Cwm-du Wood

Wood, Forest in Glamorgan

Wales

Cwm-du Wood

Traffic congestion at the M4/A465 junction Credit: Eirian Evans

Cwm-du Wood is a beautiful forest located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Cwm-du Valley, this woodland area covers a vast expanse of approximately 100 acres. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The forest is characterized by its dense tree cover, consisting of a variety of species including oak, beech, and ash. These towering trees provide a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation and exploration. The forest floor is covered with a rich carpet of wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Cwm-du Wood is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Birdwatchers can spot species such as woodpeckers, owls, and finches, while mammals like foxes, badgers, and deer roam freely through the woodland. The forest also supports a diverse insect population, with butterflies, bees, and beetles being a common sight.

The wood is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the forest on foot. These trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and experienced hikers. Along the way, there are several viewpoints and picnic areas, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Cwm-du Wood is a true gem of Glamorgan, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether one seeks a leisurely stroll, a bird-watching expedition, or simply a moment of tranquility in nature, this woodland is sure to captivate and inspire all who visit.

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Cwm-du Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.658949/-3.8642654 or Grid Reference SS7197. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Traffic congestion at the M4/A465 junction

Eirian Evans

McDonald's fast food off the A465 at Pen-yr-Heol

Jeff Gogarty

Ordnance Survey Rivet

This damaged OS rivet can be found on the flat rock at the track junction. It marked a point 228.628m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the gatepost NE side of the rack. It marks a point 111.944m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the concrete retaining wall north side of Drumau Road. It marks a point 101.675m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the wall south side of Drumau Road. It marks a point 105.153m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Pen-lan Farm Building (Ruin)

Adrian Dust

Gateway High in Hedge

Adrian Dust

Gateway at Glyn-derwen

Adrian Dust

Heol Las Park, Birchgrove, Swansea

David Lewis

Skewen

View from the north west

David Lewis

Playing fields, Skewen.

View from the north.

David Lewis

Llandarcy Village

Llandarcy Village was built to house workers for the nearby oil refinery

Steve Rigg

Swingbridge over the River Neath

This swing bridge (permanently locked) carries the former Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway over the River Neath near Skewen. The vessel in the foreground is a former lightship moored at the quayside.

Cedwyn Davies

M4 Motorway at Skewen near Junction 43

Cedwyn Davies

Railway cutting near Skewen

Cedwyn Davies

Woodland Path

The path starts at Drumau Road, goes through Darren Wood to the top of Drumau Mountain.

Alan Roberts

Abandoned section of the A48

Once part of the trunk route from London to South Wales, this 500m section of the A48 has been handed back for farm use since the M4 opened (running just parallel) in the early 1990s. On the corner, two petrol stations, long since stripped of their pumps and kiosks now have trees growing through the tarmac where once impatient drivers would pull up to fill up. The farmer told me that they were given the land when a similar sized tract of land was taken from them for the building of the M4. He also asked me to mention that despite being listed on all ordnance survey maps as such, there is absolutely NO right of way through this stretch any more. Apparently a footpath used to run down their lane and then under this road via a route taken by an abandoned railway. There's little evidence of the footpath today apart from an old staircase completely encased in vegetation (I'd have missed it if he hadn't shown it to me). I have since confirmed that the map is incorrect by checking the council's definitive map - the public right of way to this location appears to have been revoked when the motorway was built and never reinstated. Since this picture was taken, the area has undergone redevelopment and over half of this abandoned road is currently being converted into housing.

Hywel Williams

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Cwm-du Wood is located at Grid Ref: SS7197 (Lat: 51.658949, Lng: -3.8642654)

Unitary Authority: Neath Port Talbot

Police Authority: South Wales