Abergwesyn Common

Heritage Site in Brecknockshire

Wales

Abergwesyn Common

Moelydd summit  Rounded, bald hills (moelydd) dominate the edge of the moorland. This summit hardly looks like one when viewed against the nearby peak of Gelli Faenog.
Moelydd summit Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Abergwesyn Common, located in Brecknockshire, Wales, is a designated heritage site known for its outstanding natural beauty and historical significance. Covering an area of approximately 10 square miles, the common is situated within the scenic Cambrian Mountains.

The site boasts a diverse range of habitats, including heather moorland, peat bogs, and upland grasslands, making it home to a rich variety of plant and animal species. Rare and protected species such as the red kite, merlin, and black grouse can be spotted here, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Abergwesyn Common has a long history that dates back centuries. It was once owned by the Cistercian monks of Strata Florida Abbey, who managed the land for grazing livestock and extracting peat for fuel. The remnants of their peat-cutting activities can still be seen today.

Visitors can explore the common via a network of footpaths and bridleways, providing ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and horse riding. The area offers breathtaking panoramic views, with the towering peaks of the Cambrian Mountains as a backdrop.

The common is also home to several archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds and ancient settlements. These remnants of the past provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants and offer a chance to connect with the region's rich cultural heritage.

Abergwesyn Common is managed by Natural Resources Wales, which works to preserve and protect the site's natural and cultural assets. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and historical significance, it is no wonder that Abergwesyn Common continues to be treasured by locals and visitors alike.

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Abergwesyn Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.196/-3.589 or Grid Reference SN9156. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moelydd summit  Rounded, bald hills (moelydd) dominate the edge of the moorland. This summit hardly looks like one when viewed against the nearby peak of Gelli Faenog.
Moelydd summit
Rounded, bald hills (moelydd) dominate the edge of the moorland. This summit hardly looks like one when viewed against the nearby peak of Gelli Faenog.
Cwm Gwnfel Looking down from the shoulder of the hill into Cwm Gwnfel, a very quiet and desolate place with an intriguing rock outcrop pattern, possibly folded strata or a landslip.
Cwm Gwnfel
Looking down from the shoulder of the hill into Cwm Gwnfel, a very quiet and desolate place with an intriguing rock outcrop pattern, possibly folded strata or a landslip.
Lan Goch Looking over the narrow tributary valleys to Lan Goch, a rounded plateau jutting out above Cwm Dulas.
Lan Goch
Looking over the narrow tributary valleys to Lan Goch, a rounded plateau jutting out above Cwm Dulas.
Rushy summit The top of the ridge shown as Banc Du on the map. Flatter, poorly-drained land is being claimed by rushes.
Rushy summit
The top of the ridge shown as Banc Du on the map. Flatter, poorly-drained land is being claimed by rushes.
Track cutting Considerable effort has been expended in improving the informal track which must cross a small stream here. Rushes on the bank suggest that this was also a very wet and boggy area.
Track cutting
Considerable effort has been expended in improving the informal track which must cross a small stream here. Rushes on the bank suggest that this was also a very wet and boggy area.
View from the summit Deep shadow in Cwm Dulas accentuates the curious, billowy nature of the terrain here.
View from the summit
Deep shadow in Cwm Dulas accentuates the curious, billowy nature of the terrain here.
New timber footbridge It's good to see that the crossings of the Dulas are so well maintained. This one is very new.
New timber footbridge
It's good to see that the crossings of the Dulas are so well maintained. This one is very new.
Cwm Dulas Looking up the level floor of this lovely valley towards Allt y Dinas.
Cwm Dulas
Looking up the level floor of this lovely valley towards Allt y Dinas.
Ruined farm A poignant reminder of how closely people lived to the land in past times.
Ruined farm
A poignant reminder of how closely people lived to the land in past times.
Ford on the Dulas The crossing of the Dulas for farm traffic or livestock.
Ford on the Dulas
The crossing of the Dulas for farm traffic or livestock.
Edge of the hill pasture Improved grassland on the lower fields makes a sharp contrast with the bracken-infested slope of the hill pasture above the valley of the Dulas. The bridleway runs along the boundary wall on its way to Ty'n y clyn where it rejoins the road.
Edge of the hill pasture
Improved grassland on the lower fields makes a sharp contrast with the bracken-infested slope of the hill pasture above the valley of the Dulas. The bridleway runs along the boundary wall on its way to Ty'n y clyn where it rejoins the road.
Wennallt
Wennallt
Wennallt
Wennallt
Cwmdulas The track into this cwm used to give access to an old mine.
Cwmdulas
The track into this cwm used to give access to an old mine.
Cwmdulas The upper reaches of Cwmdulas, in the middle distance trees mark where two tributaries of Dulas tumble over a series of waterfalls.
Cwmdulas
The upper reaches of Cwmdulas, in the middle distance trees mark where two tributaries of Dulas tumble over a series of waterfalls.
Sheepfold in Cwmdulas Small sheepfold in Cwmdulas.
Sheepfold in Cwmdulas
Small sheepfold in Cwmdulas.
Cairn on Darren This cairn is situated to the east of the highest point on Darren.
Cairn on Darren
This cairn is situated to the east of the highest point on Darren.
The southern slopes of Darren There's little in the square other than moorland, sheep and wetland.
The southern slopes of Darren
There's little in the square other than moorland, sheep and wetland.
Show me another place!

Abergwesyn Common is located at Grid Ref: SN9156 (Lat: 52.196, Lng: -3.589)

Unitary Authority: Powys

What 3 Words

///contacts.chop.harnessed. Near Llwyn-Madoc, Powys

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Abergwesyn Common

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