Coedydd Maentwrog

Heritage Site in Merionethshire

Wales

Coedydd Maentwrog

St Twrog's Parish Church, Maentwrog Credit: John H Darch

Coedydd Maentwrog, located in the county of Merionethshire, Wales, is a renowned heritage site that encompasses a vast expanse of beautiful woodland. The name "Coedydd Maentwrog" translates to "Woodlands of Maentwrog" in English. This enchanting natural area covers approximately 1,500 hectares and is composed of a mix of ancient oak woodland and conifer plantations.

The woodland is situated in the vale of Ffestiniog, encompassing the slopes of the valley and the surrounding hillsides. Coedydd Maentwrog is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of rare and protected species. The site is also part of the Snowdonia National Park, adding to its significance as a natural heritage destination.

Visitors can explore the woodland through a network of well-maintained trails and footpaths that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The diverse flora and fauna found within Coedydd Maentwrog include ancient oak trees, birch, rowan, and a variety of wildflowers. The woodland provides a vital habitat for many species, including the lesser horseshoe bat, red squirrel, and pine marten.

Coedydd Maentwrog is not only a haven for nature lovers but also holds historical significance. The woodland has been managed for timber production for centuries and has witnessed human activity dating back to prehistoric times. Ruins of old mines and quarries can also be found within the site, providing a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Overall, Coedydd Maentwrog is a captivating heritage site that combines natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical value. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the woodlands while appreciating the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the region.

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Coedydd Maentwrog Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.955/-3.988 or Grid Reference SH6641. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Twrog's Parish Church, Maentwrog

John H Darch

Llyn Mair

John H Darch

A busy day at the Tea Room

At Tan-y-Bwlch station on the Ffestiniog Railway.

John H Darch

Engineer's train arriving at Tan-y-Bwlch

Headed by Harlech Castle or Castell Harlech, a Baguley-Drewry locomotive was built in 1983 for service in Mozambique, but purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway in 1988 after the order was cancelled. Used as an engineering locomotive and primarily stationed at Minffordd. It is bilingually named.

Richard Hoare

Platform view at Tan-y-Bwlch

The station masters house and the signal box on the left. There is a small exhibition hut to the right. Much forestry has taken place on the surrounding hillsides. A few minutes later a train arrived from Porthmadog and the inevitable rain started, in torrents.

Richard Hoare

The newly painted footbridge at Tan-y-Bwlch

A quiet day although a train from Porthmadog was due to arrive. Quieter and cooler than John H Darch's image SH6441 : A busy day at the Tea Room and later noticeably wetter.

Richard Hoare

The cafe at Tan-y-Bwlch

Covid restrictions have seen this turned into a one way system. In through the door and out through the marquee area. Very quiet at the time although a train from Porthmadog was due and on arrival it duly poured with rain sending most of the passengers under cover for a panad ('cuppa tea') or two.

Richard Hoare

Welsh Pony on a very wet afternoon at Tan-y-Bwlch

Welsh Pony, previously numbered 5, had recently arrived from Porthmadog and was running around the train before returning. Having deposited it's passengers the train was due to return in about an hour. Meanwhile the heavens had opened and most scurried to the nearby cafe for shelter and a panad ('cuppa tea') or two. The locomotive and crew had 'parked up' under the footbridge to gain some shelter themselves. Welsh Pony was built for the Ffestiniog Railway in 1867. The locomotive was out of use for a prolonged period, including time spent on a plinth in the car park at Porthmadog Harbour Station when it sadly fell into a poor state of repair. Welsh Pony was taken into the works at Boston Lodge in 2014 and, following a comprehensive overhaul, returned to steam in 2020 running on the tracks for the first time in 80 years on 27 June 2020.

Richard Hoare

Tanker in the siding at Tan-y-Bwlch

I'm guessing it's for weed killing.

Richard Hoare

The engineer's train at Tan-y-Bwlch

It would appear to have been on a tree or hedgerow cutting exercise. Hauled by Harlech Castle or Castell Harlech, a Baguley-Drewry locomotive was built in 1983 for service in Mozambique, but purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway in 1988 after the order was cancelled. Used as an engineering locomotive and primarily stationed at Minffordd. It is bilingually named.

Richard Hoare

Welsh Pony arrives at Tan-y-Bwlch

The 13.15 train from Porthmadog arrives headed by Welsh Pony, previously numbered 5. Having deposited it's passengers the train was due to return in about an hour. Meanwhile the heavens opened and most scurried to the nearby cafe for shelter and a panad ('cuppa tea') or two. Welsh Pony was built for the Ffestiniog Railway in 1867. The locomotive was out of use for a prolonged period, including time spent on a plinth in the car park at Porthmadog Harbour Station when it sadly fell into a poor state of repair. Welsh Pony was taken into the works at Boston Lodge in 2014 and, following a comprehensive overhaul, returned to steam in 2020 running on the tracks for the first time in 80 years on 27 June 2020.

Richard Hoare

A wet Welsh Pony

Having deposited it's passengers the train was due to return in about an hour. Meanwhile the heavens opened and most scurried to the nearby cafe for shelter and a panad ('cuppa tea') or two. You can see the rain against the locomotive. Welsh Pony was built for the Ffestiniog Railway in 1867. The locomotive was out of use for a prolonged period, including time spent on a plinth in the car park at Porthmadog Harbour Station when it sadly fell into a poor state of repair. Welsh Pony was taken into the works at Boston Lodge in 2014 and, following a comprehensive overhaul, returned to steam in 2020 running on the tracks for the first time in 80 years on 27 June 2020.

Richard Hoare

This driver and his machine keeps dry

Having deposited it's passengers the train was due to return in about an hour. Meanwhile the heavens opened and most scurried to the nearby cafe for shelter and a panad ('cuppa tea') or two. Here the driver and the locomotive have taken refuge under the footbridge. Welsh Pony was built for the Ffestiniog Railway in 1867. The locomotive was out of use for a prolonged period, including time spent on a plinth in the car park at Porthmadog Harbour Station when it sadly fell into a poor state of repair. Welsh Pony was taken into the works at Boston Lodge in 2014 and, following a comprehensive overhaul, returned to steam in 2020 running on the tracks for the first time in 80 years on 27 June 2020.

Richard Hoare

The engineers train departs towards Porthmadog

Headed by Harlech Castle, this train of workmen had been doing tree and hedgerow clearance further up the line towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. It however had to await the arrival of Welsh Pony and its train from Porthmadog, seen on the right, being one of few passing points on the line. Shortly after this image was taken a torrential rain storm hit the area making the umbrellas very useful. Harlech Castle or Castell Harlech, a Baguley-Drewry locomotive was built in 1983 for service in Mozambique, but purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway in 1988 after the order was cancelled. Used as an engineering locomotive and primarily stationed at Minffordd. It is bilingually named.

Richard Hoare

Departing engineers train

Headed by Harlech Castle, this train of workmen had been doing tree and hedgerow clearance further up the line towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. It however had to await the arrival of Welsh Pony and its train from Porthmadog, being one of the few passing points on the line. Shortly after this image was taken a torrential rain storm hit the area making the umbrellas very useful. Harlech Castle or Castell Harlech, a Baguley-Drewry locomotive was built in 1983 for service in Mozambique, but purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway in 1988 after the order was cancelled. Used as an engineering locomotive and primarily stationed at Minffordd. It is bilingually named. The image is slightly marred by the heavy rain which had just started to fall.

Richard Hoare

Towards Dduallt Station

Dduallt Station and the Dduallt Deviation. Seen from the 'Mountain Prince' excursion which takes passengers from Porthmadog to a trip round The Spiral on the deviation then returning via Tan-y-Bwlch for refreshments at the cafe.

Jeff Buck

Mountain Prince at Tan-y-Bwlch

The 'Mountain Prince' excursion takes passengers from Porthmadog to a trip round The Spiral on the Dduallt Deviation then returns via Tan-y-Bwlch for refreshments at the cafe.

Jeff Buck

Moelwyn at Tan-y-Bwlch

Moelwyn, a 2-4-0DM Diesel locomotive seen here at Tan-y-Bwlch was originally built for use by the French during the First World War. For more information please see Link

Source: Ffestiniog Railway Heritage Group