Coed y Foel

Wood, Forest in Radnorshire

Wales

Coed y Foel

Forest path in snow A signed path with small gate links the top edge of the forest with the track above Cwm Coel. Larch trees bare of needles, snow on the ground, and afternoon light penetrating from the edge of the forest. — Forest path in snow Credit: Andrew Hill

Coed y Foel is a picturesque woodland located in Radnorshire, a historic county in Wales. Spanning an area of approximately 200 acres, the forest is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The name "Coed y Foel" translates to "Wood of the Hill" in English, reflecting its hilly terrain and elevated location.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy that filters the sunlight and provides a cool and tranquil atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the enchanting ambience of the area.

Coed y Foel is a haven for wildlife, serving as a habitat for numerous species. It is home to a diverse range of birds, including the melodious song thrush, elusive tawny owl, and vibrant woodpeckers. Mammals such as badgers, foxes, and squirrels can also be spotted within the woodland. Additionally, the forest is inhabited by a variety of insect species, contributing to the intricate ecosystem.

The forest offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders. The paths meander through the woodland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of wildlife. Coed y Foel is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers seeking a peaceful retreat into nature.

In conclusion, Coed y Foel is a captivating woodland in Radnorshire, celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna, scenic beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. It offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, providing visitors with a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the serene surroundings.

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Coed y Foel Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.265566/-3.5925052 or Grid Reference SN9164. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Forest path in snow

A signed path with small gate links the top edge of the forest with the track above Cwm Coel. Larch trees bare of needles, snow on the ground, and afternoon light penetrating from the edge of the forest.

Andrew Hill

Cwm Coel forest track

Looking down to the reservoirs. The low rock face to the right was covered with colourful mosses and also icicles as the cold weather was lifting.

Andrew Hill

Low rock face with colourful moss and icicles

By the Llanerchi Wood forest track to Cwm Coel. Many overhanging mossy or rocky corners had icicles which were melting in the thaw.

Andrew Hill

Engine shaft, Cwm Elan Mine

This is the partially collapsed main engine shaft at Cwm Elan, used for pumping and winding. The pump rod remains in the shaft, which was 40 fathoms (240') deep, while an adit level associated with the shaft is visible behind the shaft collar. The mine operated from the late 18th century to 1877.

John Gibson

Cwm Elan lead mine

This is the masonry waterwheel pit, or wheelcase, for the waterwheel that powered the pumps in the main engine shaft at the Cwm Elan lead mine, which closed in 1877. The arched opening is the outflow - after turning this wheel, the water was channelled to two further waterwheels lower down the site.

John Gibson

Radio mast at Cefn Llanerchi

Jerry Elston

Green radio mast with solar panel and wind generator

Jerry Elston

Masts at Cefn Llanerchi

I don't know what these masts do but they are interesting and impressive.

Jeremy Bolwell

Moorland above Garreg-ddu reservoir

toby everard

Nantgwyllt Church

The Victorian replacement for the Church flooded with the building of the Elan Valley Dams.

paul wood

Elan River Dam

One of the huge dams in the Elan Valley that serves the people of Birmingham with its water supply

paul wood

Caban Coch Dam

Chris Andrews

Water Treatment Works, Elan

Chris Andrews

River Elan (Afon Elan) at Elan Valley Visitor Centre

Looking upstream from the visitor centre towards the Caban Coch Dam. The Elan Valley (Welsh: Cwm Elan) is a river valley situated to the west of Rhayader, famous for its picturesque scenery and sometimes known as the "Welsh Lake District". It covers 70 square miles (180 km2) of lake and countryside. Over 80% of the valley is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and a popular cycle trail, the Elan Valley Trail, makes a loop from Rhayader around the reservoirs. Part of the trail overlaps with a spur of National Cycle Route 81 (Lon Cambria). A visitor centre is located below Caban Coch dam.

David Dixon

River Elan (Afon Elan) Bridge and Caban Coch Dam

Caban Coch dam is the lowest of a sequence of four the dams in built in the valley of the Elan River built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department in the late 1890s to provide clean drinking water for the population of Birmingham. It is the simplest and most functional in appearance of all the dams, resembling a natural waterfall when the reservoir is full and the dam is in full spate with water pouring over the dam wall. The footbridge just below the dam wall connects two identical stone buildings on either side of the river which house electricity generating turbines and valves and sluices to adjust the amount of compensation water released downstream (Link

Visit Elan Valley).

David Dixon

Afon Elan (River Elan)

The Afon Elan (River Elan) is a tributary of the River Wye which runs through the wide expanse of upland moors, traditionally known as Elenydd, in central Wales. Its valley is the Elan Valley (Link

Visit Elan Valley). It rises in the wet moorland on the eastern flank of Pen y Deunant and enters the top of the Elan Valley Reservoirs at Craig Goch Reservoir which in turn discharges to Garreg-ddu Reservoir and then Caban-coch Reservoir. It emerges from this chain of reservoirs in a north-easterly direction and passes through Elan Village before turning south-east and making its confluence with the River Wye.

David Dixon

River Elan

The Afon Elan (River Elan) is a tributary of the River Wye which runs through the wide expanse of upland moors, traditionally known as Elenydd, in central Wales. Its valley is the Elan Valley (Link

David Dixon

Elan Valley, Caban Coch Dam and Visitor Centre

The Elan Valley (Welsh: Cwm Elan) is a river valley situated to the west of Rhayader, famous for its picturesque scenery and sometimes known as the "Welsh Lake District". It covers 70 square miles (180 km2) of lake and countryside. Over 80% of the valley is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and a popular cycle trail, the Elan Valley Trail, makes a loop from Rhayader around the reservoirs. Part of the trail overlaps with a spur of National Cycle Route 81 (Lon Cambria). The visitor centre is located below Caban Coch dam and can be seen in this photograph.

David Dixon

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Coed y Foel is located at Grid Ref: SN9164 (Lat: 52.265566, Lng: -3.5925052)

Unitary Authority: Powys

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys