Blackrock

Settlement in Brecknockshire

Wales

Blackrock

Roundabout where the A461 meets the A4047
Roundabout where the A461 meets the A4047 Credit: Rob Purvis

Blackrock is a small village located in the historic county of Brecknockshire, which is now part of Powys, Wales. Situated on the banks of the River Usk, the village is nestled within the scenic countryside, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.

The origins of Blackrock can be traced back to the medieval period when it served as a strategic crossing point on the river. This historical significance is reflected in the presence of a well-preserved stone bridge that dates back to the 17th century. The bridge, known as Blackrock Bridge, not only provides a functional connection between the village and the surrounding areas but also adds to the village's charm and character.

The village itself is small, with a close-knit community that values its rural setting. Many of the buildings in Blackrock showcase traditional Welsh architecture, featuring stone walls and slate roofs. The village also boasts a charming church, St. Mary's, which is a focal point for the local community.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural beauty of the area by exploring the nearby countryside. The rolling hills and lush green landscapes offer opportunities for walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The River Usk is also popular among anglers, with its abundant salmon and trout populations.

While Blackrock is primarily a residential area, it benefits from its proximity to larger towns such as Brecon, which is just a short drive away. This allows residents to access a wider range of amenities, including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities.

In summary, Blackrock is a charming village in Brecknockshire, Wales, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting amidst stunning natural landscapes. Its historical significance, traditional architecture, and close community make it a desirable place to live or visit.

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Blackrock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.807181/-3.140303 or Grid Reference SO2112. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roundabout where the A461 meets the A4047
Roundabout where the A461 meets the A4047
Jack Williams Gateway Bridge, Brynmawr Cycle path, part of NCR 46, approaching the bridge at the top of the Clydach Gorge carrying Main Road Link over the River Clydach and A465.
Jack Williams Gateway Bridge, Brynmawr
Cycle path, part of NCR 46, approaching the bridge at the top of the Clydach Gorge carrying Main Road Link over the River Clydach and A465.
Slip road off west bound A465, Brynmawr The A467 slip road, left, heads towards Brynmawr from the carriageway of the Heads of the Valleys Road. The retaining wall, right, supports the east bound carriageway of the A465.
Slip road off west bound A465, Brynmawr
The A467 slip road, left, heads towards Brynmawr from the carriageway of the Heads of the Valleys Road. The retaining wall, right, supports the east bound carriageway of the A465.
Path under Jack Williams Gateway Bridge The bridge, named to commemorate a local WW I soldier VC, carries Main Road Link over the Heads of the Valleys Road and River Clydach.
Path under Jack Williams Gateway Bridge
The bridge, named to commemorate a local WW I soldier VC, carries Main Road Link over the Heads of the Valleys Road and River Clydach.
A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, Brynmawr In the foreground is the barrier alongside the A467 slip road from the A465. The rust coloured footbridge replaces the Intermediate Road bridge over the unimproved A465; the retaining wall on the grass bank supports the east bound carriageway of the A465.
A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, Brynmawr
In the foreground is the barrier alongside the A467 slip road from the A465. The rust coloured footbridge replaces the Intermediate Road bridge over the unimproved A465; the retaining wall on the grass bank supports the east bound carriageway of the A465.
Gate on cycle route The waymrker indicates that this is part of NCR 46. This is now incorrect and probably  dates from the extensive construction of the A465. This bridle path is possibly NCR 492 and certainly joins it to the east.
Gate on cycle route
The waymrker indicates that this is part of NCR 46. This is now incorrect and probably dates from the extensive construction of the A465. This bridle path is possibly NCR 492 and certainly joins it to the east.
NCN46 east of Brynmawr This cycle route (which when complete will connect Droitwich Spa to Newport and Neath) here follows the line of the former rail line which climbed steeply up the Clydach Gorge from Abergavenny to Brynmawr. It is a spectacular route through an industrially ravaged landscape which nevertheless sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
NCN46 east of Brynmawr
This cycle route (which when complete will connect Droitwich Spa to Newport and Neath) here follows the line of the former rail line which climbed steeply up the Clydach Gorge from Abergavenny to Brynmawr. It is a spectacular route through an industrially ravaged landscape which nevertheless sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Comprehensive school
Comprehensive school
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
Factory on Limestone road being demolished
A467 distances sign in Brynmawr 25 miles from Newport On the ascent from the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road junction 100 metres behind the camera. 
Brynmawr is the same in English and Welsh. The sign shows the Welsh names for the other three locations.
A467 distances sign in Brynmawr 25 miles from Newport
On the ascent from the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road junction 100 metres behind the camera. Brynmawr is the same in English and Welsh. The sign shows the Welsh names for the other three locations.
The Big Lift A Weldex crane lowers the final section of deck into place for the A465 overbridge at the top end of the Clydach gorge east of Brynmawr.
The Big Lift
A Weldex crane lowers the final section of deck into place for the A465 overbridge at the top end of the Clydach gorge east of Brynmawr.
The Big Lift (ii) A Weldex crane lowers the final piece of deck into place on the overbridge, high above the A465 which is  being dualled the length of the Clydach gorge between Gilwern and Brynmawr.
The Big Lift (ii)
A Weldex crane lowers the final piece of deck into place on the overbridge, high above the A465 which is being dualled the length of the Clydach gorge between Gilwern and Brynmawr.
Clydach Gorge Gateway Bridge over A465 Heads of the Valleys Road The creation of the three lane Heads of the Valleys road in the 1960's is being superseded by a dual carriageway from Abergavenny to Hirwaun. Work is progressing on the section between Gilwern and Brynmawr up through the Clydach Gorge. The realignment at Brynmawr has necessitated a new bridge spanning the gorge to take traffic to the local school, along the Hafod and Old Blackrock Roads and to filter off eastbound Brynmawr traffic. The photograph is taken from the track bed of the Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway which ceased operation in 1958 and is now a cycleway and footpath.
Clydach Gorge Gateway Bridge over A465 Heads of the Valleys Road
The creation of the three lane Heads of the Valleys road in the 1960's is being superseded by a dual carriageway from Abergavenny to Hirwaun. Work is progressing on the section between Gilwern and Brynmawr up through the Clydach Gorge. The realignment at Brynmawr has necessitated a new bridge spanning the gorge to take traffic to the local school, along the Hafod and Old Blackrock Roads and to filter off eastbound Brynmawr traffic. The photograph is taken from the track bed of the Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway which ceased operation in 1958 and is now a cycleway and footpath.
Clydach Gorge Gateway Bridge over A465 Heads of the Valleys Road The dualling of the previously three-lane A465 is taking place between Abergavenny and Hirwaun. Work is currently in progress on the section from Gilwern to Brynamwr. At the top of the Clydach Gorge near Brynmawr a new crossing is required to facilitate access to a local school, the Hafod and Old Blackrock Roads and to accept eastbound traffic for Brynmawr. A suspension bridge has been put in place as seen in the photograph.
Clydach Gorge Gateway Bridge over A465 Heads of the Valleys Road
The dualling of the previously three-lane A465 is taking place between Abergavenny and Hirwaun. Work is currently in progress on the section from Gilwern to Brynamwr. At the top of the Clydach Gorge near Brynmawr a new crossing is required to facilitate access to a local school, the Hafod and Old Blackrock Roads and to accept eastbound traffic for Brynmawr. A suspension bridge has been put in place as seen in the photograph.
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Blackrock is located at Grid Ref: SO2112 (Lat: 51.807181, Lng: -3.140303)

Unitary Authority: Monmouthshire

Police Authority: Gwent

What 3 Words

///guarded.dished.interviewer. Near Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.807181,-3.140303
Created By: Merkaartor 0.12
Lat/Long: 51.805013/-3.1346689
Gelli Felen Halt
Historic Railway: station
Railway: site
Wikidata: Q18708270
Wikipedia: en:Gelli Felen Halt railway station
Lat/Long: 51.803558/-3.1424587
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8064473/-3.1460174
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8052626/-3.1377511
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8050655/-3.1438398
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8078854/-3.1336726
Blackrock
Place: hamlet
Wikidata: Q107032223
Lat/Long: 51.8064382/-3.1393417
Gellifelen
Name En: Gellyfelen
Place: hamlet
Wikidata: Q107032576
Lat/Long: 51.8034955/-3.1385143
Ogof Capel
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8063708/-3.1381051
Shakespeare's Cave
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8054263/-3.137088
Elm Hole
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8050101/-3.139739
Ogof Rhaeadr Ddu
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8062545/-3.1432437
Waterfall Cave
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8056623/-3.1431856
Ogof Clogwyn
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.8045824/-3.1429562
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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