Black Covert

Level crossing on road to Glanyrafon Industrial Estate

The Vale of Rheidol Railway (Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol) is a 1 ft 11 ¾ in narrow gauge heritage railway that runs for 11 ¾ miles between the coast at Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge in the Cambrian Mountains. The line opened in 1902 to carry lead ore, timber and passenger traffic. At the time of building, it was of the most up to date standard of narrow gauge construction, and passed through terrain where it would have been almost impossible to build a standard gauge line without prohibitive costs. The narrow track gauge allows the railway to follow the contours of the hillside with many sharp curves and steep gradients which add to the railway's charm. At the height of the lines prosperity, in 1912, consideration was given to converting the line to electric traction, using hydro-electric power from the River Rheidol. However, control of the line passed to the Cambrian Railways in the same year and plans were shelved. Following the Great War, a decline in mine traffic was balanced somewhat by a growing tourist trade. In 1923 Cambrian Railways were themselves absorbed by the Great Western Railway and goods services were withdrawn completely, and the harbour branch at Aberystwyth closed. The winter passenger service was withdrawn in 1930, and the line closed completely from the end of the 1939 summer service for the duration of the Second World War. Ownership of the line passed to British Railways in 1948, and it survived through threats of closure to become the last sole steam-operated railway operated by British Rail; steam traction having ceased in 1968 on all other parts of the network. The railway is now owned by a charitable trust. The locomotives and carriages currently in use were built for the line by the Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938. Link Vale of Rheidol railway website

From here on, the surfaced road continues as a private road to Pencraig. The lane ahead in shadow is "a route with public access".

Giving access to the valley north west of New Cross.

Prime Cardiganshire farmland. The prevalence of names including Gors here suggest that that the valley is boggy, but the only wet part seems to be down at the bottom. Looking down a line which is just a metre or so inside the square.

One of those hard working old upland farms.

The main part of the house was built between 1739 and 1757 for Thomas Powell. The architect is unknown. The east wing (only just visible through the trees on the right in this photo) was added in 1841 for William Powell, to a design of the architect W R Coultart. He also planned a similar west wing, but this was not built. The portico on the front was added in 1848. It remained in the ownership of the Powell family until the early 20th century, followed by other owners, before falling into disrepair. Following recent restoration, it is now a hotel. It is grade I listed - for a full summary and history see Link.

The main part of the house was built between 1739 and 1757 for Thomas Powell. The architect is unknown. The east wing (the two storey block to the right of the main building) was added in 1841 for William Powell, to a design of the architect W R Coultart. He also planned a similar west wing, but this was not built. The portico on the front was added in 1848, and the former billiards room, on the far right of the photo, was added in the 1860s. It remained in the ownership of the Powell family until the early 20th century, followed by other owners, before falling into disrepair. Following recent restoration, it is now a hotel. It is grade I listed - for a full summary and history see Link.