Allt-y-Gigfran

Wood, Forest in Cardiganshire

Wales

Allt-y-Gigfran

An outlying turbine I don&#039;t know whether this is part of the main windfarm, adjacent, or a private turbine. — An outlying turbine Credit: David Medcalf

Allt-y-Gigfran is a small woodland located in the county of Cardiganshire, Wales. Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, it is situated on the eastern slopes of the Cambrian Mountains. The woodland is predominantly made up of native broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, birch, and rowan, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The woodland is known for its rich biodiversity, providing a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to several species of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Allt-y-Gigfran offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, making it popular among nature enthusiasts and hikers. There are several well-maintained trails that wind through the woodland, providing opportunities for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural surroundings. The trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.

The woodland also has historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. There are remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the area.

Allt-y-Gigfran is a valuable natural resource and is protected under conservation efforts. It serves as an important ecological corridor, linking other nearby woodlands and contributing to the overall health of the local ecosystem. Its beauty and ecological significance make it a cherished natural asset in the county of Cardiganshire.

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Allt-y-Gigfran Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.390052/-3.8741328 or Grid Reference SN7278. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

An outlying turbine

I don't know whether this is part of the main windfarm, adjacent, or a private turbine.

David Medcalf

The road next to the windfarm

David Medcalf

Above Llyn-Yr-Oerfa

Above Llyn-Yr-Oerfa, a small reservoir above the Rheidol valley, looking along the lane leading to the A44. In the background are some of the turbines of the Rheidol Wind Farm.

Ian Capper

Llywernog - footpath to Ystumtuen

This copse has grown up around a ruined smallholding. The footpath splits at the way marker centre right: straight on to the Rheidol wind farm, left to Ystumtuen.

Richard Lewis

Hill above Llywernog

There are apparently some ancient cairns on this hill top. 1280 ft a.s.l.

Richard Lewis

Sunshine and showers over the Rheidol Wind Farm

Nigel Brown

Tractor on the hillside

Viewed from Castell Bwa-drain with turbines of the Rheidol Wind Farm above.

John Lucas

Rheidol Wind Farm

8 x 300KW turbines, owned by Powergen and operating since 1997.

Nigel Callaghan

Minor road passing south of the Rheidol Wind Farm

Nigel Brown

Marshland south of the Rheidol Wind Farm

A boggy area on the col between two valleys.

Nigel Brown

The Rheidol Wind Farm

One of the first schemes in the area, now dwarfed by several others.

Nigel Brown

'Sorry we cannot stop here'

Poster in the waiting shelter at Rhiwfron station. In normal times this would have been a timetable but during the pandemic, passengers cannot board or alight at intermediate stations on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, so no train times are given here for now.

John Lucas

Road and pathway in Cwm Rheidol

The road on the left leads to the end of the valley, the pathway in the centre will take you across Pont Ffrwd-ddu for the network of paths on the south side of Afon Rheidol.

John Lucas

Emerging onto open ground above Rheidol Falls

Having crossed the Rheidol by means of the Pont Ffrwd-ddu footbridge, the path to the east can be followed to Devil's Bridge and beyond, across the site of the old Gwaith-goch mine.

John Lucas

Somewhat overgrown path in Cwm Rheidol

By the site of Gwaith-goch mine.

John Lucas

Crossing gate by Rhiwfron station

On a bridleway leading from Cwm Rheidol to Ty'n-y-castell.

John Lucas

Wide section of Afon Rheidol

Gives the impression of having been engineered for the Rheidol hydro scheme, but that is not the case, as earlier maps show that the river was of a similar width before the development of the hydro scheme.

John Lucas