The Beacons

Heritage Site in Glamorgan

Wales

The Beacons

Roadworks on A4119 at roundabout near Coedely
Roadworks on A4119 at roundabout near Coedely Credit: David Smith

The Beacons, located in Glamorgan, Wales, is a renowned heritage site that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, this site is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Beacons is famous for its stunning landscapes, which include rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and picturesque waterfalls. The park encompasses diverse habitats, ranging from woodlands to moorlands, making it a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park through numerous hiking trails, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting.

Aside from its natural wonders, The Beacons also boasts a rich historical heritage. The park is dotted with ancient monuments, including burial chambers, hillforts, and standing stones, which date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. These archaeological sites provide a fascinating insight into the lives and customs of the early inhabitants of Glamorgan.

Furthermore, The Beacons is home to several historic landmarks, such as medieval castles and churches. Carreg Cennen Castle, perched atop a limestone crag, offers panoramic vistas of the park and its surroundings. The nearby St. David's Church, with its Norman architecture and intricate stone carvings, is another notable attraction.

Visitors to The Beacons can also delve into the region's industrial past at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This former coal mine allows visitors to experience what life was like for miners in the 19th and 20th centuries, offering underground tours and interactive exhibits.

With its combination of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history, The Beacons in Glamorgan is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural heritage of Wales.

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The Beacons Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.542/-3.42 or Grid Reference ST0183. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roadworks on A4119 at roundabout near Coedely
Roadworks on A4119 at roundabout near Coedely
Access to the HQ of Fire and Rescue, Dyffryn-Isaf
Access to the HQ of Fire and Rescue, Dyffryn-Isaf
Llwybr i Lanharan   / Path to Llanharan Llwybr troed cyhoeddus yn mynd i gyfeiriad Llanharan.

A public footpath heading in the direction of Llanharan (trans. church of Haran).
Llwybr i Lanharan / Path to Llanharan
Llwybr troed cyhoeddus yn mynd i gyfeiriad Llanharan. A public footpath heading in the direction of Llanharan (trans. church of Haran).
Llwybr i'r tir uchel / Path to the high ground Llwybr troed cyhoeddus yn arwain at Fynydd Garthmaelwg.

A public footpath heading towards Mynydd Garthmaelwg.
Llwybr i'r tir uchel / Path to the high ground
Llwybr troed cyhoeddus yn arwain at Fynydd Garthmaelwg. A public footpath heading towards Mynydd Garthmaelwg.
Heol ddiwyneb i Lanharan / Unsurfaced road to Llanharan Hen heol ddiwyneb yn mynd i lawr y waered tuag at Lanharan.

An old unsurfaced road descends the hill towards Llanharan (trans. Haran's church).
Heol ddiwyneb i Lanharan / Unsurfaced road to Llanharan
Hen heol ddiwyneb yn mynd i lawr y waered tuag at Lanharan. An old unsurfaced road descends the hill towards Llanharan (trans. Haran's church).
High Corner House, Llanharan, Wales
High Corner House, Llanharan, Wales
Disused railway bridge across river Ely This bridge is on the confluence of the river Ely and Nant Muchudd, and was the principal railway line up the Ely valley towards tonyrefail
Disused railway bridge across river Ely
This bridge is on the confluence of the river Ely and Nant Muchudd, and was the principal railway line up the Ely valley towards tonyrefail
Royal Glamorgan Hospital Main entrance of the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This district general hospital was opened in 2000 and replaced the former East Glamorgan Hospital at Church Village.
Royal Glamorgan Hospital
Main entrance of the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This district general hospital was opened in 2000 and replaced the former East Glamorgan Hospital at Church Village.
Thomson Digital HQ New offices on the Loreal Industrial Estate in Talbot Green.
Thomson Digital HQ
New offices on the Loreal Industrial Estate in Talbot Green.
Coedley roundabout Roundabout on the A4119.
Coedley roundabout
Roundabout on the A4119.
Weir on Nant Muchudd This view is from the modern metal bridge over the river, looking south.
Weir on Nant Muchudd
This view is from the modern metal bridge over the river, looking south.
Parc Coed-Elai access road This short piece of tarmac access road, complete with lighting, is not currently in use as a large bolted metal gate prevents vehicules from entering.
Parc Coed-Elai access road
This short piece of tarmac access road, complete with lighting, is not currently in use as a large bolted metal gate prevents vehicules from entering.
South Wales main line near Llanharan At this point the railway line runs alongside the A473. The road can just be made out on the left.
South Wales main line near Llanharan
At this point the railway line runs alongside the A473. The road can just be made out on the left.
South Wales main line near Llanharan Looking towards Llanharan.
South Wales main line near Llanharan
Looking towards Llanharan.
Llantrisant  Forest Entrance to the car park in Llantrisant Forest. The road leading to the car park was very wet with water running off the hills after a few days heavy rain.
Llantrisant Forest
Entrance to the car park in Llantrisant Forest. The road leading to the car park was very wet with water running off the hills after a few days heavy rain.
Lane junction Lane junction in Llantrisant Forest.  The road is wet with running water coming of the hills after heavy rain.
Lane junction
Lane junction in Llantrisant Forest. The road is wet with running water coming of the hills after heavy rain.
Forestry road at Llantrisant Forest Llantrisant Forest is one of many established on the hillsides of the Welsh Valleys, largely to provide timber when it was required for such items as pit props for the mining industries.  With the decline of mining these vast tracts of land are being utilised as recreational areas and the forest paths have been opened up for mountain bikers and walkers to enjoy. Harvesting of timber continues to some extent and this can be seen by the piles of logs at the side of the track. This utilisation of the land is one of monocultural in which one product or species predominates above all others.
Forestry road at Llantrisant Forest
Llantrisant Forest is one of many established on the hillsides of the Welsh Valleys, largely to provide timber when it was required for such items as pit props for the mining industries. With the decline of mining these vast tracts of land are being utilised as recreational areas and the forest paths have been opened up for mountain bikers and walkers to enjoy. Harvesting of timber continues to some extent and this can be seen by the piles of logs at the side of the track. This utilisation of the land is one of monocultural in which one product or species predominates above all others.
Llantrisant Forest A stream has cut a steep sided valley down the forested hillside.
Llantrisant Forest
A stream has cut a steep sided valley down the forested hillside.
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The Beacons is located at Grid Ref: ST0183 (Lat: 51.542, Lng: -3.42)

What 3 Words

///trails.announced.remarking. Near Llanharan, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Nearby Locations

The Beacons

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