Coed y Brain

Wood, Forest in Glamorgan

Wales

Coed y Brain

River Rhymney View from the Cefn Llwyd bridge.
River Rhymney Credit: Alan Hughes

Coed y Brain, located in Glamorgan, Wales, is a picturesque woodland area known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Spanning over several hectares, this forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The woodland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including ancient oak trees, beech trees, and a variety of wildflowers. The dense canopy of the forest provides a sanctuary for numerous bird species such as the great spotted woodpecker, buzzards, and tawny owls. Additionally, the forest floor is teeming with small mammals like foxes, badgers, and rabbits.

Coed y Brain offers an extensive network of walking trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The trails are well-maintained and cater to different fitness levels, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

For those interested in history, Coed y Brain also holds cultural significance. The forest was once part of an ancient medieval hunting estate, and remnants of this past can still be seen in the form of old stone walls and earthworks scattered throughout the woodland.

The forest management team is dedicated to conserving the natural environment and ensuring the well-being of the ecosystem. They organize guided walks and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the woodlands and its inhabitants.

Coed y Brain is a true gem in Glamorgan, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while also providing an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the woodland habitat.

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Coed y Brain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.567086/-3.1109597 or Grid Reference ST2385. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Rhymney View from the Cefn Llwyd bridge.
River Rhymney
View from the Cefn Llwyd bridge.
River Rhymney View upstream from Cefn Llwyd bridge.
River Rhymney
View upstream from Cefn Llwyd bridge.
Recently felled tree
Recently felled tree
Footpath towards Draethen
Footpath towards Draethen
Track junction near Draethen
Track junction near Draethen
The Hollybush, Draethen Closed in March / April 2020 - a victim of Covid.
The Hollybush, Draethen
Closed in March / April 2020 - a victim of Covid.
Pub sign - The Hollybush Inn A sign of the times - closed due to Covid.
Pub sign - The Hollybush Inn
A sign of the times - closed due to Covid.
The village of Draethen
The village of Draethen
Cefn Mably Arms
Cefn Mably Arms
Michaelstone Bridge Bridge over Afon Rhymni.
Michaelstone Bridge
Bridge over Afon Rhymni.
Railway bridge over A468 See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7605195">ST2487 : Aberdare to Newport railway</a>.
Railway bridge over A468
The Arbour on Craig Ruperra The discovery of an old map with the word "Arbour" and what is assumed to be a semicircular bench for the weary climber to rest at the top of an incline has inspired this arty seat in the same location.
The Arbour on Craig Ruperra
The discovery of an old map with the word "Arbour" and what is assumed to be a semicircular bench for the weary climber to rest at the top of an incline has inspired this arty seat in the same location.
Ruined Glasshouse at Ruperra Castle Visible through the fence from the immediately adjacent lane, these glasshouses are now almost entirely overgrown.
Ruined Glasshouse at Ruperra Castle
Visible through the fence from the immediately adjacent lane, these glasshouses are now almost entirely overgrown.
Ruperra Castle It looks like the public right of way used to pass directly through the grounds of this long abandoned grand house but it is now blocked off and the path has been diverted around the outer wall. Given the cracked and crumbling state of the "castle" itself I'm not surprised. 
The house was built in the 1600s, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1700s and finally burned again in the war when soldiers were accommodated in it. A very similar story to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1764576">SS6299 : Council Offices, Penllergare wood, Swansea</a>
Ruperra Castle
It looks like the public right of way used to pass directly through the grounds of this long abandoned grand house but it is now blocked off and the path has been diverted around the outer wall. Given the cracked and crumbling state of the "castle" itself I'm not surprised. The house was built in the 1600s, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1700s and finally burned again in the war when soldiers were accommodated in it. A very similar story to SS6299 : Council Offices, Penllergare wood, Swansea
Motte on Craig Ruperra A long history has seen this spot used as an iron age hill fort, a medieval motte, a tower and the summer house for the estate below.
The wall visible at the top is the result of recent restoration in 2006.
Motte on Craig Ruperra
A long history has seen this spot used as an iron age hill fort, a medieval motte, a tower and the summer house for the estate below. The wall visible at the top is the result of recent restoration in 2006.
On top of the motte on Craig Ruperra Once here you can see why this has been such an important fort. Even on a hazy evening like this, to the south the view extends to Cardiff and beyond, out to the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm. Further east I could make out Newport transporter bridge and from north to east is a view of much of the Rhymney valley. 
View More Sizes for a wider panorama.
On top of the motte on Craig Ruperra
Once here you can see why this has been such an important fort. Even on a hazy evening like this, to the south the view extends to Cardiff and beyond, out to the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm. Further east I could make out Newport transporter bridge and from north to east is a view of much of the Rhymney valley. View More Sizes for a wider panorama.
St Michael's, Michaelston-y-Fedw
St Michael's, Michaelston-y-Fedw
Farm buildings near Michaelston-y-Fedw
Farm buildings near Michaelston-y-Fedw
Show me another place!

Coed y Brain is located at Grid Ref: ST2385 (Lat: 51.567086, Lng: -3.1109597)

Unitary Authority: Caerphilly

Police Authority: Gwent

What 3 Words

///cycles.spinners.steroids. Near Machen, Caerphilly

Nearby Locations

Coed y Brain

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.567086,-3.1109597
Direction: 125
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 16
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5690803/-3.1162655
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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