaccessibility...

Afon Irfon

Afon Irfon (the River Irfon) is a river in Powys, Wales. It flows from the upper slopes of Bryn Garw in the Cambrian Mountains, through the Abergwesyn...

Llan Ddu Fawr

Llan Ddu Fawr or Waun Claerddu is a hill located in Ceredigion, Wales, at 594 metres (1,949 ft) above sea level. It is located about 10 miles south of...

Claerwen Fault

The Claerwen Fault is a major SW-NE trending fault in central Wales. It was active as a normal fault during deposition of Late Ordovician to mid-Silurian...

Ystrad Fflur

Ystrad Fflur is a hamlet and community in Ceredigion, Wales, which is 61.7 miles (99.3 km) from Cardiff and 166.8 miles (268.5 km) from London. Ystrad...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.278034,-3.7367974
Cafn Brwynog
Created By: POI Editor
Natural: peak
Source: npe
Lat/Long: 52.2777137/-3.7358562
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Bryn Trapau?

Leave your review of Bryn Trapau below (or comments, questions and feedback).