Gwern-Fadog Plantation

Wood, Forest in Glamorgan

Wales

Gwern-Fadog Plantation

Trig pillar on Mynydd Gelliwastad This trig pillar is right next to a rutted trail across the mountain.
This is the view east towards Clydach below.
If you look carefully, you can see the chimney from the Inco nickel refinery popping up above the bushes just a little to the right of the pillar top. Swansea, Port Talbot and much of the Swansea valley are also visible from this hill. — Trig pillar on Mynydd Gelliwastad Credit: Nigel Davies

Gwern-Fadog Plantation is a woodland area located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Spanning over a vast area, this plantation is renowned for its dense forest and diverse range of tree species. The woodland is primarily composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and ash, which create a lush and vibrant environment.

The plantation is well-maintained and managed to ensure the preservation of its natural beauty and ecological balance. The trees are regularly monitored and cared for, with selective thinning and pruning practices employed to promote healthy growth and maintain the integrity of the woodland ecosystem.

Gwern-Fadog Plantation is also home to a variety of wildlife. The dense cover and abundance of food sources provide an ideal habitat for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. Small mammals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, can also be found within the woodland.

The woodland offers a serene and peaceful environment, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Visitors can explore the numerous walking trails that wind through the plantation, allowing them to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The plantation is also a great spot for picnicking, wildlife watching, and photography.

Overall, Gwern-Fadog Plantation in Glamorgan is a remarkable woodland area that offers both beauty and biodiversity. Its well-preserved natural habitat and scenic trails make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

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Gwern-Fadog Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.684785/-3.9156414 or Grid Reference SN6700. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trig pillar on Mynydd Gelliwastad

This trig pillar is right next to a rutted trail across the mountain. This is the view east towards Clydach below. If you look carefully, you can see the chimney from the Inco nickel refinery popping up above the bushes just a little to the right of the pillar top. Swansea, Port Talbot and much of the Swansea valley are also visible from this hill.

Nigel Davies

Semi derelict stable

Small shed used as a stable on side of single track road, with possible stile on side of building (no footpath sign though so probably private).

John Phoenix

Moriah, Ynystawe.

Capel y Bedyddwyr, mae'r garreg uwchben y drysau yn cofnodi 1892 fel blwyddyn yr adeiladu. Helaethwyd yr adeilad yn 1928. A Baptist chapel, the stone above the doors gives 1892 as the year of construction. The chapel was enlarged in 1928.

Gerallt Pennant

Bethania, Clydach

Mae'r garreg ar y wyneb yn dweud mai'r Parchedig Morgan Lewis adeiladodd y capel yn 1841 ac mai James Loid oedd y saer maen. The stone between the upper windows commemorates the Rev. Morgan Lewis as the builder of the chapel and James Loid as the mason.

Gerallt Pennant

Ysbyty Treforys. Morriston Hospital.

Mae'r simdde amryliw ar y chwith yn un o nodweddion pensaerniol y fro. The multi coloured chimney on the left is a prominent local landmark.

Gerallt Pennant

Felin Wen.

Dyma'r adeilad cyntaf wrth yrru i mewn i'r sgwar o'r de. The first building you see driving into this square from the south. Felin Wen means 'White Mill'

Gerallt Pennant

Footbridge, Glais

The footpath crosses the line of an old railway below.

Chris Eilbeck

Bryntawe, Ynystawe

A very steep suburban road on the northern edge of the Swansea conurbation.

Jonathan Billinger

Dismantled railway to Clydach tinplate works

As seen from SN6900 : Footbridge, Glais The OS have recently updated their maps to remove the rails from this line but the tree growth suggests they have been gone for much longer. The cutting is wide enough for two tracks and there are now two worn paths side by side along the course. The visible bridge is part of the more recently built A4067.

Nigel Davies

End of the road

The decent tarmac of Garth Road ends here and a narrow footpath descends to a new footbridge allowing circuitous access to Clydach.

Nigel Davies

Viewing stand - or bus stop shelter?

From a distance, it seems that some new viewing shelters have been built on each side of the rugby pitch here. Closer inspection indeed revealed that these stands *were* re-purposed bus stop shelters complete with their now non-functioning matrix display boards (inside) and a current timetable stating that the bus stop gave times from Swansea Railway Station. One suspects that you'd be waiting a long time here if you wanted to catch the 17 the Gowerton or the 24 to Moriston Hospital...

Hywel Williams

Swansea Canal overflows into Lower Clydach River

Just don't ask what the water level is. The aqueduct here is also a handy overflow maintaining the level in the canal. The excess falls down into the Lower Clydach River just before it joins the Tawe.

Nigel Davies

Footbridge over River Tawe at Clydach

This bridge allows access to the playing fields SN6900 : Viewing stand - or bus stop shelter? on the other side of the river.

Nigel Davies

Mineral line bridge over Tawe

The dismantled mineral line that used to run into the Mond refinery (now the Inco works SN6901 : Clydach Refinery seen from above) is now blocked off at the works fence. You can still get on to the bridge to look at the river though.

Nigel Davies

Dismantled mineral line crosses the dismantled Swansea Vale line

The dismantled mineral line to the Mond refinery used to cross over the branch of the railway that ran up the west side of the Vale of Swansea where it crossed to join the east side branch at Glais.

Nigel Davies

Dismantled Swansea Vale railway heading east towards Glais

This is the view looking east from on top of the bridge here SN6900 : Dismantled mineral line crosses the dismantled Swansea Vale line To the west this portion of the line disappears. It looks like the raised embankment forms a convenient stand to watch the games at the playing fields SN6900 : Viewing stand - or bus stop shelter?

Nigel Davies