Allt Ynys-Brechfa

Wood, Forest in Carmarthenshire

Wales

Allt Ynys-Brechfa

Footpath bridge
Footpath bridge Credit: Alistair Hare

Allt Ynys-Brechfa is a picturesque woodland located in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Spanning over 856 hectares, it is one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the area. The name "Allt Ynys-Brechfa" translates to "wooded slope of the Brechfa island," reflecting its hilly terrain and lush vegetation.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf tree species such as oak, beech, ash, and birch. These trees create a dense and diverse canopy, providing a habitat for a wide range of wildlife including birds, mammals, and insects. The woodland floor is covered with a rich carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to its natural beauty.

Allt Ynys-Brechfa offers several walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. The trails meander through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of wildlife along the way. The woodland is also popular among birdwatchers, with various species of birds such as woodpeckers, warblers, and owls being spotted regularly.

In addition to its natural beauty, Allt Ynys-Brechfa has historical significance. The woodland has evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age, with the remains of ancient settlements and burial sites scattered throughout the area. These archaeological features add an intriguing layer of history to the woodland, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

Overall, Allt Ynys-Brechfa is a captivating woodland that offers a tranquil escape into nature. Its diverse flora and fauna, coupled with its historical significance, make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Allt Ynys-Brechfa Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.947728/-4.1279143 or Grid Reference SN5329. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath bridge
Footpath bridge
Ffarm Castell y Gwynt / Castell y Gwynt  Farm Gweddillion Ffarm Castell y Gwynt sy wedi ei hamgylchynu bellach gan blanhigfa coniferaidd. Mae hen heol gerllaw. 

The remains of Castell y Gwynt Farm (trans. castle of the wind) which is surrounded today by a conifer plantation. Nearby is an old road.
Ffarm Castell y Gwynt / Castell y Gwynt Farm
Gweddillion Ffarm Castell y Gwynt sy wedi ei hamgylchynu bellach gan blanhigfa coniferaidd. Mae hen heol gerllaw. The remains of Castell y Gwynt Farm (trans. castle of the wind) which is surrounded today by a conifer plantation. Nearby is an old road.
St Teilo's Church, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire The bells on the church - he current church was consecrated on 21st November 1893. It replaced an older church that was sited on the current churchyard. The stone from the old church was used to build the current church hall.<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cothi-churches.org.uk/Brechfa/BrechfaIndex.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cothi-churches.org.uk/Brechfa/BrechfaIndex.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Teilo's Church, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire
The bells on the church - he current church was consecrated on 21st November 1893. It replaced an older church that was sited on the current churchyard. The stone from the old church was used to build the current church hall.LinkExternal link
The Forest Arms, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire The building's recent improvements include new plastic doors and windows.
The Forest Arms, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire
The building's recent improvements include new plastic doors and windows.
Pontdroed Afon Marlais Footbridge Pondroed yn rhychwantu Afon Marlais.

A footbridge spanning the Marlais River.
Pontdroed Afon Marlais Footbridge
Pondroed yn rhychwantu Afon Marlais. A footbridge spanning the Marlais River.
Maes Parcio Byrgwm Car Park Cerddwyr yn dychwelyd i Faes Parcio Byrgym. Mae'r bws deulawr yn y pellter yn gaffi. 

Walkers returning to Byrgwm (trans. short valley) Car Park. The red double decker bus in the distance serves as a café.
Maes Parcio Byrgwm Car Park
Cerddwyr yn dychwelyd i Faes Parcio Byrgym. Mae'r bws deulawr yn y pellter yn gaffi. Walkers returning to Byrgwm (trans. short valley) Car Park. The red double decker bus in the distance serves as a café.
Rhiw Wrach, Llanfynydd Hen heol ucheldir a gysyllta Frechfa a Llanfynydd. Enw'r tyle yw Rhiw'r Wrach. Ymddengys nad oes neb yn gwybod beth yw tarddiad yr enw. Yn anffodus mae 4x4au yn difrodi'r hen ffordd

Old upland road linking the village of Brechfa with Llanfynydd. The name of the hill is Rhiw'r Wrach (trans. The Hill of the Witch) but its origin seems to have been lost. Unfortunately 4x4s are damaging the road.
Rhiw Wrach, Llanfynydd
Hen heol ucheldir a gysyllta Frechfa a Llanfynydd. Enw'r tyle yw Rhiw'r Wrach. Ymddengys nad oes neb yn gwybod beth yw tarddiad yr enw. Yn anffodus mae 4x4au yn difrodi'r hen ffordd Old upland road linking the village of Brechfa with Llanfynydd. The name of the hill is Rhiw'r Wrach (trans. The Hill of the Witch) but its origin seems to have been lost. Unfortunately 4x4s are damaging the road.
Afon Cothi, Brechfa Llwybr glan afon ar lan Afon Cothi ger Brechfa

Riverside path along the Cothi River near Brechfa
Afon Cothi, Brechfa
Llwybr glan afon ar lan Afon Cothi ger Brechfa Riverside path along the Cothi River near Brechfa
Rhyd y Darren Ford Rhyd hynafol yn rhydio Afon Cothi gerllaw Ffarm y Darren Fawr. Ymddengys fod y groesfan hon yn un beryglus iawn a thybiaf fod ambell un wedi boddi yma dros y canrifoedd wrth geisio ei chroesi. Mae lefel y dwr yn isel wedi prinder o law. I'r dde o'r llun mae pontdroed.

An ancient ford crossing on the Cothi River near Darren Fawr Farm. The road linked Brechfa with Llanfynydd. The ford appears to be very dangerous and it seems very likely that people have drowned here over the centuries. The river is actually very low due to the lack of rain. To the right of the photo is a footbridge.
Rhyd y Darren Ford
Rhyd hynafol yn rhydio Afon Cothi gerllaw Ffarm y Darren Fawr. Ymddengys fod y groesfan hon yn un beryglus iawn a thybiaf fod ambell un wedi boddi yma dros y canrifoedd wrth geisio ei chroesi. Mae lefel y dwr yn isel wedi prinder o law. I'r dde o'r llun mae pontdroed. An ancient ford crossing on the Cothi River near Darren Fawr Farm. The road linked Brechfa with Llanfynydd. The ford appears to be very dangerous and it seems very likely that people have drowned here over the centuries. The river is actually very low due to the lack of rain. To the right of the photo is a footbridge.
Allt Ty'r Bedw Cerddwyr yn dilyn hen heol i lawr y waered i gyfeiriad Brechfa a Chwm Cothi. 

Walkers descending the hill along an ancient thoroughfare in the direction of Brechfa and the Cothi Valley.
Allt Ty'r Bedw
Cerddwyr yn dilyn hen heol i lawr y waered i gyfeiriad Brechfa a Chwm Cothi. Walkers descending the hill along an ancient thoroughfare in the direction of Brechfa and the Cothi Valley.
Ger / Near Blaensannan Cerddwyr yn cael seibiant ar gyffordd o traciau ger Ffarm Blaensannan.

Walkers having a breather at a junction of tracks near Blaensannan Farm.
Ger / Near Blaensannan
Cerddwyr yn cael seibiant ar gyffordd o traciau ger Ffarm Blaensannan. Walkers having a breather at a junction of tracks near Blaensannan Farm.
View from Esgair Rhudd View to the North over the abandoned farmstead of Hafod
View from Esgair Rhudd
View to the North over the abandoned farmstead of Hafod
Clyn-llydan Farm The front of the abandoned farmhouse of Clyn Llydan. Shown as 'Llwyn llydan' on the 1886 OS map and marked as still inhabited on the current OS map!
Clyn-llydan Farm
The front of the abandoned farmhouse of Clyn Llydan. Shown as 'Llwyn llydan' on the 1886 OS map and marked as still inhabited on the current OS map!
Trapped! A derelict house on the outskirts of Brechfa. Tatty net curtains hang at the windows and the gate is secured by an old piece of rope. 

Look closely and you may see a robin at the upstairs window on the right. It had been behaving strangely - fluttering from window to window, up to the guttering, back and fore. Agitated, and now sitting on the sill forlorn. Inside, another robin, equally distressed. Trapped! Doors were locked and windows secure. Perhaps the bird had found a crevice to gain entry: perhaps a chilly night-time draught will guide him out again, to a safe exit and reunion with his mate. 

Perhaps I should have thrown a brick through a window …
Trapped!
A derelict house on the outskirts of Brechfa. Tatty net curtains hang at the windows and the gate is secured by an old piece of rope. Look closely and you may see a robin at the upstairs window on the right. It had been behaving strangely - fluttering from window to window, up to the guttering, back and fore. Agitated, and now sitting on the sill forlorn. Inside, another robin, equally distressed. Trapped! Doors were locked and windows secure. Perhaps the bird had found a crevice to gain entry: perhaps a chilly night-time draught will guide him out again, to a safe exit and reunion with his mate. Perhaps I should have thrown a brick through a window …
Forest Arms Public house in Brechfa.
Forest Arms
Public house in Brechfa.
East window at St Teilo’s, Brechfa
East window at St Teilo’s, Brechfa
St Teilo’s and churchyard
St Teilo’s and churchyard
Bridge over Afon Cothi
Bridge over Afon Cothi
Show me another place!

Allt Ynys-Brechfa is located at Grid Ref: SN5329 (Lat: 51.947728, Lng: -4.1279143)

Unitary Authority: Carmarthenshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///rescue.people.rhino. Near Llanfynydd, Carmarthenshire

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