Gaer

Settlement in Brecknockshire

Wales

Gaer

Tretower Castle Tretower Castle is now mainly in ruins and parts of it have been incorporated into an adjacent farm. The castle was first established by a Norman knight of the Picard family. Now under the care of Cadw. — Tretower Castle Credit: Pete Chapman

Gaer is a small village located in the historic county of Brecknockshire, now part of Powys, Wales. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Usk, Gaer enjoys a picturesque setting amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. It lies approximately 3 miles north of the town of Brecon, the county's administrative center.

The village is known for its rich history, dating back to Roman times. The name "Gaer" itself is derived from the Welsh word for fortress, reflecting the presence of a Roman fort in the area. This fort, known as Y Gaer, was a strategic stronghold guarding the Roman road that connected the forts at Brecon and Abergavenny. Today, the ruins of Y Gaer are a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's past.

Gaer is primarily a residential village, with a close-knit community that values its rural charm and tranquility. It offers a range of amenities, including a village hall, a primary school, and a local pub. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Despite its small size, Gaer is well-connected to the wider region. The A40 road, which runs through the nearby town of Brecon, provides convenient access to major cities like Cardiff and Swansea. The village also benefits from regular bus services, ensuring easy transportation for residents and visitors alike.

In summary, Gaer is a historic and picturesque village nestled in the Brecknockshire countryside. With its Roman ruins, natural beauty, and strong sense of community, it offers a charming retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life.

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Gaer Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.887962/-3.2080447 or Grid Reference SO1621. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tretower Castle

Tretower Castle is now mainly in ruins and parts of it have been incorporated into an adjacent farm. The castle was first established by a Norman knight of the Picard family. Now under the care of Cadw.

Pete Chapman

Tretower Court

A 15th century manor house, rebuilt close to Tretower Castle by Sir Roger Vaughan. A manor house has occupied this site since the 14th century. Under the care of Cadw. This is the view of the west side of the manor house.

Pete Chapman

The Kestrel Inn

With Pen Cerrig-calch in the background.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

A40 by Llwyfen Farm

With the sunlight highlighting the slopes of Pen Allt-mawr.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Orchard Cottages

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Ty'r -chanter

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Pen-y-gaer Roman Fort

Sitting on the Roman Road between Gobannium (Abergavenny/Y Fenni) and Cicucium (west of Brecon/Aberhonddu) this ancient monument site is now occupied by a farmstead. The southern edge of the former fortress is followed by the modern boundary wall atop a low bank. It also extends to the west (left) over the minor road.

Alan Bowring

Bridleway to Cefn Moel

This public right of way runs between bracken banks across slabby Old Red Sandstone bedrock ('Senni Beds' for the initiated) to join the Beacons Way running north from Bwlch.

Alan Bowring

Track at Penlan

This track leaves the gated minor road between Bwlch and Felindre/Cwmdu at a hairpin above the farmstead of Penlan. The status of the track is unclear although the bracken-covered hillside to its left (west) is depicted as access land by OS. Walkers can gain access to Cefn Moel from here though as the sign suggests, motorcyclists are bidden not to do so.

Alan Bowring

Quarries at Tremynfa, Bwlch

The east facing slopes of the hillside north of Bwlch hide a number of small outcrops of the Devonian age 'Senni Beds' or Old Red Sandstone which has been quarried in several places in the past for building stone. Bracken has now claimed these slopes, designated as open country so access is available.

Alan Bowring

Quarried Senni Beds sandstone at Tremynfa

This close-up shot taken in the disused and overgrown quarries in the hillside north of the village of Bwlch reveals the rich colour of this stone which is widely used for building locally.

Alan Bowring